Ten Tips to Choose the Right Auto Shipping Company for Your Vehicle Transport

Your car is probably the second most expensive thing you own. Handing it to a company you found on a Google search and hoping it arrives undamaged is not a plan. Most auto shipping complaints follow the same pattern: a quote that sounded too good, a pickup window that slipped by days, and scratches that weren't there before.

Choosing an auto shipping company comes down to verifiable credentials, clear pricing, and a written contract that spells out exactly what happens if something goes wrong. Safebound Moving & Storage (USDOT 2900155) coordinates auto transport alongside household moves through certified carriers rated for safety across all 50 states. Get a free vehicle shipping quote or call 561-510-7191.

Verify Credentials Before Signing Anything

1. Verify the USDOT and MC Numbers

Every company arranging interstate vehicle transport must be registered with FMCSA. Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and search the company's USDOT number. Check that their operating authority is active, their insurance is current, and there are no out-of-service orders. A company that cannot produce a USDOT number is not legally authorized to move your vehicle across state lines.

2. Understand the Difference Between Brokers and Carriers

Carriers own the trucks and physically transport your vehicle. Brokers arrange the shipment through their network of carriers. Both are legitimate business models, but you need to know which one you're hiring. Safebound operates as a registered broker for auto transport, connecting your vehicle with certified carriers under Safebound's coordination and paperwork. Ask any company you're considering whether they're the carrier or the broker.

3. Get a Written Quote Based on Your Vehicle

A legitimate quote requires your vehicle's year, make, model, running condition, and the pickup and delivery addresses. A company quoting you a price without these details is guessing. That guess changes once they have your deposit. Insist on a written quote that specifies the total cost, carrier type, and pickup/delivery windows.

Evaluate the Service and Coverage

4. Compare Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Open carriers cost less and work for most vehicles. Enclosed carriers cost 30% to 50% more but protect against weather, road debris, and UV exposure. Use enclosed for vehicles worth over $50,000, classics, convertibles, and anything with custom paint. About 85% of vehicles ship on open carriers without issue.

5. Check the Insurance Coverage

Ask what the carrier's cargo insurance covers and what the deductible is. Get the insurance certificate number and verify it. Basic carrier insurance typically covers damage during transport but may exclude pre-existing conditions, personal items left inside the vehicle, and mechanical issues. If your vehicle's value exceeds the carrier's coverage limit, ask about supplemental insurance.

6. Read the Cancellation and Refund Policy

Some auto shipping companies charge non-refundable deposits of $200 to $500. Others allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Read the terms before paying anything. A company that won't share its cancellation policy in writing before you commit is a company that plans to keep your deposit regardless of circumstances.

Protect Yourself During the Process

7. Ask About the Pickup and Delivery Windows

Most auto transport companies quote a pickup window of 1 to 5 days and a delivery window based on distance. Florida to the Northeast takes 3 to 5 days in transit. Cross-country to California or Oregon runs 7 to 10 days. If a company promises exact-day pickup and delivery at standard rates, they're making a promise the industry can't reliably keep. Realistic windows are a sign of honesty.

8. Inspect the Condition Report

At pickup, the driver and you walk around the vehicle together and document every existing scratch, dent, and ding on a condition report. Both parties sign it. At delivery, you do the same inspection. Any new damage not on the original report is the carrier's responsibility. Never let a driver skip this step or rush you through it.

9. Read Reviews Across Multiple Platforms

Check Google reviews, BBB complaints, and Transport Reviews (transportreviews.com). Look for patterns: repeated complaints about late pickups, damage denials, or price changes at loading. A company with 4.5+ stars across hundreds of reviews is more reliable than one with 5.0 stars from 12 reviews. Safebound holds a 4.9-star rating from 2,401 Google reviews across 35,000+ completed moves.

10. Coordinate Auto Transport With Your Household Move

If you're relocating, shipping your vehicle through the same company handling your household move simplifies logistics. One point of contact manages both timelines. Safebound coordinates auto transport alongside every long-distance move, aligning vehicle pickup with your household loading date so both shipments arrive in the same window. Call 561-510-7191 to bundle both services.

What to Do Before Your Vehicle Ships

Remove all personal items from the car. Carrier insurance covers the vehicle, not belongings inside it. Leave about a quarter tank of gas for loading and unloading. Disable aftermarket alarms that could drain the battery during transit. Photograph the vehicle from all angles before the driver arrives so you have your own documentation alongside the condition report.

If the vehicle has aftermarket modifications (lowered suspension, wide body kits, roof racks), mention these during the quote. They affect which carrier can load your vehicle and may change the price.

Safebound Moving & Storage is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida and holds USDOT 2900155, MC MC00975408, and Florida license IM2839 with $750,000 in insurance coverage. BBB Accredited, ProMover Certified, AMSA Member, and Forbes Featured. License verification: fdacs.gov | safer.fmcsa.dot.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car?

Auto shipping costs depend on distance, vehicle size, and carrier type. A standard sedan from Florida to the Northeast runs $800 to $1,200 on an open carrier. Cross-country to California or Oregon costs $1,100 to $1,600 open. Enclosed carriers add 30% to 50% to those prices. SUVs and trucks cost more than sedans due to size and weight on the carrier. Call Safebound at 561-510-7191 for a quote on your specific vehicle and route.

How long does auto shipping take?

Transit times depend on distance. Florida to the Northeast takes 3 to 5 days. Midwest routes take 4 to 6 days. West Coast runs 7 to 10 days. Within Florida, expect 1 to 3 days. These are transit times after pickup. Pickup windows typically span 1 to 5 days from the scheduled date depending on carrier availability and route demand.

Is it safe to ship a car on an open carrier?

Open carriers transport roughly 85% of all shipped vehicles. The risk of damage from road debris is low but not zero. For standard daily-driver vehicles, open transport is the industry standard and significantly cheaper than enclosed. Reserve enclosed transport for high-value vehicles, classics, convertibles, and anything with custom paint you want protected from the elements.

What's the difference between a broker and a carrier?

Carriers own trucks and physically transport your vehicle. Brokers arrange shipments through a network of vetted carriers. Both are regulated by FMCSA and both require valid operating authority. Safebound operates as a registered broker for auto transport, coordinating shipments through certified carriers under Safebound's authority and paperwork. The distinction matters less than whether the company is licensed and insured.

Should I remove items from my car before shipping?

Remove all personal belongings. Carrier insurance covers the vehicle itself, not anything inside it. Most carriers allow up to 100 pounds of items in the trunk, but anything visible through windows may not be covered and could invite theft during multi-stop transport. Leave the vehicle mostly empty with about a quarter tank of gas.

What happens if my car is damaged during shipping?

The condition report signed at pickup documents the vehicle's pre-transport state. At delivery, you inspect the vehicle again. Any new damage not on the original report is the carrier's liability. File a claim immediately with the carrier and document everything with photographs. Never sign the delivery condition report until you've completed a thorough inspection in good lighting.

Can I ship a non-running vehicle?

Non-running vehicles can be shipped but require special loading equipment like a winch or forklift, which increases the cost. Disclose the vehicle's condition when requesting a quote so the carrier arrives prepared. Vehicles that don't roll, steer, or brake require additional handling time at both pickup and delivery.

How far in advance should I book auto shipping?

Book 2 to 4 weeks ahead for standard routes. Peak season from May through September requires more lead time. Snowbird routes between Florida and the Northeast fill up fast in October and April. Last-minute bookings are possible but limit carrier options and typically cost more. Call Safebound at 561-510-7191 to check availability.

Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?

Someone must be present to sign the condition report and release/accept the vehicle at both ends. It doesn't have to be you personally. You can designate a trusted person at either location with written authorization. Coordinate this with Safebound in advance so the carrier knows who to contact at the pickup and delivery addresses.

Does Safebound handle auto transport?

Safebound Moving & Storage coordinates auto transport as a registered FMCSA broker (MC MC00975408) alongside household moves. Vehicle shipping is arranged through certified carriers under Safebound's coordination, with one point of contact managing both your household move and vehicle transport. Safebound has completed 35,000+ relocations since 2016 with a 4.9-star rating from 2,401 Google reviews.

Need to ship a vehicle? Call 561-510-7191 or get a free auto shipping quote online. Safebound Moving & Storage coordinates vehicle transport alongside long-distance moves across all 50 states. BBB Accredited and ProMover Certified. Available Monday through Friday 8:30am to 9pm and Saturday through Sunday 10am to 6pm.