Mercury Auto Transport: Many Shipping Routes & Options

Mercury Auto Transport at a Glance

Mercury Auto Transport is a customer-focused broker in the auto transport industry, with more years of experience than some of their top competitors. They prioritize transparency, customer education, and stress-free transport experiences. Unlike some competitors, they don't collect deposits until a carrier is secured at a price you agree on. However, it's important to note that Mercury, as a broker, only connects you with specific carrier companies, from a network of licensed and insured carriers across the nation— including national dispatch boards— but doesn't directly own the transport trucks. This may offer you flexibility but means your primary interaction during transport will be with the assigned carrier. Please note, however, that they do not ship internationally, only within the continental US, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Mercury helps you move many types of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, trucks, limousines, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), recreational vehicles, and more. They'll even help you with your exotic or classic cars. They offer both open and enclosed auto transport options, as well as flatbed services for specific vehicles. They take carrier selection seriously, conducting thorough background checks to verify their Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) licensing, insurance, and customer references. Their pricing aims to be realistic from the start, avoiding particular offers or low-ball quotes that might lead to delays and frustration. Carriers chosen by Mercury would provide full bumper-to-bumper insurance, with typically between $100,000 and $1,000,000 of coverage. To start the process, you can request a free quote online or by calling them.

They are licensed and bonded by the Department of Transportation with USDOT number 2242305 and FMCSA docket number MC647319. They have an excellent reputation in their industry, often placed on top lists of auto transportation providers by the likes of USA Today. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and receive a BBB rating of A.

Mercury Auto Transport Shipping Options

Mercury Auto Transport provides several shipping methods for transporting vehicles. Here are the ones that stand out:

• Open transport: This is their most popular and budget-friendly option. Your vehicles are loaded onto open-air trailers, directly exposed to the elements during transport. Of course, while this is ideal for standard cars, trucks, and SUVs in good condition, it might not be the best choice if you want extra protection for your vehicles or if you are shipping motorcycles, luxury vehicles, or classic cars
• Enclosed transport: Their enclosed carrier options are meant to provide your vehicle with superior protection. Your cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, or crated motorcycles would remain shielded from weather, road debris, and potential theft throughout their journey. So, while this method is more expensive, it's highly recommended for valuable vehicles needing the highest level of security and care
• Flatbed transport: Their flatbed truck options provide specialized transport solutions for your vehicles if they exceed standard weight and size restrictions. They're perfect for oversized trucks, construction equipment, and vehicles with low ground clearance; they even work for your inoperable cars, although that may come with carrier-specific restrictions. While they will cost you more than open or enclosed transport, flatbed carriers are essential for these unique transport scenarios

They also have several shipping options that you may make use of:

• Door-to-door shipping: Their door-to-door option is meant to offer you maximum convenience and control, because you avoid middlemen and meet directly with the carrier for a streamlined vehicle handover process, including easier inspections. While slightly more expensive than terminal-to-terminal options, door-to-door transport can offer you faster turnaround times and greater scheduling flexibility
• Terminal-to-terminal shipping: With their terminal-to-terminal transport option, you would deliver your vehicle to a designated terminal for pickup and retrieve it from a corresponding terminal at your destination. This option may save you money, though not necessarily, but may be less convenient than door-to-door service, and offer less flexibility with scheduling. Keep in mind that this option used to be cheaper and more convenient, but with door-to-door being the norm, it may be harder to find terminals throughout the country
• Standby transport: This option prioritizes saving you money over fast service. You pay a lower price and wait for a carrier with space on their truck to accept your offer. While potentially very economical, you may expect extended wait times as carriers prioritize higher-paying jobs. So if you need your vehicle shipped quickly, standby isn't your best option
• Expedited shipping: When time is of the essence, most carriers Mercury works with offer expedited shipping services to get your vehicle to its final destination faster. Naturally, this comes with an additional cost, but it's a lifesaver when you need your car, truck, or SUV delivered promptly
• Overseas shipping: Shipping your vehicle to or from Hawaii or Alaska may require specialized logistics, and so often involves a combination of land and sea transport. Many of Mercury's carriers offer Hawaii shipping solutions, but it's important to confirm the specific details, including potential permits needed, to ensure a smooth process

Understanding the Costs at Mercury

Mercury does not advertise any set prices for their shipping services, as they vary based on carrier and many other factors, so you have to request a quote on their website. Generally speaking, they charge a fee to connect customers with carriers after conducting rigorous background checks. They may also require a $200-$300 non-refundable deposit by credit card, once a carrier is secured for you, with the remaining balance due upon delivery by money order or cash. Key factors influencing quotes include mileage, vehicle type, seasonality, and service preferences like open or enclosed carriers and door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal delivery. The directionality of your move may also play a role in your costs, as moving a car from north to south can cost you between $0.58 to $0.91 per mile on average, while it may cost between $0.39 to $0.61 per mile to move it a similar route from south to north.

Keep in mind that those are only sample rates for open transport and that your rates may be higher, as they would be if you choose enclosed, flatbed, or expedited delivery transport. For example, they state that their flatbed rates vary from $0.60 to $2.00 per mile, depending on the length of the route.
Mercury has a car shipping quote calculator on their site, which emails you estimated costs based on your unique criteria. We were able to get a quote of $585 to move a Kia Forte from Houston to Chicago via open transport, which they state comes with no detours or hidden fees. They provide other sample rates on their website, such as for California to Phoenix at $561, or Chicago to Tampa at $875. However, some online sources report higher quote prices, or having to pay somewhat more than the original estimate.

When actually negotiating with carriers based on market demands and seasonal fluctuations, they may inquire about all options, such as standby mode, to find the most cost-effective solution for you. They stress that quoted prices are subject to change until a carrier is secured. Keep in mind that your shipping duration varies based on the distance. For example, transporting a vehicle up to 500 miles may take one to two days, while distances over 2,500 miles may take 10 to 14 days.

Key Advantages of Mercury Auto Transport

• Vast carrier network: Mercury partners with a vast array of carriers, allowing for flexibility in finding the best fit for your transport needs, route, and budget
• Negotiation and contract oversight: The company oversees price negotiations and contracting processes. If a carrier's price offer or dates don't align with your needs, they'll inform the driver and move on to the next carrier until they find a fit
• Insurance and licensing: Mercury prioritizes partnering with licensed, insured, and reputable carriers. They conduct background checks and verify references, ensuring your vehicle is transported safely
• More supported vehicles: Mercury transports more than just your traditional vehicles, in addition to cars and SUVs, they also transport: motorcycles, recreational vehicles, pickup trucks, classic and exotic cars, limousines, travel trailers, and ATVs
• Guaranteed service: Mercury states that while they cannot simultaneously guarantee specific dates for both pickup and delivery, they can guarantee one or the other. Additionally, their 100% Risk-Free Money Back Guarantee means you pay nothing until a carrier is assigned, and you have the flexibility to cancel anytime before then with no fees

Why You Might Not Choose Mercury

• No international shipping: Mercury's services are limited to the continental US, Alaska, and Hawaii. Customers seeking international shipping need to look elsewhere
• No real-time tracking: Mercury Auto Transport does not provide real-time tracking or a mobile app for you to monitor the status and location of your shipped vehicles. Getting up-to-the-minute updates on your vehicle's location might require contacting the carrier directly
• Brokers, not carriers: They only connect you with carriers but don't own the trucks that transport your vehicles. That means that you may be at the mercy of the carrier should you suffer from shipment delays and communication issues, as your primary interaction during transit will be with them

The Mercury Auto Transport Customer Experience

They enjoy a mostly positive user experience, as evidenced by their online customer reviews. They receive a high review score of 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot as well as a 4.7 out of 5 on Google Reviews, but a lower 3.8 out of 5 score on Yelp. Also, Mercury Auto Transport LLC receives no complaints on their BBB business profile, where they hold a 4.72 out of 5 review score.

Positive feedback

Mercury's customers express a high level of satisfaction with them. They consistently praise the company's efficiency in finding carriers and scheduling transport, often at a more competitive price than other brokers. Mercury's representatives are commended for their excellent communication, with customers feeling informed and comfortable throughout the process. This includes providing transparent quotes, answering questions promptly, and offering guidance on what to expect.
Overall, their combination of competitive pricing, clear communication, and customer support seems to create a largely positive experience for most clients.

Critical feedback

However, some critical feedback raises important considerations, and the nature of complaints involves price and service reliability issues. There have been instances where the final price exceeded the original quote, suggesting customers should thoroughly discuss potential extra charges before committing. Occasionally, delays or miscommunication are attributed to the contracted carrier rather than Mercury directly. This highlights the importance of understanding that while Mercury carefully vets their carriers, some factors remain outside their immediate control. Despite these isolated issues, the overwhelming majority of customer reviews speak to Mercury Auto Transport's dedication to offering a smooth and stress-free auto shipping experience.

Mercury responds to many such reviews quite promptly, often to explain their understanding of the situation as well as their level of control as brokers of third parties. Their tone is compassionate and professional, and they sometimes issue refunds when warranted.

Customer Support at Mercury Auto Transport

You can reach Mercury's customer service team via phone, email, Facebook, or in person at their office. You may call them locally at 954-239-1780 or at their toll-free number of 800-553-1828 to talk to one of their live auto transport representatives. You may also email them at [email protected]. Their physical address is:
2240 SW 70th, Ave., Suite H, Davie, Florida 33317 USA

They also have an FAQs page and a news and insights page.

Mercury Auto Transport: Final Thoughts

Mercury Auto Transport emerges as a robust choice if you need vehicle shipping services, offering a blend of security, flexibility, and comprehensive service options. Whether for short or long distances, they aim to provide a streamlined, customer-focused approach to auto transport. They boast a large carrier network, a commitment to finding transparent pricing, and a focus on customer communication and education. They also support a wider range of vehicles than some competitors. Their strong online reviews suggest they'll likely provide a hassle-free experience for you, especially if you value door-to-door convenience and the peace of mind of working with vetted carriers.

However, if international shipping is crucial, you'll need to look elsewhere. Additionally, it's important to understand the limitations of choosing a broker. Since Mercury doesn't directly operate the transport trucks, issues with the assigned carrier— like delays or communication problems— are possible. You also won't have real-time tracking of your vehicle. Before committing, exercise your own best judgment and get a final quote in writing. Be aware that choosing a broker means your experience might fluctuate depending on the specific carrier they assign to your vehicle.

If you are still uncertain about this auto transport company, we recommend looking through our extensive reviews of the top auto transportation companies on the market. Be sure to also use our comparison tool to see different company's features side by side, and read through our blog to learn more about the industry as a whole. We hope to make your informed final decision a breeze!

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