June 24, 2024 Posted in Auto Transport
Maya Brown

Born in Atlanta, Maya has called many places home in her lifetime. She's a content writer and moving expert who loves to help people relocate smoothly.

How to Find Reliable Car Carriers for Your Prized Ride

Whether you’re moving across the country or just need to get the four-wheeler from point A to point B, finding reliable car carriers is crucial. Your prized ride deserves the best treatment when it comes to transportation. If you’re ready to roll, let’s rev up our engines and explore the ins and outs of auto transport.

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Your vehicle deserves the best - here's how to get just that

When searching for a reliable business that provides car shipping, start by reading customer reviews and checking the company’s credentials. Make sure it is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and has a USDOT number. Determine your specific needs and match them with the services offered by the carrier. Finally, compare prices from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Why Is It So Important to Get a Reliable Car Shipper?

There are about 305,000,000 cars and trucks in the US. That’s 908 vehicles for every 1,000 people! But that’s not even the full story – 91.7% of American households have at least one car, while 22.1% have three or more.

There’s no denying it – American life is built around vehicles. From daily commutes to cross-country road trips, our four-wheelers are more than just a way to get around. We rely on them for work, leisure, and everything in between.

So, when the time comes to transport a car cross-country, you need to make sure it’s in good hands.

After all, you wouldn’t trust just anyone to handle your prized ride. Why settle for anything less than the best? A trustworthy company will take extra care of it, minimizing the risk of damage or delays.

Wyoming and Idaho have the most cars per capita nationwide
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Let's be real - the American life was built on four wheels

Safety On and Off the Road – What Makes an Auto Transport Company Reliable?

Transparency, outstanding service, and a good track record are the hallmarks of a reliable auto shipping company. These professionals should prioritize the safety of each four-wheeler that comes along for the journey, making sure it arrives at the new home on time and, most importantly, without a scratch.

Being reliable also entails clear communication and regular updates throughout the whole process. Moreover, it’s a good sign if a company provides different options, such as open and enclosed carriers, as well as door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal delivery.

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Certifications and Registrations – Here’s What You Need to Look For

The first line of defense against any transportation and relocation scams is knowing the right qualifications these companies need. According to IBISWorld, there are nearly 6,000 businesses in this industry – there’s bound to be some bad apples.

But one bad apple doesn’t have to spoil the barrel! To make sure your four-wheeler gets only the best from this apple tree, you need to understand the licenses and qualifications that regulatory bodies require. Above all else, the regulatory bodies in question are the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

FMCSA enforces safety regulations for commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce, while DOT oversees transportation policies and programs across the country. Therefore, when it comes to transporting cars from state to state, a reliable carrier will be both registered with FMCSA and have a USDOT number. These are the first things you should look at.

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FMCSA and DOT are your best buddies on this journey

Moving as Well? Booking Cross-Country Moving Services Is Like Killing Two Birds With One Stone

Here’s some food for thought – why do people ship vehicles cross-country? Well, maybe you need to get a vintage Mustang to a prestigious car show, but the thought of driving across the country makes you break out in a cold sweat. Or maybe you’ve just got the four-wheeler you’ve always dreamt of, and now you’re plotting how to get it to a new home without blowing the budget or your mind.

But let’s be real, what’s the most common reason for vehicle transport? Yep, you guessed it – moving cross-country. It makes perfect sense then that there are plenty of businesses that move both cars and furniture, such as the Cross Country Moving Company. And after all, when you’re already booking long-distance moving services, why not have these professionals take care of the ride too?

Why Struggle to Coordinate When Cross-Country Moving Companies Can Handle It All?

Hiring long-distance movers is a smart move. Instead of juggling multiple companies and schedules, you’ve got one team, one plan, and one less thing to worry about. Plus, by bundling transport and packing services, you’re not just saving time – you’re saving some serious cash! The relocation budget will be crying tears of joy.

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Hiring movers can turn out to be a great two-in-one deal

Pinpointing Reliable Car Carriers – Here’s How to Find the Best Company for a Prized Four-Wheeler

Now that we’ve peeled back the curtain on the fascinating world of car shipping, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and find the perfect match for your vehicle. With so many companies out there, it can feel like navigating a maze of options. We’ve got the roadmap to help you find the most reliable in the business, with some expert car shipping advice to really make it worth your while.

Dig Deep and Do Homework

Whether you’re going for a long-distance moving company or one that strictly deals with auto transport, the first step is to research, research, research! Start by checking out online reviews and ratings for different companies.

Look for feedback from customers who have shipped vehicles similar to yours – you’ll surely find plenty of valuable information here. And just as we’ve already mentioned, make sure to verify each company’s credentials, including their licensing and insurance information. If it’s not already available on their website, a reliable carrier should be happy to provide this information upon request.

Determine the Needs and Match Them

Once you’ve culled the list of potential businesses, it’s time to dig into the services they offer. This entails much more than just figuring out whether you want to add the cross-country moving service or not.

There’s door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal transportation, as well as open and enclosed trailers. Open carriers are an excellent choice for any standard car, but if you have a luxury or a vintage model, it’s best to invest in enclosed transport. Either way, these choices will depend on what set of wheels you’re working with, so you need to determine what you need and make sure the company can meet these requirements.

Compare to Get Bang for Your Buck

While price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider, it’s certainly an important one. To figure out how much it costs to ship a car for the specific mileage you need, request quotes from multiple companies and compare them carefully.

You should take into account the services offered, as well as any additional or even hidden fees or surcharges. Also, don’t forget that the cheapest option isn’t always the best, so be sure to weigh all the factors before making the final decision.

How to Prepare the Ride for Its Cross-Country Journey

Preparing a car for shipping is super important, as it can greatly lower the risk of damage and make the whole ordeal that much smoother. There are a few crucial steps you should take care of:

  • Clean the vehicle – A clean car is easier to inspect for any damages that may exist before transport,
  • Inspect and record – Carefully look over the four-wheeler, making note of any dents, scratches, or other damage, and take pictures of it from different angles,
  • Check the car battery and fluids – Make sure that all of the fluids are at the right level and that the battery is in good condition,
  • Check the gas tank – It’s recommended to keep the gas tank about one-quarter full, as this is enough for loading and unloading the vehicle while minimizing its weight during transport,
  • Remove personal items – Most of the time, the carrier’s insurance doesn’t cover personal items, so make sure you don’t leave anything inside to avoid loss or damage,
  • Turn off the alarm – The alarm can easily go off in a carrier, so think about the guys who are working hard to transport the ride.

What About Electric Vehicles? How Do You Prepare the EV for a Safe Journey?

Got a Tesla model or some other EV? You should also clean and inspect it, as well as remove any personal items you may have inside. However, there are a couple of special considerations when it comes to electric rides.

First, make sure the battery is charged to the sweet spot – somewhere between 50% and 70%. This keeps it happy and healthy during transport. Next, switch it to transport mode. This is like putting the EV in a cozy nap mode, minimizing battery use, and also ensuring all those fancy electronic systems don’t decide to wake up and party during the journey.

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Make sure you charge the EV just right for the trip

What to Expect From a Reliable Car Carrier Throughout the Transport Process

So, the notorious moving day has come, and you’re wondering what to expect. The whole ordeal is typically divided into three distinct stages – collection, transit, and delivery. It begins with cross-country movers confirming the time and place of pickup.

From Pickup to Delivery, the Four-Wheeler Will Be Under Watchful Eyes

During pickup, the team will examine the vehicle thoroughly, with you present. This step sets the stage for a car’s documented journey. Obviously, transit entails getting the vehicle from point A to point B. During this time, the four-wheeler will be safely fastened to the transporter and watched closely as it travels to the designated delivery location.

Delivery requires a thorough inspection to make sure the car is in the same condition as when it was picked up. Throughout the whole process, the professionals should facilitate open and clear communication, further instilling a sense of confidence in their reliability.

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With the right pick, there's no need to stress - the vehicle will have a safe journey

Finding the Right Auto Transport Is Easier Than Parallel Parking

At the end of the day, finding a reliable carrier isn’t as complicated as rocket science or as nerve-wracking as parallel parking on a busy street. With a bit of research, some savvy service comparisons, and a few price checks, you’ll have your prized ride cruising comfortably to its destination in no time.

And hey, while you’re at it, why not cover all aspects of the move? Cross Country Moving Company offers comprehensive services that cover everything from furniture to four-wheelers. With expert movers handling the heavy lifting (and driving), you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Contact us today and let’s get your move – and a car – on the road to success!

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