Comparing ten auto transport quotes can reveal large price gaps, but the lowest bid needs careful checking. The 2024 American Transportation Research Institute reported an average trucking cost of $2.26 per mile in 2023. Fuel alone represented about $0.64 per mile. These figures cover trucking broadly, not vehicle shipping specifically. Still, they show why an unusually low quote may hide weak scheduling or added fees. Ask whether the price includes terminal charges, fuel adjustments, taxes, and residential delivery.

Insurance deserves closer attention. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration advises customers to verify a carrier’s operating authority and insurance records through its public database. Request the policy number, coverage limit, deductible, and exclusions in writing. Cargo protection may differ from general liability coverage. Photograph the vehicle in daylight, including existing scratches, before loading. I once underestimated this step; a small dent became difficult to discuss without clear evidence.

Tracking should provide useful events, not vague promises. Look for pickup confirmation, loading status, location updates, and delivery contact details. The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics tracks transportation reliability, but national statistics cannot predict one vehicle’s exact arrival. A realistic window is often more useful than a fixed date. Weather, inspection delays, and driver availability can change delivery by several days. Ask how quickly the dispatcher reports delays. Cheap service is less attractive when silence lasts forty-eight hours.