9 Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Auto Transport Partner for Your Dealership

Every unit that sits waiting on a truck is costing your store money. That's why picking an auto transport company for your dealership is a bigger decision than comparing two quotes. The best car transport for dealers is the one that shows up, documents everything and answers the phone when something changes.

Before you hand over your next load, ask these nine questions.

1. How are carriers vetted?

A broker is only as good as the carriers it assigns. Ask whether DOT and MC authority is checked directly with the FMCSA before every load, not just once at signup. We work only with independently licensed and insured, FMCSA-verified carriers.

2. Is insurance verified before pickup?

"Our carriers are insured" isn't enough. Ask whether the carrier's cargo insurance is verified before your unit is loaded. We verify it before pickup, every time. Read about carrier liability.

3. How are pickup windows handled?

Auctions have storage deadlines, and dealer trades have customers waiting. Ask how pickup windows are set, how you'll be told if one changes, and whether expedited service is available when timing is tight.

4. Will I have a single point of contact?

If you're chasing three dispatchers to find one unit, the process is broken. Ask who you call when you need an update, and whether that person knows your locations and contacts.

5. Can you move inoperable units?

Auction and trade-in units don't always run. Ask whether non-running vehicles can ship and what you need to share up front. Inoperable units ship on winch-equipped carriers, as long as we know the condition when you book.

6. Do you have enclosed capacity?

High-line, exotic and low-clearance inventory often needs an enclosed trailer, and those trucks are fewer. Ask whether enclosed transport is available on your lanes and how far ahead to book it.

7. How does tracking work?

Your sales team, and sometimes your buyer, will want to know where the car is. Ask how you'll get updates between pickup and delivery so nobody is left guessing.

8. What does the claims process look like?

Ask how damage is documented. The answer should be a condition report on the Bill of Lading (BOL) at pickup and again at delivery. If a claim is ever needed, that BOL record is what protects you, and we help you start the claim with the carrier.

9. Do you offer plans for recurring volume?

If you move units every week, ask about a recurring lane plan: predictable pickup days, your locations on file and one standard process for documentation and invoicing. Learn more about our dealer auto transport service.