Effective auto transport in the US requires a transportation specialist. The job simply cannot be done efficiently with traditional conveyance equipment. A standard flat trailer might carry three cars at most. Qualified auto transport companies employ trailers that can haul many more cars than that in a single trip.

Government regulations make it nearly impossible to know everything you should about hauling your own motor vehicles. If you are unaware of all federal rules and regulations involving professional auto transport in the United States, you might end up paying more in fees, fines, driver salaries, insurance and other hidden costs than you would spend to hire a qualified US automotive transport company. When searching for a US auto transport company consider the following:

1. Choose an experienced company over the guy down the street with the CDL.

2. Look for reputable companies and compare commercial auto transport rates.

3. Take steps for added vehicle protection.

4. Search the safety records of transporters.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate reputable automotive shipping services in the United States

There are many companies available for car shipping in the United States, but rates and customer satisfaction vary. Look for a respected company before entrusting your vehicles to anyone.

I recommend: One great source for locating a US auto shipping company and for checking prices is at Carshipping.com, an online company which lists only licensed and bonded carriers that comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration safety standards. Carshipping.com provides quotes from seven transport companies at once. You can also view a list of transporters at Movecars.com, a company dedicated to helping people move, ship and transport cars.

Conduct your US automotive shipping with a reputable shipper

It is easy to forget or overlook things that make car transportation economical and safe. Reliable automobile shippers have all the proper trailers and safety equipment necessary to do the job right.

I recommend: Three auto transporters with excellent customer ratings are Magic Carpet Auto Transport, 1-2 go 2 Transport and Direct Express Auto Transport. Magic Carpet Auto Transport is based in Camas, Washington, 1-2 go 2 Transport is headquartered in Shaller, Iowa, and Direct Express Auto Transport is in San Anselmo, California. You can get online quotes from each within minutes.

Protect yourself when choosing a US car shipping company

Take a few minutes to check safety records before hiring a United States car shipping company. Whether you have one vehicle or many to transport, a little extra effort bestows peace of mind.

I recommend: Obtain a company snapshot before you hire a carrier. The SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records System) is the best way to check the safety record of a company. It is sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can also contact any state department of transportation for more information about safety records. You can find a list of departments of transportation through the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There is no need to pay top dollar to ship only one or two cars. Auto transport in the US utilizes a universal load board listing vehicles awaiting shipment throughout the country. To save transportation costs, ask to have your shipment included with another load already going out.