How to Choose the Best Car Transport Company: A Complete Guide

Finding a reliable car transport company can make the difference between a smooth vehicle relocation and a logistical nightmare. With hundreds of operators in the market, knowing how to select the right provider ensures your car arrives safely, on time, and without unexpected costs.

What Does a Car Transport Company Do?

Professional auto transport companies specialize in moving vehicles using:

• Specialized carriers (open or enclosed trailers)
  
• Nationwide networks of drivers and logistics partners
  
• Insurance-backed transport for damage protection
  
• Door-to-door or terminal delivery options
  

Key Factors When Choosing a Transport Company

1. Licensing & Insurance Verification

• Must-have credentials:
  
  • USDOT number (verify at fmcsa.dot.gov)
    
  • Motor carrier (MC) number
    
  • Minimum $100,000 cargo insurance
    
• Red flags: Companies that can’t provide proof of licensing
  

2. Reputation & Reviews

• Check these platforms:
  
  • Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings
    
  • TransportReviews.com (industry-specific)
    
  • Google My Business (look for recent reviews)
    
• Warning signs: Multiple complaints about hidden fees or damage claims
  

3. Service Options

Service Type	Best For	Considerations
Open transport	Budget-conscious shippers	97% of vehicles shipped this way
Enclosed transport	Luxury/classic cars	30-60% price premium
Expedited shipping	Time-sensitive moves	2-3x standard rates
International shipping	Overseas relocations	Requires customs expertise

4. Pricing Transparency

• What’s included: Look for “all-in” quotes covering:
  
  • Fuel surcharges
    
  • Insurance
    
  • Loading/unloading
    
• Hidden costs to watch for:
  
  • “Storage fees” for delayed pickup
    
  • “Expedite charges” for faster service
    
  • “Residential area” surcharges
    

The Booking Process: Step-by-Step

1. Get multiple quotes (at least 3 from different companies)
   
2. Compare contract terms (cancellation policies, guarantees)
   
3. Schedule pickup (flexible dates often get better rates)
   
4. Prepare your vehicle (1/4 tank gas, remove valuables)
   
5. Inspect at delivery (note any damage before signing)
   

Top 5 Red Flags in Auto Transport Companies

🚩 Too-good-to-be-true pricing (often leads to bait-and-switch)
🚩 Demanding large upfront deposits (reputable companies charge upon pickup)
🚩 No physical address (only P.O. boxes or virtual offices)
🚩 Pressure tactics (“today-only discounts”)
🚩 Vague insurance explanations (should provide certificate)

Industry Insider Tips

💡 Best time to ship: Mid-month and fall/winter (avoid summer peak)
💡 Save 10-15%: By being flexible with pickup/delivery dates
💡 Military/student discounts: Many companies offer special rates
💡 Tracking options: Premium services offer real-time GPS monitoring

Cost Comparison: National Car Transport Companies

Company	BBB Rating	Starting Price*	Special Features
Montway	A+	$799	Military discounts
AmeriFreight	A	$749	Price match guarantee
Sherpa Auto Transport	A-	$829	Live driver tracking
Easy Auto Ship	B+	$699	24/7 customer service

*Sample price for standard sedan, open transport, 1,000 miles

What to Do If Problems Occur

• Damage claims: Must be reported within 24 hours of delivery
  
• Delays: Contract should specify compensation terms
  
• Scams: Report to FMCSA (888-368-7238)
  

Final Recommendation

The best car transport companies combine proper licensing, transparent pricing, and excellent customer service. Always:

1. Verify USDOT/MC numbers
   
2. Read recent customer reviews
   
3. Compare multiple quotes
   
4. Get everything in writing
   
5. Trust your instincts
   

Pro Tip: Ask for references from customers who shipped similar vehicles to yours for the most accurate assessment of service quality.