Table of contents
Quick answer
Choose a company with active FMCSA authority and insurance, a realistic quote with clear inclusions, recent reviews that describe on-time pickups, reasonable payment and cancellation terms, and responsive, specific answers to your questions.
1. Confirm licensing and insurance
- Active authority that matches the company's name
- Carrier's certificate of insurance with a cargo limit you're comfortable with
- Broker authority and bond if the company is a broker
2. Compare quotes like for like
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total price | Some quotes leave out fees that appear later |
| Guaranteed or estimated | Estimates can rise after booking |
| Pickup window | A cheap quote with a vague window can mean long waits |
| Transport type | Open and enclosed prices aren't comparable |
| Deposit and cancellation | Determines what you lose if plans change |
Total price
- Why it matters
- Some quotes leave out fees that appear later
Guaranteed or estimated
- Why it matters
- Estimates can rise after booking
Pickup window
- Why it matters
- A cheap quote with a vague window can mean long waits
Transport type
- Why it matters
- Open and enclosed prices aren't comparable
Deposit and cancellation
- Why it matters
- Determines what you lose if plans change
3. Read reviews the right way
- Favor recent reviews that mention routes, dates and vehicles
- Look at how the company responded to complaints
- Watch for bursts of vague five-star reviews
- Check whether problems were resolved, not just reported
4. Ask these questions before booking
- Are you a broker or a carrier?
- Is this price guaranteed once a carrier accepts?
- When is payment due, and is any deposit refundable?
- What happens if pickup is late?
- How will I get updates during transit?
- Who handles a damage claim?
5. Walk away if you see these
- No USDOT or MC number you can look up
- A price far below every other quote
- Payment only by wire, payment app, gift card or crypto
- Refusal to put terms in writing
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car shipping company?
The best company is one that serves your route reliably at a fair price. Rankings help you shortlist, but compare quotes for your exact dates.
Best car shipping companiesHow many quotes should I get?
Three to five quotes is usually enough to see the realistic price range for your route.
Should I choose a local company?
Not necessarily. For interstate moves, what matters is licensing, reliability on your route and clear terms.
Sources
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
