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Hiring a vehicle transport company can feel overwhelming. Between comparing quotes, navigating terms, and trying to verify credentials, there are a lot of important considerations and not a lot of time.
To help shippers like you partner with more confidence and success, we’ve broken down the decision process into five simple questions. Whether it’s your first shipment or your hundredth, asking yourself these questions as you browse potential carrier partners can make the difference between a smooth experience and a costly mistake.
- Are they properly licensed and insured?
This is arguably the most important question to ask. A legitimate vehicle transport company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and should have a valid DOT (Department of Transportation) number. Proper insurance is also essential in case your vehicle is damaged during transit.
Transportation marketplaces like Central Dispatch will often have verification of these numbers for each carrier readily available within the platform for quick confirmation. But these aren’t always up-to-date. You should also verify their DOT and MC (motor carrier) numbers with the FMCSA’s public search tool.
- What’s included in the pricing?
It’s helpful to get clarity upfront on what’s included in a company’s quote. Some companies may offer an attractive low rate upfront, but then tack on additional fees for fuel, expedited delivery, or insurance coverage later in the process. Be sure to ask for a detailed, itemized quote and clarify what services are (and aren’t) included in the price, specifically insurance, fuel surcharges, rescheduling fees, etc.
And be on the lookout for quotes that are significantly lower than others, as this could be a bait-and-switch tactic or a sign of double brokering.
- Can they provide references or reviews?
Ask potential partners for recent customer references or reviews to get an impartial look at others’ experiences working with them. You could also seek out reviews from Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. Marketplaces like Central Dispatch may also have reviews directly in the platform tied to each company or transaction.
Be on the lookout for fake reviews with generic language, a lack of detail, or a bunch of reviews posted within a short timeframe, as those may not be genuine.
- How do they handle scheduling and delays?
Delays can occur in vehicle shipping due to weather, traffic, or scheduling conflicts. What matters most is how the company communicates and manages those delays. It’s helpful to ask what a company’s scheduling process is and how they handle and communicate any potential issues.
A professional carrier should provide a clear estimated pickup and delivery window, communicate updates if something changes, and have contingency plans in place for unforeseen issues. Marketplaces like Central Dispatch may also offer real-time tracking capabilities or delivery date ETAs in the platform, saving both shippers and carriers time with communication back and forth.
- What’s their process for protecting my vehicle?
Your vehicle is one of your most valuable assets, so make sure any transportation partner has a plan in place to make sure it’s protected. You’ll want to ask about pre- and post-shipment inspection protocols, how damage claims are handled, and whether the vehicle is covered or exposed during transport. You can never be too careful or too well prepared for any issues that may arise.
Finding a new vehicle transportation partner doesn’t have to be daunting, as long as you know what to ask. Look for communicative, transparent partners who are invested in a partnership and seamless transportation process. And be sure to take advantage of all the different verification tools that marketplaces like Central Dispatch provide. These are often the best and easiest ways to get a clear idea of each carrier’s work history, performance, and preferences — helping you not just find vetted partners, but partners that are the right fit for your move.
