California is one of the largest states in the U.S. and is also home to many businesses and fortune 500 companies. As the state that houses the famous Hollywood, the Golden State is an attraction for many, young and old.
So, it’s no surprise to find an influx of people from all over the country and the world. Relocating to this busy part of the country opens up the door to multiple opportunities, but moving is not as easy as it looks. Among the many aspects to consider is shipping your car if you have one.
Whichever city you plan to live in, you’ll need a means to get around so having your car with you is important. Fortunately, there are many professional California car shipping companies to provide excellent services. But how do you make the best choice? Let’s discuss factors that help you narrow the list to find the best service.
- Reputation
The first thing to check about a shipping company you plan to hire is its reputation. There are a few ways to determine how credible a company is, including reading reviews and checking its rating on trusted sites.
Start with what other users say about their experience with the brand and its customer service. Don’t rely on what paid reviews say; most of them have only good things to report. Genuine reviews include the negative parts and provide a wholesome picture so you know what to expect.
Therefore, read the good and the bad to help you weigh your options before deciding. You can also check sites like Yelp and Better Business Bureau for unbiased ratings. These sites can help you separate genuine companies from scams.
- Experience
The next factor to consider is the experience of the company. While expertise is excellent in a business you want to hire, experience is more dependable because you know it’s been out in the field and encountered different aspects of the service. So look for those with at least three years on the job.
Ask the representative that speaks with you about the history of the business and its job success rate but don’t take their word for it. This is especially applicable if you want to do a lot of business with the company. As mentioned before, Better Business Bureau and Yelp are two sites that offer credible information about businesses that help you make an informed decision. You’ll find the history and mode of operation on such sites.
The reviews will also provide insight into how the companies operate. If you get referrals from friends and family members, ask them about their experience and how good the service is. In addition, find out if the businesses on your list can handle any special requirements you have, especially if you have expensive or antique cars to ship.
This resource has more information about the importance of experience in hiring a business: https://mmbmagazine.co.uk/.
- Licenses and Insurance
Proper licenses prove that a company is trustworthy. Regardless of how legitimate and established a business looks, it might still be a scam that knows how to present itself. So ask the representative to provide proof of the registration and insurance before you commit. They will need a vehicle transporting license and permits to operate in certain areas.
They must also be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, proven with a special number from the department, and with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The company must also provide proof of insurance with adequate coverage.
It’s a requirement to register with the U.S. Department of Transportation. It helps to check what aspect of the shipping process it covers so you can discuss possible damage and prevent paying out of your pocket if that happens.
- Costs
Having a short list of proven shipping services to hire is an advantage because you can ask for price estimates from each based on your requirements. That way, you can compare and decide what works according to your budget. While you want to hire a brand with excellent services and affordable prices, some services are quite expensive.
Have a reasonable budget but also keep an eye out for favorable costs. You can reduce how much you spend on shipping your vehicle by booking early, at least two weeks before the date you plan to transport it. Also, choose an open carrier instead of an enclosed one because it’s cheaper.
In addition, plan the trip to fall in an off-peak season to save costs; the lower the demand, the more services are available, reducing the costs. Off-peak seasons include cold months and peak seasons include summer months. Find out more about costs here.
5. Carrier Types
There are two types of carriers for shipping cars. An open carrier has no cover to protect the vehicles during transit and this translates to lower costs. However, the vehicles are exposed to the elements and flying debris.
An enclosed carrier is more expensive because it offers protective cover for the cargo while in transit. That means the elements and flying debris don’t affect the cargo but it comes at more costs. You can also use a cross-country service to move your car long distances. It ensures the cargo gets to its destination on time and safely.
Conclusion
Considering the important aspects of car shipping companies before hiring one is crucial to get the best results. Think about the company’s reputation, experience and expertise, costs, and licenses. It must also have insurance to cover possible damage. Getting this part right ensures you make the right decision and have a seamless car shipping experience.
