When you need to ship a car, the logistics can feel challenging—but that’s where the leading car shipping companies in Texas come in. To make a good choice, you should also have a sense of your budget, timeline and unique needs. Along with considering your top priorities, look for a company that regularly services your area.
Transportation Type and Services
Choosing between open and enclosed transport is one of the first decisions you’ll make when booking a carrier. Both options get your car from point A to point B, but how it travels and what you pay can differ significantly.
With open-air shipping, your vehicle rides on a hauler that’s exposed to the elements. It’s the default method and usually the most affordable, especially for everyday vehicles. But keep in mind: exposure to weather or road grime is part of the deal.
Covered carriers, on the other hand, shield your vehicle inside a hard-sided trailer, ideal for rare models that require extra care. This method can cost more due to limited vehicle loads, but it adds peace of mind, especially over longer routes or during harsh weather.
If you’re shipping a vehicle from or to Texas, consider road conditions and seasonal climate patterns, as these may influence which type of service is the better fit for your route.
Customer Ratings and Reviews
Customer feedback is a valuable resource, but only if you know how to navigate it. To make the most of reviews, hone in on recent ones that are similar to your situation. With any reviewing platform, the most vocal people will be on the far sides of the spectrum—but there are very good insights to be gleaned from searching for comments that fall somewhere in the middle. Also, notice how companies respond to reviews. Even if there are negative reviews, it can be a good sign when companies are responsive and attentive.
Even in this digital age, don’t overlook the importance of personal referrals, too. Especially in Texas, it can help to ask for suggestions from people in the area who have shipped vehicles.
Insurance, Guarantees and Cancelation Policies
Looking into the fine print in any car shipping contract is vital. Pay attention to aspects like cancellation policies, as some car shippers may charge if you cancel after a certain date or after a carrier is assigned. You may also get help from guarantees if something goes wrong like in the case of damage or delays. If, for example, your shipper offers a damage-free guarantee, the company may pay for repairs.
Finally, taking note of insurance is vital. Car shipping companies in the U.S. are required to have liability insurance, which protects your car if the transporter is at fault for any damage. Companies also must have cargo insurance, which protects the car during loading and unloading as well. You should ensure your chosen company has at least these, and make sure you know how much is covered. If you want added assurance, ask about other insurance options, too.
GPS Tracking and Communication
Many car shipping providers now offer differing levels of GPS tracking for your car. Some may be more accurate while others will give you a more general idea of where your car is on its journey. Make sure you ask about how exactly the company will track your car and how you should anticipate to receive updates.
Similarly, ask about communication expectations—i.e., how often you will hear from a driver, how you should reach out if you have any questions. Finally, most companies won’t be able to give you an exact delivery date for your car, but make sure you inquire about general timelines and what actions you can take if your car is delivered long after that date.
Complete Car Inspections
While your car is being transported, unexpected complications can arise, making it vital to check its condition both when it’s dispatched and upon delivery. You’re placing a certain degree of trust and responsibility on the carrier, but you also hold a key role: carefully assessing your vehicle before transport and capturing its condition with clear photographic evidence.
Choose companies that conduct thorough inspections before loading and after unloading your vehicle. Many providers will ask you to sign off on their condition reports at pickup and delivery, often supplemented by visuals. It’s wise to maintain your own records or request duplicates for your reference.
State Requirements and Motor Carrier Number Verification
Wondering if requirements differ by state? In most cases, companies in Texas follow the same regulations as those nationwide, since auto transport is usually an interstate service.
Every carrier must have a USDOT number and an FMCSA Motor Carrier number, both issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Request this information to confirm the company is legitimate and to review its safety record before booking.
Knowledge of Texas’s Terrain and Weather
Not all roads are created equal, and that’s especially true in Texas. That’s why it’s worth checking whether your car shipping company has experience navigating local conditions.
Before you commit, see if they screen for region-specific experience. Drivers who know how to handle tricky routes are more likely to deliver your car safely and on schedule. A company that understands the lay of the land, literally, can make a real difference when it comes to reliability.
Broker vs. Carrier
If you’re deciding between working with a carrier or taking the chance on a broker, just know that your experience can vary quite a bit depending on what you choose. While 59% of customers reported preferring a shipper in our survey, most respondents actually used a broker.
That said, there are many reasons why people would opt for a broker. Using a broker offers access to a larger network of carriers, which can lower costs and make it simpler to find one that fits your specific requirements. We strongly urge you to carefully research all parties involved before booking.
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