If you are shopping for the right car shipping company, locating and comparing prices can be the biggest challenge. Rather than going around calling every single company in the phone book, you can search online for price comparison sites and tables to help you get a better idea of what is available.

A good place to get started is ProAutoTransport.com, which offers comparison tables for companies that ship within the US and Canada. Keep in mind that international movers are not included here, so if you’re looking to ship your car overseas, you need to look elsewhere. Also, the prices offered in sites like this should be considered general guidelines, not exact, billable totals.

If you want something more specific, you can look into www.autoshippingfinder.com, which allows you to specify your needs and car details and then sends your request to companies, which will then contact you directly with a price quote. While this is a lot more specific, it can also get confusing eventually, as there as many as 50 companies listed in their directories, and trying to remember what all of them said in separate emails can get overwhelming.

In the end, remember that taking your time to compare prices and services is essential to a safe and successful shipping, so research your options well, not matter how you do it.

When searching for a car shipping company, price is only one of the many things you need to keep in mind. This is especially true if you are shipping an exotic or one-of-a-kind vehicle or if you have special circumstances that need to be addressed, such as the need for storage (rather than immediate delivery) once the car makes it to its destination.

If you’re searching online for a car shipping company, your best bet is to look into directories, which will list several companies and most likely offer comparison tables. Many directories are also arranged by state or city, so you can find a local company. This can help you cut costs and make things easier by dealing with an organization that knows your area and can arrange pick-ups faster.

If you have a special vehicle that you need shipped, such as a motorcycle or a boat, you want a company that specializes in that or that at least has a specific department or division that can deal with the particularities of shipping that. Large companies are not necessarily better than local ones, but they may have more manpower and experience, especially when it comes to special cases or shipping to particular destinations.

When it comes to international car shipping, unfortunately, many people choose international companies with blind folds on.  Like children playing with a piñata, when all the candy falls out, they grab the first piece of candy that falls to the ground. 

When googling for a car transporter, don’t chose the first company that pops up in your Google search engine …just because a car shipping company has high rankings in the search engines doesn’t mean that it offers quality service.   

A great way to rate an International car shipping company’s service is by reading the company reviews online.  Another great way to find out if a company is up to par is by asking the international shipping company for references from previous customers. 

Before explaining what door-to-door shipping is, let me explain what door-to-door shipping is not. Door-to-door shipping is not delivering your 2007 Honda Civic Sedan directly in front of your house on your newly paved wrap around driveway.    A truck driver needs adequate space in order to maneuver his truck.  If you live in an area with a lot of trees or very narrow streets, the truck driver will have to deliver your car at a nearby location.  

Many car shipping companies will tell you in advance if they will be unable to deliver directly in front of your house or apartment building, especially if they have delivered in your area in the past.  But if this is not the case and it is the first time that they’re delivering in your area, you will be notified by the carrier if they are not able to deliver your vehicle directly in front of your home.    

Tip: If you live in a residential area that doesn’t allow truck access, you may have to consider having your car delivered at a near by vacant parking area.  

If you are shipping your car on an open carrier during the week of Halloween, you will want to have adequate coverage because your car could get “egged” during transport.  If you’ve never experienced getting egged before, it can actually chip your paint.  So, make sure that the auto transport company you choose offers a full coverage insurance policy in case of any damages to your car.

On the day of delivery, if your car is damaged, you can feel confident about being covered because you have adequate insurance coverage. Your car shipping company should not have a problem reimbursing you for damages. But if they should happen to refuse reimbursement, you can simply file a report with the BBB.

Tip: On the day of pick-up, make sure that you receive a copy of your vehicle’s inspection report.  This report will state the condition of your vehicle such as current damages to your car such as nicks and scratches. You will want to keep this report with you for the day that your car is delivered. Also, make sure you thoroughly inspect your vehicle.