Choosing the right car shipping company can be the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and a costly, frustrating one. With thousands of auto transporters and brokers operating in the U.S., customers often struggle to know who they can really trust.

 

Are you a licensed carrier or a broker?

This is the most important question.

A carrier owns transport trucks.
A broker arranges shipping through third-party carriers.

Both can be good — but you must know who you're dealing with.

Verify via FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration):
https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_carrquery.prc_carrlist

Look up:

• MC Number

• DOT Number

• Company status

 

What insurance coverage do you provide?

Every legitimate transporter must carry liability and cargo insurance. But coverage amounts vary, and some exclusions apply.

Ask:

• What is the insurance limit per vehicle?

• What damages are covered?

• Is weather damage covered?

• Can I buy additional insurance?

FMCSA insurance regulations:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/insurance-requirements

 

How do you calculate your shipping quotes?

A transparent company will clearly explain cost factors:

• Distance

• Route demand

• Fuel prices

• Vehicle type/size

• Season

• Shipping method (RoRo, container, open, enclosed)

 

Is the price guaranteed or can it change later?

Some companies lure customers with low quotes and increase the price later.

Ask if your price is:

• Locked-in

• Estimated

• Subject to carrier acceptance

 

How do you handle loading and securing the vehicle?

Proper loading is crucial, especially for luxury, classic, or oversized vehicles.

Ask about:

• Straps vs wheel nets

• Ramps

• Enclosed vs open trailers

• Container loading procedures

• Multi-vehicle loading safety

 

What is the expected timeline for pickup and delivery?

Shipping times depend on:

• Distance

• Route popularity

• Weather

• Port congestion

• Shipping method

Ask for a realistic window — not promises of “exact dates,” which are rarely possible.

 

How do you communicate during the shipping process?

A reliable company provides:

• Tracking updates

• Pickup & delivery notifications

• A direct contact person

• Warehouse confirmation

• Loading photos or videos

Lack of communication is one of the most common customer complaints in the industry.

 

What shipping methods do you offer?

Depending on your vehicle and destination, different methods apply:

• Container Shipping (most secure for international transport)

• RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) for running vehicles

• Enclosed trailers for premium vehicles

• Open trailers for economy domestic shipping

A professional company will help you choose the best method for your budget and vehicle type.

 

Can I leave personal items inside the vehicle?

Rules vary by shipping type.

Most RoRo carriers forbid personal items.
Container shipping allows some items but must follow customs rules.

 

What happens if my vehicle is delayed or damaged?

A trustworthy carrier will explain:

• The claims process

• Who is responsible

• How delays are handled

• What documentation will be provided

 

Choosing the right car shipping company comes down to one thing: trust backed by transparency.

By asking these 10 essential questions, you will quickly identify whether a shipping company is professional, experienced, and reliable — or one to avoid.

At All Cargo Export, we encourage customers to ask these questions because we believe in complete transparency, professional communication, and safe loading practices.

When your vehicle is valuable, your shipping partner must be, too.