eShip Car Shipping

eShip Review

Founded in 2012 in Coconut Grove, Florida by Craig Giganti, eShip started out as a licensed auto transport broker with the USDOT (with an MC Docket number and a USDOT number). The company doesn’t own or operate any transport vehicles. Instead, eShip has access to multiple carefully-selected carriers. Having this broad field of carriers at their disposal offers consumers more shipping options at better prices with eShip acting as your agent to handle your file throughout the entire process. eShip only uses fully insured and bonded, reliable auto transport companies that have proven themselves by delivering high-quality services.

Giganti and the eShip staff understand that their reputation is on the line with every transport, so they never use fly-by-night car shippers to take care of their customers. The majority of the time, eShip utilizes open auto carriers to transport vehicles from point A to point B. Enclosed transport options are also available, but due to the limited number of cars enclosed trailers can hold, the cost to the consumer is approximately 60 percent higher.

Pros

• Positive reviews from consumers on every review site and the Better Business Bureau.
• The company also offers moving brokerage services as well as discounted parcel shipping with FedEx, DHL, and USPS.
• Can ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Puerto Rico
• RV Shipping available

Cons

• The website quote form requires your moving information but doesn’t provide an instant quote. Instead, you will get a message that a transportation specialist will call you shortly.

eShip Products

The company offers vehicle tracking, door to door service and there are never any hidden fees. eShip includes its Platinum Protection Plan with every contract at no additional charge. This protection provides up to $300 in added insurance to cover any minor damage a carrier’s deductible wouldn’t cover, or rental reimbursement of up to $300 if your vehicle is delayed and is delivered more than 48 hours after your expected delivery date.

Open and Closed Sar Shipping

In addition to car shipping, eShip offers moving services from any location nationwide. Their full-service moving options include packing, custom crating, loading, door delivery, offloading and debris removal. If you need any of these services for your move, ask about them while you’re getting a quote.

eShip Pricing

eShip’s highly competitive pricing comes from the sheer volume of business they do, and it’s that volume that makes an average vehicle transport with eShip cost around $500 to $1,000.

For a complete and accurate price, you’ll need to request a quote from eShip. Multiple factors affect the total of your shipment including mileage, vehicle type, location and whether you choose open or enclosed shipping. Based on online customer reviews customers paid anywhere from $1,000 to $1,200 for long distance moves with a deposit of around $100 or $200. Most customer reviews that didn’t list the cost of their vehicle shipment stated eShip’s price was at or below other quotes they got.

How to Book a Transport With eShip

You can get a quote from eShip online in a few seconds. Simply use the form to populate where you want to go, the make and model of your vehicle, and the dates you wish to transport. You can also note whether you want to open or closed transport services on the qualification form. Submit your answers and the company will call or email you a quote. You can also call eShip directly to get more information.

eShip Complaints

The Better Business Bureau gives eShip an A+ rating based on 25 positive reviews with only one neutral, three negative and two complaints. The BBB-accredited business also has over 1,000 positive reviews on consumer sites like Yelp and ConsumerAffairs. Their previous customers use phrases like “wonderful car-shipping experience,” “helpful and professional” and “great customer service” more often than not and many have used the company multiple times.

The few negative reviews were about eShip providing a quote and scheduling a date for the customer’s vehicle to be picked up but a pickup window was never assigned. eShip addressed all customer complaints.

eShip Product-related Q&A

• What factors affect car shipping pricing?
  Six main things will affect the cost of shipping your vehicle: distance traveled and location, type of vehicle, the condition of the car, open or closed transport, current fuel pricing and time of year.

• Is there a required deposit upfront?
  eShip does not require an upfront deposit unlike many of its competitors. Their service fee is fully refundable up to the point they secure a driver. At that point, the service fee is no longer refundable.

• Should I use enclosed or open transport?
  Open auto transport carriers are considered the standard in the industry, but may not be your best option if your vehicle is rare, antique or an expensive luxury car. On average, 95 percent of all cars are delivered with no damage after an open transport, but enclosed transit is best for high-end vehicles to protect them from dust, debris and weather. Your eShip agent can answer any questions about open and enclosed car shipping.

• How should I prepare my vehicle for shipment?
  Clean out your vehicle and remove anything of value. You won’t need more than about a quarter tank of gasoline. Read about preparing your car for shipping on our car shipping guide.

• Can I put suitcases or moving boxes in my car?
  No. While it would be convenient to be able to put your suitcases and moving boxes in your shipped car, it’s against the law to store personal items in your vehicle. Insurance only protects the vehicle, not damaged personal items.

• What is door-to-door service?
  Door-to-door service means that your automobile will be picked up from your current address and delivered to an address you specify rather than terminals. However, the majority of car carriers use large trailers, and that can make it difficult to get to residential addresses. These trailers usually exceed the weight restrictions for residential streets or the street doesn’t offer enough space to make wide turns with tractors/trailers as long as 75 feet. Low-hanging branches and power lines on residential streets can cause damage to vehicles on the load. If this is the case with your pickup or delivery address, you will meet the truck at a nearby shopping center, big box store or other convenient location.

• How long will it take to transport my vehicle?
  The average transit time from pick up to delivery on any vehicle going coast to coast will be between seven and 10 days. From either coast to the Midwest averages three to seven days.

• Are my dates estimated or guaranteed?
  With eShip, all dates given are estimates unless there are specific arrangements made with the driver and dispatch. eShip asks that you give them the earliest possible date you would be able to release the vehicle so they can start working on your order. Once you place your order, you and your carrier will communicate directly. The carrier’s customer service or driver will typically call you with a window of time to expect the truck the day before your pickup and delivery.

• Will my vehicle be driven while in possession of the carrier?
  The auto transport driver will drive your car on and off the car transport. The driver may have to unload and reload your vehicle during transport to optimize space on the trailer but will keep this to a minimum. No one drives your car otherwise, and you can check your odometer readings at pickup and delivery. Discrepancies should be written on the final bill of lading and signed by you and the driver.

• What do I do if my vehicle is damaged?
  It is imperative to note any damage to your car on your final bill of lading report when you receive the
  vehicle. The driver fills out this paperwork upon pick up when pre-existing damage is noted. Failure to record the new damage on the final bill of lading could nullify your right to a claim because the document releases the liability of the carrier once you sign it. Be sure to get a copy of the bill of lading and, if possible, take photos of the damage before signing.

Conclusion

If you’re planning a long distance move, eShip can connect you with a top moving company with a proven track record that can offer the service you need for a reasonable price. The company mission is to “connect our customers with the highest rated carriers for both auto transportation as well as moving” and if you read reviews anywhere online, you’ll see they live up to that mission quite well.