Moving from California to New York can be an exciting and challenging experience, and shipping your car can make the process much easier. However, choosing the right car shipping company is crucial to ensure that your vehicle arrives safely and on time. In this article, we’ll provide you with a guide to help you choose the right car shipping company for your move from California to New York.
Research Car Shipping Companies The first step in choosing the right car shipping company is to do your research. You can start by searching online for car shipping companies that specialize in cross-country moves. Look for companies with good reviews and ratings from previous customers. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family who have shipped their cars before.
Check Licensing and Insurance Before choosing a car shipping company, make sure to check their licensing and insurance. All car shipping companies must have a valid Motor Carrier (MC) number and a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify this information on the FMCSA website.
In addition, car shipping companies must have liability and cargo insurance to cover any damages that may occur during transport. Ask for proof of insurance and make sure it’s up-to-date.
Compare Quotes Once you have a list of potential car shipping companies, it’s time to compare quotes. Most reliable car shipping companies that ship cars from California to New York will provide you with a free quote based on the distance, type of transport, and the type of vehicle you’re shipping. Make sure to get quotes from at least three different companies to compare prices and services.
When comparing quotes, make sure to ask about the company’s policies on pick-up and delivery times, as well as any additional fees that may apply. Some companies may charge extra for additional insurance, expedited delivery, or terminal-to-terminal shipping.
Check for Hidden Fees When choosing a car shipping company, make sure to check for any hidden fees. Some companies may advertise low prices, but they may have hidden fees that can add up quickly. Make sure to read the fine print and ask about any additional fees that may apply, such as fuel surcharges, tolls, or taxes.
In addition, some car shipping companies may charge extra fees for oversized or modified vehicles. Make sure to disclose any modifications or oversized vehicles when getting a quote to avoid any surprises later on.
Choose the Right Type of Transport There are two main types of transport when it comes to shipping your car: open and enclosed transport. Open transport is the most common and less expensive method, where your car will be loaded onto a trailer with other vehicles and transported to the destination. Enclosed transport is a more expensive option that provides more protection for your car. This type of transport involves loading your car onto an enclosed trailer with only a few other vehicles. To see what goes into our algorithm that determines auto transport quotes go here.
When choosing the type of transport, consider the value of your car and its condition. If you have a high-end or luxury car, or if you’re shipping a classic car, enclosed transport may be the best option to ensure its safety.
Read Reviews and Check References Before choosing a car shipping company, make sure to read reviews and check references. Look for reviews on the company’s website, as well as on third-party review sites like Yelp and Google. You can also ask the company for references from previous customers.
When checking references, ask about their experience with the company, including the quality of service, communication, and timeliness. This will give you a good idea of what to expect when working with the company.
Final Thoughts Choosing the right car shipping company for your move from California to New York can make all the difference in ensuring that your vehicle arrives safely and on time. Make sure to do your research, check licensing and insurance, compare quotes, check for hidden fees, choose the right type of transport, and read reviews and check references