Car Shipping Frequently Asked Questions

How Will My Vehicle Be Shipped?

Generally your vehicle will be shipped on a 10-car open carrier, like one of the ones you may have seen at a car dealership hauling cars to and fro.

What is the Cost to Ship my Vehicle?

The auto transport industry is route-based, so prices are not fixed. Prices depend on certain factors: pickup and delivery cities, vehicle size, year, make and model of the vehicle. Once you receive a price quote, it is good for a limited time of 30 days. Generally we request three quotes from three separate vendors that we work with and provide you with the least expensive.

How Long will it take to Ship my Vehicle?

The industry is route-based so times will vary. Trucks are limited by federal laws, as well as the requirement to stop at every weight station on the road. This can sometimes mean that delays can happen, but generally the vehicle will travel 350 miles per day.

What is Enclosed Shipping?

Enclosed shipping is shipping your vehicle in an enclosed container. Most trucks are open carriers which are open to inclement weather and any road hazards, while enclosed trucks are better protected. However, this added protection does come with a price; generally, enclosed shipping is 75-100 percent more expensive than open shipping, and as such closed shipping is recommended to people with exotic and/or rare cars.

How Far in Advance Should I Schedule a Pick-up?

Please schedule a pick-up as soon as possible. Normally a truck can be available to you in 1-10 days, up to 14 in the summer after a reservation has been made. It is also a good idea to book your auto transport 5-10 days in advance of the pickup date you would like. For an additional fee, a pick-up can be scheduled within 24 hours. 

Can I pack personal items in the car?

No. Federal law prohibits auto carriers from transporting “household goods”, so anything that is in your car must be removed before transport. Not only are trucks prohibited from carrying household goods, but too much weight can actually put a truck over its weight limit at the weight station causing unwanted and unneeded delays.

However, you may put light objects – such as blankets, clothes, and pillows in the truck of your car, provided that it is less than 100 lbs. This is to make sure the trucks meet their weight requirements. Please note that personal items left in the vehicle are NOT covered by the trucks insurance.

Do I need to be present when the vehicle is picked up?

Yes and no. We need someone there to sign the contract (also known as the Bill of Lading) between you, and the truck driver. If you can’t be there, make sure you have a friend or relative that can be there in order to sign the bill of lading and avoid unnecessary delays. Someone is also required to be present to do a walk-around inspection with the truck driver. This is to note any damages to the vehicle before transport. Please make arrangements for someone to be there if you are unable.