Last updated on December 7th, 2022 at 09:40 am

Recruiting a reliable and genuine car transportation company in India can really make your car shipping from one state to another a convenient, stress-free, and safer procedure.

Packers and Movers Cost Calculator

Such service providers are authorized by various regulatory bodies to perform such operations between different states and cities in the country and also have a well-trained and professional team to handle cars of their customers.

Nowadays, people have become really progressive in their approach and ready to change their place of residence based on the location of their job. And, when they relocate, they take all their belongings and possessions including their vehicles with them. If they are moving to another state or to a long distance, they often prefer to take the services of companies which can help them move their goods as well as their cars in a safe and convenient manner rather than managing everything on their own.

As not all packers and movers in India are equipped to offer the services of car relocation, there are specialized car shipping companies which exclusively offers such services to the people and plan the process with utmost safety fulfilling all government regulations. But, what needs to be kept in mind is to pick the right and trusted vehicle transportation company for your car moving. So, here are some important things which you must check while hiring such company for your car transportation and make your vehicle shifting a smooth and safer process.

1. Licenses and legal documents of the company

Just like any other service provider from which you avail services, you should also ask your selected car transport company for their licenses (GST license) and registration documents such as company registration certificate to verify that they are genuine and trustworthy for the job. It is important to check that they have all the required permissions to carry out the job of vehicle transportation from the government bodies.

2. Is car shipper a broker, carrier, or a vehicle transport company?

Before you go ahead with any shortlisted car transporter, it is always suggested to check whether it is a broker, carrier or a full-fledged auto transport company. Brokers are people or companies who find carrier companies and schedule your appointments with them. A carrier is the one who has its own moving trucks in which they move and deliver cars. And, a vehicle transport company offers complete end to end services related to car transportation to the people.

3. List of services they offer

An auto transport company offers a variety of services in terms of car shipping and inquiring about the same make your job of hiring them much more clearer and easier. You can check with them if they use open air trailers or enclosed trailers for transportation of four-wheelers. Also, you can check if they have single or multiple cars moving options available. Ask them if they have facilities to move inoperable cars or they just help in the relocation of cars that are in working conditions.

Sometimes, people need to move their cars to a considerable amount of distance, so in that case, check if the shortlisted company have arrangements of car transportation by train, boats, or air planes.

Knowing about their services in details help you making your decision based on your needs and you can plan a convenient and secure car relocation.

4. Restrictions related to your kind of vehicle

Not all car shipping companies have the latest technology and equipment to move all kinds of cars of their customers. You can find hundreds of auto transport companies in your city which helps in the movement of simple and unmodified cars, but when you have a modified, oversized, or a vintage one, you need specialized car shipping companies with well-equipped and technologically advanced moving containers for them to relocate them in a safe manner. Therefore, it is always a better idea to check with your chosen company about the available facilities they have if your are planning to move a specialized or modern four-wheeler through them.

5. Ask for free car shipping quotation

Before hiring any vehicle transportation company, don’t forget to ask for free car shipping quotations from them to get a fair idea about the prevailing prices for such services in the market. Take such estimations from different car shipping companies and compare their prices before hiring any one for your car relocation. The facility of car moving calculators is also available on the websites of some car transport companies but for more clarity on the prices, you can directly get in touch with the companies. Share your exact car shipping requirements to get an accurate estimate.

6. Hidden or additional costs

It is crucial to check whether the car shipping price quoted by the company is the final one or not. Some companies offers a fixed estimate at the beginning of the deal and later add additional charges to the quoted price. So, make sure that you cross-check with your chosen auto transport company about this factor and try to get the details of the prices quoted by them.

7. Basis of their price calculation

When a car transport company offer its car shipping estimates, it is your right to ask the basis of this price calculation to get a clear and fair view about their pricing. Though the cost of car relocation depends on the factors like distance, type of car, mode of shipping chosen, condition of the car, etc., but still it is better to make things clear in the beginning rather than regretting later. You should ask them about the charges they will include in the final pricing and then decide which company is the better option for you.

8. Payment options available

Most of the car shipping companies ask their customers to deposit a certain amount after the finalization of the date of car shipment or after they pick up your car for transportation. But, reputed companies prefer to take the full payment for their services after the successful delivery of the car at the customer’s place. So, it is suggested to check with your auto transport company what payment options they have and then make a decision.

Also, check with them what modes of payment does your selected company accepts.

9. Is your company insured?

A genuine and trustworthy vehicle shipping company is always an insured one. It will ensure to comply with the insurance rules and aims to offers secure car shipping services to their customers. A reputed car moving company will have enough coverage to offer protection to its customers in case of emergencies. Check your selected company on the following points –

  • Shipping insurance options available
  • Availability of additional insurance services with the company
  • Type of coverage available – Complete vehicle or some parts of the car

10. Process of car transportation

Once you selected a car shipping company and decided on the method of your car relocation, it is wiser to ask the company about the process they will follow to transport your car to have a better idea about their way of operations. You can ask them about the packing materials and techniques, loading process, stoppage time on the route, etc. This will help you understand the process of car transportation in a better way.

11. Discuss about shipping timings

If you have any specific requirements related to your date of car shipping and the date of delivery, you should do it right away with the company. As getting a car delivered at a specific time is a special and customized service, you might have to extra for such services. The service of expedited car shipping will be expensive as special arrangements needs to be made to make the car delivery faster and smoother ensuring full safety.

12. Customer service

A trusted and reputed car transport company will always prioritize their customers and have an understanding customer support staff at the backend to resolve all kinds of queries related to car shipping. People need timely updates about their cars in transit and this is where customer service comes to play. Therefore, ensure that your chosen company has a proper customer support team.

13. Check about pickup and drop locations

One of the most significant details to check with your transport company is what options they have for pickup and drop locations. Professional and reputed auto transport companies that have been in the car shipping business for a long time offer several pickup and drop options available and it is up to you which location suits you. Doorstep car delivery is also offered by some companies to their customers.

14. Documents required for car shipping

As a customer who is availing the service of car shipping from an auto transport company also need to comply with some rules and need to submit the copy of certain documents for a smoother and legitimate car move. You need to provide your ID proof, car registration documents, and car insurance papers. In some domestic shipments, you need to show your title as well. For international car shipments, you need comply with requirements of the country you are getting your shipped to.

15. Presence of customer required or not for pickup and delivery

You should confirm with your car shipper whether your presence would be mandatory for car pickup and delivery purposes. Or, you can send someone to hand over and receive your car from the delivery location and collect the keys and sign the papers.

The Ending Words

Confusion can make things worse. So, it is always better to clear things out before you go ahead with anything important. Similar is the case with the hiring of auto transport companies as you would be entrusting your expensive and valuable four-wheeler in their hands. Following this checklist will help you in recruiting a trustworthy and professional car shipping company for your car relocation and clearing all your doubts if your moving your car with the assistance of professional companies.

Sakshi Ecavade