Is car shipping safe? Vehicle transport avoids adding a long drive to your car, but no shipment is risk-free. The useful checks are specific: verify the companies involved, understand the written transport and coverage terms, prepare the vehicle and document its condition at both ends.
Use these seven steps before handing over the keys.
1: Research the Companies You Might Hire
Read recent independent reviews and look for patterns in communication, pricing and problem resolution. A review score or a polished website is only a starting point. Compare the business name, contact details and registration information with the company named on your quote.
Elevation Transport Services verification: Customers can independently review Elevation’s 400+ Google Reviews, its A+ BBB Accredited profile, and its FMCSA record for USDOT 3180003.
Our guide to choosing an auto transport company explains other questions to ask before booking.
2: Verify Identity and Operating Authority
Ask who is arranging the shipment and which motor carrier will physically transport the car. When a carrier is assigned, obtain its legal name and USDOT or MC number. Check that these details match the dispatch information before pickup.
FMCSA directs customers to its Licensing and Insurance system to check interstate operating authority and related filings. A listed USDOT number alone does not establish that every service advertised is authorized. Investigate mismatched names, unexplained payment instructions or a different company arriving to collect the vehicle before releasing it.
3: Compare Written Quotes for the Same Shipment
Give each company the same pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, operating condition, transport type and pickup window. Compare the total price and payment schedule, including any amount paid at booking and the remaining carrier balance. Read the cancellation terms and ask what changes could affect the price.
A pickup request is not the same as a confirmed carrier appointment. Keep the written quote, service terms and dispatch confirmation together so you can see what has actually been agreed.
4: Check Coverage Instead of Relying on Price
A low or high quote does not establish how well your vehicle is protected. Ask for the assigned carrier’s current cargo coverage information and clarify the applicable limits, deductible, exclusions and claim-reporting procedure for your vehicle. Explain any unusually high value or modifications before booking.
FMCSA’s insurance filing requirements differ by entity and operation. Public liability filings or a transport arranger’s bond are not confirmation of the cargo coverage available for damage to your particular car. If the documents are unclear, ask the carrier or insurance representative to explain them.
5: Prepare Your Car and Disclose Loading Problems
Remove personal belongings and toll transponders, secure loose accessories, and provide a working key. Disclose leaks, flat tires, battery problems, low ground clearance and any inability to start, roll, steer or brake. These details determine whether different loading equipment is needed.
Follow the carrier’s preparation instructions; approximately one-quarter tank of fuel is a common planning target for a gasoline vehicle. Clean the exterior enough to make existing marks visible. Wax is not a substitute for suitable transport equipment or an inspection. Use our car shipping preparation checklist to organize these tasks.
6: Confirm the Driver and Pickup Handoff
Check the arriving carrier against the dispatch details. Explain any starting procedure, alarm, clearance issue or loose part before loading. Confirm the pickup and delivery contacts and how schedule updates will be communicated.
The loading location must let the carrier stop, load and leave safely and legally. A narrow street, low branch or gated entrance may require an agreed nearby meeting point. If the vehicle, equipment or carrier details differ from the arrangement, resolve that discrepancy before the handoff.
7: Record Condition at Pickup and Delivery
Walk around the vehicle with the driver at pickup. Photograph each side, wheels, glass and any existing damage, and review the condition record on the bill of lading or inspection report before signing. Keep your own copy and the original photos.
At delivery, compare the vehicle with that pickup record before signing the delivery inspection. Record any newly observed damage accurately, take photographs and promptly contact the carrier and transport coordinator. Request the applicable claim instructions and deadlines; an inspection note alone does not complete a claim.
Plan the Shipment Around Your Vehicle
These checks help you make an informed choice and create a clear handoff record. For a classic, exotic or other high-value vehicle, discuss its value, ground clearance and protection needs when comparing open and enclosed transport. No transport method eliminates every risk.
Planning a vehicle shipment? Explore our nationwide auto transport services or request a vehicle transport quote with your route, vehicle condition and preferred timing.
Related services: professional auto transport | enclosed car shipping.
Current Service Information
Elevation Transport Services | Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Eastern Time | (800) 251-9024 | info@elevationtransportservices.com
Current service availability, policies, pricing, and scheduling are governed by the information on this website and the written quote for each shipment.
Need Help Planning Your Vehicle Transport?
Tell us your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, operating condition and preferred timing. We will review the appropriate open or enclosed transport option and provide a shipment-specific quote.
