Finding a reliable carrier feels like a gamble when your vehicle is on the line. You need Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Review that cuts through the noise and provides facts. This guide examines their service quality, pricing structures, and the specific differences between open and enclosed transport.
We look at company credibility and potential risks to help you stay protected. Whether you are a car dealer, a private individual, or a luxury vehicle owner, this breakdown fits your needs. You deserve clear answers before handing over your keys to any logistics provider.
Are you ready to move your vehicle? You can get a free quote today to see how top-rated carriers compare for your specific route and shipping needs.
Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Review — Company Overview & Credibility
You can find Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, operating as a high-touch provider for various vehicle types. They claim over 50 years of experience through their leadership and association with the RPM family of transportation companies. This connection positions them as a specialized arm within a massive logistics network focused on finished vehicle logistics.
They serve a wide client base ranging from individual consumers to dealerships nationwide. While they handle standard moves, they are particularly known for "white-glove" services and the luxury vehicle market. You will find they specialize in transporting high-end assets like exotic cars and classic models.
Verification steps for you -
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Check their status on the FMCSA Company Data site to confirm active registration.
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Verify their USDOT and MC numbers to see their safety record and insurance filings.
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Determine if they are acting as a broker vs carrier for your specific shipment.
You must verify if the company is currently authorized as a carrier or a broker before signing any contract. Official records list them under USDOT number 1832741 and MC number 67920. Checking the FMCSA database ensures they maintain the necessary surety bonds or insurance for your protection.
Confirming these details helps you understand who is actually responsible for your car during transit. This Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Review suggests looking for recent company reviews to see how they handle claims. Dealing with a licensed entity reduces your risk of falling for common auto transport scams.
Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Services (What They Ship & How It Works)
You can access a full range of car transport services including door-to-door delivery, seasonal relocations, and shipping for online car purchases. Their process handles every vehicle from standard sedans to specialized luxury exotic car shipping with dedicated care.
Open auto transport remains their most common and cost-effective method for shipping standard cars, SUVs, and trucks. You should choose this for long-distance transport or when moving multiple units to a dealership to keep expenses low. While your vehicle is exposed to the elements, it is a practical choice for everyday models.
For high-value assets, you can select enclosed auto transport to shield your vehicle from road debris and weather. This service is a guide for shipping used car models that are rare or high-line exotics requiring total protection. You get peace of mind knowing your investment is in a secure, covered environment.
Specialized shipping options -
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Truck transport handles everything from light-duty pickups to commercial fleet transfers.
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Dealership and auction support includes inventory shipments, trade transfers, and auto auction car transport.
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Online buyers get coordinated delivery directly from retailers or auctions to their home.
They offer nationwide coverage across all 50 states, from the East Coast to the West Coast. Realistically, this means they have drivers constantly on the move, but rural or low-demand lanes may require more flexible scheduling. You can track your shipment after booking to stay updated on the arrival time.
Are you ready to see how much your move will cost? You can get a free quote now to compare rates for open and enclosed services.
Open vs Enclosed Shipping With Dealer’s Choice
You must choose between two primary methods when booking your shipment. This Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Review helps you weigh the lower cost of open carriers against the premium security of enclosed trailers. Both options provide nationwide coverage, but they serve very different needs depending on your vehicle and budget.
Open Transport — Best for Budget-Friendly Nationwide Car Shipping
Open auto transport is the standard for the industry. You see these trailers on the highway daily, usually carrying seven to ten vehicles at a time. It is the most affordable way to move a car because the carrier splits operating costs across many units. This high capacity makes it easier for you to find a spot on a truck quickly.
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Pros: Lowest pricing, fastest booking times, and massive fleet availability.
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Cons: Exposure to rain, sun, road salt, and small pebbles.
You should expect your vehicle to arrive with a layer of road dust, similar to a long road trip. While damage is rare, open trailers provide no physical barrier against the elements. This is a practical choice for a daily driver, a used car, or a standard SUV. Most dealerships use this method to move inventory efficiently between states like California and Florida.
Enclosed Transport — Best for Luxury, Classic, and High-Value Vehicles
Enclosed transport acts like a mobile garage. Your vehicle stays inside a trailer with four walls and a roof, completely shielded from the outside world. This service provides a higher level of privacy and security, as prying eyes cannot see what is inside. It is the preferred method for anyone using luxury exotic car shipping services.
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Pros: Total weather protection, hydraulic liftgates for low clearance, and higher insurance limits.
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Cons: Higher price tag and potentially longer wait times for a specific trailer.
You can ask about different trailer types, such as soft-sided (heavy vinyl curtains) or hard-sided (solid metal walls). For extremely low cars, a liftgate is essential. Unlike standard ramps, a hydraulic liftgate keeps the car level during loading to prevent undercarriage scrapes. This is the only way to ship a classic vehicle if you want it to arrive in showroom condition.
Dealer’s Choice Open vs Enclosed Pricing Factors
Your final price is not a fixed number. Several market forces drive the cost of your shipment up or down. Route demand is the biggest factor; shipping between major hubs like Texas and New York is usually cheaper than moving to a rural town.
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Seasonality: Prices spike during "snowbird" season when thousands move south for winter.
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Vehicle Size: Larger SUVs and heavy trucks take up more space and fuel, increasing your quote.
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Urgency: Last-minute bookings or "expedited" requests always carry a premium.
You may see your quote change because of dispatch realities. Carriers often adjust prices based on real-time fuel costs and current trailer availability. This is why getting an online car shipping quote early is vital. It gives you a baseline before market shifts impact the price.
Choosing the Right Option
You should stick with open transport if you are moving a standard vehicle and want to save money. It is safe, reliable, and used by millions of people every year. If a few water spots or road dust do not bother you, the savings are worth it. It is the most economical way to ship a car across the country.
However, enclosed shipping is worth the premium if your car is worth more than $50,000 or has sentimental value. The cost of a single paint chip or scratch on a custom finish can exceed the price of the upgrade. If you are shipping an investment, treat it like one.
Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Pricing Review
You should expect pricing to fluctuate based on real-time market supply and demand. In the auto transport world, a quote is often an estimate until a specific carrier accepts the job at a set rate. This Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Review finds that standard sedan shipping usually costs between $0.60 and $1.50 per mile.
What your quote must include -
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Carrier Type: Clearly state if you are paying for open or enclosed transport.
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Insurance: Confirm bumper-to-bumper coverage limits, often up to $500,000 for high-end moves.
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Pickup Window: A realistic range of 1–5 days is standard for most nationwide routes.
You need to watch out for a hidden-fee checklist. Extra costs often apply for oversized vehicles, inoperable cars that require a winch, or delivery to rural areas far from main interstates. Ask about "dry run" fees if you aren't ready when the driver arrives, and clarify if a deposit is required before or after a carrier is assigned.
Most companies require a deposit once a carrier is dispatched, with the remaining balance due in certified funds upon delivery. You should ask about their cancellation policy before signing any agreement. Typically, you can get a refund if the vehicle has not been assigned to a driver, but once a truck is scheduled, your deposit may be non-refundable.
Customer Experience, Reviews & Risk Factors
You should evaluate both the track record and the potential vulnerabilities of any carrier before booking. This Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Review examines the patterns in user feedback and a high-profile security breach to give you a complete picture of what to expect. While many customers report a seamless process, others highlight the importance of staying vigilant during the dispatch phase.
Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Customer Reviews Summary
You will find that positive feedback for the company often centers on professional communication and timely deliveries. Many users praise specific coordinators, like Beth, for keeping them informed from pickup to drop-off. Repeat customers, including those moving high-end assets like Bentleys and Range Rovers, frequently note that their vehicles arrive ahead of schedule and in pristine condition.
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Common Positives: Responsive staff, thorough vehicle care, and drivers who arrive early.
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Common Negatives: Occasional delays during peak seasons and variability in driver availability.
You should be aware that, like many in the industry, some users report price fluctuations or dispatch issues. These often occur when a carrier is not immediately available for a specific route, leading to scheduling friction.
The Luxury Vehicle Theft Incident
CEO of Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport, Steven Yariv, saw two luxury cars stolen from his drivers
You must understand the risks associated with digital security in the auto transport world. In 2024, a sophisticated thief reportedly hacked the Dealer’s Choice driver portal to intercept shipment data. This allowed the criminal to see exactly which high-value cars, including a Mercedes-Maybach and a Rolls-Royce, were in transit. The hacker then contacted the drivers, impersonated the recipients, and rerouted the deliveries to unauthorized locations in South Florida.
This incident matters because it exposed a flaw in how some carriers verify delivery changes. If you are choosing luxury exotic car shipping, you need to be certain about the communication protocols. You should ask Dealer’s Choice exactly how they verify the identity of a recipient before a driver releases a vehicle.
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Ask about delivery authorization: Will the office call you to confirm any address changes?
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Verify driver protocols: Does the driver have a specific code or ID to share with you at the door?
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Request secure dispatching: How is your personal data protected within their internal portal?
Damage Claims, Insurance & Inspection Process
You are responsible for the final inspection, which is your only defense if a car arrives damaged. Every shipment must include a Bill of Lading (BOL), which acts as your official contract and condition report. You must walk around the vehicle with the driver at both pickup and delivery to note every scratch or dent.
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Insurance Checklist: Confirm the carrier’s cargo insurance limits, which should be at least $100,000 for open and $500,000 for enclosed.
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Photo Documentation: Take high-resolution photos of all four sides, the roof, and the interior before the car leaves your sight.
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Inspection Protocol: If you see new damage upon delivery, you must write it clearly on the BOL before the driver leaves.
If you fail to note damage on the paperwork, filing a claim later is nearly impossible. You should also verify whether the broker or the carrier is responsible for the insurance deductible. Most auto transport insurance covers transit damage, but it rarely covers personal items left inside the car.
Expert Insights on Shipping Logistics
You often have specific concerns when planning a cross-country move or inventory transfer. This section addresses unique logistical queries to help you prepare your vehicle for a smooth journey with any carrier you choose.
How long does car shipping take from Florida to California?
Cross-country trips usually take 7 to 14 days depending on weather and driver hours. You should plan for a few extra days if your pickup location is far from a major interstate highway.
Does Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport ship motorcycles and boats nationwide?
Yes, they handle specialized cargo including motorcycles and boats across the United States. You can choose priority boat shipping to ensure your vessel arrives safely at any marina or private residence.
Can you ship a car with personal items inside the trunk?
Most carriers discourage leaving belongings inside because insurance only covers the vehicle itself. You might be allowed up to 100 pounds in the trunk, but you ship car with belongings at your own risk.
Are there military car shipping discounts for active duty members?
Many providers offer specific military vehicle relocation rates for PCS moves. You should provide your military ID during the quoting process to see if you qualify for a reduced deposit or total price.
What is the best time of year to ship a car to save money?
Shipping during the winter months is often cheaper, unless you are moving along "snowbird" routes to the south. You can find seasonal car shipping secrets that help you avoid peak pricing.
Dealer’s Choice Auto Transport Review Verdict — Who Should Use It?
You should choose this provider if you are a dealership, an auction buyer, or an individual moving a standard vehicle across the country. They excel at high-volume nationwide moves and offer reliable open shipping for everyday cars. Their deep roots in the Florida market and connection to the RPM logistics network make them a strong choice for East Coast routes.
However, you might consider alternatives if you require a strictly guaranteed delivery date or ultra-premium white-glove service with high-frequency tracking. Before you book, verify their current license and insurance status on the FMCSA website. Use this checklist to stay protected:
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Get a written quote including all potential fees.
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Confirm the specific pickup window.
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Perform a detailed photo inspection before and after transit.
Are you ready to move your vehicle? You can get a free quote today to compare current rates and secure your transport slot.
