Ever had a car shipped and it’s late, damaged, or doesn’t show up at all?
You are not alone.
The vehicle shipping industry moves billions of dollars each year — but that’s not just about legitimate transactions. Behind the scenes, car shipping companies have a whole host of issues and service problems plaguing their industry.
From driver shortages to bad weather to internal miscommunication — there are many ways that shipping your vehicle can turn into a headache.
The problem is that most people have no idea what to expect from the car shipping process. They hire a carrier and hope for the best. But when you find the right vehicle transport company and know the common problems that service companies face and how to work around them, you can sidestep the headaches and have a smooth experience (unlike everyone else).
Here’s exactly how to handle these issues like a pro.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
- Common Car Shipping Problems
- Top 5 Shipping Disasters (And How to Avoid Them)
- Best Practices for Hassle-Free Transport
- Making Your Shipping Experience Foolproof
Why Car Shipping Goes Wrong
The vehicle shipping industry brought in $10.1 billion in revenue in 2024.
Impressive, huh?
The thing they don’t tell you is that’s actually a 4.1% decrease from the previous years. The industry is facing unprecedented challenges that have a direct impact on your shipping experience.
Consider this:
- Driver shortages are crippling the industry
- Fuel prices continue to rise
- Weather events are disrupting routes daily
- Competition is causing companies to cut corners left and right
And the worst part of all this?
You’re the one who pays the price when things go wrong.
Shipping companies don’t want you to know about their internal issues and challenges upfront. They quote you a price. Give you a delivery date. Then leave you on your own when problems happen.
Top 5 Shipping Nightmares (And How to Avoid Them)
Time to dive into the real challenges you’ll face when shipping your car — and more importantly, how to overcome them.
1. Shipments that Arrive Late
This is the big one.
You were promised your car would be there on Tuesday. It’s now Friday and you’re still waiting. No car. No explanation. Just frustration.
Recent data shows only 18% of customers expect delivery within a week — yet that’s exactly what most companies claim they can do.
Here’s how delays really happen:
Weather doesn’t care about your schedule. Traffic doesn’t give a shit. Mechanical issues? Too many drivers to count who take unscheduled days off.
The best way to protect yourself?
- Ask for a delivery window (NOT a specific day)
- Get the driver’s cell phone number
- Build extra time on both ends
- Have an alternate transportation plan
Don’t fall for companies that promise specific delivery dates.
It’s a lie.
2. Car Damage During Shipping
Do you know something very, very scary?
Your car can get damaged during shipping. Loading. Unloading. Just sitting on an open carrier while dust and rocks fly around on the highway.
The thing most people don’t realize is that…
You need to document your car condition before shipping.
- And when talking about documentation — DOCUMENT everything.
- Get photos from every angle
- Note any existing scratches and dings
- Look under bumpers (everyone skips this step)
- Get it all in writing on the Bill of Lading
You then check your car when it arrives before you sign anything. New damage? Document it. Make sure the driver notes it on your Bill of Lading before they leave.
If you don’t? Tough luck.
3. Price Quotes and Increases
Here’s how it works.
You get a price quote online for $600. Sounds fair. You book it.
Then the day before the scheduled pickup, the company calls. “Oh, the price is actually $950. Take it or leave it.”
This happens all the time.
Why? Dishonest brokers throw out lowball quotes to get your business and then jack up the price when you have no choice but to take it on pickup day.
The way you can protect yourself:
- Get quotes from multiple companies
- Read the fine print for hidden fees
- Ask about price guarantees
- Check company reviews for pricing issues
If a quote sounds too good to be true… it probably is.
4. Unresponsive Companies
Let’s paint a picture for you.
Your car’s been picked up. You have no idea where it is. The company won’t answer phone calls. The driver’s phone goes straight to voicemail.
For DAYS.
Poor communication is inexcusable— yet it is shockingly common in this industry.
Good shipping companies offer:
- Real-time tracking
- Regular status updates
- Direct driver contact information
- Responsive customer service
No tracking system? No updates? GTFO.
Find someone else.
5. Insurance Problems
Most people assume that when they ship a car, the insurance is 100% in place.
Carrier insurance has gaps. High deductibles. Coverage limits that are less than your car’s actual value.
The solution:
- Verify carrier insurance limits and coverage
- Verify your own personal policy
- Get gap coverage if necessary
- Get it all in writing
Never ship a car without knowing exactly what’s covered.
Smart Strategies for Hassle-Free Transport
Ok — you know the problems. Let’s look at the solutions.
Choose Enclosed Transport for Prized Vehicles
Open carriers are less expensive. But if you’re shipping a luxury vehicle, classic car, or anything you really care about…
Spend the money for enclosed transport.
Yes, it’s more expensive. But your vehicle is protected from weather, road debris, and curious eyes. It’s absolutely worth the extra money for peace of mind.
Book Early (But Not TOO Early)
The ideal time to book is 2-3 weeks before shipping.
Book too early and your plans change. Book too late and you’re stuck with exorbitant last-minute prices.
Research Like Your Car Depends On It
Because it does.
Do your due diligence:
- Check FMCSA registration
- Verify insurance certificates
- Review BBB ratings
- Check recent reviews
- Look at years in business
You only need one bad apple to spoil the bunch.
Prepare Your Car Properly
Shipping problems usually start before your car is loaded onto a transport truck. With poor preparation.
Empty your car of personal items. Leave a quarter tank of gas. Disable alarms. Take pictures of special instructions.
Simple steps that prevent major headaches.
Making Your Shipping Experience Foolproof
Here’s the secret to stress-free car shipping:
Do everything in your power to control the variables.
You can’t control weather events. You can’t prevent every disaster.
But you can:
- Choose reputable companies
- Document everything you can
- Communicate often
- Have backup plans ready
- Educate yourself every step of the way
This industry is facing some real challenges. Driver shortages. Inflation on operational costs. Weather disruption.
But with a little knowledge and the right strategies in place, you can successfully navigate those.
Your Action Plan Starts Here
Shipping your car doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
Ok, the industry has its problems. Ok, things can go wrong. But when you know what to expect from the car shipping process and are prepared accordingly, you stack the odds in your favor.
Remember:
- Don’t trust empty promises or deals that sound too good to be true.
- Document, document, document before and after shipping.
- Choose carriers based on their reputation, not price.
- Always build extra time into your delivery expectations.
- Verify insurance coverage completely before signing off on delivery.
The difference between smooth transport and total nightmare? Preparation and the right carrier.
Don’t leave your car’s fate to chance. Do your homework. Ask tough questions. Never settle for a carrier that doesn’t meet your standards.
Your car (and your sanity) will thank you.