Want to learn how to get your car transported safely and securely?
Millions of vehicles are shipped every year from coast-to-coast. Whether you’re relocating to another state, purchasing a vehicle online, or transporting a classic to a show — auto transport has become a necessity for many car owners.
However…
Not all auto transport companies take the same precautions to keep your vehicle safe. Some go above and beyond to protect your vehicle while in their care. Others? Not so much.
The good news? Ensuring you find a reputable auto transport company and properly prepare your car before transport is easy with the right information.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What are Auto Transport Services?
- Why Does Vehicle Transport Safety Matter?
- Open vs Enclosed Transport: How To Choose
- Tips For Choosing The Best Auto Transport Company
- How To Prepare Your Car For Safe Transport
Ready to ship your car stress-free?
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about safe and secure auto transport services.
What are Auto Transport Services?
Auto transport services refer to companies that specialize in shipping vehicles from Point A to Point B.
It’s really that simple.
These companies utilize trailers that are specially designed to haul cars. Some transport companies only ship one vehicle at a time, while others can load multiple cars on a truck. Since the explosion of the online marketplace, the auto transport industry brought in over 11.5 billion dollars in revenue in 2025 alone.
Here’s what sets quality auto transport services apart from others:
Competent auto transport companies take every precaution to ensure your vehicle stays safe throughout every step of the transportation process. Whether that be tracking shipments in real-time or carefully loading your car onto their trailer. Having systems in place to make sure your vehicle arrives safely and on-time is what sets the best companies apart from scams.
Think about it…
Would you give your new $30,000 vehicle to just anyone? Of course not! Which is why it’s crucial to understand how auto transport works and get a personalized vehicle transport quote from a reputable company.
Why Does Vehicle Transport Safety Matter?
Did you know that thousands of vehicles are damaged during transport every year?
Unfortunately, most of these incidents are preventable with the right knowledge and preparation.
Your vehicle isn’t just another car on the lot. Your car is your investment. A daily driver. A hobby. A prized classic. Taking steps to ensure your vehicle stays safe during transport is essential.
Some of the biggest dangers include:
- Weather conditions like rain, hail, sun, etc.
- Road debris/particles
- Other drivers on the road
- Accidents
- Theft & vandalism
Thankfully, most reliable auto transport companies offer some form of insurance or safety protocol to help protect your vehicle from these dangers.
Open vs Enclosed Transport: How To Choose
This part always confuses people.
When transporting a vehicle, you generally have two options: open or enclosed. So which one is safe? Which one is better?
Well, that depends.
Let’s take a look at the differences between each method and what you should consider when making your decision.
Open Auto Transport
Open transport is just what it sounds like. Your vehicle will be loaded onto an open trailer with other vehicles.
Pros of open transport:
- More affordable than enclosed transport (can be up to 50% less expensive)
- More open availability
- Quicker pickup and delivery times
- Ideal for regular cars that don’t mind being exposed to the elements
Cons of open auto transport:
Your car is exposed to the elements. If you plan on shipping something exotic, rare, or expensive. You may want to consider other options.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Like the name suggests, enclosed auto transport is done in a completely enclosed trailer.
Your vehicle is completely protected from the weather, road debris, and other drivers on the road.
When you should always choose enclosed auto transport:
- Luxury vehicles
- Classic cars/vintage vehicles
- Exotic automobiles
- Vehicles that aren’t protected by paint clear coat
- Newly purchased vehicles
- Motorcycles
Expense comes with the territory. Enclosed transport will always cost more than open. However, if you care about the exterior condition of your vehicle coming in, it’s the best way to go.
Tips For Choosing The Best Auto Transport Company
Truth be told….
There are over 2 million registered carriers operating in the US. So how do you know which one to choose?
As with anything in life, there are good ones and sketchy ones. Here are a few tips to help you spot the difference.
Check Their Credentials
Before hiring an auto transport company, make sure they have:
- Legitimate USDOT number
- Insurance
- Reviews
- Transparent pricing
Any reputable auto transport company should be able to provide you with this information right off the bat. Verifying their USDOT number can be done by visiting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations website. Take 5 minutes to do your research. Don’t become another victim.
Look At Their Track Record
How long have they been in business? Do they have lots of positive reviews? These are important questions to consider when looking into transportation companies.
An established company with decades of experience and hundreds (if not thousands) of positive reviews is going to be much more reliable than some company my daughter started last month.
Here are some red flags to watch out for:
- Ask for large upfront deposits
- No physical address or phone number
- Unusually low prices
- Pressure you to make a decision now
- Unclear contract terms
Trust your gut. If something feels sketchy, it probably is.
Understand The Delivery Timeline
On average, vehicle delivery can take anywhere between one day to a week.
If you’re shipping cross-country, expect it to take at least a week. Distance obviously plays a large role in delivery time. Other factors such as route availability, weather, and carrier schedules can also affect how long transport takes.
Don’t be afraid to ask for an estimated delivery date before you agree to work with a transport company.
How To Prepare Your Car For Safe Transport
So you’ve hired the best auto transport company in the country. They offer enclosed transport and you gladly chose that option. Great! What’s next?
You still need to prepare your vehicle before transport.
Clean Your Vehicle
Prior to transport, wash your vehicle inside and out.
Not only will this help you properly document the condition of your vehicle, but it also makes it easier to spot any damage that occurs during transit.
Take photos of every angle of your vehicle. Front, back, left side, right side, interior, undercarriage, etc. If your car already has scratches/damage make sure those are documented too.
Remove Personal Items
Important tip…
Most auto transport companies require you to remove everything from your car prior to transport due to insurance companies not covering personal items left in vehicles.
Remove all personal items including:
- Electronics
- Important documents
- Loose change/pennies
- Aftermarket subwoofers/accessories (If possible)
Don’t leave any unnecessary items in your vehicle. Carriers are not liable for personal items left in your car. You should only have your spare tire, jack, and factory accessories.
Check Fluids and Battery
Ensure that your vehicles fluids are full, and there are no leaks. Double check your tire pressure, charge your battery, and only fill your fuel tank up about a quarter of the way.
Some auto transport companies have extra fees for transporting vehicles with low batteries or full gas tanks. If your vehicle isn’t running, make sure you notify your transport company.
Document Everything
When the driver shows up to deliver your shipment, have them create a written inspection report with you. Document existing damages (if there are any), mileage, and the overall condition of your vehicle.
Both you and the driver should sign this report. This will make if any new damages occur during transit.
Final Thoughts On Auto Transport Safety
Don’t stress about shipping your vehicle.
As long as you take the time to find a reputable auto transport company, pick the right transport method, and properly prepare your vehicle… Shipping your car is a piece of cake.
The auto transport industry has come a long way in the past couple of decades. New technology allows companies to track their shipments 24/7, professionally trained drivers, and better insurance than ever.
Just remember:
Do your research when selecting an auto transport company
