Are you looking to ship your car, but feeling overwhelmed by all the choices for vehicle shipping companies? The process of car transport can feel complicated, but asking the right questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.

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Some companies might look good on the surface, but without asking these specific questions, you won’t get the full picture. Knowing exactly what to expect will prevent surprises and help you choose an auto transport company that fits your needs and budget.

At JP Auto Transport, we believe transparency and customer education are key to a smooth car shipping experience. So, before making your decision, here are the 10 essential questions you should ask any car shipping company.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

This is one of the most important questions to ask. Reputable car shipping companies, like JP Auto Transport, should be fully licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid USDOT number.

Insurance coverage is another critical factor. Ask the car moving company what their insurance covers and if you can purchase additional coverage for added peace of mind, especially if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle.

At JP Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on our reputation for safe, reliable vehicle shipping services. We are a licensed and insured carrier-broker vehicle logistics company authorized by the Federal Carrier Safety Administration under USDOT number .

What’s the Estimated Cost of Shipping a Car?

While the price is important, don’t just settle for the cheapest quote. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the cost to understand what you’re paying for, such as fuel, distance, insurance, and extra services like door-to-door delivery or expedited shipping.

Be cautious of car hauling companies that offer significantly lower quotes than others – it could be a red flag for hidden fees or subpar service.

JP Auto Transport is the only car transport company offering fixed rates to ship vehicles. Other car-hauling companies provide estimates, meaning the price may change even after the initial down payment for the shipment.

To secure the best rate, it’s a good idea to book your car transport a couple of weeks before your first available pickup date.

Here are estimated rates for shipping an operable standard 4-door passenger car via open car trailer from Houston, TX, to various destinations across the U.S.

Origin Destination Distance in miles ETA Houston, TX Miami, FL 1,190 2 – 4 days Houston, TX New York, NY 1,634 3 – 5 days Houston, TX Chicago, IL 1,102 2 – 4 days Houston, TX San Francisco, CA 1,941 4 – 6 days Houston, TX Seattle, WA 2,338 5 – 7 days

It’s important to note that the cost may also be influenced by seasonal demand. For example, during the snowbird season (fall and spring), when many people are moving between the north and south, demand for car shipping services tends to be higher, which can affect pricing.

Try JP’s instant car shipping calculator to estimate your vehicle shipping price.

How is the Vehicle Picked Up and Delivered?

Most car-hauling companies offer door-to-door service, meaning your car is picked up from your specified location and delivered to your final destination.

Others may offer terminal-to-terminal, where you drop off and pick up your vehicle from a designated terminal. Ensure that the company’s service matches your needs and ask about potential fees or delays involved with each option.

What Is the Estimated Transit Time?

Understanding how long it will take to ship your vehicle is crucial, especially if you’re working with tight schedules. Ask the company for an estimated delivery window.

Factors such as distance, weather conditions, and road traffic can impact transit time, but  a reputable company should be able to provide a reasonable estimate based on  experience.

Most car carriers can travel up to 500 – 600 miles per day, which contributes to this typical time frame.

Here are the estimated transit times for shipping an operable standard 4-door passenger car via open car trailer from Houston, TX, to various destinations across the U.S.

Origin Destination Distance in miles ETA Houston, TX Miami, FL 1,190 2 – 4 days Houston, TX New York, NY 1,634 3 – 5 days Houston, TX Chicago, IL 1,102 2 – 4 days Houston, TX San Francisco, CA 1,941 4 – 6 days Houston, TX Seattle, WA 2,338 5 – 7 days

What is Your Experience Transporting Vehicles?

If you’re shipping a classic car, motorcycle, or oversized vehicle, you’ll want to ensure the auto transport company has experience handling similar shipments.

Ask if they have experience shipping the type of vehicle you own, and how they plan to protect it during transit. For example, JP Auto Transport uses hydraulic lift gates and soft tie-downs to securely load and unload vehicles with low ground clearance.

One of the key factors that differentiate us from the competition is our unwavering commitment to delightful customer experience. From the moment you reach out to us for a quote until your vehicle is safely delivered, our team is dedicated to providing a seamless and stress-free experience.

We understand that shipping a car can be an important event, and our knowledgeable and friendly logistics coordinators are always ready to answer your questions, address your concerns, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Do You Offer Vehicle Tracking During Transit?

A reliable car shipping company should offer a tracking system that allows you to monitor the status and location of your vehicle in real time.

This provides peace of mind and helps you stay informed throughout the car shipping process. Ask the company how you can track your vehicle and if real-time updates are available.

JP Autos is a tech-forward car shipping company. Every driver who works with us undergoes a strict vetting process. We require every carrier who works with JP Auto Transport to use an App and integrate it with our Transport Management System (TMS). Once the vehicle is picked up, the driver is required to use our App to enable GPS tracking.

Also, we have a full track and trace team, part of our Dispatch department, that can call the driver and get his current location.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?

It’s essential to ask about any potential hidden fees. Some companies might surprise you with additional charges for things like changing delivery dates, oversized vehicles, or last- minute bookings.

Get clarity on what the quoted price includes and whether there are any extra costs you should be aware of before finalizing the agreement.

Our car shipping price includes all taxes, insurance, and shipping costs. There are no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Our rates are fixed and guaranteed — if shipping costs exceed our quote, we cover the  difference – a 100% money-back guarantee if you decide to cancel anytime if we do not  have a carrier assigned for your shipment.

How Do You Manage Delays or Damages?

Unexpected delays or damage during transport can happen. Ask the company how they handle delays and what steps they take if your vehicle is damaged during transit.

A reputable vehicle shipping company will have a clear process in place to address any issues that arise, and their insurance should cover damage in the unlikely event it occurs.

Every carrier who works with us must undergo a strict vetting process and fully comply with the Department of Transportation Regulations. To qualify to work with us, every carrier must carry a minimum of $1M in liability coverage and a minimum of $100K in cargo coverage. Without these requirements, the carrier cannot work with our company.

We monitor this through special software that checks whether the insurance is active on a daily basis. In addition, JP Auto Transport carries supplemental liability insurance of $4M and $250K in cargo coverage.

In case of a damage claim, JP Auto Transport will help with filing any necessary insurance  claims.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

One of the best ways to gauge the reliability of a car shipping company is by checking their customer reviews. Ask the company for references or direct you to testimonials.

Online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can give you valuable insight into the experiences of previous customers and help you make a more informed decision.

Here’s an example:

“JP Auto Transport was fantastic!

 “After a month of research, I found them to be the best choice. A Reddit recommendation led me to them, and they didn’t disappoint.

 Booking online was a breeze. Peter, their friendly agent, kept me in the loop, and my driver, Leo, was reliable and kind. I booked on Monday morning, and they picked up my car that same afternoon. It made a cross-country trip and arrived in great shape 8 days later, just a bit dirty from the road.

 The process was smooth, with no hassles or unexpected costs. The price was a bit over $, and it was worth every penny. Superior service—I’ll definitely use them again.”

– Vanessa Santa Cruz

Inc. Award

JP Auto Transport is proud to be recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest- growing companies in America. This prestigious honor highlights our commitment to exceptional service, customer satisfaction, and continuous growth in the auto transport industry.

Make the Right Car Shipping Choice with JP Auto Transport

Choosing the right car shipping company doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By asking these 10 essential questions, you’ll be well-equipped to select a company that delivers on its promises and ensures your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.

At JP Auto Transport, we’re committed to providing transparent, reliable, and professional car shipping services that prioritize your vehicle’s safety and your peace of mind.

Get a Free Quote Today!

Ready to ship your car? JP Auto Transport is here to answer any questions you have and provide a no-obligation, FREE quote for your car shipping needs.

Whether you’re shipping across the country or just a few states away, we have the experience and resources to get your vehicle where it needs to go safely and efficiently.

For more information, please visit Tehu.

If you ever need to move a vehicle from one location to another you must hire the best auto transport company for the job. You don’t just want any Tom, Dick, or Harry to handle your vehicle. You want a reputable auto transport company that understands the importance of providing exceptional customer service and taking good care of your car. 

With so many top auto transport companies to choose from, you’re probably wondering how to go about finding the right one. Research is the best tool in the box. Do it thoroughly and it will help you determine how reputable a company truly is. Asking questions is the perfect way to find a company that ticks all your boxes. After all, you don’t know if you don’t ask. 

Here are some of the most important questions to ask if you want to have the best auto transport company in your corner.

Is your company licensed and registered?

If you want to make sure you’re dealing with auto transport companies you can trust to get your car from Point A to Point B, you need to check that they have all the necessary licenses. Any company that transports vehicles must register through the US Department of Transportation. 

The best auto transport companies will provide you with their DOT number for verification. When you’ve got the number, you can visit the Department of Transport website to ensure the auto transport company is licensed. You’ll also be able to view safety reports and other useful information. 

What are your rates?

It’s important to make sure that you’re not throwing away your hard-earned cash on a company that doesn’t deliver on its promises. The most reliable auto transport companies are upfront about how much it costs to use their services. 

Car transport rates vary depending on the situation, so contact the auto transport company directly to ask for a quote. 

Get in touch with SGT Auto Transport to get an instant quote!

Of course, you want very affordable service, but it’s important to keep in mind that price is not everything. In many cases, you get what you pay for and it’s often better to choose a company that offers high-quality services. 

Do you offer a free no-obligation quote?

Most auto transport companies offer free car shipping quotes on their website. If there isn’t such an option, consider this a red flag and look elsewhere. After all, why wouldn’t a company want to offer a potential customer a complimentary quote? 

Here, at SGT Auto Transport, we offer both free and instant car shipping quotes using our online quote calculator. It takes just a few seconds to get one and they’re 100% no obligation.  

Is your quote all-inclusive?

This is a very critical question, especially if you’re comparing car shipping rates. There’s also nothing more disappointing than finding out at a later date there are unexpected costs and charges you’ve got to pay. 

You can avoid this scenario by asking the auto transport company for a list of everything that the quote covers. If you ask ahead of time, you’ll avoid any headaches further down the line. 

Before you sign the contract to confirm your booking, make sure you read everything carefully and understand it clearly. Make sure that the price is what you agreed upon. If you notice any additional costs or penalties, query these immediately. 

Will my vehicle be insured?

If you’re transporting your car, insurance is vital so ask the auto transport company what is and isn't covered and included in the cost of your car shipping quote. 

If the coverage is not what you’re looking for, this could be a deal breaker. You don’t want to take the risk of being responsible for any damages, should they occur. 

Do you have any references I can speak to?

Doing your own research is a crucial step in finding the right company to ship your car. Make sure you do some research and read online reviews and testimonials. 

Ask the car shipping company if there are any previous customers you can contact directly. This is one way to ensure the reviews you get are honest. 

What are your payment options?

It’s quite common for car transportation companies to require some payment, in the form of a deposit, prior to pickup. It is industry standard practice. 

When it comes to payment methods, companies may differ. At SGT Auto Transport, we accept a variety of payment methods including cash, major US credit or debit cards, cashier’s check, money order, or PayPal.  

What shipping time frames can I expect?

How long the car shipping process is going to take is bound to be a question you want to ask. Most car shipping companies offer several different options, depending on your budget and schedule. 

In general, you want to book a car shipping service a couple of weeks in advance so that you get what you need and give the company ample time to find you the best deal. 

SGT Auto Transport offers three options: standard shipping, guaranteed pick-up, and express car shipping. Guaranteed and express shipping are for people in a hurry. These services cost a little extra. 

How do you calculate your auto transport rates?

You likely want to know how much it costs to ship your car from one state to another and what goes into determining the price. A variety of factors determine the final auto transport costs. For example, type of vehicle, distance traveled, specific shipping service, and more. 

Is there anything I need to do to prepare my car for shipping?

Before your car is shipping, there are probably some things you can do to smooth out the process. You’ll need to give your car a thorough cleaning, remove all personal items from the car, and ensure the tank is not more than 1/4 full. 

Check with the auto transport company whether there are any other recommended things you can do. 

When will you deliver my car?

This is another common question and as we’ve already mentioned, there are several different shipping methods to choose from. Therefore, delivery times vary depending on the method you choose, how far away the driver must travel to deliver your vehicle, traffic conditions, road closure, weather, and time of the year.  

Do I need to provide any documentation?

Typically, you’ll need to provide the auto shipper with the registration and title, proof of insurance, and photo identification. 

However, car shipping requirements vary depending on the company, so ask in advance as this will ensure the process goes smoothly from start to finish and help to prevent any delays. 

Do I have to be available at the pickup and delivery?

You don’t have to be physically present yourself, but most auto transport companies require someone over the age of 18 to be present at the time of pickup and delivery. This is because keys have to be collected, important paperwork must be signed, and an inspection report completed. 

If you can’t be present, make sure you stress to the person acting on your behalf the importance of being there on time. 

How will my car be transported?

There are two primary car shipping methods: open or enclosed car shipping. Each auto transport method has its pros and cons. Therefore, it’s up to you to decide which option offers the best value for money. 

Open auto transport is the most economical method and standard for the industry. However, your car is exposed to the elements. If you’ve any concerns about this, enclosed auto transport is a better option, but it does cost more. 

Can I move personal belongings as well?

It would be very convenient if you could ship some of your household goods along with your vehicle. However, most companies don’t allow this. You must remove all personal items from the vehicle, except for the car’s spare tire and jack.

If you fail to remove personal items, it could result in delays or added fees, which is not the best start. There’s also the risk of these items becoming damaged or causing damage to the vehicle’s interior. 

Can you transport non-running cars?

When you’re hiring an auto transport company, it’s better if you know what they can and can’t do. Most will ship your typical cars, SUVs, and trucks, but what if a vehicle isn’t running?

Non-running vehicles can be very challenging and require specialist equipment for loading and unloading purposes. 

SGT Auto Transport can make the necessary arrangements, regardless of whether your car is running or not. Just ensure you let our shipping advisors know all the details so that the necessary preparations can be made. 

Is door-to-door shipping available?

Most people choose to ship their vehicles with an auto transport company because it’s easier and very convenient. If you want to make life much easier, check that the auto transport company offers door-to-door shipping.

Door-to-door shipping is a hassle-free service that saves a lot of time. SGT Auto Transport can arrange such a service. The carrier comes directly to your home for pickup and delivery. 

What goes into the auto transport process?

If you’ve never shipped a car before, knowing how the process goes will be very reassuring. Ask the auto transport company representative what you can expect, from start to finish.

Where are you located?

This might not seem like a relevant question but it will give you some insight into whether or not a company has a physical address or not. 

SGT Auto Transport’s headquarters are in Greenville, SC. However, we offer nationwide car shipping services. In other words, we can arrange for your car to be shipped anywhere you need it to go in the United States.  

Why are you the best auto transport company to choose?

Do a simple Google search for auto transport companies and you’ll get hundreds to choose from. However, while they might all operate in the same industry, the service provided is not alike. 

The best auto transport companies will tell you what makes them so special and what sets them apart from the competition. 

Aim for a company with an impressive track record of getting cars to their destination on time and safely. 

SGT Auto Transport is a nationwide auto transport management company that will take care of the car shipping process for you, from start to finish. 

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