Automobile Movers: How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Company
You’re planning to relocate and need to pick an automobile mover. Here’s what actually matters when choosing the right vehicle shipping company.
Why you should choose a carrier and not a broker
The car shipping industry has two types of companies. Carriers own trucks and move your vehicle themselves. Brokers take your order and hire a carrier to do the work. Both can get the job done, but the experience is different.
When you’re relocating and your schedule is tied to a closing date, a lease start, or a first day at work, you need reliable communication. With a carrier, you’re talking to the company whose driver has your car. With a broker, you’re talking to someone who’s trying to reach that company on your behalf. During a move with a dozen things happening at once, that extra layer matters.
What to Check Before You Book an Auto Mover
Do They Own Their Fleet?
A company with its own trucks controls scheduling, routes, and driver quality. Automoves operates 17 terminals across Canada and runs its own carriers on every major route. That means fewer handoffs and more accountability.
What Does the Inspection Process Look Like?
Any reputable automobile mover inspects your car at pickup. They photograph every panel, document existing damage, and have you sign a Bill of Lading. This protects you if anything happens in transit. Open car transport follows a standard safety process that any legitimate carrier should follow. If a company skips this step, move on.
Is the Quote Firm or an Estimate?
During a relocation, surprise costs are the last thing you need. You’re already budgeting for movers, deposits, and travel. A good automobile shipping company gives you a firm price based on your route and vehicle, not a range that changes after you book.
Red Flags to Watch For
Quotes that seem too low usually mean a broker is undercutting to win your business, then scrambling to find a carrier willing to take the job at that price. That leads to pickup delays, which can throw off your entire move schedule.
No tracking system is another warning sign. When your furniture is on one truck and your car is on another and you’re flying to a new province, you need to know where everything is. Automoves uses a system called AutomovesONE that lets you track your vehicle from pickup to delivery.
Why This Decision Matters More During a Move
When you’re not relocating, a delayed car shipment is an inconvenience. When you’re moving provinces, it can mean days without a vehicle in a new city where you don’t know the transit system yet, while you’re trying to furnish an apartment and get to a new office. Coordinating car shipping with the rest of your relocation takes some planning, and choosing the right carrier is the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to choose an automobile mover for your relocation?
If you want a carrier that owns its fleet and gives you a firm price before you commit, get a free quote from Automoves today.
