Top 20 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Car
These 20 car shipping mistakes cost people time, money, and stress every day. Avoid every one of them with this plain-language guide from experienced auto transport professionals.
1. Booking Too Late
Carriers plan routes in advance. Last-minute bookings mean fewer options, higher prices, and rushed carrier matching. Book 1-2 weeks ahead whenever possible.
2. Choosing on Price Alone
A quote 30% below every competitor isn't a deal, it's a placeholder that will either fail to find a carrier or jump in price before pickup. Choose based on value: license, insurance, reviews, and support.
3. Not Verifying the Company's FMCSA License
Take 30 seconds at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. If the MC number is inactive or missing, you're talking to an unlicensed operator. Do not book.
4. Paying the Full Amount Upfront
Legitimate brokers don't require full payment before confirming a carrier. If they do, it's a red flag. You could lose your money if they ghost you.
5. Skipping the Pre-Shipping Photos
Timestamped photos before pickup are your only objective evidence of pre-existing condition. Without them, any damage dispute becomes your word against the carrier's.
6. Leaving Valuables in the Car
Personal items are not covered by cargo insurance. Electronics, cash, jewelry, and documents should never be in the vehicle during transport.
7. Overfilling the Gas Tank
Fuel level above ¼ tank violates safety regulations and adds unnecessary weight. Keep it under ¼ full before pickup.
8. Not Disabling the Toll Pass
Active toll transponders charge your account every time the truck passes a toll plaza. Remove it or shield it before the carrier picks up the vehicle.
9. Ignoring the Bill of Lading at Pickup
The BOL is your legal protection. If you don't review it and note every existing scratch and dent before signing, you may lose any damage claim later.
10. Signing the Delivery BOL Before Inspecting
Once you sign, you've legally confirmed the vehicle arrived in acceptable condition. Always inspect first. Always.
11. Not Being Available for Carrier Calls
Your carrier needs to reach you before pickup and delivery. Missed calls can cause delays, failed pickups, or storage fees. Keep your phone accessible during your shipping window.
12. Giving the Driver All Your Keys
Give the driver one set. Keep a spare. You'll need your keys when the car arrives.
13. Not Disclosing Vehicle Modifications
Lowered suspensions, lift kits, oversize tires, and custom bumpers affect how your car loads. Failing to disclose can result in damage, carrier refusal, or extra charges at pickup.
14. Booking an Inoperable Vehicle as Operable
Carriers plan their equipment based on what you tell them. If your car doesn't run and the carrier arrives without a winch, pickup fails and rescheduling fees apply.
15. Not Asking Who the Carrier Will Be
You have the right to the carrier's name, DOT number, and driver contact before pickup. If a company refuses to share this, that's a serious red flag.
16. Not Verifying the Carrier at Pickup
Fraud happens. Match the DOT number on the truck to your dispatch confirmation. Ask the driver who dispatched them. A real carrier will answer "Web Auto Transport" without hesitation.
17. Booking with a Lead Generator
Lead generators collect your info and sell it to 5-10 brokers simultaneously. You'll get a flood of calls and conflicting quotes from companies of varying quality. Book directly with a licensed broker.
18. Failing to Read the Cancellation Policy
Some companies charge non-refundable deposits just to start searching. Know the policy before you pay anything.
19. Not Reporting Damage Within 24 Hours
Damage claims fade quickly without timely documentation. If you find damage, photograph it and call us immediately, even if it wasn't noted on the delivery BOL.
20. Assuming the Cheapest Route Is Terminal-to-Terminal
Terminal shipping sounds cheaper but often isn't once you add storage fees, transportation to and from the terminal, and the time cost of working around terminal hours.
Avoid every mistake on this list. Work with a company that prevents them from happening. Call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, use LiveChat, or get a free quote at webautotransport.com. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Email: info@webautotranport.com
