Shipping Tips

Most "transport companies" online are brokers, not actual carriers—even if their websites display trucks and claim otherwise. Not to say that brokers aren't safe, my experience says there is less accountability as most brokers do not vet their transporters. Always verify before booking. Personally, if I were shipping a specialty vehicle I would want an actual transport company. Some major real transport firms include Intercity, Reliable, Plycar, and McCollisters. 

Alternatively, you can find trusted small owner-operated transporters (like what I do), usually through referrals; dealing with them directly often makes things simpler. 

I mainly transport in Utah and nearby states. For Arizona, Southern Nevada (Vegas), or Southern California, I recommend Gill's Autohouse—John Gill operates a reliable 6-car enclosed truck and trailer and is also based out of SLC. John's contact: 801.336.6929

Brokers arrange vehicle transport by posting jobs on load boards for carriers to bid on, but you often can't verify who will handle your car. Pick-up delays occur when the posted job/transport doesn't get picked up quickly by transporters. Once picked up, you're subject to the carrier's schedule, and there have been issues with unlicensed or uninsured transporters. Brokers earn a fee by negotiating the price—if a job is booked at $1,000, they may offer it to carriers for $650 and raise the payout as needed. Delays are common, often accompanied by excuses. Also to note, Brokers arrange transport but do not carry insurance; always verify the insurance of the actual carrier (the company with the truck). 

When engaging a broker, it is important to confirm that they thoroughly vet the transport companies with which they collaborate. The majority do not conduct such screenings, which can present significant concerns. Of all the brokers I have registered with as a transporter, only one—ACERTUS—has requested comprehensive documentation, including proof of insurance, photographs of driver’s licenses, images of my truck, trailer, equipment, and myself. Although this is not intended as an endorsement, it is worth noting.

Anyone with internet access can find transportation companies or brokers (who also need DOT numbers) by searching their name or DOT number on the DOT’s “Safer Web” site. Here, you can review current status, records of accidents and violations, and verify insurance at: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx

The Department of Transportation requires transporters to carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance, though many now need $1,000,000. Additional cargo insurance is available, typically up to $250,000 total per trailer—not per vehicle. New transport companies often struggle to get insured due to previous claims from inexperienced startups. Cargo insurance only covers items inside the trailer, so check with your agent to ensure your high-value car is protected during transport. Brokers arrange transport but DO NOT carry insurance; always verify the insurance of the actual carrier (the company with the truck). 

• When a carrier arrives to pick up your vehicle, have them provide ID and proper documentation to verify they are who they are. 

• Send only one key with the transporter; have the seller mail the second set if buying a car.

• Install a tracking device (Apple airtag, or Google tag) before shipping for added security.

• Take photos at pick-up and delivery, including mileage, exterior, and undercarriage. Check the car thoroughly upon delivery, as most damage occurs during loading and unloading or shuffling on trailers.