Here's some need-to-know information when considering a car moving company for your auto transport.

Car moving services are needed by individuals who may find it necessary or less expensive to contract an auto transport company  to ship their car, rather than transporting it them themselves state-to-state.  

When adding the cost of fuel, wear and tear on the vehicles, hotels, meals, combined with driving hazards on the open road, then it may be better to hire a vehicle shipping company than to drive the vehicle yourself.  

Here's how dealing with the car moving company works.

Most vehicles are shipped on open car-carriers such as the ones you see on the highway transporting new cars to the dealerships.  These car-carriers transport 8 to 12 vehicles on the trailer, but there are also smaller trailers or flatbeds that will auto transport smaller loads.  

Folks who are shipping expensive cars and don't mind paying a little more can request enclosed trailers for car moving.  

When you make a reservation, a service order is made detailing the pick up and delivery information, type of vehicle, dates, contacts and price quoted.  The auto transport company will collect a small deposit, assign the order and dispatch a trailer to pick up the vehicle.

The driver of the assigned trailer will then contact the customer at least 24 hours prior to pick up in order to schedule an appointment.  If you put any articles in the vehicle, they are not covered by the transporters insurance.  

Items must be placed below window level, preferably in the trunk, and they cannot exceed 100lbs.  When picking up the vehicle for auto transport, the driver will make a physical inspection of the car, detailing the condition the vehicle was received in, including any damage, dents, scratches, etc.  

A set of keys to the ignition and trunk must be left with the driver for car moving.

When the vehicle arrives at its destination, the driver will again call the destination contact to schedule a delivery appointment.  The car is then delivered at its destination, and a physical inspection of the vehicle is done again to describe the shape it arrived in.  

 It is recommended that you review the report before signing it, in order to document any damage that may have occurred during vehicle shipping.  If there was damage in transit, file a damage claim and get a copy to receive reimbursement from the auto transport company's insurance company.  

The remaining balance of the car moving bill is paid to the driver via money order, cashier's check or cash.  The car is then released to you.

Finding an auto transport company.

When looking for an auto transport company, there are many factors you need to be considered.  The most important is whether the car shipping company is licensed by the FMCSA and that your car is fully insured for the full value of your car.

The rates quoted by car moving companies for vehicle shipping could vary a lot, so take into account what type of service is being offered.

...factors such as:
  • Do they use car carriers specially made for safe vehicle shipping.
  • Is the service being offered direct transport, meaning that the vehicle will not be transferred from truck to truck, lessening the probability of damage to the vehicle.
  • Does the car moving company offer door-to-door shipping, that is, will they will pick-up at the owners designated site and deliver it to the place of your choosing.  
When possible, avoid the extra costs and hassles of using a vehicle storage terminal. 

Car moving companies that offer direct, door to door service will usually provide faster transit times than those using terminal, and have the added value of being all inclusive, meaning there will not be any third party costs from terminals or local pick-up costs.
  • Finally, does the availability of dates for vehicle transport suite your need?  

Here are some general selection criteria.

  • Years in business
  • Experienced drivers
  • Fully insured and licensed
  • Fast Online Quotes
  • Terminal-to-terminal and/or door-to-door service
  • On-time pickup and delivery
  • Local and long distance transport
  • Expert vehicle transport and handling
  • Cars, SUVs, minivans, light trucks and more
  • Open or enclosed trailers
  • Constant contact with drivers
  • Quality air-ride equipment
  • Cancellation clause that allows you to cancel if pickup date exceeds a week and no pick up

Now that you know what you're looking for...check out one of the very best by clicking here. 

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