July 10, 2025

What To Do When Car Shipping Goes Wrong

With numerous professional car shipping companies in operation today, shipping a vehicle has become a fairly straightforward process. Still, like with any service, occasionally something can go wrong. There are delays, damage, misunderstandings, and misplaced documents that can turn a simple operation into an ordeal. Regardless of whether you are relocating a vehicle from around town or across the country, understanding what can go wrong and how to prevent mishaps is crucial.

The Missed Pickup or Drop Off

Missed pickup or delivery schedules are the most common issues people face. The driver is late, routes get changed, or there is no communication from the dispatcher to the client. That can be infuriating if you plan appointments based on a fixed schedule.

To avoid this, ensure you receive a clear pickup and delivery time frame from the company. Reliable auto moving companies will provide you with a delivery window beforehand and notify you if there are any changes. Double-check the contact information and have your phone within reach during estimated times.

Vehicle Damage During Transport

Trusted car shipping companies do their best to ensure your vehicle doesn’t experience damage during transit, but accidents happen. The car can get dented or scratched if it is not loaded properly or if the hauler encounters rough roads. That’s why it’s essential to take multiple photos of your car from all angles before shipment and document any existing damage. Most companies conduct an inspection and provide documentation, but having your own photos provides peace of mind and serves as evidence should you need to file a claim.

Missing or Irrelevant Documents

Shipping a car is not just loading up a car and putting it inside a truck. There are documents, inspection reports, and even legal papers involved. If documents are lost or completed incorrectly, it can delay the process entirely or make it difficult when your car shows up.

Before your vehicle is shipped, ensure you have copies of all the paperwork. Store the documents in a safe place and ask questions or express your concerns if you are uncertain about anything. Professional auto moving companies would not rush you through the process.

Lack of Communication

Perhaps one of the most frequent complaints people share is that they have no idea what is happening to their car. Without an update, it is understandable to be worried or unsure about where their car is or when it will arrive.

You should receive status reports while shipping from honest car shipping companies. Some even offer tracking software to monitor your vehicle in real time. If you choose a company that does not provide updates, make sure that there is someone you can contact to ask questions.

Unexpected Fees or Price Adjustments

Unexpected add-on fees that weren’t explicitly clear before booking have caught many off guard. The fees might be for mileage, waiting time, or route changes. Your trusted provider should provide a comprehensive quotation with clear rates and outline any add-on charges in case of changes during shipment.

All these issues are avoidable when you are dealing with a professional and reputable firm. A positive reputation, transparency, and good reviews ensure you are dealing with someone dependable. At Able Auto Transport, we know how important your vehicle is to you. That is why we go an extra step and handle each shipment with care, consideration, and integrity. We believe in making your life easier, not complicated. To avoid these common headaches, reach out to our team for your next shipping adventure!