Common Car Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
Expert guide to successful vehicle transport without costly errors
Don't Let These Pitfalls Derail Your Vehicle Shipping Experience
Shipping a car might sound straightforward, but many customers run into avoidable problems that cause delays, extra costs, or even damage. Whether you're using open transport, enclosed transport, or specialized services like Hawaii & Alaska shipping, avoiding these common mistakes will ensure a smoother experience.
By proactively avoiding key mistakes, you help ensure a smoother and more reliable transport experience with our comprehensive auto transport services. Below are the most frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Expert Tip: The key to successful car shipping is preparation, research, and working with experienced professionals who guide you through the process.
1. Not Researching the Transport Company
One of the biggest mistakes is going with the first quote you get, especially if it's very cheap, without verifying the company's credentials.
Problems You May Face:
- •Company may be a broker with extra layers and less accountability
- •Lack of proper licensing, insurance, or track record
- •No verifiable MC (Motor Carrier) or DOT registration
- •Extremely low quotes often signal hidden fees or poor service
What to Do Instead:
- ✓Check USDOT and MC numbers using the FMCSA website
- ✓Read reviews from multiple sources (Google, BBB, TransportReviews.com)
- ✓Ask detailed questions about insurance, pickup windows, and carrier type
- ✓Focus on value (quality + reliability), not just lowest cost
2. Choosing the Lowest Quote Without Understanding Costs
While everyone wants to save money, selecting the cheapest quote is one of the riskiest vehicle shipping errors. Ultra-low pricing often sacrifices service quality.
Hidden Costs and Risks:
- •Delayed pickup or delivery due to carriers declining low-paying loads
- •Poor carrier quality (lack of proper equipment or experience)
- •Bait-and-switch tactics: quote one price, charge another later
- •Price hikes after booking with no recourse
What to Do Instead:
- ✓Compare 3-5 quotes and understand what's included
- ✓Ask about enclosed vs open transport, door-to-door vs terminal service
- ✓Verify insurance coverage levels and customer support availability
- ✓Choose value over cost – mid-range quotes from reputable companies deliver better results
3. Failing to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping
Many problems stem from the vehicle not being ready when the carrier arrives. Neglecting pre-shipment prep can delay pickup, result in extra charges, or even vehicle rejection.
Common Oversights:
- •Vehicle is dirty, making it hard to document pre-existing damage
- •Personal items, accessories, or loose parts left inside → risk of damage and insurance complications
- •Mechanical issues, full fuel tank, or active alarms delay pickup
- •Forgetting to remove toll tags and EZ passes
Pre-Shipping Checklist:
4. Inadequate Documentation & Contract Details
Shipping a vehicle isn't just loading it on a truck – proper contracts and paperwork matter. Missing documentation or unclear terms can lead to serious complications.
Common Problems:
- •Missing key documents (title, registration, export/import paperwork)
- •Contract terms not clearly understood: service type, insurance coverage, delay policies
- •Assuming everything is included without reading fine print
- •Hidden surcharges for fuel, oversized vehicles, or remote pickup
- •No written contract or vague terms about pricing and liability
What to Do Instead:
- ✓Get a clear written contract that you review and sign
- ✓Ensure website and quote clearly state included services
- ✓Read all terms and highlight common fine-print items
- ✓Obtain detailed Bill of Lading (BOL) at pickup documenting vehicle condition
5. Skipping Insurance and Inspection Protocols
Assuming the vehicle is "covered" without checking can lead to major disappointment. This is one of the most expensive car shipping mistakes.
What You Risk:
- •Basic carrier liability may be minimal (often only $50,000 coverage)
- •Personal auto insurance often doesn't cover transit damage
- •Without pre-inspection documentation, damage claims may be denied
- •Receiving damaged vehicle with no proof it happened during transit
- •Disputes with carrier or their insurer
Protection Steps:
- ✓Request a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate
- ✓Know the coverage limits and deductibles
- ✓Conduct thorough inspection at both pickup and delivery
- ✓Sign Bill of Lading only after confirming condition
- ✓Consider gap coverage for luxury, antique, or exotic vehicles
6. Booking Last Minute or Ignoring Seasonal Impacts
Car shipping involves complex logistics across vast distances. Underestimating lead time or picking the wrong dates is one of the most frustrating mistakes.
Timing Problems:
- •Peak seasons (summer, fall) mean higher demand and prices
- •Last-minute fees for expedited shipping
- •Limited carrier availability during peak times
- •Weather-related delays (especially winter in northern states)
- •Route congestion during major holidays
Seasonal Guide:
Smart Timing Tips:
- ✓Book 2-4 weeks in advance for best rates and availability
- ✓Be flexible with pickup/delivery windows to reduce costs
- ✓Avoid holiday weeks for smoother transit
- ✓Build buffer time into delivery expectations
7. Miscommunication or Lack of Clear Contact
Good logistics require clear communication. Without it, things go wrong quickly and can result in delays, extra fees, or missed deliveries.
Communication Failures:
- •Customer unreachable at pickup/delivery causing wait time fees
- •Company fails to provide status updates, leaving customer anxious
- •Unclear pickup/drop-off locations or instructions
- •Changes not documented or communicated promptly
Communication Best Practices:
- ✓Provide multiple contact numbers and clear addresses
- ✓Expect regular updates: pickup confirmation, in-transit status, delivery window
- ✓Ensure clear "what to expect" instructions from your provider
- ✓Be available when carrier is scheduled to arrive
Quick Reference: Avoid These Mistakes
Don't
Choose the cheapest quote without research
Do
Compare 3-5 reputable companies and check credentials
Don't
Leave personal items in your vehicle
Do
Clean vehicle and document condition with photos
Don't
Assume basic insurance covers everything
Do
Review insurance certificate and consider supplemental coverage
Don't
Book last minute during peak season
Do
Book 2-4 weeks ahead with flexible dates
Why First Line Transport INC is Different
We've built our business around avoiding these common mistakes
Fully Licensed & Transparent
FMCSA licensed and insured with verifiable credentials. No hidden fees or surprise charges – what you see is what you pay.
TruePrice Guarantee
30-day price lock means your quote won't change. No bait-and-switch tactics or last-minute price hikes.
24/7 Communication
Always available to answer questions and provide updates. Real-time tracking and proactive notifications throughout transit.
Comprehensive Documentation
Clear contracts, detailed Bill of Lading, and thorough vehicle inspections at pickup and delivery. Your protection is our priority.
Our Customer Preparation Support:
- ✓Pre-shipping checklist provided to every customer
- ✓Guidance on optimal booking times and dates
- ✓Insurance options clearly explained upfront
- ✓Dedicated support team from quote to delivery
5 Steps to Avoid These Mistakes
Research Your Transport Provider
Verify licensing, insurance, and reviews. Check USDOT and MC numbers on FMCSA website.
Request Multiple Quotes
Compare 3-5 quotes analyzing beyond price – look at included services, insurance, and customer feedback.
Prepare Your Vehicle Properly
Clean your car, document condition with photos, remove personal belongings, and follow the pre-shipping checklist.
Schedule with Lead Time
Book 2-4 weeks in advance, consider seasonal demand, and stay flexible with dates for better rates.
Review Insurance & Inspection Process
Verify coverage limits, conduct thorough inspections at pickup/delivery, and only sign BOL after confirming condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest mistake when choosing a car shipping company?
The biggest mistake is not researching the transport company and choosing based solely on the lowest price without verifying credentials, licensing, insurance, and customer reviews. Always check USDOT and MC numbers.
How should I prepare my vehicle for shipping?
Wash your vehicle inside and out, take dated photos from all angles, remove personal belongings, check tire pressure and fluid levels, disable car alarms, and maintain 1/4 tank fuel level. This preparation prevents delays and protects your interests.
When is the best time to book car shipping?
Book 2-4 weeks in advance for best rates and availability. Fall (September-November) typically offers the best deals, while summer has the highest demand and prices. Avoid booking last minute during peak seasons.
What insurance coverage should I expect?
Request a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate and understand coverage limits. Basic carrier liability may be minimal, so consider gap coverage for luxury or high-value vehicles. Never assume your personal auto insurance covers transit damage.
How can I avoid hidden fees and price increases?
Get a clear written contract with all terms specified. Ask about potential surcharges for fuel, oversized vehicles, or remote locations. Choose companies that offer price guarantees and avoid those with extremely low quotes that seem too good to be true.
Related Auto Transport Guides
Open Transport Guide
Learn about the most popular and cost-effective vehicle shipping method and how to prepare for open transport service.
Read Open Transport Guide →Door-to-Door Service
Discover the convenience of door-to-door car shipping and how it can simplify your vehicle transport experience.
Explore Door-to-Door Service →Final Thoughts: Ship Smarter, Not Harder
Shipping a car doesn't have to be stressful, but it does require planning and informed decision-making. By avoiding these seven common mistakes, you'll ensure a smoother, safer experience with fewer surprises. Whether you're a first-time shipper or a seasoned pro, staying proactive about research, timing, preparation, and protection pays off.
Take the guesswork out of auto transport with First Line Transport INC.
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