A car shipping service is a company that arranges safe transport of your vehicle from pickup to delivery, usually by connecting you with a vetted carrier. Choosing the right one comes down to verified authority, proper insurance, clear communication, and honest pricing. This guide walks you through each of those checks in plain terms.
Quick answer: Verify the provider’s operating authority with the FMCSA, ask for a current certificate of insurance, compare at least three written quotes, and document your vehicle’s condition at pickup and delivery.
A car shipping service often relies on multi-car haulers like this one for standard vehicle moves.
What Is a Car Shipping Service?
A car shipping service moves vehicles over the road for individuals, dealers, and businesses. Some companies own trucks. Others act as a freight broker, which means they match your shipment with a qualified carrier and manage the details.
Both models can work well. However, the quality of the carrier vetting and the support behind the booking make the real difference.
Open vs. Enclosed Vehicle Transport
Open transport is the most common choice. Cars ride on an exposed trailer, which keeps costs lower and scheduling more flexible. Enclosed transport protects the vehicle from weather and road debris, so it suits classic, luxury, or low-clearance cars.
| Factor | Open | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Weather protection | Exposed | Fully covered |
| Availability | Widely available | More limited |
| Best for | Everyday vehicles | Classic or high-value cars |
How to Choose a Reliable Car Shipping Service
Follow these steps to vet any provider before you commit.
- Define your shipment. Note the make, model, condition, locations, and timeline before you request quotes.
- Verify authority and insurance. Confirm active operating authority and ask for a current certificate of insurance.
- Compare written quotes. Collect at least three, and check what each one includes.
- Document the vehicle. Photograph every side and review the inspection report with the driver.
- Inspect at delivery. Compare the car to the pickup report before you sign.
For a deeper checklist, read our car shipping guide on choosing a reliable carrier.
Check Authority, Bonds, and Insurance
Every interstate carrier and broker needs federal authority. You can look up a company’s USDOT and MC numbers through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In addition, brokers must keep a surety bond on file, and carriers must carry cargo coverage.
Ask for the insurance certificate by name, not just a verbal promise. Also ask what the deductible is and whether personal items are covered. Most policies exclude them.
A signed condition report at pickup protects you if a damage claim comes up later.
Why Carrier Vetting and Support Matter
Price gets attention, but service failures cost more. A missed pickup, a silent driver, or a billing mix-up can derail a delivery. Therefore, ask who you will actually talk to when something changes.
Freight brokers with strong qualification standards screen carriers before loads are assigned. For example, Freight Tec is a Bountiful, Utah freight broker with more than 30 years in business. It holds TIA Performance Certified status, carries a $100,000 broker bond, and serves automotive-sector shippers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. You can see how it supports vehicle freight in its overview of logistics services for automotive shippers.
What Affects the Price of Vehicle Shipping?
Several factors shape your quote. Distance and route matter most. Vehicle size and weight come next, followed by trailer type, season, fuel costs, and whether the car runs.
- Very low quotes can signal a bait-and-switch price that rises later.
- Flexible pickup dates often lower the rate.
- Expedited service costs more because it limits carrier options.
If you also ship other freight, compare partners using this guide to choosing the right freight partner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing the cheapest quote without checking authority.
- Skipping the pickup inspection or photos.
- Leaving personal belongings in the vehicle.
- Signing at delivery without inspecting the car first.
Inspect the vehicle at unloading, before you sign the delivery paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a car shipping service?
A car shipping service arranges the transport of a vehicle from one location to another using a carrier with the right equipment. Many are brokers that match your car with a vetted carrier.
How does a car shipping service work?
You request a quote, the provider assigns a qualified carrier, and the driver picks up and delivers the vehicle. A condition report is signed at both ends.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport carries vehicles on an exposed trailer and is the most common option. Enclosed transport shields the vehicle from weather and road debris, and it usually costs more.
How long does car shipping take?
Transit time depends mostly on distance, route, and weather. Cross-country moves take longer than regional ones, so ask for a delivery window in writing.
What affects the cost of shipping a car?
Distance, vehicle size, trailer type, season, fuel costs, and whether the car runs all affect price. Expedited pickup also raises the rate.
Should I choose a broker or a carrier directly?
A carrier owns the trucks, while a broker sources and vets carriers for you. A broker offers more route coverage, and a carrier may offer a more direct relationship on a single lane.
What insurance should a car shipping service carry?
The carrier should hold cargo insurance that covers vehicles, and the broker should hold a surety bond and professional liability coverage. Always request a certificate of insurance.
How do I verify a car shipping service is legitimate?
Look up the company’s USDOT and MC numbers in the FMCSA database. Confirm active authority and insurance on file.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
Most carriers advise against it because personal items are typically not covered by cargo insurance. Remove valuables and loose items before pickup.
What should I do if my car is damaged in transit?
Note the damage on the delivery paperwork before signing, take photos, and contact the provider right away to start a claim.
What are common mistakes when booking car shipping?
The biggest mistakes are choosing the lowest quote without checking authority, skipping the condition report, and not confirming insurance. Rushing the decision also causes problems.
Does Freight Tec offer automotive shipping support?
Freight Tec is a freight broker serving automotive-sector shippers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Its carriers go through a stringent qualification process. Learn more on the shippers page, or see its list of freight services for automotive shipping needs.
Conclusion
The right car shipping service proves its reliability before you pay. Verify authority, confirm insurance, compare written quotes, and document your vehicle at both ends. Above all, choose a partner with vetted carriers and responsive support, and your vehicle will arrive the way it left.
