You might want to ship your car across the country for many reasons. You’ll also find hundreds of cross-country auto transport companies to choose from. It’s only natural to want the best service.
If you’ve never shipped a car before, you may be wondering how to make the experience a good one. In this article, we’ve decided to reverse the situation and give some of the best car transport advice by focusing on the mistakes you should avoid.
Knowing the most common mistakes and how to avoid them should make your experience of shipping a car across the country a positive one you won’t be worried about repeating. Let’s have a look at the 5 mistakes you should avoid when shipping your car.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Cheapest Option
While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest estimate, it’s not necessarily the best option. A significantly lower price is often a red flag for poor service or hidden charges. Consider the company’s service quality, reputation, and reliability, not just the price.
There are numerous fees involved in offering auto transport services fuel, trailer rental, driver wages, tolls, meals, and lodging.
It’s easy to be charmed by a rock-bottom price, but be cautious. Companies offering below-average fees are often operating at the bare minimum. If your car is damaged during transport, they might not be able to cover the cost. So, don’t make the mistake of choosing based solely on price instead, consider service quality and dependability.
Why “Cheap” Often Costs More
Low-cost auto transport quotes may seem appealing, but they’re often a trade-off for cutting corners. Companies offering suspiciously low rates may have a terrible track record, such as:
- Using unqualified carriers
- Offering insufficient insurance coverage
- Hiring inexperienced or unlicensed drivers
- Skipping essential safety procedures during loading and unloading
Some companies even trick customers into signing a contract without revealing hidden charges only to raise the final cost at delivery time. Many transport brokers lure customers in with a low quote, then increase the price at pickup with excuses or extra fees.
But at Nova Auto Transport, we offer a fixed price from start to finish. You can have peace of mind knowing that we don’t tack on surprise fees or hidden charges.
Mistake #2: Not Researching the Auto Transport Company
Another common mistake is not researching the auto transport company you’re hiring. If you want reliable auto transport, it’s crucial to do your homework.
In any article about moving a car across the country, research will always be near the top of the list.
The first step is to make sure the company is registered with the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify this by asking for their registration number and checking it on the FMCSA website.
Customer reviews are another key part of your research. Read what previous customers have to say to get a clear sense of the company’s reliability.
How to Spot a Reliable Car Shipping Company
Shipping your car across the country or even overseas can be a stressful experience. With so many companies out there, it’s important to choose a reputable auto transport company. Here’s how to spot a trustworthy car shipping provider:
- Verify FMCSA registration – confirms compliance with federal safety standards.
- Check for a valid DOT number – a unique ID for commercial transport companies.
- Make sure they offer proper insurance – both liability and cargo coverage to protect your car.
- Understand the Contract Terms
- Read the contract thoroughly make sure everything is clearly written.
- Check that insurance coverage is specified.
- Look for details on expected delivery time and possible delays.
- Review all fees upfront shipping, insurance, and anything else.
Read Reviews and Testimonials
- Browse platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and BBB.
- Visit the company’s social media pages to see customer experiences.
- Ask for references from past clients.
Inquire About the Shipping Process
- Ask about their vehicle inspection before and after transport.
- Understand how they communicate during the shipping process.
- Confirm what happens in the event of damage or delays.
Mistake #3: Not Preparing Your Car for Transport
Many people overlook the importance of prepping their vehicle before shipment. Not doing so can lead to complications, delays, or even damage.
Why It Matters:
Preparing your car ensures a smoother handoff, reduces the chances of damage, and helps your carrier do their job more efficiently.
How to Prep Your Car for Transport:
- Wash Your Car: A clean car makes it easier to spot any existing dings, dents, or scratches during the inspection process.
- Remove Personal Belongings: Transport companies are not responsible for items left inside the vehicle. Loose items can shift and cause damage during transit.
- Check for Leaks & Maintenance Issues: Make sure there are no fluid leaks and the battery is charged. If your car isn’t running, notify the company beforehand.
- Lower the Gas Tank to a Quarter: Your gas tank should be no more than 1/4 full. This reduces weight and improves safety.
- Disable Alarms and Toll Tags: Alarms can go off during transport and toll tags can be charged unnecessarily.
Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Type of Transport You Need
There are different types of auto transport options, and choosing the wrong one can lead to either overpaying or putting your car at unnecessary risk.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport:
- Open Transport: Most common and affordable. Vehicles are exposed to the elements but secured safely.
- Enclosed Transport: Offers full protection from weather, dust, and debris. Ideal for high-end, luxury, or classic vehicles.
- Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal:
- Door-to-Door: More convenient. Your car is picked up and dropped off as close to your location as possible.
- Terminal-to-Terminal: You drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated locations. Often cheaper, but less convenient.
- Know Your Priorities: If you’re transporting a rare or expensive car, go for enclosed shipping. If you’re on a budget and shipping a standard vehicle, open transport will likely do the job.
Mistake #5: Failing to Inspect the Vehicle Upon Delivery
Many customers are so relieved to get their car back that they sign off without a thorough inspection. This can be a costly mistake.
Why Inspection Matters:
If you notice damage after signing the delivery report, it can be difficult—if not impossible—to prove that it occurred during shipping.
Tips for a Proper Delivery Inspection:
- Inspect in Daylight: If possible, schedule the delivery during the day so you can examine the car thoroughly.
- Compare with Pre-Transport Photos: Take detailed pictures before shipping, and compare them with the vehicle upon arrival.
- Document Any New Damage: Note all issues on the Bill of Lading (delivery report) before signing.
- Don’t Feel Rushed: A reputable company will allow you time to check over the car. If you feel rushed or pressured, that’s a red flag.
At Nova Auto Transport, we help you avoid all these mistakes by offering honest pricing, reliable service, and nationwide expertise—so your car gets shipped safely, on time, and with zero surprises. Get your free quote today and see the Nova difference for yourself.
