Are you looking to ship your car, but feeling overwhelmed by all the choices for vehicle shipping companies? The process of car transport can feel complicated, but asking the right questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.

Some companies might look good on the surface, but without asking these specific questions, you won’t get the full picture. Knowing exactly what to expect will prevent surprises and help you choose an auto transport company that fits your needs and budget.

At JP Auto Transport, we believe transparency and customer education are key to a smooth car shipping experience. So, before making your decision, here are the 10 essential questions you should ask any car shipping company.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

This is one of the most important questions to ask. Reputable car shipping companies, like JP Auto Transport, should be fully licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid USDOT number.

Insurance coverage is another critical factor. Ask the car moving company what their insurance covers and if you can purchase additional coverage for added peace of mind, especially if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle.

At JP Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on our reputation for safe, reliable vehicle shipping services. We are a licensed and insured carrier-broker vehicle logistics company authorized by the Federal Carrier Safety Administration under USDOT number 3215610.

What’s the Estimated Cost of Shipping a Car?

While the price is important, don’t just settle for the cheapest quote. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the cost to understand what you’re paying for, such as fuel, distance, insurance, and extra services like door-to-door delivery or expedited shipping.

Be cautious of car hauling companies that offer significantly lower quotes than others – it could be a red flag for hidden fees or subpar service.

JP Auto Transport is the only car transport company offering fixed rates to ship vehicles. Other car-hauling companies provide estimates, meaning the price may change even after the initial down payment for the shipment.

To secure the best rate, it’s a good idea to book your car transport a couple of weeks before your first available pickup date.

Here are estimated rates for shipping an operable standard 4-door passenger car via open car trailer from Houston, TX, to various destinations across the U.S.

Origin	Destination	Distance in miles	ETA
Houston, TX	Miami, FL	1,190	2 – 4 days
Houston, TX	New York, NY	1,634	3 – 5 days
Houston, TX	Chicago, IL	1,102	2 – 4 days
Houston, TX	San Francisco, CA	1,941	4 – 6 days
Houston, TX	Seattle, WA	2,338	5 – 7 days

It’s important to note that the cost may also be influenced by seasonal demand. For example, during the snowbird season (fall and spring), when many people are moving between the north and south, demand for car shipping services tends to be higher, which can affect pricing.

Try JP’s instant car shipping calculator to estimate your vehicle shipping price.

How is the Vehicle Picked Up and Delivered?

Most car-hauling companies offer door-to-door service, meaning your car is picked up from your specified location and delivered to your final destination.

Others may offer terminal-to-terminal, where you drop off and pick up your vehicle from a designated terminal. Ensure that the company’s service matches your needs and ask about potential fees or delays involved with each option.

What Is the Estimated Transit Time?

Understanding how long it will take to ship your vehicle is crucial, especially if you’re working with tight schedules. Ask the company for an estimated delivery window.

Factors such as distance, weather conditions, and road traffic can impact transit time, but  a reputable company should be able to provide a reasonable estimate based on  experience.

Most car carriers can travel up to 500 – 600 miles per day, which contributes to this typical time frame.

Here are the estimated transit times for shipping an operable standard 4-door passenger car via open car trailer from Houston, TX, to various destinations across the U.S.

Origin	Destination	Distance in miles	ETA
Houston, TX	Miami, FL	1,190	2 – 4 days
Houston, TX	New York, NY	1,634	3 – 5 days
Houston, TX	Chicago, IL	1,102	2 – 4 days
Houston, TX	San Francisco, CA	1,941	4 – 6 days
Houston, TX	Seattle, WA	2,338	5 – 7 days

What is Your Experience Transporting Vehicles?

If you’re shipping a classic car, motorcycle, or oversized vehicle, you’ll want to ensure the auto transport company has experience handling similar shipments.

Ask if they have experience shipping the type of vehicle you own, and how they plan to protect it during transit. For example, JP Auto Transport uses hydraulic lift gates and soft tie-downs to securely load and unload vehicles with low ground clearance.

One of the key factors that differentiate us from the competition is our unwavering commitment to delightful customer experience. From the moment you reach out to us for a quote until your vehicle is safely delivered, our team is dedicated to providing a seamless and stress-free experience.

We understand that shipping a car can be an important event, and our knowledgeable and friendly logistics coordinators are always ready to answer your questions, address your concerns, and keep you informed every step of the way.

Do You Offer Vehicle Tracking During Transit?

A reliable car shipping company should offer a tracking system that allows you to monitor the status and location of your vehicle in real time.

This provides peace of mind and helps you stay informed throughout the car shipping process. Ask the company how you can track your vehicle and if real-time updates are available.

JP Autos is a tech-forward car shipping company. Every driver who works with us undergoes a strict vetting process. We require every carrier who works with JP Auto Transport to use an App and integrate it with our Transport Management System (TMS). Once the vehicle is picked up, the driver is required to use our App to enable GPS tracking.

Also, we have a full track and trace team, part of our Dispatch department, that can call the driver and get his current location.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs?

It’s essential to ask about any potential hidden fees. Some companies might surprise you with additional charges for things like changing delivery dates, oversized vehicles, or last- minute bookings.

Get clarity on what the quoted price includes and whether there are any extra costs you should be aware of before finalizing the agreement.

Our car shipping price includes all taxes, insurance, and shipping costs. There are no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Our rates are fixed and guaranteed — if shipping costs exceed our quote, we cover the  difference – a 100% money-back guarantee if you decide to cancel anytime if we do not  have a carrier assigned for your shipment.

How Do You Manage Delays or Damages?

Unexpected delays or damage during transport can happen. Ask the company how they handle delays and what steps they take if your vehicle is damaged during transit.

A reputable vehicle shipping company will have a clear process in place to address any issues that arise, and their insurance should cover damage in the unlikely event it occurs.

Every carrier who works with us must undergo a strict vetting process and fully comply with the Department of Transportation Regulations. To qualify to work with us, every carrier must carry a minimum of $1M in liability coverage and a minimum of $100K in cargo coverage. Without these requirements, the carrier cannot work with our company.

We monitor this through special software that checks whether the insurance is active on a daily basis. In addition, JP Auto Transport carries supplemental liability insurance of $4M and $250K in cargo coverage.

In case of a damage claim, JP Auto Transport will help with filing any necessary insurance  claims.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

One of the best ways to gauge the reliability of a car shipping company is by checking their customer reviews. Ask the company for references or direct you to testimonials.

Online reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can give you valuable insight into the experiences of previous customers and help you make a more informed decision.

Here’s an example:

“JP Auto Transport was fantastic!

 “After a month of research, I found them to be the best choice. A Reddit recommendation led me to them, and they didn’t disappoint.

 Booking online was a breeze. Peter, their friendly agent, kept me in the loop, and my driver, Leo, was reliable and kind. I booked on Monday morning, and they picked up my car that same afternoon. It made a cross-country trip and arrived in great shape 8 days later, just a bit dirty from the road.

 The process was smooth, with no hassles or unexpected costs. The price was a bit over $2000, and it was worth every penny. Superior service—I’ll definitely use them again.”

– Vanessa Santa Cruz

Inc. 5000 Award

JP Auto Transport is proud to be recognized by Inc. 5000 magazine as one of the fastest- growing companies in America. This prestigious honor highlights our commitment to exceptional service, customer satisfaction, and continuous growth in the auto transport industry.

 

 

Make the Right Car Shipping Choice with JP Auto Transport

Choosing the right car shipping company doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By asking these 10 essential questions, you’ll be well-equipped to select a company that delivers on its promises and ensures your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.

At JP Auto Transport, we’re committed to providing transparent, reliable, and professional car shipping services that prioritize your vehicle’s safety and your peace of mind.

 

Get a Free Quote Today!

Ready to ship your car? JP Auto Transport is here to answer any questions you have and provide a no-obligation, FREE quote for your car shipping needs.

Whether you’re shipping across the country or just a few states away, we have the experience and resources to get your vehicle where it needs to go safely and efficiently.

Visit JP Auto Transport today to get started and enjoy a seamless car shipping experience.