How Do You Know if a Car Shipping Company Is Legit?

The selection of an accredited vehicle moving company is crucial when you plan to transport your car across the country, cross-state, or to another country.

 

So many choices are present, and people may have difficulty determining whether they should trust the necessary companies and whether they will face no stress during this process.

 

That is why we have provided below the steps to find a trustworthy car shipping company to receive your car in good shape and on time.

 

Check for licensing and insurance

 

The federal standard governs reputable auto-hauling companies, and they must have a full license and insurance coverage.

 

One of the first things that should be done to consider the company legitimate is to check these credentials.

 

• FMCSA registration: To ensure the company is reputable and safe, they are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates transport companies operating across state lines.
  
  

• DOT number: Each licensed car shipping company should have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number. However, this unique identification number also helps verify that the company can legally work as a motor carrier.
  
  

• Insurance verification: Each reputable company should be able to avail insurance if your vehicle gets damaged while in transit. Check the extent of the liability and cargo insurance they provide you and ensure that it suits the value of your car.

 

Currently, DOT and MC details can be obtained on FMCSA's website.

 

Never work with a company that cannot offer or show these identifiers; this could be a sign of fraud.

 

Read reviews and testimonials

 

Customers' testimonials help determine the reliability of a car shipping company and the quality of the services offered.

 

Through evaluation, one can access customers' experiences from other certified platforms.

 

• Review sites: Google reviews, Yelp, and BBB can be used to gather information about potential companies. Consider what kind of comments reoccur to see if sometimes they point to concerns.
  
  

• Social media: Several organizations also create space where customers can drop feedback on their social media accounts. Checking the comments section of the company on the various social media pages will assist you in determining the company's attitude toward the customers.
  
  

• References from the company: Do not miss a chance to ask for information on previous clients. A legitimate company is always ready to provide contact information of previous customers who may testify to the company's performance.

 

Also, read How to choose a car shipping company?

 

Evaluate the contract terms carefully

 

Getting into details about the contract is significant when dealing with a car shipping company.

 

Make sure to go through the agreement carefully and ensure that the agreement of the shipping process has the following aspects:

 

• Clear terms and conditions: The contract should be detailed but simply signed by both parties and devoid of complex legal jargon on each of the parties' obligations.
  
  

• Insurance coverage: Ensure that the insurance coverage specified in the contract corresponds to the insurance coverage you offered.
  
  

• Delivery timeframes and delays: Understand the delivery time and where the risk of delay falls within the clock or calendar time available in the system.
  
  

• Fees: Read the small print if you see any other tariffs beyond the standard shipping charge, like fuel supplements or penalties for being overdue. Many unscrupulous firms always employ this trick of hiding fees in plain sight.

 

Verify the company's reputation and longevity

 

Experience-wise, existing firms can be more reliable than new ones as they must consider saving face when running their business.

 

• Industry associations: Check for membership in the standard association, such as the American Automobile Transport Association (AATA). Membership of these groups shows to the rest of the industry that one belongs to the 'right club.'
  
  

• Business longevity: Those who have worked in the industry for several years are better to cooperate with as they have gained numerous satisfied customers and developed the necessary compliance with the industry requirements.
  
  

• Customer service test: Consulting the company with questions may be helpful. If one gets access to a genuine business organization, its customer care team is always friendly, courteous, and willing to provide all the information required.

 

Get multiple quotes and compare services

 

It is also important not to jump to the lowest quote because a low price dwarfs the number of hidden costs or lousy service delivery.

 

• Compare prices: Try to get quotations from several companies and then compare them. Check the accessories included in each quote, such as insurance and any other extra service that may come with each quote.
  
  

• Value vs. cost: Instead of sole price, consider what these companies can bring about: customer service, insurance, and complete openness. Sometimes, a slightly higher rate can give you confident service and peace of mind.

 

Ask about the shipping process

 

If you learn about the company's shipping process, you will know what transpires from picking up the items to delivery.

 

• Vehicle inspection: A reputable company should assess your car before it is picked up and also after it is delivered. This process takes a photo record of your vehicle and will act as evidence if your car is damaged in transit.
  
  

• Communication and tracking: Genuine companies offer tracking choices or reports on the location of your automobile. Ensure there is a clear communication channel for updates.
  
  

• Handling and care: One should ask how the company will pick up, strap up, store, and safeguard their car. Knowing that precautions are taken to handle them safely can help you trust their service.

 

Trust your instincts and look out for red flags

 

At times, companies may look perfect on paper, but their vibe still makes people uncomfortable.

 

Trust your gut and pay attention to signs you should avoid the company.

 

• Vague or evasive answers: A registered business should be clear about its operation. If you are not getting clear answers, it may signal ill business practices.
  
  

• High-pressure tactics: If a firm pressures you to fast-track the process or make a quick payment, walk away.
  
  

• Unusually low quotes: If one firm sets a price much lower than others, check for hidden risks or fees.

 

Ready for reliable car shipping? Partner with Universal Transit for a smooth experience

 

Selecting a reliable car shipping company does not have to be a problem.

 

By following these guidelines, it will be easier to attract a worthy partner who will ensure that the services delivered are safe, transparent, and meet the customer's demands.

 

Why not call Universal Transit, a reliable company for your car transportation needs?

 

At Universal Transit, we consider ourselves a legal and reliable car shipping company.

 

Using only experienced professional carriers with proper licenses and insurance, we take care of your car and provide you only with the best customer service.

 

From clear terms of services to shipment tracking, you will find no reason to worry as you make your shipment with us.

 

Contact us today at Universal Transit for your free and no-obligation estimate; then leave your vehicle in the hands of an expert.