Directory of Professional Auto Transport Companies for shipping vehicles.

Though most auto shipping companies work hard to ensure customer satisfaction, sometimes accidents do happen. Before you ship your vehicle, check out the company you will be using. Ask a lot of questions, and get all estimates and guarantees in writing.

Take photos of your vehicle just prior to shipment, and again upon delivery. Go over any damages at both ends of the shipment with the auto shipping company representative or carrier driver so that you both see the same things and have the same notes. When you choose your auto shipping company, be sure to get information from them as to how you need to contact them and report problems. In any event, keep all of your original documentation and send in copies of anything they request. Keep copies of all email, and take notes when you speak on the phone to anyone, including their name and the date and time of your call. Note what you talked about and agreed to. If the person you speak to has an employee I.D. number, be sure to note that, as well.

If there is a problem, contact your insurance company and your auto shipping company immediately. Be calm and clear when explaining the problem. If you feel you are not being properly helped, politely ask to speak to a supervisor. Be insistent if need be.

Having everything in writing and understanding your rights as well as the shipping company’s liability and responsibility will help you resolve the situation more quickly.

If the company does not resolve the problem, contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB). They can help you resolve the problem. Many companies that failed to act when just the consumer was involved will act once the BBB is involved.

Worst-case scenario, you may need to obtain legal counsel. Sometimes just a letter from an attorney will do the trick. Other times, court proceedings will be required. In these cases, too, having everything documented will be especially useful.