Finding the best auto transport company begins by comparing auto transport quotes, checking the reputation of the company, obtaining estimates and ensuring the company offers services that accommodate your shipping needs.
The Initial Figure
The initial figure you obtain, usually via a company website, is solely based on the fundamental information of your move. At Any Auto Transport, we have a convenient form on our website for auto transport quotes that requires the following information:
Pick-up City or Zip
Drop-off City or Zip
Vehicle Year
Car Make
Model
Is Your Vehicle Operational?
Contact information – name, e-mail and phone
Once we receive this basic information, we will contact you with a free online quote. Also note that, unlike many auto transport companies, Any Auto Transport ships non-running vehicles.
Reputation
Once you have three to five car shipping rates, you need to research the reputation of each company. Keep in mind: if you’re not satisfied with the first few companies you look at, you can always obtain quotes and estimates from other companies.
It’s best to check out the reputation of a company first, since a history of poor customer satisfaction will quickly eliminate them from your list. You can find information on a company by searching auto-review sites, consumer watch organizations and through the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Services and Estimates
If you are satisfied with the good standing of a company, contact them directly. The ease of which you reach a customer service representative and his/her ability to explain services as well as the company’s ability to meet specific transport needs at a reasonable cost, all factor in to your final decision.
In addition, obtain an itemized estimate that contains the price ranges for services as well as the company policy regarding insurance coverage, added fees, cancelations and any other factors relevant to your decision making process.
At Any Auto Transport, in addition to our free auto transport quotes, we provide free estimates upon request. Estimates cover auto transport options such as:
Mode of Transport – enclosed versus open
Terms of Delivery – door-to-door or pick-up at a terminal; guaranteed date versus a flexible window
Condition of Car – space for an inspector to note any dents, dings or scratches on your vehicle before shipment
Total Mileage – since we know the basic details of your car, we can approximate the weigh-station taxes
Extra Insurance
We talk to you about the pros and cons of different options as they specifically relate to your auto transport needs. We never push a more expensive service that’s not required, such as an enclosed transport for an older vehicle with visible signs of wear and tear; and, we don’t pressure you to take our recommendations, such as suggesting an enclosed transport for a newly imported, exotic vehicle.
Special Conditions
Certain auto transports require specialty services, such as moving classics or alternative vehicles such as motorcycles, and certain situations require alternate arrangements, like shipping a car to someone.
Classic, vintage and antique cars require extra care throughout the entire shipping process. Assuming you’ve already confirmed a company has more than two years experience and has moved a significant number of restored vehicles, you then want to know the details of how your car will be handled; things to look for include:
- Enclosed transport, with air-ride technology
- Hydraulic lifts that keep the car level during on/off loading – this is important with low-clearance vehicles, as it limits the pressure placed on the suspension system
- Non-abrasive straps, strategically positioned so as not to harm any delicate parts
- Extra care, such as placing mats in the interior and a cover over the exterior of the car
- Experience – you should feel confident in the ability of the handlers and drivers; in addition, anyone involved in the transport of your vehicle should appreciate its intrinsic and extrinsic value
Shipping a motorcycle requires similar technology and experience, including the air-ride closed transport, level lifts, knowledge of how to secure safely and trusting that employees will care for your bike as if it were his/her own.
Although most of the time you need to be present at the drop-off and delivery of your vehicle, exceptions to this rule include sending a car to your college-aged child, shipping a car purchased over the Internet to its new owner and shipping a car to a friend or relative that needs to remain with a sick loved one.
If you require any of these services, you’ll need to confirm how and when the car will be picked up and make sure the person picking up the car is aware of any pre-transport surface damage and understands all the details of the transport before signing off on the bill of lading.
The Best Company
Auto transport quotes offer a decent starting point, but you need to take time to research the quality of a company and whether the types of services offered meet all your needs.
At Any Auto Transport we pride ourselves on high customer satisfaction. We work with you to make the process of transporting your vehicle uneventful and stress-free. We are happy to disclose any information you require and find the best options to meet your shipping needs.
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