What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Shipping Their Car for the First Time?

Shipping a car isn't like mailing a letter. It's a big decision. Especially if you're doing it for the first time. There are plenty of pitfalls. As the Logistics Manager here at AMG Transport Co., I've seen them all. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier. So we know this business inside and out. We're a trusted car shipping broker reviews will confirm across the board. We're known for providing outstanding car shipping services. We often help people relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, and provide expert vehicle transport Texas to California. Here’s what not to do when you're shipping a vehicle cross country.

## Not Checking the Company's Credentials

This is a big one. The auto transport industry has its share of bad apples. There are plenty of fly-by-night operations. Some promise low prices and then disappear. Others hit you with hidden fees. You need to know how to choose a reliable auto transport broker. We pride ourselves on being an experienced car shipping broker you can trust. We don't sugarcoat anything, but we get the job done right. We vet our carriers. They're insured. We use a secure VIN scan process for every vehicle. Our focus is on providing a stronger customer experience, not shady practices.

### Why a Broker is Your Best Bet

Most people can't work directly with carriers. Carriers don't want to deal with individual customers. They've got enough problems on the road. Brokers like AMG Transport Co. handle the frontend sales. We do the coordinating. We manage the backend systems. All the stuff carriers don't want to touch. We're the buffer. We keep rates reasonable. We also ensure carriers get paid. Otherwise, many wouldn't even consider taking on individual jobs. We provide multi-car transport for families. We cover single-car transport vs multi-car load cost. We handle everything from shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference to how long does car shipping take cross country. We're a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide.

## Falling for Unrealistic Lowball Quotes

Everyone wants an affordable car shipping without hidden fees. But dangerously low quotes are a red flag. Shipping a car isn't cheap. Fuel, driver wages, insurance. These all cost money. If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. These outfits often hold your car hostage for more money. They might delay delivery. Or hit you with surprise fees. Ask how much does it cost to ship a car cross country from a reputable company. Get auto transport quotes how to compare from several sources. Our quotes are honest. No surprises. We use Stripe for secure deposits.

### Understanding What Affects Car Shipping Cost

Many factors affect car shipping cost per mile. The distance is a major one. Ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles, and the cost will reflect that distance. The type of vehicle matters. Luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open will have a different price point. Shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference is notable. The transport method also plays a role. Open car carrier transport cost is less than enclosed auto transport for luxury cars. If you need to ship a non-running vehicle what to know is it costs more. It requires specialized equipment. Our nationwide vehicle shipping door to door service covers diverse needs. We offer open carrier car shipping pros & cons, and enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars.

## Poor Vehicle Preparation

This causes delays and potential damage. You need to prepare your vehicle correctly. 

 Clean your car: A clean car helps with inspection. Take photos of existing damage. You'll need these if there's a claim.
 Remove personal items: Carriers are only insured for the vehicle. Not for contents. Take out anything valuable. Your insurance won't cover it either. Door pick-up and delivery car transport service doesn't mean your belongings are covered. This is a big one we see often. People leave everything in their car. Don't do it.
 Leave minimal fuel: A quarter tank is usually enough. Less weight saves fuel for the carrier. It's safer too.
 Check fluid levels and tire pressure: Make sure your car is in good working order. Even for a non-running vehicle, basic checks still apply.

## Not Understanding Insurance Coverage

Assume nothing about insurance. Your personal auto insurance policy might not cover your car during transport. The carrier's insurance is primary. But it has limitations. Ask for proof of their cargo insurance. Understand the deductibles. Get details on what's covered and what's not. Don't just take their word for it. We work with vetted, insured carriers. We ensure they have a strong auto transport safety record and reputation. We provide information transparently. If there's an issue, you'll know where you stand.

## Opting for Open vs. Enclosed Transport Without Thought

You have choices. Open transport is standard. It's cheaper. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport protects your vehicle fully. It costs more. If you're shipping a classic car transport enclosed carrier is the way to go. Luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open needs careful consideration. If you're shipping a new sedan, open transport is likely fine. But know the difference. Understand your options based on your vehicle and budget.

### A Quick Look at Transport Types

| Transport Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|----------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Open Carrier | Cost-effective, readily available | Exposed to elements, road debris | Standard vehicles, budget-conscious |
| Enclosed Carrier | Maximum protection, less risk of damage | Higher cost, fewer available spots | Luxury cars, classic cars, exotic cars |

We provide both options. Our team can help you decide. We handle vehicle shipping for dealerships and individuals. We want you to make the right choice for your car.

## Expecting Exact Pick-up and Delivery Times

Logistics are complex. Roads are unpredictable. Weather changes. Traffic happens. Breakdowns occur. We provide a 72-hour pickup window. This is standard in the industry. Cross-country car transport from coast to coast takes time. Be flexible. Our drivers are professionals. They need to manage their routes. They face real challenges. A good auto transport broker Texas will manage your expectations. We give you realistic timeframes. We communicate any delays promptly.

## Not Using a Broker (Often the Biggest Mistake)

Trying to book directly with a carrier is usually a nightmare. Most carriers won't even talk to you. And those that do? They often charge a premium. They don't want the hassle of retail customers. That's why brokers exist. We connect customers with reliable carriers. We handle the paperwork. We solve problems. We're your advocate. We ensure you get the service you pay for. We're the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves. We're your reliable vehicle logistics company Texas.

## Conclusion: Don't Make These Mistakes. Work With AMG Transport Co.

Shipping a car doesn't have to be a headache. You just need the right partner. AMG Transport Co. understands this business. We are a reliable, professional auto transport broker. We provide transparent pricing. We work with vetted carriers. We guide you through every step. We're your guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. Don't leave your vehicle transport to chance. Make the smart choice.

Get your free, honest quote today and avoid the common mistakes. Visit our website and click the 'Get a Quote' button.

Get Your Free Quote Now!

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.
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