A good quote is one you can actually ship at. Here’s what to have ready, what to ask, and how to compare quotes without getting burned.
What You Need for an Accurate Quote
- Pickup and delivery ZIP codes, or at least the cities. Exact locations change the price.
- Year, make and model. Size and weight matter.
- Modifications. Lift kits, lowered suspension, oversized tires, racks, campers.
- Does it run? Non-running vehicles need a winch.
- Open or enclosed. Ask for both if you’re unsure.
- Your dates, and how flexible they are.
Leave something out and the price may change later. Give the full picture and the first number can be the real one.
Questions to Ask Every Company
- Is this the total price? Are there any other fees?
- What’s due when: at booking, at pickup, at delivery?
- What’s the pickup window, and what’s the estimated transit time?
- What happens if a carrier isn’t found for my dates?
- What are your USDOT and MC numbers? (Then look them up on the FMCSA website.)
How to Compare Quotes
Line up the quotes and look at what’s included, not just the number. If most quotes cluster together and one is far lower, that one deserves the most suspicion, not the most excitement. Carriers decide which loads to take based on what they pay, and a lowball price can leave your car waiting until it goes up. Read how the bait and switch works.
Watch for These Red Flags
- A price far below everyone else’s
- Pressure to pay a large deposit immediately
- No USDOT or MC number, or one that doesn’t match on FMCSA
- Vague answers about fees or what happens if your date slips
- “Guaranteed” pickup dates with no explanation of how
Get Your Quote
Our quote form takes about two minutes, or call (424) 453-1800 and talk to a real person on Ray’s team.
Keep Reading
Lowball Car Shipping Quotes: The Bait and SwitchHow a too-good quote turns into a higher price, and how to spot it.Car Shipping Charges & Fees ExplainedWhat actually goes into a car shipping price, line by line.How Do I Ship My Car?Every step from first quote to delivery day, in plain English.Top 10 Vehicle Shipping Questions AnsweredCost, timing, insurance, prep and the other questions everyone asks.