Find the Best Car Shipping Company

When planning a regional move or shipping a vehicle across the country, hiring the right auto transport company can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re looking for auto transport for popular routes, such as California to Texas, or something off the beaten path, like Georgia to Colorado, the right provider can turn a potentially stressful process into an affordable and worry-free experience.

But not all car shipping services are created equal. While cost is a factor, choosing the cheapest option without proper research can lead to delays, damages, or unexpected fees. This guide will help you understand how to choose the best auto transport company for your needs.

Step 1: Determine Your Shipping Needs

Start by identifying your specific transport requirements. The auto transport industry offers a variety of services to meet diverse needs:

Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Open transport is the most common and cost-effective method, but leaves your vehicle exposed to weather, much like driving the vehicle yourself. Enclosed transport provides full protection and is ideal for luxury, classic, or exotic cars.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal

Door-to-door delivery offers maximum convenience and is included in most services. While terminal-to-terminal can be cheaper, it requires you to drop off and pick up your car at a shipping hub, and it may incur storage fees.

Distance and Delivery Timeline

Short-haul and long-distance moves have different pricing and timelines. Be accurate with your origin and destination locations and clarify how quickly you need the vehicle delivered to choose the right option. Also communicate any deadlines or commitments for pickup and delivery.

Type of Vehicle

Standard cars, SUVs, luxury vehicles, motorcycles, larger pickup trucks, and inoperable cars all require different handling. Be sure to disclose your vehicle type upfront for an accurate quote and service type.

Step 2: Know Your Budget

Auto transport pricing can vary based on several factors. Reference our blog, Top 5 Affordable Car Shipping Companies in 2025, for details on what to consider.

Factors that affect price:

Travel distance
Size and weight of your vehicle
Transport type (open/enclosed)
Time of year (summer and holidays are peak seasons)
Fuel prices and route popularity
Expedited or targeted pickup dates
Non-stock items like lift kits or large tires

Beware of the lowest quote. While saving money is tempting, the cheapest quote often comes with trade-offs: hidden fees, longer wait times, or poor service. Aim for value, not just price.

Step 3: Research Multiple Companies

Comparing quotes is sensible, but dig deeper than cost alone. Be sure to research at least 3–5 companies, looking at their services, customer reviews, experience, and reputations:

Check online reviews
Look up companies on Google, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Trustpilot to get honest feedback from past customers.

Explore company websites
Reputable companies provide clear details about their services, FAQs, and contact information. A poorly maintained website could be a red flag.

Step 4: Verify Licensing and Insurance

Protect yourself by ensuring the company is legally allowed to operate:

FMCSA registration
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all transport companies to register. Ask a provider for their Motor Carrier number and verify it on the FMCSA website.

Insurance coverage
Confirm your provider offers adequate insurance for your vehicle while in transport. To learn more about this topic, read our guide: Understanding Auto Transport Insurance.

Step 5: Get Quotes and Compare

Once you’ve narrowed your list, request quotes through their websites or by calling (888) 588-1269.

What to compare:

Final price (including any fees)
Delivery window
Customer service responsiveness

Watch for bait-and-switch tactics: Some brokers offer low quotes and later increase the price. Always get written confirmation of the final quote.

Step 6: Ask the Right Questions

Before committing, ask these essential questions:

Are there any hidden fees?
What’s the policy on delays or damages?
What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Asking these upfront avoids miscommunication and unexpected surprises.

Step 7: Read Shipping Agreement Carefully

Thoroughly review the terms and conditions before signing a contract:

Check the terms of service
Confirm the estimated delivery timeframe
Understand your liability in case of damage
Make sure refund and cancellation policies are clearly explained

If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before agreeing.

Step 8: Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

Once your booking is confirmed and you have a pickup date, prepare your car for a safe journey:

Clean the vehicle for inspection
Remove personal items
Take photos of your vehicle
Disable alarms and remove toll tags
Keep the fuel tank about ¼ full
Charge the EV battery between 45 and 65%

Full guide: How to Prepare Your Car for Auto Transport

Choosing the Best Affordable Auto Transport Company

Finding the best and most affordable auto transport company is about balance—you want competitive pricing and peace of mind. Choosing the lowest quote without checking credentials and reviews can cost more in the long run.

Here’s a final checklist:

✅ Identify your shipping needs
✅ Set a realistic budget
✅ Research 3–5 companies
✅ Verify licensing and insurance
✅ Ask smart questions
✅ Read the shipping agreement thoroughly
✅ Prepare your vehicle for pickup

By following these steps, you can enjoy a smooth, affordable, and stress-free auto transport experience.

Ready to Ship Your Car?

Auto Shipping Group offers affordable, nationwide car shipping services. With our extensive carrier network, we can arrange vehicle transportation for your car, truck, EV, SUV, motorcycle, or other vehicle, no matter the distance.