How to Choose a Car Shipping Company?

Moving your car across the country sounds simple- just hop in a drive. That is, until you actually start looking into the process. Suddenly, you're deep in a mountain of quotes, contracts, and companies that all promise they're "the best."  Picking the right car shipping company isn’t just about finding the cheapest option, it’s about finding one that's reliable, transparent, and makes your life a whole lot easier rather than adding to the drama.

Your car is one of your biggest investments. You don’t want to hand it over to just anyone with a truck and a license. So how do you choose in a smart manner you might ask ChatGpt. We can’t give you all the knowledge in the world, but we can give you our seasoned tips to help you out along the way.

Here’s your pro guide to picking the right car shipping company... and why using iMoving can save you a ton of time and headaches.

The first step sounds obvious, but too many people skip it: do your homework. Real- simply read!

Look for car shipping companies that have strong, real reviews on several platforms — not just their own website. Check out Google Reviews and try to filter through the BS reviews from their cousins. Look for patterns: Are people complaining about late arrivals? Hidden fees? Scratches and dings no one wants to own up to? Make sure to ask your potential companies these hard questions. 

Red flag: If you see a lot of five-star reviews that all sound weirdly similar or even a little robotic be suspicious. Real customers tend to have detailed experiences, both good and bad. Most people won’t take the time to write a review unless something terrible happened or something really great. Be sure to read both. 

At iMoving, we do the vetting for you. We only work with licensed, insured, and customer-friendly transport companies, so you’re not gambling your car on a few fishy online reviews. We do the vetting so you can do the chilling.

You wouldn’t hire a surgeon without a medical license, right? Same logic here. Pros are professionals for a reason, so don’t mess around with an industry you don’t know.

Every legitimate car shipping company will be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a valid Motor Carrier number. They will also have carry cargo insurance that covers your car during transport. If any of these things are missing- run!

Before you sign anything, ask:

• What’s their DOT and MC number? Look it up online and verify it. 
• Can they provide proof of insurance? Ask what are their premiums and down payments. 
• What exactly does their insurance cover?Understand the Types of Transport

Not all car shipping methods are created equal. Your choice depends on your budget, your timeline, and how much you love your car. Treat that Audi TT great and the Audi gods will praise you.

There are two main options to moving your car:

• Open transport: Your car is shipped on an open carrier, like you see on the highways hauling multiple cars. It’s the most common and affordable method. Your car is exposed to the elements, but serious damage is rare. Some rain never hurt.
• Enclosed transport: Your car rides in a covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris, and nosy passersby. It costs 30–60% more — but it’s a smart choice for luxury, antique, or specialty cars. 9 times out of 10 you can go with option 1 and your car will be fine.

It’s tempting to just grab the cheapest quote and call it a day. But in car shipping, if a deal sounds too good to be true... it is. When you compare quotes be sure it’s apples to apples. 

Ultra-low quotes usually mean the company:

• Cuts corners on insurance or service
• Delays your pickup because they can’t find a driver
• Hits you with last-minute fees
• Subcontracts to shady carriers

A trustworthy company gives you a fair, clear price  and explains what’s included. Look for the green flags and not the red. With iMoving, you get transparent quotes from many car shippers in one spot. No surprise fees, no shady backdoor deals. Expect nothing less than the best.

One of the most stressful parts of car shipping is not knowing what’s happening with your car once it leaves your driveway.

Before booking, ask:

• Is pickup door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal?
• How much notice do you get before pickup and delivery?
• Can you track your car’s location during transport? If so- how?
• What happens if there’s a delay? How will you be compensated?

Life happens. Maybe you have to change your move date for a new Italian lover, or your plans shift for less fun reasons. A good shipping company should have a clear, reasonable cancellation policy — and put it in writing. No fine print surprises are what you need. 

Before you book, go over with an agent :

• The deposit and refund rules
• Fees for changing pickup or delivery dates
• The full terms of service (yes, actually read it)

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly, that’s life. When problems pop up, you want a car shipping company that actually answers their phones, responds to emails, and treats you like a human being, not a number. This is key when things go south.

At iMoving, we’re obsessed with customer service. From the moment you start searching to the day your car arrives safe and sound, we’re here to answer questions, solve problems, and make sure you feel taken care of.

Moving your car should feel exciting, not terrifying. You deserve the peace of mind that your car gets a safe, smooth trip to your new home.