Your car is a valuable asset, so finding a trustworthy vehicle shipping company takes more than a Google search. As such, it is essential to assess a potential company's reliability as well as the logistics of shipping your specific vehicle. To do so, it is helpful to call potential vehicle relocation companies and speak to representatives who can fully answer your questions. Here are 15 questions to ask before you choose a company to transport your car.
Don’t assume the company or even the drivers have proper certification and licensing. Ask if the company employs professional, insured drivers and if the company itself is certified to move vehicles across provincial boundaries and international borders.
Inquire about the company's history, experience, and reputation in the industry. Ask about any awards, certifications, or partnerships that demonstrate their expertise and reliability.
Look for a company that owns its trucks and has in-house employees who perform the move. Car shipping brokers use the lowest bidders, not necessarily the best.
Ask about the company's security measures, including fenced storage facilities, surveillance systems, and trained staff. Inquire about their protocols for keeping vehicles safe during transport and storage.
Get a representative to explain how the shipping process works, from pickup to delivery. Will you need to be present to help load and unload the vehicle? Are there any stops along the way where your car will be sitting unattended for long periods?
Discuss the available transport methods, such as car carriers or rail options. Ask about the pros and cons of each method and which one they recommend for your specific vehicle and needs.
Confirm the company's service areas, including domestic and international shipping capabilities. Ask about any restrictions or special requirements for specific destinations, especially for cross-border transport.
Discuss available pickup and delivery options, including door-to-door service or terminal-to-terminal transport. Ask about flexibility in scheduling and any requirements for your presence during pickup or delivery.
Ask for an estimated timeline for your specific route. Keep in mind that shipping duration will vary based on factors like distance, transport method, and logistics.
Especially when shipping a vehicle across international borders, you’ll need to fill out the proper paperwork and complete the appropriate documentation. An established and experienced vehicle shipping company will be able to tell you what you need to do.
Auto shipping companies have rules and regulations about what you can and cannot ship with the vehicle, like personal belongings. You may also need to disable the alarm system and repair broken, loose or rusted parts before shipping.
Verify that your quote doesn’t include any extra costs. Get an itemized list of what’s included in the quote and ask about other fees, surcharges or costs that may not be listed.
All legally operating auto shipping companies must carry insurance. However, you need to know what the insurance covers. Some companies carry business insurance but not coverage for customer vehicles. Others may apply a deductible to customer coverage.
An honest and transparent car shipping company will provide online vehicle tracking, so you can follow your vehicle’s journey at any time, whether it’s being transported by truck or rail.
Hansen’s has a 45-year history of safe and efficient car shipping across Canada and to the U.S. We operate a fleet of over 300 hundred transport vehicles and partner with CPKC Railway to ensure the secure and efficient transport of vehicles for customers who range from private car owners to dealerships, corporations, and moving companies.
We offer flexible drop-off, pickup and delivery options. Plus, our on-fleet tracking devices, 24/7 surveillance, and professional drivers and staff ensure your vehicle’s safekeeping.
Our dedication to excellence is evidenced by our industry awards, positive customer reviews, and our daily efforts to implement greener practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce idling time, and make car shipping more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.
With Hansen’s, you can rest easy knowing that when we deliver your vehicle, the job will be done properly and professionally. Plus, you’ll receive the customer care you deserve. Contact us today to speak with one of our customer service representatives to find the answers to the questions above and any others you may have. You can also request a quote using our online form.
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