Customer Reviews

How to Find A Reliable Car Carrier Company Near You

Posted on 06/20/2025

Finding reputable car transport companies requires drivers to carefully research and consider several factors to ensure their vehicle arrives safely at its destination. Whether you’re relocating across the country, purchasing a car from an out-of-state dealer, or need seasonal vehicle transportation, choosing the right auto transport service can make the difference between a seamless experience and a stressful ordeal.

Planning an interstate relocation? Explore our comprehensive guide to the best car carrier services for cross-country moves.

Car Carrier Services and Your Transportation Needs

Before beginning your search for a car carrier company, it’s important to clearly define your specific transportation requirements. Understanding exactly what car shipping services you need will help you identify companies that can accommodate your situation and provide the level of service that matches your expectations.

Open Carrier vs. Enclosed Carrier Transport

Open carrier car shipping is the most common and cost-effective method of vehicle transport. This service offers excellent value for standard vehicles and provides reliable transportation with widespread availability across the country. The efficiency of transporting multiple vehicles together helps keep costs reasonable while maintaining safety standards throughout the journey.

Enclosed carrier transport provides premium protection for your vehicle with fully covered trailers that shield automobiles during transit. This method is particularly valuable for luxury vehicles, classic cars, or any automobile requiring enhanced security and protection. While enclosed transport commands higher pricing due to limited capacity and specialized equipment, it delivers unparalleled peace of mind for high-value vehicles.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery

Door-to-door car shipping offers maximum convenience by picking up your vehicle directly from your specified location and delivering it as close as possible to your destination address. This service eliminates the need for you to travel to transportation hubs and provides a streamlined experience from start to finish.

Terminal-to-terminal delivery involves dropping off and picking up your vehicle at designated transportation facilities, which can offer cost savings for budget-conscious customers. This option works well for individuals with flexible schedules who don’t mind coordinating drop-off and pickup times at centralized locations.

Expedited Shipping for Time-Sensitive Vehicle Transportation

Expedited shipping services prioritize your vehicle for faster pickup and delivery when standard timelines don’t meet your requirements. This premium service ensures your automobile receives priority placement on the next available carrier, significantly reducing both pickup wait times and overall transit duration. Expedited options prove invaluable when coordinating with moving schedules, work relocations, or other time-sensitive commitments that require guaranteed delivery windows.

For a deeper dive into the factors that distinguish quality providers, read about what matters when choosing car carriers.

The Importance of a Reliable Auto Shipping Company

Selecting a dependable auto shipping company protects your investment and ensures a stress-free transportation experience. Several critical factors distinguish reliable carriers from less trustworthy alternatives:

  • Valid licensing and insurance coverage to protect your vehicle investment
  • Proven track record with extensive experience in successful vehicle transportation
  • Transparent pricing structures with no hidden fees or surprise charges
  • Professional customer service teams that communicate clearly throughout the process
  • Thorough vehicle inspection procedures that document condition at pickup and delivery
  • Well-maintained modern equipment and carriers designed for safe vehicle handling
  • Strong financial stability and positive industry reputation built over years of reliable service

Understanding these qualities helps you distinguish between companies that prioritize service excellence versus those that cut corners. Learn more about the key differences between reliable vs. cheap car carrier services to make an informed investment in your vehicle’s transportation.

Research Methods for Finding Reputable Auto Transport Companies

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Online reviews provide valuable insights into actual customer experiences with different car shipping companies. Evaluate reviews across multiple platforms to identify consistent patterns in service quality, communication effectiveness, and problem resolution. Pay particular attention to reviews mentioning situations similar to yours, such as long-distance moves, luxury vehicle transport, or specific regional routes.

Focus on detailed reviews that discuss specific aspects of the service experience rather than brief generic comments or blank ratings. Look for mentions of on-time delivery, vehicle condition upon arrival, customer service responsiveness, and overall satisfaction with the transportation process. Balance positive and negative feedback to develop realistic expectations about each company’s strengths and potential weaknesses.

Getting Comprehensive Quotes

Obtaining detailed quotes from multiple companies enables effective comparison of services and pricing structures. Provide identical information to each company to ensure accurate comparisons, including exact pickup and delivery locations, vehicle specifications, preferred service type, and desired timeline. Comprehensive quotes should clearly outline all included services, potential additional fees, and payment terms.

Request written quotes that specify coverage details, pickup windows, estimated delivery timeframes, and cancellation policies. Avoid companies that provide vague estimates or refuse to provide detailed written quotations. Quality companies welcome questions about their services and provide transparent pricing information.

Evaluating Company Credentials and Experience

Verify that potential car carrier companies maintain proper licensing and registration with relevant transportation authorities. All legitimate auto transport companies must possess valid Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers and appropriate operating authority for interstate commerce. Check company registration status through official government databases to confirm legal operating status.

Assess company experience by examining their years in business, industry certifications, and professional affiliations. Established companies with significant industry experience typically demonstrate greater reliability and problem-solving capabilities. Consider companies that specialize in your specific transportation needs, whether that involves oversized vehicles, cross-country moves, or particular geographic regions.

Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Carrier

Certain warning signs indicate potentially unreliable or fraudulent car carrier operations that should be avoided to protect your vehicle and financial interests:

  • Unusually low pricing that seems too good to be true, often indicating hidden fees or substandard service quality
  • Companies requiring large upfront deposits or cash-only payments, which legitimate businesses rarely demand
  • Lack of physical address or proper contact information, suggesting potential fly-by-night operations
  • Pressure tactics demanding immediate decisions without allowing time for proper consideration
  • Unwillingness to provide written contracts or detailed service agreements
  • No proof of proper licensing, insurance coverage, or transportation authority registration
  • Poor communication or evasive answers to direct questions about services

RoadRunner: Your Trusted Auto Transport Company

RoadRunner Auto Transport brings over 30 years of reliable nationwide vehicle shipping experience to customers seeking dependable car carrier services. Our extensive network of 25,000+ certified carriers provides comprehensive coverage across all 50 states, offering both open and enclosed transport options with no upfront deposit required. We provide 24/7 online shipment tracking, extended customer service hours, and comprehensive vehicle coverage options to ensure complete peace of mind throughout your transportation experience.

Use our car shipping calculator today for an instant, free quote and experience the difference that professional auto shipping expertise makes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credentials should I verify when choosing a car carrier company?

Always confirm that the company has a valid DOT number, proper insurance coverage, registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and industry experience.

How far in advance should I book car carrier services?

Schedule your vehicle transport at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure carrier availability and secure your preferred pickup dates, especially during peak moving seasons.

What information do I need to provide for an accurate shipping quote?

Provide exact pickup and delivery addresses, vehicle year, make, and model, preferred transport type, flexible date ranges, and any special handling requirements for the most accurate pricing estimate.

Instant Car Shipping Quote

Calculate your car shipping rate in 3 easy steps!

1Shipment Details

How to Find A Reliable Car Carrier Company Near You

Posted on 06/20/2025

Finding reputable car transport companies requires drivers to carefully research and consider several factors to ensure their vehicle arrives safely at its destination. Whether you’re relocating across the country, purchasing a car from an out-of-state dealer, or need seasonal vehicle transportation, choosing the right auto transport service can make the difference between a seamless experience and a stressful ordeal.

Planning an interstate relocation? Explore our comprehensive guide to the best car carrier services for cross-country moves.

Car Carrier Services and Your Transportation Needs

Before beginning your search for a car carrier company, it’s important to clearly define your specific transportation requirements. Understanding exactly what car shipping services you need will help you identify companies that can accommodate your situation and provide the level of service that matches your expectations.

Open Carrier vs. Enclosed Carrier Transport

Open carrier car shipping is the most common and cost-effective method of vehicle transport. This service offers excellent value for standard vehicles and provides reliable transportation with widespread availability across the country. The efficiency of transporting multiple vehicles together helps keep costs reasonable while maintaining safety standards throughout the journey.

Enclosed carrier transport provides premium protection for your vehicle with fully covered trailers that shield automobiles during transit. This method is particularly valuable for luxury vehicles, classic cars, or any automobile requiring enhanced security and protection. While enclosed transport commands higher pricing due to limited capacity and specialized equipment, it delivers unparalleled peace of mind for high-value vehicles.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery

Door-to-door car shipping offers maximum convenience by picking up your vehicle directly from your specified location and delivering it as close as possible to your destination address. This service eliminates the need for you to travel to transportation hubs and provides a streamlined experience from start to finish.

Terminal-to-terminal delivery involves dropping off and picking up your vehicle at designated transportation facilities, which can offer cost savings for budget-conscious customers. This option works well for individuals with flexible schedules who don’t mind coordinating drop-off and pickup times at centralized locations.

Expedited Shipping for Time-Sensitive Vehicle Transportation

Expedited shipping services prioritize your vehicle for faster pickup and delivery when standard timelines don’t meet your requirements. This premium service ensures your automobile receives priority placement on the next available carrier, significantly reducing both pickup wait times and overall transit duration. Expedited options prove invaluable when coordinating with moving schedules, work relocations, or other time-sensitive commitments that require guaranteed delivery windows.

For a deeper dive into the factors that distinguish quality providers, read about what matters when choosing car carriers.

The Importance of a Reliable Auto Shipping Company

Selecting a dependable auto shipping company protects your investment and ensures a stress-free transportation experience. Several critical factors distinguish reliable carriers from less trustworthy alternatives:

  • Valid licensing and insurance coverage to protect your vehicle investment
  • Proven track record with extensive experience in successful vehicle transportation
  • Transparent pricing structures with no hidden fees or surprise charges
  • Professional customer service teams that communicate clearly throughout the process
  • Thorough vehicle inspection procedures that document condition at pickup and delivery
  • Well-maintained modern equipment and carriers designed for safe vehicle handling
  • Strong financial stability and positive industry reputation built over years of reliable service

Understanding these qualities helps you distinguish between companies that prioritize service excellence versus those that cut corners. Learn more about the key differences between reliable vs. cheap car carrier services to make an informed investment in your vehicle’s transportation.

Research Methods for Finding Reputable Auto Transport Companies

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Online reviews provide valuable insights into actual customer experiences with different car shipping companies. Evaluate reviews across multiple platforms to identify consistent patterns in service quality, communication effectiveness, and problem resolution. Pay particular attention to reviews mentioning situations similar to yours, such as long-distance moves, luxury vehicle transport, or specific regional routes.

Focus on detailed reviews that discuss specific aspects of the service experience rather than brief generic comments or blank ratings. Look for mentions of on-time delivery, vehicle condition upon arrival, customer service responsiveness, and overall satisfaction with the transportation process. Balance positive and negative feedback to develop realistic expectations about each company’s strengths and potential weaknesses.

Getting Comprehensive Quotes

Obtaining detailed quotes from multiple companies enables effective comparison of services and pricing structures. Provide identical information to each company to ensure accurate comparisons, including exact pickup and delivery locations, vehicle specifications, preferred service type, and desired timeline. Comprehensive quotes should clearly outline all included services, potential additional fees, and payment terms.

Request written quotes that specify coverage details, pickup windows, estimated delivery timeframes, and cancellation policies. Avoid companies that provide vague estimates or refuse to provide detailed written quotations. Quality companies welcome questions about their services and provide transparent pricing information.

Evaluating Company Credentials and Experience

Verify that potential car carrier companies maintain proper licensing and registration with relevant transportation authorities. All legitimate auto transport companies must possess valid Department of Transportation (DOT) numbers and appropriate operating authority for interstate commerce. Check company registration status through official government databases to confirm legal operating status.

Assess company experience by examining their years in business, industry certifications, and professional affiliations. Established companies with significant industry experience typically demonstrate greater reliability and problem-solving capabilities. Consider companies that specialize in your specific transportation needs, whether that involves oversized vehicles, cross-country moves, or particular geographic regions.

Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Carrier

Certain warning signs indicate potentially unreliable or fraudulent car carrier operations that should be avoided to protect your vehicle and financial interests:

  • Unusually low pricing that seems too good to be true, often indicating hidden fees or substandard service quality
  • Companies requiring large upfront deposits or cash-only payments, which legitimate businesses rarely demand
  • Lack of physical address or proper contact information, suggesting potential fly-by-night operations
  • Pressure tactics demanding immediate decisions without allowing time for proper consideration
  • Unwillingness to provide written contracts or detailed service agreements
  • No proof of proper licensing, insurance coverage, or transportation authority registration
  • Poor communication or evasive answers to direct questions about services

RoadRunner: Your Trusted Auto Transport Company

RoadRunner Auto Transport brings over 30 years of reliable nationwide vehicle shipping experience to customers seeking dependable car carrier services. Our extensive network of 25,000+ certified carriers provides comprehensive coverage across all 50 states, offering both open and enclosed transport options with no upfront deposit required. We provide 24/7 online shipment tracking, extended customer service hours, and comprehensive vehicle coverage options to ensure complete peace of mind throughout your transportation experience.

Use our car shipping calculator today for an instant, free quote and experience the difference that professional auto shipping expertise makes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credentials should I verify when choosing a car carrier company?

Always confirm that the company has a valid DOT number, proper insurance coverage, registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and industry experience.

How far in advance should I book car carrier services?

Schedule your vehicle transport at least 2-3 weeks in advance to ensure carrier availability and secure your preferred pickup dates, especially during peak moving seasons.

What information do I need to provide for an accurate shipping quote?

Provide exact pickup and delivery addresses, vehicle year, make, and model, preferred transport type, flexible date ranges, and any special handling requirements for the most accurate pricing estimate.

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Calculate your instant car shipping cost and view carrier availability in your area.

"Save time looking and just call Roadrunner Auto Transport - they truly helped make my move easier!"

Trish A.

Miami, FL

5 stars
google reviews

"Very easy to book and great with answering my questions. The shipping agent I spoke with was very friendly and helpful."

Susan K.

Dallas, TX

5 stars
shopper approved reviews

"RoadRunner gave us a fair price and was able to pick up when we needed. Very professional from start to finish."

Sean T.

Brooklyn, NY

5 stars
transport reviews

"I couldn't have been happier with the service provided by RoadRunner to transport my car from CA to NY"

Deborah B.

Long Beach, CA

5 stars
better business bureau reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.


When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. To calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly to your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.

Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter, local car moving. There is a broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed car shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed vehicle transportation guarantees maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since carrier availability is limited. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport

RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in shipping all types of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.

You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.

The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.

Top load service is when your car is placed on the higher deck or level of an open auto transport trailer. This is considered to be preferable to the bottom load because the cars on the lower deck are at risk of possibly having fluid from the cars above leak on them.

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inoperable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accommodate a non-running vehicle.

We offer open car shipping and enclosed transport services services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on two decks that are exposed. Enclosed transport services are when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is recommended for luxury, exotic or classic cars.

Door-to-door car transport is the full-service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to reach your door safely. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low-lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.