How To Locate A Legal Car Transport Company Online
It's natural to feel nervous about giving your car to someone else to ship it across the country. A car is a valuable asset that you do not want to be in poor hands. It can be difficult to find a reliable shipping company online that meets your needs. But, the good news is that you have many options. These are some helpful tips to help you choose a reliable auto transport company.
Research the company
Start by doing some research on the car transport company you are considering. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers, and check out the company's website to learn more about their services and policies.
Verify Proper Licensing & Registration
Many people search online for shipping companies. However, it can be difficult to verify a company's legitimacy if you don't have access to its physical address. You can tell if the company you are looking for is legitimate by checking their license and registration. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is required to register all auto transport. Look for an MC Docket number to verify that the company has been registered with the FMCSA. A USDOT number is another federal licensing requirement. This is only required in 37 states. However, it is a requirement for most companies. It is also a great way to verify if the company is legitimate. You should also check that the company has been licensed in its respective state.
Check out online reviews
After verifying that an online company is licensed and registered, you can now check out their reviews. Online reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insight into the company's services and capabilities. You can also look at reviews on the website and check out other reviews sites such as Yelp or Google Reviews. Many companies will only show positive reviews on their websites. However, reviews from other sites may give you more genuine reviews. Also, check out reviews on social media and with the Better Business Bureau.
Get quotes
Contact the company and request a quote for the transport services you need. Compare quotes from multiple companies to get an idea of the going rates for car transport in your area.
Compare Pricing
There are many auto transport companies in the industry, but you should be able to compare them all. It's natural to desire the best deal. However, avoid companies whose prices are significantly lower than those of their competitors. Sometimes, it's possible for something to seem too good to be true. It is impossible for companies to offer the same service for a lower price than the market. Be aware of these "red flags" quotes to make sure you don't get duped.
Get in touch with the company
Scammers can even fool customers with fancy websites. Do not make a decision without speaking with someone. Reputable companies will always have a telephone number and a physical address. You should always call and speak to a knowledgeable worker who will answer all your questions and explain the process clearly. Avoid a company that can't answer your questions.
Read the contract
Before you sign a contract with a car transport company, make sure to carefully read and understand all of the terms and conditions. Pay particular attention to the details of the insurance coverage, as well as any fees or charges that may apply.
Trust your instincts
If something about a car transport company seems off or you have any doubts, trust your instincts and consider looking for a different company. It is better to be safe and choose a reputable and reliable company rather than risk potential problems down the road.