A car is arguably an essential asset but some people may not have good car dealerships where they live. Conversely, others may have dealerships but not for the vehicle of their choice. This, therefore, warrants that the search may be online or through agents for dealerships outside their location.
When they get their desired automobile, there arises the need for shipment of the vehicle to the end user. On the other hand, people may want to relocate from one city or state to the other and would need to ship their vehicles.
All the above situations buttress the need for car shipping or auto transport services. Due to the high rate of demand for this service, there is a proliferation of companies that offer the service. This in turn makes it more difficult for people to find the right company to engage their services.
In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide on how to search for and select the right auto transport company. Meanwhile, read this article for tips on how to choose an automobile.
Tips for Selecting the Right Car Shipping Company
We have mentioned briefly that there are myriads of shipping companies in the nation which means that the customer has to pay more attention to some factors before settling for any company. If you just pick the first company that catches your fancy, you may either fall prey to scammers or you wouldn’t get the best offer that’s available.
Below are some steps that you should take to ensure that you end up making an informed decision that will be in your best interest.
Research and Gather Information
Take out time to check out as many auto shipping companies as possible. Look out for those with a proven track record of customer satisfaction amongst other virtues. While researching these companies, do not fail to read reviews from past customers. You can find these reviews on their websites or on third-party websites.
You can also solicit recommendations and testimonials from friends and family. Acquaintances are usually a safe source to get recommendations since you know who to trust their judgment and who not to.
Check Licensing and Credentials
It is highly necessary to ensure that the company you choose to use is properly registered and licensed. Ensure that they have the required permits to operate in the regions that your car would transit through and to.
You can check the websites of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to be sure that they are registered with them. Find out whether they are in compliance with the regulations of the industry before you commit your vehicle(s) to them. Here’s the page to start out from: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
If you fail to check and ascertain the registration and credentials of any company that you opt to work with, you may be opening yourself up to a number of things that you may not be able to seek redress for legally.
Verify Insurance Coverage
It is highly crucial that you verify the insurance coverage that’s provided by the company. Ask for a copy of their insurance policy and read the fine print. Make sure that the coverage protects your car in the event or any incident during haulage.
Inquire About Delivery Options
Ask for and make sure you understand every delivery option that the company offers. Review the options based on your preference. Do you want the car to be delivered straight to your doorstep or do you prefer terminal to terminal service? Bear in mind that each shipping option has its pros and cons. Consider these pros and cons so that you can choose the option that works best for you.
Evaluate Customer Service
Carefully assess the quality or type of customer service the company provides. A company that has a responsive and reliable customer service team will most definitely address whatever issues you have with them in a timely and responsible manner.
Ensure that you contact all the companies you are considering personally so that you can gauge the level of their professionalism. This will also show you how much they are willing to provide customer satisfaction.
Review the Contract
Make sure that you carefully read the terms and conditions of the contract provided by the company. Ensure that you understand and agree with everything in the contract before you append your signature. These terms include payment, cancellation policy, insurance, and other clauses. Get clarification for any ambiguous term or point.
Trust your Instincts
As you interact with the customer care team and other officials of the company you will naturally get some vibes from them. Learn to trust your instincts and do not override any negative vibe. Always work with service providers that you trust.
Working with a car shipping company that makes you uncomfortable is a No, No! Explore as many options as possible until you get the one you feel comfortable with.
Conclusion
We have shared some steps for selecting the right shipping company for you. If you follow these steps, you will surely find a company that will meet your needs and ensures that your vehicle is transported safely and securely.
