Honesty in Auto Transport
When shipping a vehicle, there are many precautions one must take to ensure a safe and successful delivery. From ensuring the company is honest and trustworthy to checking its BBB rating, there is a plethora of factors that come into play when looking for reliable auto transportation. We are here to help you find honesty in auto transport.
What are the most common scams to watch out for when shipping a vehicle?
When it comes to auto transportation, there are many scams to watch out for. A few of the most common ones include dishonesty about owning trucks, bait-and-switch tactics, asking for upfront payment, and trying to charge you too soon. We’ll discuss all of these below and then look into how to avoid these types of scams when considering auto transportation.
Someone telling you they own their trucks.
It is vital to do your research when selecting an auto transport company. Beware of companies that claim they own their own trucks and provide a lower rate than other companies. In reality, most auto transporters that you speak with will be brokers who use a network of independent truckers to move vehicles. It is important to ask for proof that the company owns its own trucks. If not, you run the risk of your vehicle not being picked up in a timely manner, and possibly at all. Remember, it’s always a good idea to take time and conduct thorough research before making any commitments so you can make sure that you are working with an honest company.
Undisclosed delivery times
The next auto transportation scam we will talk about involves companies not providing an estimated delivery date. If the company really has a spot for you on a truck, they should be able to give you at least an estimated delivery window of 2-3 days. Additionally, if they tell you they have a carrier for you on the first call, proceed with caution and skepticism.
If you’re working with an honest company, they’ll be as open with you as they can be and give you any information you need. If you feel like they are holding back important information about the pickup and delivery of your vehicle, it’s probably best to find another company to work with.
Bait and switch tactics
Bait and switch tactics are one of the most common scams to watch out for when shipping a vehicle. This involves offering a low-cost quote and then significantly increasing the price after the customer has agreed to the transaction. Never pay for anything until you have an estimated pickup date, delivery date, and total cost for your auto transportation.
Asking for payment information upfront.
When finding an auto transportation company another common scam is when a company requests payment information upfront before providing any services. This could be a sign of a scam if the company demands full payment upfront or requires a large deposit. Before an honest company asks for payment, they will post you to a load board and come back to you with an offer from a carrier, so you shouldn’t give any payment info on the first call or let them charge you for anything until they have put in some work for you. It is also wise to get everything in writing, including the terms of the agreement and the estimated cost of services.
How to Make Sure you are Working with an Honest Company
To ensure you are working with an honest company when looking for auto transportation services, it’s important to do your research and shop around for the best rates and terms. Start by reading customer reviews and searching for feedback from past and recent customers. This will help you identify reputable companies with positive track records. Get quotes from multiple auto transport companies to compare pricing and terms. Ask questions regarding any hidden fees or additional costs. An honest company won’t bring you any surprise costs later in the shipping process.
Research the Auto Transportation Company's Reputation
When choosing an auto transportation partner, it’s important to research their reputation. Before signing any contracts or making any financial commitments with a car carrier, it is good practice to do some online research.
Some great places to research the reputation of a company are reading reviews on Google, the BBB, and Transport Reviews. Transport Reviews used email verification and require them to put in their order id to help ensure that their reviews are actually from customers of each company. An honest company shouldn’t have anything to hide.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, you should have a better understanding of what to look for when choosing an honest company to handle your car shipping. As you might have realized already, the most important aspect is finding a company that has a proven track record of delivering vehicles in one piece. Choosing a company with an established reputation and years of experience will ensure your vehicle is handled by professionals who know what they are doing.