How to Choose a Car Shipping Company (Step-by-Step Checklist)

7 min read

A good car shipping company is licensed, insured, transparent about price and timing, and easy to verify. Use this checklist before you pay anything.

1. Check licensing

Ask for the MC and USDOT numbers, then look the company up on carmove.broker or FMCSA SAFER. The company must hold active operating authority. Note whether it's a broker or a carrier.

2. Check insurance

Carriers: liability insurance should be on file with FMCSA (we show the amount). Ask for the certificate of insurance showing cargo coverage, and make sure it covers your car's value.
Brokers: should have a BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust fund on file — and you should check the insurance of the carrier they assign.

3. Look at the record

On each carmove.broker profile, check the trust score breakdown and red flags: very new registration, low or missing insurance, a Conditional or Unsatisfactory safety rating, or an outdated registration.

4. Compare quotes the right way

Get several quotes for the same details: route, dates, open or enclosed, running or not.
Be wary of the single lowest quote — it may not attract a truck.
Ask what's included (door-to-door, insurance, fees) and what can change the price.

5. Read the contract

Look for the total price, deposit and when it's charged, pickup window, cancellation policy and how damage claims work. Avoid companies that won't put terms in writing.

6. Prepare your car

Wash it and take dated photos of every side.
Remove personal items, toll tags and loose accessories.
Leave about a quarter tank of fuel; note any mechanical issues.
Inspect with the driver and sign the bill of lading only after noting existing damage.

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Look up any MC or USDOT number to see authority, bond, revocations and red flags.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book car shipping?

Booking one to three weeks ahead gives the company time to schedule a truck. Peak seasons (summer moves, snowbird season in fall and spring) can need more lead time.

Can I leave personal items in the car?

Usually not much. Carriers are not licensed to carry household goods and their cargo insurance often excludes personal items. Ask the company for its policy.

What is a bill of lading?

The inspection and receipt document signed at pickup and delivery. It records your car’s condition — note any existing damage at pickup and check carefully before signing at delivery.

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This guide is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm a company's status with FMCSA before doing business.