Shipping a car can feel rather daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. You’ve got to think about choosing a carrier, deciding whether open or enclosed is the best option, preparing your vehicle for the journey, and understanding the fine print of the shipping contract. Hidden in these elements are lots of opportunities to make costly mistakes.
However, don’t be disheartened. You can easily avoid most pitfalls with some planning and the correct information.
In this post, we’ll explore the most common mistakes people make when shipping a car and show you how to avoid them, ensuring your car shipping experience is smooth, stress-free, and cost-effective.
1. Booking Too Late
Waiting until the last minute to arrange car shipping is one of the easiest ways to run into problems. Carriers plan their schedules well in advance, and if you wait too long, you may find fewer transport options available. Limited availability can lead to higher prices, longer wait times, or settling for a carrier that doesn’t meet your expectations.
You can avoid this pitfall by:
- Booking your shipment at least two to four weeks ahead of your preferred pick-up date.
- Allowing even more time during busy seasons, such as summer or snowbird migration periods.
If you book early, you’ll have access to more carriers, better pricing, and greater flexibility in scheduling.
2. Choosing the Cheapest Quote Blindly
It’s natural to look for ways to save money, but picking a transport company based solely on the lowest price can backfire. Some carriers lure customers in with rock-bottom quotes, only to tack on hidden fees later or deliver poor service. Others may lack the proper insurance or experience, putting your vehicle at risk.
You can avoid it by:
- Comparing at least three to five quotes to understand the fair market rate for your route.
- Checking the carrier’s reviews, ratings, and credentials before booking.
Look beyond the price and consider insurance coverage, communication, and reliability as part of the overall value.
3. Skipping the Vehicle Inspection
Skipping a proper inspection before shipping your car is a mistake that can cause major headaches later. If damage occurs during transport and you don’t have proof of your car’s pre-shipping condition, it becomes difficult to file a successful claim or hold the carrier accountable.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Walk around your vehicle with the carrier during pick-up and note any scratches, dents, or existing issues on the Bill of Lading.
- Take clear, dated photos of all sides of your car, plus close-ups of any imperfections.
- Repeat the process at delivery and compare against your pre-shipping documentation before signing off.
4. Overlooking Insurance Coverage
Many assume their car is fully insured once loaded onto a carrier, but that’s not always true. Some carriers only carry the minimum coverage required by law, which may not fully protect your vehicle if it’s damaged during transport. Overlooking the details of a policy could leave you paying out of pocket for costly repairs.
How to avoid it:
- Ask the carrier for a copy of their insurance certificate and confirm it’s current.
- Check coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions to see what they include.
- Consider purchasing supplemental coverage if you’re shipping a high-value or classic vehicle.
5. Not Prepping the Vehicle
Handing over your car without proper preparation can create unnecessary complications. Leaving personal belongings inside can add weight and violate carrier policies, potentially leading to delays or extra charges. Skipping basic maintenance checks may also result in issues when loading or unloading, particularly if your vehicle doesn’t start or roll properly.
You can avoid this error by:
- Removing all personal items, toll tags, and parking passes before shipping.
- Making sure the gas tank is only about one-quarter full to reduce weight and safety risks.
- Checking the battery, brakes, and tire pressure to ensure your car is ready to drive on and off the trailer.
- Giving the vehicle a quick wash makes it easier to spot existing scratches or dents during inspection.
6. Not Researching the Carrier or Broker
Another significant mistake to avoid is rushing into a booking without thoroughly researching the company you’re entrusting your car to. Some companies operate without proper licensing, others act as middlemen without transparency, and a few are outright scams. Doing your homework can prevent delays, damage, or even losing your deposit.
How to avoid it:
- Verify that the company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and has a valid USDOT number.
- Look at independent reviews on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, or Trustpilot.
- Before signing a contract, ask questions about experience, insurance coverage, and communication practices.
7. Misunderstanding Delivery Timeframes
Many first-time shippers expect car transport to run like parcel delivery, with guaranteed arrival dates. In reality, auto shipping depends on multiple factors such as weather, traffic, and route scheduling. Misunderstanding these can lead to frustration and poor planning.
You can avoid this by:
- Asking your carrier for an estimated delivery window rather than a fixed date.
- Building flexibility into your schedule, especially for cross-country or seasonal shipments.
- Staying in touch with your carrier during transit for updates on progress.
8. Failing to Disclose Vehicle Condition
Failing to disclose your car’s actual condition to the carrier can cause significant delays. A vehicle that doesn’t start, has low ground clearance, or includes modifications like oversized tires requires special equipment and planning. If these details are a surprise at pick-up, you may face extra fees or even be refused service.
How to avoid it:
- Be honest about whether your car is operable or inoperable.
- Mention any aftermarket modifications or unusual dimensions.
- Provide accurate details up front so the carrier can send the right truck and equipment.
9. Leaving Personal Items in the Vehicle
It is tempting to use your car as extra storage space during transport, but most carriers prohibit this for safety, liability, and weight reasons. Leaving items inside can delay shipping, void insurance coverage, or result in lost or damaged belongings.
You can avoid this mistake by:
- Remove all personal items, including electronics, bags, and valuables. Double-check the glove box, trunk, and under seats before handing over the keys.
- Double-check the glove box, trunk, and under seats before handing over the keys.
- If your carrier allows a small amount of cargo, confirm weight limits and liability before shipping.
10. Ignoring the Difference Between Open and Enclosed Transport
Many first-time shippers are unaware of the significant impact the choice between open and enclosed trailers has on cost and protection. Picking the wrong vehicle option can lead to overspending or unnecessary exposure.
How to avoid it:
- Choose open car transport if you’re shipping a standard daily driver and want the most affordable option.
- Select enclosed transport if you have a luxury, exotic, or classic vehicle that needs extra protection.
- Balance your budget with your vehicle’s value and your comfort level.
Conclusion
Shipping a car doesn’t have to be stressful, but avoiding common mistakes makes all the difference. From researching carriers and disclosing your vehicle’s condition to preparing properly and understanding delivery timelines, small steps can save you from major headaches later. Insurance coverage, inspection photos, and choosing the right transport type are equally crucial in protecting your investment.
