You may be wondering if you should call an auto transport company before you book your order. Online quote tools have made it easy for car shipping customers to get a preliminary price quote, but if you want to avoid potential pitfalls, calling ahead can make a huge difference.
Even though online quoting has matured, car shipping is still a service industry with a heavy reliance on communication, routing and timing. A quick phone call before you agree to your quote can prevent you from with unexpected charges, uncomfortable delays, and last minute changes to your order.
In this guide, we will teach you why you should call a company before booking a quote, what questions to ask on the phone, how this will affect your price and how a site like ShippingCarQuotes.com will help you get the right info before your call.
Why Calling Before Confirming a Quote Is Helpful
While quotes online can be very useful they cannot cover every aspect of your particular transport requirements. Calling provides an opportunity to check details, answer questions and an opportunity to ensure a quote is what you want.
Verify That the Quote Reflects Real-Time Pricing
Factors determining the price of auto transport:
- Driver availability
- Route demand
- Seasonal fluctuations
- Fuel costs
- Weather patterns
Sometimes, the price quoted on an online form is only an estimate, in which case you should call the airline, as availability and prices can vary on an hourly basis, especially in high season.
While ShippingCarQuotes.com gives you an up-to-date estimate to help reduce this uncertainty, it is best to call for final figures.
Confirm Pickup Dates and Scheduling Requirements
Requested pickup windows are assumed flexible unless otherwise noted. You can call to:
- Clarify the exact pickup date
- Discuss any flexibility you have
- Explain limitations such as work hours or access restrictions
- Confirm whether same-day or next-day pickup is possible
Why this matters:
A two-minute conversation can often resolve issues that would otherwise take much longer and cost more.
Ensure the Carrier Has the Right Equipment for Your Vehicle
Not all vehicles are created equal and not all carriers can handle all vehicles, so when you call, make sure to ask if a carrier has:
- Low ground clearance vehicles
- Modified cars
- Extra-long or lifted trucks
- Inoperable vehicles
- Classic or luxury cars needing enclosed transport
This also prevents last minute cancellations or price hikes.
Ask About Insurance Coverage Before Agreeing
Insurance is a meaningful concern with auto shipping. Often times, customers are surprise to find out it is not included. On the phone:
- What insurance is included?
- What is the coverage amount?
- Does it cover the full value of your vehicle?
- Are there exclusions?
- Are photos require?
Some carriers have different levels of insurance depending on the transport method used, so call and confirm how your car protected to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Confirm There Are No Hidden Fees
Hidden fees are one of the most frustrating parts of the auto transport industry, and asking a carrier or broker directly removes all doubt.
Be sure to ask:
- Are there fees for rural pickup/delivery?
- Are there additional charges for oversized vehicles?
- Are there fuel surcharges?
- Is top-load placement included or extra?
- Are taxes included in the quote?
Legitimate businesses should be able to quote you a price on the phone, if they’re evasive this should raise a red flag.
ShippingCarQuotes.com addresses this problem by only connecting you with companies that are reputable and transparent about their fees.
Verify the Company’s License and Credibility
Important information that requested over the phone is:
- DOT number
- MC number
- Insurance details
- Years in business
- Whether they broker or carry the load
Ensure Your Quote Includes the Correct Transport Type
Sometimes web customers select the wrong shipping option. A phone call will let you confirm whether or not you really need:
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Expedited shipping
- Guaranteed pickup windows
- Top-load placement
Selecting wrongly when booking online may lead to a mismatch between price and transportation. Calling ensures you are going to get the right transportation.
Clarify Special Instructions That Quote Forms Don’t Capture
Online forms could not capture this level of detail:
- Apartment complex access limitations
- Gated community restrictions
- Narrow streets
- Special drop-off instructions
- Multiple pickup contacts
- Vehicle loading challenges
Verbal descriptions allow the carrier to avoid problems when planning pick-up or delivery for the load.
What to Ask When Calling Before Confirming a Quote
To make your call productive, ask the following:
✔ Is the quote guaranteed, and for how long?
✔ What insurance coverage is included?
✔ Is the pickup date flexible or fixed?
✔ Are there extra fees based on my location or vehicle?
✔ Will the price change once a carrier is assigned?
✔ What is the company’s DOT/MC number for verification?
✔ How does payment work?
✔ What protections do I have if the carrier cancels?
These questions will let you confidently make an informed booking decision.
How ShippingCarQuotes.com Supports Customers Before the Call
The platform provides:
✔ Accurate, real-time pricing
Quotes reflect conditions of the markets.
✔ Verified carriers only
No unreliable or unlicensed companies.
✔ Clear breakdowns of services
You know exactly what you’re getting before you call.
✔ Tools to compare multiple companies
You choose the carrier you want to call and confirm.
✔ Protection from lowball scams
- Only honest, verified quotes are shown.
- By the time you make the phone call, you’re already equipped with reliable information.
Should You Call Before Confirming a Quote?
Should you call before you confirm the quote? In most cases, yes. A phone call can clarify price, scheduling, insurance, equipment and the company’s reputation while avoiding any misunderstandings, disputes, or hidden fees. When you register at ShippingCarQuotes.com, you receive realistic, accurate and honest quotes right from the start, and by calling ShippingCarQuotes.com before you confirm your auto transport quote, you can get the best service at the best price possible. Before you decide to go all-in, make that phone call. Your wallet, your schedule, your ride will thank you.
