Shipping a Car: Better Safe than Sorry


The fact that the auto shipping industry is expanding rapidly means that the service is growing more accessible, that shipping businesses accumulate valuable experience and develop reliable shipping methods and technologies.

Of course, business growth also means that more companies are willing to offer serious competition. This does not mean that they all have the experience, the capital, or the knowledge of the industry to perform with the necessary safety and reliably. Beware of the shipping companies that are into it only because of it’s show of growth. They may be eager to start a business, any business, not because they have industry knowledge or competence but because they can’t do anything else, and this one looks promising.

The result of this growth then, is not just the ability to offer more and better services, but a growth in businesses with no level of competence. Many of these will blissfully fail before they even get off the ground, but there will remain those whose decline follows a slower path. These are the ones to be wary of. They know they are failing and are trying to cram as much business in as they can before their final, inevitable demise.

And worse, these declining companies are not easy to detect. They will have a remarkable marketing campaign and killer sales pitch that along with low pricing will convince many folks that they are safe and dependable. You may, however, be getting involved with an incompetent company that will ship your auto to the wrong destination with every removable accessory removed, no insurance, and with long delays.

Hopefully you have time. Otherwise, you will not be able to ensure the safety of your vehicle. If you so much as merely consider the remote possibility of having to ship your car sometime next year, take the time to carefully research the current market.

It is to your advantage to plan the shipping way in advance. This will allow booking the shipment way in advance also. The more urgent the order, the higher the price you will pay because undue pressure is being put on the company and its personnel. Also giving the company plenty of time will give them plenty of time to do a thorough, careful job of shipping your vehicle at a good price.

Businesses do not like to decline offers, especially when dealing with individual private car owners, and are likely to take your order even if they know they are unlikely to complete it satisfactorily. Urgency increases the risk of delay and damage.

Of great importance to you is the company’s licensing and insurance coverage. Thoroughly inspect their Certificate of Insurance and their MC license. If the insurance coverage offered does not meet your needs, ask for additional coverage. They should have no trouble meeting your insurance requirements.

A sure sign of the competence of any company is their customer service attitude. They should show eagerness to satisfy you and initiative in bringing out what is most important to you. The dependable, quality company will have no reticence in showing and explaining their insurance coverage or their licensing to you. If they see that their standard insurance coverage is inadequate for your needs, they will advise you to purchase extra. If these points are not covered in your discussions with them, find another company.

For more on Car Shipping or Vehicle Transport please visit our car transport blog.