Moving a vehicle across the country isn’t something most people do every day. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, buying a car from out of state, or spending winters in a warmer climate, finding the right vehicle shipping companies can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of options online and wildly varying price quotes, how do you separate the trustworthy transporters from the fly-by-night operations?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to understand about car delivery companies, help you choose between transport options, and teach you how to spot both red flags and green flags when selecting a carrier.
Auto Shipping Companies – Understanding Your Options
The auto transport industry offers several service levels, and understanding these distinctions will help you make an informed choice that fits your budget and needs.
- Terminal-to-terminal shipping is the most economical option. You drop your vehicle at a company terminal and pick it up at another terminal near your destination. This works well if you have flexibility and don’t mind the extra driving.
- Door-to-door service is what most people prefer. The carrier picks up your vehicle from your home and delivers it directly to your destination address. This convenience typically costs more, but it eliminates the hassle of getting to and from terminals. Most auto shipping companies offer this as their standard service.
- Expedited shipping guarantees faster pickup and delivery times. Standard transport for cross-country moves might take 7-10 days, while expedited service can cut that to 3-5 days. You’ll pay a premium for this speed, but it’s valuable when you need your vehicle quickly.
The transport timeframe depends on distance and route popularity. For example, New York car shipping to Florida on the busy I-95 corridor typically moves faster than shipping to rural Montana. Popular routes have more carriers running regularly, which means quicker matching and transport.
One thing many first-timers don’t realize is that vehicle shipping companies often act as brokers rather than carriers. A broker arranges your transport and assigns it to an actual carrier who owns the trucks. This isn’t necessarily bad – good brokers have networks of vetted carriers and handle logistics efficiently.
Car Delivery Companies – Open vs. Enclosed Transport
The biggest decision you’ll make when shipping your vehicle is choosing between open and enclosed transport. This choice significantly impacts both cost and protection level.
Open transport is the method you see most often on highways – those double-decker car carriers hauling multiple vehicles. This is how roughly 90% of vehicles get transported in the United States, and it’s considerably less expensive than enclosed options. Open transport makes sense for:
- Standard daily-driver vehicles without exceptional value
- People on tighter budgets who need cost-effective transport
- Newer vehicles with good paint and no special modifications
- Is anyone comfortable with how new cars are normally shipped
The main drawback is exposure. Your car will get dusty and might collect minor debris, though actual damage is rare with reputable car delivery companies.
Enclosed transport keeps your vehicle protected in a covered trailer. Your vehicle stays shielded from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. Enclosed transport is worth considering for:
- Classic, antique, or collector vehicles with significant value
- Exotic or luxury cars with expensive paint jobs
- Modified vehicles with custom work you want to protect
- Transport during the harsh winter months on northern routes
- Peace of mind if your vehicle has special sentimental value
The cost difference is substantial – enclosed transport typically runs 40-60% more than open transport. But for a $75,000 vehicle or an irreplaceable classic car, that premium buys meaningful protection.
Best Enclosed Car Transport Companies – Premium Protection
If you’ve decided enclosed transport is right for you, choosing among the best enclosed car transport companies requires extra diligence. Not all enclosed carriers offer the same level of service, and the stakes are higher when you’re transporting valuable vehicles.
Look for companies that specialize in high-value transport. These carriers understand they’re handling vehicles that may be worth six figures or have irreplaceable sentimental value. They typically offer:
- Climate-controlled trailers that protect against extreme temperatures, which matters for vehicles with sensitive interiors or original paint that shouldn’t be exposed to temperature swings.
- Single or dual-vehicle trailers rather than multi-car haulers. Fewer vehicles mean more attention to each one and less risk of contact damage during loading and unloading.
- Lift-gate loading instead of driving vehicles onto trailers. For low-clearance sports cars or vehicles, you don’t want to add mileage; hydraulic lift-gates eliminate the need to drive up steep ramps.
- White-glove service that includes detailed photo documentation before and after transport, protective interior coverings, and, on longer trips, battery maintainers.
The best enclosed car transport companies will have specific experience with your type of vehicle. A company that regularly transports classic Corvettes or vintage Porsches knows how to handle them properly.
Insurance is critical for enclosed transport. Standard carrier insurance is typically $100,000 to $250,000, but that might not fully cover a rare collector car. Many reliable auto shippers specializing in enclosed transport offer supplemental insurance or work with third-party insurers who can provide higher coverage limits.
Auto Transport Companies Reviews – Key Questions to Ask
Reading auto transport reviews helps, but knowing the right questions to ask potential carriers matters even more. Reviews can be manipulated or outdated, while direct conversations reveal how a company actually operates.
Start with licensing and insurance verification. Every legitimate carrier must have a USDOT number and a motor carrier (MC) number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Request these numbers and verify them on the FMCSA website.
Questions about auto transport companies’ reviews should include:
- “How long have you been in business?” Established companies with years of experience generally have better systems and more reliable carrier networks than brand-new operations.
- “Do you operate as a broker, carrier, or both?” Understanding their role clarifies who’s responsible for what. If they’re a broker, ask about their carrier vetting process.
- “What’s included in your insurance coverage?” Get specific dollar amounts and understand what’s excluded. Ask about deductibles and the claims process.
- “How do you handle payment?” Legitimate auto shipping companies typically require a deposit to book your transport (usually $100-$200) with the balance due upon delivery. Be cautious about companies that demand full payment up front.
- “What happens if there are delays?” Weather, mechanical issues, and route changes can cause delays. Understanding how the company communicates and handles these situations shows its professionalism.
Ask these questions to multiple companies and compare answers. Professional car delivery companies will answer clearly and patiently, while sketchy operators often dodge questions or provide vague responses.
Reliable Auto Shippers – Red Flags and Green Flags
Distinguishing between reliable auto shippers and problematic companies isn’t always obvious. Watch for these warning signs and positive indicators.
Red flags that should concern you:
- Quotes that seem too good to be true. If one company quotes $400 for a cross-country transport while everyone else quotes $1,000-$1,200, something’s wrong. Lowball quotes often result in the carrier demanding more money before delivering your vehicle.
- Requests for large upfront deposits. Deposits of $100-$200 are standard, but demands for 50% or more upfront payment are suspicious.
- No physical address or only a P.O. box. While many vehicle shipping companies operate nationwide, they should have a verifiable business location.
- Pressure tactics and aggressive sales techniques. Professional companies give you time to compare options and make decisions. High-pressure sales suggesting you must book immediately are concerning.
Green flags indicating reliable service:
- Transparent pricing with clear explanations. Good companies explain what factors affect your quote – distance, route, vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand.
- Positive, detailed customer reviews across multiple platforms. Check Google, Better Business Bureau, Transport Reviews, and industry-specific sites. Look for patterns in auto transport companies’ reviews rather than focusing on individual complaints.
- Professional, knowledgeable customer service. Representatives who can answer technical questions, explain their process clearly, and provide references demonstrate competence and experience.
- Realistic timelines and honesty about limitations. Companies that promise exact pickup and delivery dates (rather than windows) or guarantee impossibly fast service are overpromising.
The best approach combines reading auto transport reviews with your own due diligence. Trust your instincts – if something feels off during initial conversations, it probably is.
When you find a company that checks all the boxes, has reasonable pricing, provides clear communication, and makes you feel confident, you’ve likely found a winner. Remember that the cheapest option rarely provides the best value, but the most expensive doesn’t guarantee the best service either. Your vehicle deserves safe transport, and you deserve peace of mind throughout the process.
