Across the world, the car carrier market is worth US $834.95 million. There are thousands of companies that offer these services, so it can be difficult to find the right one for your needs. Learning more about the different options available for auto transport services can make it easier to select a company to work with!
Do you want to learn more about the factors you should consider when choosing Hawaii auto transport companies? Keep reading this guide for the top 11 tips you should follow when considering your transport options.
1. Consider Availability
When you are shipping your car to Hawaii, one of the first things you need to consider is availability. Whether you are moving or buying a new car, you need to make sure your vehicle will arrive when you need it.
Many shipping companies may not have any availability for weeks or even months. So, you need to make sure you find a company that has availability for your shipment date.
Often, vehicle transport companies will give you a window for when they will pick up your vehicle so you can find a time that fits your schedule.
2. Get a Pricing Estimate
Next, you need to understand the costs of auto transport in Hawaii. The cost of services will depend on many factors.
First, it depends on how far you are shipping your vehicle. The longer the distance, the higher the costs will be.
The price of shipping your car will also depend on the services you choose. For example, an enclosed transport service will cost much more than an open car hauler. This is because it fits fewer vehicles and is typically only used for classic or luxury vehicles.
Another thing that impacts the price of vehicle transport services is the size and type of car that you have. Larger cars will result in higher costs!
Most companies offer free pricing estimates so you can have a good idea of how much the service will cost. Getting quotes from several shipping companies will make it easy to find a company that fits your budget.
3. Understand What the Service Includes
While all vehicle transportation services can get your car from one place to another, different companies will include different amenities in their service. Learning the service includes can help you find a transport option that provides you with the highest value.
For example, will the company apply a protective wrap over your vehicle to protect it as it is being transported?
Understanding what is included in the price can help you choose the best company to work with.
4. Consider the Services They Offer
You also should consider the different services that a car transport company offers.
One of the most common options you can choose for car transportation is an open car hauler. This is simply a trailer that holds several vehicles. However, it doesn’t offer any protection from road debris or bad weather.
Instead, you may want to find a company that offers enclosed auto transport services. This is a more expensive transport option but offers much more protection. Most people with expensive vehicles choose this option to protect their car while it is on the road.
5. How Do They Handle Damages?
If your car is damaged during the shipping process, you need to be sure that it will be taken care of by the transport company. Because of this, you should ask each business what they do to prevent damages from happening and how they will make amends if something happens to your vehicle.
For example, do they use any type of protective barrier on your vehicle to protect it from loose gravel or other road debris?
If your car is damaged in any way, will they pay for the repairs?
6. Ask About Shipping Timeline
When you are shipping a vehicle, you need to be sure that it will be delivered when you need it. Asking your transport company about the shipping timeline can help you know what to expect.
Make sure you find a company that offers a guaranteed delivery date. This way, you can feel confident that your car will arrive on time and will not have to wait for weeks for your car to arrive.
Typically, companies with a larger fleet of carriers will be able to deliver your car more efficiently.
7. Consider Experience
Next, you should research a company’s experience in the industry. If you work with a company that has only been in business for a few years, you may be more likely to experience issues during the process.
On the other hand, a company that has been in business for several years will have more expertise and hands-on experience. They know the best practices in the industry and will likely have a better track record of delivering vehicles.
You can ask a company how long they have been in business to learn more about their experience.
If you have a classic or luxury car, you may also want to find a company that has experience shipping these specific types of cars. This way, you can feel confident that your investment will be protected while it is on the road.
8. Find a Licensed and Insured Company
Finding a transportation service that is licensed and insured can provide you with peace of mind as you ship your vehicle.
A company must be licensed to transport vehicles. This means that they must work with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and become a freight broker. Verifying that your company is licensed will ensure that they meet the proper qualifications to transport your vehicle.
You must also find an insured company. This way, you can feel confident that they will be financially responsible if anything happens to your vehicle during transport.
9. Check Online Reviews
If you are looking for a reliable and professional company to work with, checking online reviews is one of the most important things you can do. This way, you can identify potential red flags with a company before you hire them and experience similar issues.
First, you should check Google reviews. What have past customers had to say about their experience working with the company? Were there any serious complaints in the reviews that the company never responded to or resolved?
You can also check for reviews on the Better Business Bureau. This way, you can see if the company has had any serious issues in the past.
Lastly, you can learn more about a company’s reputation by getting recommendations from local family members or friends. Do you know someone that has recently used vehicle transportation services? If you do, they can tell you what company they worked with and whether or not they would recommend them.
10. Find a Local Company
To avoid unnecessary complications while you transport your vehicle, it is best to find a local company. This is because it will typically cost more to ship your vehicle if you live far away from a pickup location.
Plus, you know exactly where to find a local business if something goes wrong. Whether your car is damaged in the process or you experience any other issue, you can go to the physical location of the company and meet with a representative.
If a company is far away or out of state, it will be harder to get in touch with them.
11. Prioritize Convenience
Finally, you need to prioritize convenience when looking at different types of transport options for your vehicle.
Similarly, you should find a company that has great customer service. These are the people that you will deal with if something happens with your vehicle during transport or if you experience an issue.
Are the customer service representatives helpful and respectful when you talk with them? Do they take time to answer your questions clearly or do they try to get you off the phone as quickly as possible?
Finding a company with high-quality customer service will make your experience with a transport company much simpler and more rewarding.
Looking for a Hawaii Auto Transport Service?
Whether you are moving to Hawaii or simply need to transport a new vehicle to Hawaii, finding the right Hawaii auto transport services can provide you with peace of mind. Following these tips will help you find the right types of transport.
If you are looking for help with auto transport to Hawaii, Long Distance Towing can help! We offer nationwide car shipping from any city in the country and can help you protect your vehicle.
Contact us to learn more about our services and to get a pricing estimate for vehicle shipping.