What to Know Before Hiring a Vehicle Transport Company

Looking to have your vehicle transported to your new home?

Millions of Americans move to a new city or state each year. And nearly all of them have the same question…

“What’s the best way to transport my vehicle?”

Here’s the answer:

Working with the right vehicle transport company can save you time, stress, and money. But choosing the wrong one can be a disaster.

Here’s your guide to making the smart move with your vehicle. We share everything you need to know before you hand over your keys to a stranger.

We Cover:

• Why People Choose to Use Vehicle Transport Services
• How to Spot a Legit Transport Company
• Potential Red Flags to Look Out For
• How to Get the Best Deal When Moving

Why People Choose to Use Vehicle Transport Services

We won’t sugar coat it.

Statistics show that the number of Americans relocating each year is growing. Data from North American Van Lines shows 25 million Americans moved in 2024 alone. A lot of people packing boxes. A lot of people trying to figure out vehicle transport.

Millions of these folks are perfectly happy driving their car or truck themselves. But others prefer not to.

Long trips take time. They add wear and tear to your car. And if you’re doing a coast-to-coast move? It’s an exhausting addition to the stress of relocating.

When you need to transport your vehicle to your new home, working with trusted vehicle transportation services can take the stress off your shoulders entirely. You leave your vehicle with them at your old home and pick it up at your new home while you do the rest of the move on your own terms, whether you fly or drive.

Pretty simple. But finding the right one requires a little due diligence.How to Spot a Legit Transport Company

We’re finally getting to the good part…

The vehicle shipping industry is a multi-billion dollar business. $10 billion to be exact. The more money that’s at stake, the more you’re going to find shady people trying to game the system.

So how do you find an actual honest company?

Confirm Their FMCSA Registration

We get it. There’s a lot of acronyms to keep track of. But the one you absolutely can’t ignore is FMCSA. All vehicle transport companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

You can confirm any company’s registration with a simple online search of their DOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website. If they won’t give you those numbers, go with your gut and walk away.

Do Your Homework On Customer Reviews

Search for real reviews on trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau. Not just the company’s website. We all know those can be rigged with fake testimonials.

The company’s actual history is what you want to look at. Yes, they should have positive reviews overall. But how do they handle dissatisfied customers? Do they offer professional service to resolve issues?

Talk to Them About Insurance Coverage

Don’t assume your vehicle will be insured for transport. Good companies will have all the proper insurance in place and present a certificate for you to review. Ask for it. Call their insurer to verify if you have to.

Legitimate vehicle transport companies will have no problem walking you through this part of the process.

Some Red Flags To Look Out For

Look. We get it. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of moving. You want this part of your life handled without a fuss. You’ll take anyone who says they can do the job, right?

Wrong.

We can’t say it enough. Scams happen. And with over 7,800 active businesses in the auto transport industry according to IBISWorld, there are a lot of choices. Some more trustworthy than others.

Look for these warning signs:

• Crazy Low Prices
• Requests for a Large Upfront Payment
• Aggressive Sales Pressure
• No Physical Address

Let’s look at each of these a little more closely:

Prices That Are Too Good To Be True

This is number one. If you’re getting a quote that is way lower than all of the other companies you have called. Red flag.

And why would one of them lowball you so badly? Their game plan is to secure the sale based on an unbelievably low price and then raise it later. You think, “Oh, I know why it’s so cheap. They’re running a close-out sale or something.” No. Nope. No way.

Legitimate auto transport companies have operating costs. A lot of them. Gas prices, mechanic bills, employee salaries… you get the picture. Lowball quotes never end well.

Get multiple quotes. Compare them. If you have two that are in the same ballpark and one that is way lower… don’t trust it.

Upfront Payments Are a Red Flag

Legit companies don’t ask for full payment before they pick up your vehicle. A small deposit is fine. You’re using a credit card. Fraud protection is a thing. And you should ask questions of a company that requires a full payment or an amount much higher than a normal deposit up front.

Use credit cards. Don’t give anyone a blank check. It’s your right to ask questions.

Pushy Salesmen are a Sign of a Lax Culture

If they’re rushing you to sign immediately? This is a sign of a company that does not take their business practices seriously. Run. Hide. Seek shelter.

Look For Signs of a Physical Business

Scammers are out there. When a company has no physical address and a PO Box they claim is where they load and deliver your vehicle, you need to look for signs of a street address. You can’t find one? No website contact info? Hang up.

In Conclusion

Hiring a vehicle transport company doesn’t need to be a hassle. The key is to do your homework. And now you can.

To summarize what we’ve covered:

• Always confirm FMCSA registration and insurance
• Ask for references and read reviews
• Verify all numbers on BBB and BetterCars
• Get multiple quotes and compare
• Watch out for red flags like low prices or payment demands
• Get everything in writing before you sign

These steps protect you and your vehicle. They ensure you are working with professionals who care about your car.

Whether your move is a cross-town relocation or an international one, the right transport company makes it painless. They take care of the details while you do what you need to do to settle in your new home.

Don’t let excitement and stress rush the decision. Research. Ask questions.

Your vehicle will thank you for it.

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