Car transportation is a complex process that requires careful consideration. When it comes to shipping your vehicle, trust is a major factor. Choosing the best car shipping company is a time-consuming task that demands thorough research. But don’t worry. This article covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision and select a reliable auto transport company.
Standard Terms Used In Auto Shipping Company
Before you look for an auto transport company and research it, you have to know about the common terms used in the auto transport industry. You may be familiar with a few of the terms.
Below, we have shared a few of the most important terms that will help you understand car shipping and choose the easiest company.
- Shipping carrier
A shipping carrier is a type of special truck or long trailer used to transport a vehicle. You might have seen running on the highways. The truck will pick up your vehicle and then deliver it to you. There are several shipping carriers, the most common of which are open and enclosed.
- Shipping methods
There are two types of shipping methods: door to door and terminal to terminal. In door to door shipping, your vehicle will be picked up from your address and then delivered to the given address.
If you choose terminal to terminal shipping, you have to leave your vehicle at the terminal points for the pickups,, and the driver will unload your vehicle at the terminal yards.
- Shipping broker
The shipping broker might be an individual or a company. They act as an intermediary between you and the company, coordinating with the company to discuss how your vehicle will be transported.
- Diversion
Diversion is the term used when there is a change in the shipping route it may be because of weather, or because of any hazardous conditions, traffic etc.
- Bill of lading
A bill of lading is an important document; it ensures the ownership of a vehicle and that the vehicle has been delivered.
- Co-loading
As its name suggests, multiple vehicles were loaded on one trip.
What Are The Different Ways To Transport A Vehicle?
There are many ways to transport your vehicle. The two most popular and the best car ways to transport your vehicles are open and enclosed transport.
Open Transport
- It is an open trailer, and your vehicle will be shipped in it. It is safe to transport, but your vehicle will be exposed to the elements, such as dust, rain, or hazardous conditions.
- It is a cost-effective car transport method that can haul seven to eight vehicles at once.
Enclosed Transport
- It is an enclosed trailer, and your vehicle will be shipped in an enclosed container, which will protect it from all hazardous and weather conditions.
- It is an expensive car transport but offers high protection to your vehicles, it is the best option for the transportation of your luxury and premium vehicles.
Factors Affecting The Car Transport Cost
When it comes to selecting the best car shipping company, the first concern of most people is the shipping cost. We can understand that by keeping this concern in mind, we have shared the factors that affect the shipping cost, and it will also help you understand how they determine the shipping cost.
- Total shipping distance
- Transport or trailer type you have selected for the transportation of your vehicle
- Fuel cost
- Route and location of the shipping
- Shipping time frame and demands in the market
- Standard shipping vs. expedited shipping is based on the shipping method you have chosen. Expedited shipping is more costly than open and enclosed transport.
What Are The Factors You Need To Consider?
- Before you ship your car, you must ensure that the company you choose for its transportation is licensed and registered.
- You must ensure you have selected a professional and experienced auto transport company.
- Look for feedback and reviews from customers.
- You have to check their reliability and professionalism.
- You have to check for the safety and security features they offer for your vehicle during the shipping journey.
10 Tips To Choose The Best Car Shipping Company
- When you select an auto transport company, you must research the car shipping company you have selected for the transportation of your car.
- You should not have to depend on the company you see first. You have to get the car shipping quote from different car shipping companies. It will help you to select the best one.
- You should have to look for the website and want to verify the contact details of the car shipping company.
- You should ensure that the company has to be registered and experienced.
- You have to look for the auto transport services that the company offers.
- Most importantly, you have to verify the payment methods to avoid being scammed.
- You should pay attention to the reviews of the customers it will help you a lot to know more about the car shipping company.
- You should choose quality over quantity and avoid following a company that offers huge discounts and too low prices.
- Choose the shipping company based on the service and the shipping records.
- You have to read the shipping contract and the terms and conditions of the auto transport company.
Mistakes To Be Avoided While Shipping A Car
If you want the best car shipping company, you should consider the following important points and avoid the mistakes listed below.
- If you are not doing complete and proper research and want to transport your vehicle securely, you have to research the auto transport company before signing the contract.
- Not comparing the auto transport quotes, get the quote from the different companies.
- Running behind the low prices and the company that offers huge discounts and makes fake promises.
- Shipping vehicles during the peak season and not booking in advance.
- Not preparing the vehicle before the shipment and not inspecting it.
Conclusion
We understand that choosing the right and best car shipping company is a crucial task. We hope that this guide has helped you understand how to choose the best company. Our main goal is to help you find a trustworthy auto transport company that meets all your expectations and to help you ship your car safely and stress-free.
