Whether you need to transport a vehicle within Pennsylvania or to another state, selecting an appropriate car shipping company can be overwhelming. The vast selection of companies can be troubling as each differs in terms of services offered, pricing, and reliability. To ensure that your vehicle is safe, research is required. Here's how to find the best pennsylvania car shipping company.
1. Start with Reputation and Experience
Reputation comes hand in hand with experience and should be considered first once you look to hire a car shipping service in Pennsylvania. A car shipping service that has been previously established and serves consumers well will more often than not provide you with reliable services. Look for companies that have been in the business for several years. Also check if their reputation is good with industry organizations such as BBB. Customer reviews and ratings are available on Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, etc. so be sure to check those too.
2. Confirm Documentation and Coverage
It is equally important that the car shipping company has the documentation and coverage necessary for business. Car shipping companies in the U.S. are required to be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which makes certain that the company operates within standards set by the federal government. With the FMCSA, you can easily tell if a company has a valid license through its online database.
In addition, the coverage offered during transport should at least take care of damages or accidents. Good companies offer different levels of coverage and it is critical to know what is covered before any signing is done.
3. Research the Services Provided
When picking a car shipping company in Pennsylvania, you should determine the nature of transport services the company provides. Open transport and enclosed transport are the two main types.
Open transport is the most frequently used and cost effective method. It uses an open trailer that exposes the vehicle to the elements while shipping, grade entrusting the vehicle into an open trailer. While it's considered safe, it is ideal for vehicles that are standard and not too delicate to weather exposure.
Enclosed transport ensures even greater protection by putting your car in a fully enclosed trailer. For luxury, classic, and exotic cars, this option is the best as it offers maximum protection from weather elements, road debris, and even theft.
No matter your requirements or budget, all vehicle owners need to consider what type of transport best suits their vehicle and go for a company that provides those services.
4. Get Multiple Quotes
The company, route, and even time of the year can greatly cause variation in the pricing of car shipping services. To get the best deal possible, contact different companies in Pennsylvania and ask for quotes. The competitive nature of these car shipping companies will force them to be competitively priced, which is beneficial for you. A reliable company will have no issues openly discussing their pricing policy and will gladly give you a breakdown of costs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the quote with the lowest price advertised might not always be the best in terms of service. There is a chance that those companies that advertise low prices cut costs in service, or worse, have hidden charges. A better approach would be to focus on having a reasonable price while still ensuring the vehicle gets the protection and service needed.
5. Look at the Company's Vehicle Shipping Reliability Along With Their Deliver and Pick Up Schedule
Relying on a schedule is necessary when shipping the car. You want to select a business that offers timely delivery and shipment scheduling. It would be best to inquire about their average delivery time and what could influence that timeframe. While there can be delays due to weather conditions or traffic, a good company will maintain communication regarding the shipment's progress.
Also, check if the company gives multiple flexible options for pick-up and drop-off locations. If you have a specific time in mind or would like the car to a set address in Pennsylvania, confirm that the service will meet your needs.
6. Support and Communication
Another key concern in choosing a vehicle shipping company is their customer support. A company should be readily available to communicate with you and manage any concerns you might have. You should go for companies with a customer service specialist to handle your queries throughout the transport process whether you are before, while, or after the transport.
Customers should be updated on the movement of their cargo, have access to GPS tracking of their shipment, and have the chance to communicate with someone in case problems come up during transportation.
7. Read the Policies and Understand the Agreement
Make sure that you read every single detail carefully before signing any agreement, especially the terms in the areas of cancellation, delays, insurance, and liability. Without a doubt, make sure to note policies that may apply later on that are not revealed at the time of contracting. In any matter, the company should be forthright and clear in its dealings. Reputable companies will honor this.
8. Search for Other Deals or Promotions
Most car shipping companies in Pennsylvania have special discounts for military personnel, veterans, or return customers. Make sure you ask for any promotions that could reduce the amount you spend on your car transport.
Final Remarks
It is clear that settling on the most appropriate car shipping company in Pennsylvania goes beyond merely looking for the cheapest because it involves considering the company's reputation, experience, licenses obtained, offered services, and even how they serve their customers. The research done, the numerous quotations given, and questions asked are the main deciding factors that allow one to determine if their vehicle will be safely and reliably sent to the required location. Whether within Pennsylvania or outside the state, these recommendations will ensure selection of a reliable car shipping organization.
