Shipping your car locally might seem simple — after all, you’re not sending it across the country. But even local car transport requires careful planning, clear communication, and attention to detail. Many vehicle owners assume short-distance shipping is easy and end up making costly mistakes that lead to delays, damages, or unnecessary stress. Whether you’re relocating, selling a car, or transporting a new purchase from a nearby dealership, avoiding these common pitfalls will save you time and ensure a smooth, worry-free experience.
Here are the top 5 mistakes you should avoid when shipping your car locally, and how to make sure your next transport goes off without a hitch.
1. Choosing the Cheapest Auto Transport Quote Without Research
One of the most common mistakes car owners make is choosing a company based solely on the lowest price. While it’s natural to look for affordable options, extremely low quotes can be a red flag. Some unreliable brokers or carriers use “bait-and-switch” tactics — they’ll quote a cheap price to win your booking and later increase the cost through hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or last-minute “adjustments.”
Reputable local transport companies base their prices on real factors such as distance, vehicle size, service type (open or enclosed), and scheduling flexibility. A trustworthy company provides transparent, all-inclusive quotes that cover everything — from insurance to pickup and delivery.
💡 Pro Tip: Always compare at least three verified quotes, check reviews, and confirm the company’s licensing through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Choosing the cheapest option without research might save you $50 upfront but could cost you hundreds later in damages or delays.
2. Not Checking Licensing, Insurance, and Credentials
Just because a company operates locally doesn’t mean it’s automatically trustworthy. Many small or unlicensed operators run under the radar, offering quick services without proper credentials or insurance. This is one of the biggest risks you can take when shipping your car — especially if something goes wrong.
Every legitimate auto transport company must have:
A valid USDOT number (U.S. Department of Transportation)
A Motor Carrier (MC) number from the FMCSA
Cargo insurance to cover your vehicle during transport
These registrations prove that the company is compliant with federal laws and insured to handle your vehicle. Without insurance, you’re responsible for any damages that occur during pickup, transit, or delivery — even if it’s not your fault.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate and confirm the coverage amount. A trustworthy company will never hesitate to share these details. It’s your peace of mind that your car is fully protected throughout the journey.
3. Failing to Prepare Your Car Before Pickup
Another easily avoidable mistake is skipping vehicle preparation. Many customers assume the carrier will handle everything, but a few small steps before pickup can make the entire process safer and smoother.
Before your scheduled pickup day, take the following actions:
Clean your car inside and out: This helps identify existing dents, scratches, or paint chips before transport.
Document your vehicle’s condition: Take clear photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any pre-existing damage.
Remove personal items: Transport insurance doesn’t cover personal belongings, and unsecured items can cause damage inside your car.
Check fluid levels and tire pressure: Make sure your car is in drivable condition so it can be easily loaded and unloaded.
Disable alarms and toll tags: These can accidentally go off or be charged during transport.
A well-prepared vehicle not only minimizes the risk of misunderstandings later but also speeds up the loading and delivery process.
💡 Pro Tip: Always sign the Bill of Lading (BOL) during pickup and delivery. It serves as proof of your vehicle’s condition before and after shipping.
4. Ignoring Delivery Details and Communication
Poor communication is one of the biggest causes of frustration during car shipping. Some customers forget to confirm pickup and drop-off details, which can lead to missed deliveries or scheduling conflicts. Others fail to provide accurate contact information, causing unnecessary delays.
Professional transport companies prioritize communication. They’ll keep you informed before, during, and after transport — sending updates about estimated pickup times, route adjustments, and delivery windows. However, if you choose a company that doesn’t provide updates or is hard to reach, you may spend days wondering where your car is.
💡 Pro Tip:
Confirm your driver’s name, phone number, and delivery window ahead of time.
Keep your phone accessible on delivery day.
Be flexible, especially if weather or traffic conditions change — even short local routes can face unexpected delays.
At Cars Peak Transport, our local Illinois drivers always stay in touch from pickup to drop-off, ensuring you’re never left guessing about your vehicle’s status.
5. Forgetting to Review the Contract and Terms Carefully
The last — but perhaps the most critical — mistake is signing a contract without reading the fine print. Auto transport agreements outline your rights, responsibilities, and the company’s policies regarding payments, cancellations, and insurance claims. Skipping this step can lead to misunderstandings later.
Some key contract details to review include:
Exact pickup and delivery locations
Payment structure (deposit vs. full payment upon delivery)
Cancellation policy
Delivery time estimates and delays
Insurance coverage limits
Never agree to verbal promises — always get everything in writing. A professional company will provide a clear, transparent agreement and explain all terms before you sign.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a digital and printed copy of your signed contract, Bill of Lading, and insurance documents until your vehicle is safely delivered.
Bonus Tip: Not Checking Reviews or Company Reputation
Even though this isn’t one of the top five, it’s worth mentioning. Ignoring reviews and testimonials is a major oversight. In the digital age, information is your best protection. Look up your car transport company on Google Maps, BBB, and Trustpilot. Pay attention to recurring themes in reviews — such as on-time delivery, professionalism, and how the company handles complaints.
If you see multiple reviews praising quick communication and vehicle safety, it’s a good sign. On the other hand, repeated complaints about hidden charges or late deliveries should raise a red flag.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just read the 5-star and 1-star reviews — the 3-star ones often give the most honest insight into real experiences.
Conclusion: Trust the Experts for Local Car Shipping
Shipping your car locally may sound straightforward, but overlooking small details can quickly turn it into a stressful experience. The key to a smooth, reliable transport lies in preparation, research, and choosing the right company.
Avoiding these top five mistakes — choosing the cheapest quote, skipping insurance verification, neglecting car preparation, poor communication, and signing contracts blindly — will help you enjoy a stress-free process and protect your vehicle from potential problems.
At Cars Peak Transport, we’ve helped countless Illinois residents ship their cars safely and affordably across Peoria, Bloomington, Springfield, and beyond. We combine professionalism with local expertise, offering transparent pricing, full insurance coverage, and dedicated customer support.
When you choose Cars Peak Transport, you’re not just hiring a carrier — you’re choosing peace of mind, reliability, and years of trusted experience in Illinois auto shipping. Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, our team ensures your vehicle arrives safely, on time, and with the care it deserves.