How to Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company for Your Cross-Country Move

Planning a cross-country move can be stressful and involve many considerations. Packing, planning, timelines, setting up utilities, and other essentials at the new location are among the decisions needed before the move. However, it remains a viable option, with an average of 8.2 million people traveling across the country each year. 

Selecting the correct auto transport partner is crucial for a successful and stress-free move. Numerous companies offer similar services, and it can be difficult to distinguish reliable companies from those that can leave you stranded. Researching online reviews and understanding what qualities to look for in the industry is the best way to find a reputable transportation company.

Cost Considerations

The first consideration is whether you want to move cross-country. This can be a costly endeavor, considering the cost of gas, your time, hotels, and wear and tear on your vehicle. Transporting your vehicle is often a more viable option that can save time and money. Once you opt for a transportation company, it is time to research several and perform a comparison analysis to determine which one is right for your needs and budget.

Online Reviews

Perusing online reviews is your first line of defense in obtaining authentic opinions on transportation companies from actual customers. It is also essential to consider a company's number of reviews to understand how frequently they are used in comparison to the balance of positive and negative reviews. Online reviews reveal specific patterns among the most highly-rated services and can clue you in on additional information you should verify before hiring a company.

Just as positive reviews reveal strengths, negative feedback highlights consistent problem areas that suggest systemic issues within a company's operations. Red flags include hidden fee patterns, credential concerns, and communication issues between the transport company and the customer. 

Mark Scholl, Executive Vice President of Operations and Retail Sales at Montway Auto Transport, advises, "These patterns aren't coincidental; they're indicators of companies that have systematically built their operations around customer satisfaction. A strong reputation with positive online reviews indicates a history of reliable service. For example, companies with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau are a good place to start when choosing your preferred partner."

Consistency of Reviews Across Multiple Platforms

Consistency of reviews across multiple platforms is an important consideration when comparing moving companies. These include the Better Business Bureau, Google, and Trustpilot. Take the time to read both the one-star and five-star reviews, as they highlight potential problems that might be resolved by speaking directly with the company. Look for recent reviews because they can reveal a decline in company standards. Last, look for specific mentions about how the company handled logistical challenges such as weather delays or damage. Things happen on the road, so you must pick a partner who supports you if anything happens during your move.

Transparent Communication

Reviews are a good source of information on how companies communicate with their clients. Communication is often an indicator of customer satisfaction and good service. Top-rated companies maintain clear lines of communication throughout the moving process to ensure your vehicle is safe and provide timelines for addressing any issues that may arise.

You want to see if other customers have found a company's customer service responsive to these needs. Scholl says, "A legitimate company should have a verifiable physical address, a working phone number, and a responsive customer service team. They should also provide you with their Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers and proof of insurance, so you know they are legitimate and that your vehicle is protected during transport."

Pricing Structure

Another essential part of transparent communication is the clarity of the company's quotes and pricing structures. When reading reviews, look for comments about confusing pricing or hidden fees. If you encounter this, you can consider switching to another company or researching the review to verify the accuracy of the information. Review patterns around hidden fees or numerous complaints about unexpected charges are red flags that the company should be avoided.

Legitimate companies will be transparent about their fees and pricing structures. Scholl warns against companies with low quotes because they often have hidden clauses that will significantly raise the overall price while the move is in progress.

Credential Concerns

Legitimate auto transport companies must maintain proper licensing and insurance. Reviews mentioning difficulties verifying a company's DOT or MC numbers should be an immediate red flag. Another cause for concern is reviews that mention customers who sustained vehicle damage but were not compensated. This lack of service suggests that a transport company may not be properly licensed or has an inadequate claims process. Scholl recommends verifying licensing and registration on the FMSCA website to confirm that a company is legally authorized to transport vehicles.

Criticism Response

How a company responds to criticism reveals more about its customer service policy than positive reviews. You are looking for a company that responds professionally and offers solutions, not excuses. "Reviews that discuss damage resolution can be particularly revealing," Scholl says. "Even the best companies occasionally encounter issues, but top-rated companies handle these situations promptly and fairly. Confirm their insurance coverage upfront so you know they have the right level of insurance to protect your vehicle during transit."

Essential Auto Transport Considerations

Besides insurance, reviews, and documentation, pay attention to how well a company supports you when preparing for shipping. If the company offers no support, this could indicate how they will respond to you during transit. This could also be a red flag on how the company resolves conflicts. Another important consideration is a tracking option. Similar to tracking a package, tracking options enable you to monitor your transportation progress in real-time. Numerous companies offer tracking systems with regular updates. If this is an option you are looking for, ask the company for detailed information on how their program works so you can know what to expect during transit. 

Scholl adds, "A professional auto transporter will do most of the work, but the customer should also prepare. A good car shipping company will provide checklists, preparation guides, and clear instructions for pick-up and delivery-day procedures to make your life easier."

Making a Final Decision

After researching online reviews, company credentials, and business ratings from reputable sources, it is time to prepare a list of a few companies to choose from. Contact your top choices to evaluate their responsiveness. If you establish a good rapport immediately, then this company should be at the top of your list, as this is a positive sign of how the rest of the process will unfold.

Next, request a written quote and ask detailed questions about their insurance, contingency plans, and process. If the company is a good choice, verify their credentials through the FMCSA website. Scholl advises, "A reputable company should have verifiable credentials (DOT, MC), positive reviews, and transparent payment practices," underscoring the importance of avoiding companies that require full payment upfront.

Prioritizing companies based on these criteria will considerably ease the stress of a long-distance move. Independently verifying credentials and looking at online reviews also puts you in the driver's seat of the decision-making process. Choosing the right transport partner increases your chances of experiencing smooth, stress-free vehicle transport. It is well-advised to spend a few hours researching the right company before the move rather than encountering accidents or loss of income.

Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.