When exporting or importing vehicles from other countries, you will need a good shipper who can deliver what is expected of him when you need it. Not all vehicle shippers are equal, you will have to find one that is suited to your needs and understands what you desire of them. Since shipping cars isn't something common for most people, you might find yourself in uncharted territory when considering how to find a good car shipping company. Your peace of mind when shipping vehicles lies in the hands of your shipper, be they good or bad.

1. Why Ship Your Car?

- An auto import company

- A family moving to new home

- Spare car the wear and tear of highway travel

- Move an entire fleet of vehicles

- Too taxing to drive the distance yourself

- Time constraints

- Convenience factor

1. What Is Car Shipping?

In paper, it is quite simple. In car shipping services, you pay someone to transport your car to another location while primarily using a ship. Pretty simple, huh? It sounds good but when you think of the risks involved, that's when your stomach starts to tighten. It is understandable that those who are not used to this type of transaction to have misgivings and such regarding these things. This is made more complicated by the fact that cars are not things you can just buy everyday. These are investment that you plan to use for a long time! And the quality in which these items return to you is vital to your decisions regarding its transport.

2. Do Your Homework: Shop Around

When choosing a transport service you can't hire the first one you see. And you can't agree to the first shipping service that comes around. Always shop around. Ask for service quotations. Compare prices among reputable vehicle shipping services. If the service has a pretty bad record, don't let them get a hold of your car! Make sure you study the history of a company. Ask your friends who have gone through the same thing to advice you on good shipping services.

2. Ascertain Your Needs

If you know what you need, you will be better prepared to express your expectations to the shipping service. Always make sure your needs are covered by the services of the shipping company. For example, you might need door-to-door services instead of picking up your vehicle from a terminal. Do they offer this type of service? Do they offer insurance? If you have any specific needs you should express them clearly to the shipping operator. As much as possible, get all the terms and expectations on paper. This will help avoid misunderstandings due to miscommunication. Ask the shipper if they can offer reimbursement if they are not able to fulfill their promises. You have to make this clear or else you will have trouble with your shipper. The terms you wish for and the expectations you have must be mutually agreed.

3. Name Your Price

Sometimes, a vehicle transport company sporting a higher price will give better quality. But this is not always the case. Aside from looking at their price, always check their track record and their quality of service. Vehicle transport companies that offer more services and features will more often than not sport a higher price. If you don't need those extra services, ask the shipper if you can have the extra features omitted in exchange for a lower price. You could also survey other vehicle shipping services to find one that suits you.

4. Haggle, haggle, haggle!

Shipping companies can give you a little leeway with their pricing. This is especially true if you are shopping for a shipping service. You could always choose the ones that offer the most perks. You should, however, never forget that quality comes first. Don't compromise the quality of service for a few perks. Remember, it's your car we're talking about.