Many people choose auto transport companies via word of mouth or advertising some will use the company that is recommended by their auto insurance agent. There are some crucial details that you need to know before you contract the services of an auto transport company and entrust them with your vehicle.

Recommended Steps to Take Before Hiring an Auto Transport Company:

·      Ask Questions. When you first contact auto transport company, you should ask as many relevant questions as you can regarding the care they will take with your vehicle, scheduling, contract issues, licensing, insurance, and take some time to get a feel for the type of people you are dealing with.

·      Get References from Transporter. Most auto transport companies should be prepared to provide you with several references in regards to recent jobs they have done. If time allows try to contact every reference and ask questions regarding the type of service they received from their auto transporter. Remember, that no one is perfect all of the time, so if there are any less than perfect reviews, follow up with a question to see how the auto transport company resolved the issue. 

·      Get Recommendations from Your Friends. You can also get references from friends or colleagues and this is an excellent way of finding a reputable auto transporter especially if they have first hand experience of the company themselves.

·      Check the Better Business Bureau. It’s always a safe bet to use a company listed with the BBB with a clean history. The Bureau does not endorse any particular company, but it does keep records of unresolved complaints and problems. If you find that there's an over abundance of complaints and problems with the company your thinking about using, you should probably be looking at a different auto transport company.

·      Shop around. Do not use a company just because the price is the lowest. If you think the price is too good to be true it probably is. Good service is critical to a successful move.

·      Check our Auto Transport Companies Directory. If your auto transporter has a profile you can view any feedback left regarding the auto transport company by other members. Do not be concerned if you cannot find an auto transporter in your local area. Auto transport companies will generally have contract carriers, terminals or routes that go through your local area and your vehicle can be dropped off and collected at these locations.

·      Check Licensing. Your auto transport company should be able to provide you with his DOT number, and MC number.  You can check the validity of their DOT number at the FMCA website.

·      Check Insurance. It's important for you to know that your auto transporter has adequate insurance to cover potential damage to your property.  If you choose an uninsured or underinsured auto transport company you risk not being compensated for loss or damage of your vehicle.

·         Read Contract Carefully. Make sure that you read the contract and understand the provisions of the contract. If there is a down payment required make sure you know the conditions under which it will or won't be refunded. Is the down payment due prior to the pickup of your property, when is the full payment due?  If it is practical, you may want to negotiate the full payment upon delivery of your property.