According to the IBISWorld report, there are around 7,858 businesses in the U.S. vehicle shipping industry, indicating high demand for cross-country car shipping services. But is it a safe method? How can one ensure their car is in safe hands and avoid any possible scams during long-distance vehicle shipping? Discover in this guide.
Is Shipping Car Across Country via Transport Carrier Safe?
Yes, it’s mostly safe, provided you do your research and prepare your car before moving. That means, for a reliable nationwide auto transport, you must do a background check for the carrier, verify their FMCSA registration number, and read online reviews about them. Also, consult your close friends and family for any recommendations for trusty car shipping brokers in your area.
Moreover, to avoid any damage during transport, prepare your car before shipping such as, remove car attachments or clean your car before moving. Plus, make sure the car is locked before it is loaded onto the truck.
5 Ways to Ensure Safe Cross-Country Car Shipping
- Hire a Licensed Carrier
- Research the Company Online
- Choose Enclosed Car Shipping
- Check the Carrier’s Insurance
- Prepare the Car Before Moving
Damage possibility during coast-to-coast car transport is generally low due to industry safety protocols. But still, you need to follow these rules to ensure your car’s safety and protection during transit.
Hire a Licensed Carrier
To ensure your car’s safety while moving it across the country via a car shipping service, make sure you hire a licensed carrier. Check your carrier company’s MC number on the FMCSA website and their USDOT number to verify their legality and safety regulations.
This will ensure a safe delivery and give you the peace of mind that in case of any damage to your car, your loss will be covered. Also, since licensed carriers are verified by the legal authorities, it reduces your chances of getting scammed as well.
Research the Company Online
We strongly suggest researching your potential shipping company online. Read reviews about it on platforms like BBB or ask about it on the local community groups on Facebook and/or Reddit. This will give you an idea of their number of successful car shipments and how trustworthy they are.
There will always be some bad experiences here and there, no matter how good the company is. However, the overall rating should be between 4.5 and 4.9 stars. Moreover, search keywords like ‘scam’, ‘car damage’, ‘hidden fees’ etc. along with the name of the company and see if you notice any consistent theme of bad reviews about them. If so, you can ask their support about that and observe how they respond or avoid hiring them entirely.
The reason we’re suggesting to go an extra step to ask the support about bad reviews is because sometimes companies are bombarded with bad reviews from scammers who ask for money to remove their reviews or some shady competitors have their friends leave reviews in hopes to get their business.
That said, it is risky to pick a car shipping company that’s new because they lack experience, and you might suffer through damage, delays, or the worst sudden cancellation or scam.
Choose Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed car shipping protects your car from external damages like dust, debris, harsh weather, and theft. So it’s another important approach during coast-to-coast car transport that ensures your car’s safety.
However, do keep in mind that it’s pricier than open car shipping. According to Move.org, enclosed car shipping is almost 40% more expensive than open car shipping. So it’s only a good idea when shipping long distances or if you own a luxury vehicle. Also, enclosed car shipping has limited availability. So you must book this service in advance.
If you’re not sure whether you should ship your car enclosed or not, may be due to its financial value, your budget, or the commonality of this service mode, here’s what we found.
According to our data, 12% of vehicles we shipped were enclosed. Furthermore, 18% people with vehicle values over $60k chose enclosed carriers and once the vehicle value exceeded $100k, over 30% people preferred enclosed carriers. Lastly, people with over $200k vehicle chose an enclosed carrier in 87% of the cases, showing how vehicle value is directly tied to higher security measures. Hopefully, you can decide whether an enclosed carrier is the right choice for your car.
Check the Carrier’s Insurance
Check if your carrier company has liability insurance to cover the damage, if something happens to your car while in transit. You can ask the carrier company for a copy of their insurance. Make sure to read it carefully and see if it will cover your car’s damage. And if you doubt it won’t, you can always buy extra insurance.
Also, make sure you know beforehand how to file insurance claims in case of damage. Otherwise, if you waste time trying to figure out how to file an insurance claim, your claim may get denied due to late reporting.
Prepare the Car Before Moving
For safe shipping, it is very important to prepare your car before moving. Wash your car’s exterior thoroughly, so you can spot new damage after shipment. And remove any personal belongings before pickup, as they can move while in transit and cause damage to your car.
Also, make sure your car is locked before it is loaded on the transport truck. That’s because, in a long-distance transport there can be multiple carrier transfers and overnight stops, so it’s always best to play it safe and lock your car before moving.
Looking for someone reliable to move your car? Call Easy Auto Ship at (888) 687-3243 for a free, no-obligation car shipping quote and work with the best in the business.
Common Red Flags in Cross-State Car Shipping Services
Even though cross-country car shipping services in the U.S. are generally safe, here are a few red flags to avoid to ensure your vehicle’s safety.
Fake Auto Transport Companies
Another scam that’s very common and very easy to spot is the fake auto transport companies. These companies pretend to be real ones and they might steal the branding of a legitimate company, but they have nothing to offer in the end. They will only take your money and then ghost you.
You can avoid this scam and ensure safe shipping, if you check their given registration number on the official FMCSA website. Scan through their site carefully and see if the important information, such as phone number, address, etc., matches what’s given about them on the FMCSA site.
Too Good To Be True Quotes
Never go for a shipping service that’s offering rates way lower than the average market. It’s only a technique to lure clients, and there are always hidden costs involved. These companies will demand more money from you once your car is in transit or after delivery.
They’ll ask you to pay for the unexpected fuel surcharges or simply the ‘handling’ fee. That’s why you should read the contract carefully and see if there’s anything mentioned as ‘miscellaneous charges’. Ask your company to be clear about each statement and fee. Never sign the contract until your doubts are not cleared, and make sure you choose a company that’s not just cheap but reputable as well.
Upfront Payment Request
It’s not safe to pay the whole deposit in advance, it’s a scam. And auto shipping companies that ask for full or substantial payment upfront are illegitimate. They will 100% take your money and vanish. Never let the rush pressurize you to pay fully in advance.
However, a small, reasonable deposit is ok. It secures the booking and might cover the administrative work in case of long-distance transport. Just make sure this deposit fee is no more than 10% to 25% of the total cost of shipping.
How to protect a car during shipping?
Protect a car during shipping by preparing, securing, and positioning it strategically. Wash and document the car’s condition with photos before pickup. Remove detachable or protruding parts like spoilers, mirrors, and antennas. Request a top-load position on an open carrier to avoid fluid drips or debris.
Use enclosed transport for high-value vehicles. Disable alarms, retract antennas, fold mirrors, and secure loose interior items. Maintain fluid levels (add antifreeze for winter shipments) and tire pressure (30psi for small vehicles & 35psi for larger ones).
| Action | Reason/Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wash and photograph car | Provides clear proof of condition before transport |
| Remove protruding parts (spoilers, mirrors) | Prevents breakage from tight spaces |
| Disable alarms and retract antennas | Avoids accidental activation or damage |
| Choose top-load or enclosed carrier | Protects from debris, leaks, and weather |
| Maintain tire pressure and secure interior | Reduces shifting or vibration damage |
| Use steering wheel lock and remove valuables | Prevents theft or movement inside carrier |
| Verify insurance and inspect on delivery | Ensures coverage for potential damage |
A professional car shipping broker will work with you to ensure your concerns are addressed regarding the vehicle safety before its shipped.
Easy Auto Ship Is a Trusted, Reliable Car Transport Company in The Us:
For safe car shipping across the country, you need to consider some rules. For example, you should hire a licensed carrier with good online reviews and insurance to cover the car’s damage in case of an accident.
Also, you’re supposed to prepare your car before moving and opt for enclosed car shipping, if you want your car to reach its destination safe and sound. Moreover, don’t fall for the common auto transport scams, if you want safe shipping.
Lastly, if you want to stay safe from all of the less common, but real risks of shipping with unreliable, shady car shippers, Easy Auto Ship can help. We’re a licensed car shipping company with a brick and mortar institute and over a decade of experience.
Being the winner of Forbes Home’s Best Car Shipping company award and numerous accolades, we’re among the leading names across the US. So call (888) 687-3243 for a free, no-obligation car hauling estimate and work with the best in the business.
FAQs
Do cars get damaged in shipping?
Practically yes. But it also depends on the type of shipping service you choose. For instance, if you choose open car shipping for a long journey, your vehicle is at a high risk to suffer damage either due to handling errors, bad weather, theft, or vandalism.
How do I not get scammed while shipping my car?
Make sure you pick a shipping company; one that’s registered with the FMCSA. Check their insurance information thoroughly and read internet reviews about them.
Why should I go for a transport carrier over driving my car?
You should go for a transport carrier over driving the car yourself, if you dislike long-distance drives or if you want to preserve your car’s resale value. Also, this saves you the headache of managing everything on your own and offers full coverage in case of damage.
How long does car shipping usually take?
A car shipping company can deliver your vehicle in around 14 days. But that’s just a rough idea. For an accurate timing detail, distance, delivery location, and time of the year counts.
Can I get full coverage in case of damage?
Possibly yes. If you hire a reliable auto shipping broker in the U.S. you can get full coverage in case of damage, as they only partner with insured and licensed carriers.
Not only that, a reputable broker will also navigate claims smoothly by communicating and negotiating with both your car’s insurance and shipping company. So there are good chances that you’ll get full coverage.
