Shipping a vehicle for the first time can feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re moving across the country, buying a car from an out-of-state dealer, or sending a classic car to a show, your vehicle is a major investment that deserves professional care.
Asking the right questions upfront is the best way to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. If you’re a first-time shipper or looking to switch to a more reliable provider, this guide covers the essential questions to ask any auto transport company—and how we answer them here at Auto Shipping Group.
Licensing and Credentials
Are you licensed and registered? What is your USDOT or MC number?
Yes. Auto Shipping Group is a federally authorized freight broker in good standing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Our USDOT number is 04211310, and our Motor Carrier (MC) number is 1626277.
Why This Matters: Verifying a company’s licensing ensures you are working with a legitimate business that follows federal safety and financial regulations. You can check the credentials of any transport provider on the U.S. Department of Transportation website.
Carrier vs. Broker
Are you a carrier or a broker?
Auto Shipping Group is a professional auto transport broker. We work with an extensive network of vetted, highly-rated carriers across the nation. This allows us to find the most efficient route and competitive pricing for your specific needs, rather than being limited to a small fleet or restrictive schedules.
Why This Matters: A broker acts as your advocate, managing the logistics, vetting the driver’s safety records, and ensuring the carrier has the proper insurance before your car ever leaves the driveway. When working with Auto Transport Group, you always have experienced auto logistics specialists you can contact if an issue arises or you have questions about the process, your order, or how pricing is structured.
Insurance Coverage
What insurance do you provide?
All carriers in our network are required to carry a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance. While your vehicle is on the truck, it is fully covered by the carrier’s policy.
Is additional cargo or windshield coverage needed?
For most standard vehicles, the carrier’s insurance is more than sufficient. However, if you are shipping a high-value exotic or classic car, we can arrange for additional coverage. Generally, your personal auto insurance acts as a secondary policy during transit, but the carrier’s cargo insurance is the primary coverage for transport-related damage.
Why This Matters: Understanding insurance limits ensures you have peace of mind and clarity on who is responsible in the rare event of an incident during transit.
Costs and Fees
Does the car shipping quote include all fees?
At Auto Shipping Group, we pride ourselves on transparent pricing. Our quotes are accurate and include all potential carrier or service fees.
Any additional charges or surcharges to expect?
The main factors that can change a quote are vehicle modifications (like a lift kit), a non-running engine, or changes in pickup or drop-off locations. We always discuss these details with you during the booking process to prevent surprise billing at delivery.
Why This Matters: Clarifying costs upfront protects you from low-ball quotes from less reputable carriers that later tack on hundreds of dollars in hidden administrative or fuel fees.
Pickup, Delivery, and Timing
What are your pickup and delivery options?
We offer convenient door-to-door service. This means the carrier will get as close to your specified addresses as safely possible for pickup and drop-off. For more information on what to expect, review our How Long Does Car Shipping Take guide.
Can you request a specific delivery date?
In the auto shipping industry, specific dates are rarely guaranteed due to variables like carrier availability, weather, and road conditions. Instead, we provide a 1–3 day window. However, if you are on a tight schedule, we do offer expedited shipping options for a premium fee.
Why This Matters: Knowing the difference between a “window” and a “guaranteed date” helps you plan your travel or move and accommodate your schedule or appointments.
Transport Method
Do you offer open and enclosed transport? Which is recommended?
We offer both! Open transport is the most common and cost-effective method, used for most daily drivers. Enclosed transport is recommended for luxury, classic, or low-clearance vehicles that need protection from weather and road debris.
Learn more on our open transport and enclosed transport pages to see which fits your car best.
Why This Matters: Choosing the right method balances your budget with the level of protection your specific vehicle requires.
Vehicle Readiness
What do I need to do to prepare my car?
Preparation is key! You should wash your car (to see any existing scratches), remove all personal belongings, and keep the gas tank at about one-quarter full. Electric vehicles should aim for a battery charge between 45 and 65%. For a complete checklist, see our detailed blog: How to Prepare Your Car for Transport.
Why This Matters: Proper prep ensures a faster inspection process and protects you from liability issues regarding personal items, which are not covered by cargo insurance.
Tracking and Communication
Do you offer vehicle tracking, and how will you keep me updated?
We keep you in the loop via phone, email, or text. Once a carrier is assigned, you will also have the driver’s contact information, allowing for direct communication during the journey. Your driver will also call to confirm your delivery time so you can plan accordingly.
Why This Matters: Reliable communication reduces the stress of “not knowing” and allows you to coordinate the exact timing of the delivery with the driver.
Experience and Reviews
What’s your track record? Where can I read customer reviews?
Auto Shipping Group maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a high 4.9-star average from Google reviews. You can read our latest customer testimonials here. We have decades of experience navigating the complexities of auto logistics and are proud to share our history.
Why This Matters: A proven track record is the best indicator of how a company handles both standard shipments and specialty moves. Positive reviews and loyal customers speak volumes about the service you can expect.
Payment Terms
What are your payment policies? Is full payment required upfront, or deposit accepted?
We offer flexible options. You can choose to pay in full via credit card or PayPal once a driver is dispatched, or pay a small deposit upfront and the remaining balance via Cash on Delivery (COD) directly to the driver. Learn more about how to make a payment.
Why This Matters: Flexible payment terms allow you to plan your finances and ensure the service is being performed before the full balance is settled.
Ready to Book Car Shipping?
Choosing the right partner makes all the difference. At Auto Shipping Group, we are here to provide the budget-friendly pricing and reliability you deserve.
Ready to get started?
- Get a free instant quote online.
- Call us at (888) 588-1269 to speak with a friendly representative who can answer any questions you have!