Car Shipping Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to our most frequently asked questions. Feel free to contact us if you need additional help.
Did you know Approximately 30 million people move across the country every year. Even more, reliable car shipping becomes crucial when buying, selling, or participating in out-of-state car shows. Auto transport companies move at least 58 million cars each year.
Long-distance driving causes wear and tear on cars. That’s why having a car shipping company handle delivery is easier. You can trust our auto transport company with the logistics of coordinating car shipment deliveries.
However, transparency and trust are necessary when leaving your car in someone else’s hands. You must choose the right auto shipping carrier with a customer service record.
Given economic concerns happening nationally and worldwide, we know that clients sometimes prefer and sometimes need more than one or two payment options. We never want to turn away a client who needs our services because their only method of payment during difficult times is a form that we can’t accept. The idea of that type of scenario unfolding with one of our representatives is unacceptable to us, which is why we do everything we can to accommodate our clients’ needs.
As of April 2023, we accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). We also accept Cashapp, Venmo, and Zelle electronic payment options. Whatever the client’s chosen payment method, we request that they provide us with the payment information during scheduling. We also require a portion of the transport fee upfront. Our representatives will provide the specific amount.
Here are the factors that affect the cost of shipping a car to another state:
Distance: The longer the distance, the more expensive. But there’s usually a discounted cost per mile as well.
Pick-up date: Flexibility around the pick-up date will help you get a fair quote. Booking in advance can secure the best price.
Route: Certain roads or highways may cost more due to congestion, weather, construction, or road conditions.
Vehicle: Longer, taller, or modified cars may cost more to ship, so provide exact vehicle specifications.
Car condition: Running vehicles will cost less to ship than inoperable vehicles, which require additional equipment.
Transport method: Open car transport (the cheapest) and enclosed auto transport (the most expensive) are available.
Seasonality: Shipping costs vary depending on the time of year. Holidays can be especially expensive.
Discounts: Certain customers, like military personnel or students, are eligible for discounts. Check with our shipping advisors to see if you qualify.
Shipping your car is safe with the right auto transport company like American Auto Transport.
To ensure safe shipping, consider these things:
- Transportation type matters- enclosed transport provides better protection from elements, but costs more.
- Truck drivers need to rest, so theft might be a concern. Check the FMCSA’s list of recommendations to keep your vehicle safe.
- Accidents on the road can happen, there are 100 to 200 thousand large truck-related accidents each year. Ask about accident statistics and insurance coverage offered by the transport company to protect your car.
Protect your car by:
- Choosing a reputable auto transport company with positive reviews.
- Preparing your car for pick up and thoroughly inspecting it.
- Remaining in contact with the driver to track the delivery progress
A transport broker acts as an intermediary between shippers and carriers. They connect shippers with carriers to facilitate the transportation of goods. Brokers do not own the transportation assets themselves. They negotiate and arrange transportation services on behalf of their clients.
While carriers are the actual providers of transportation services. They own and operate the trucks, ships, planes, or other means of transportation.
American Auto Transport is the company that moves your vehicle, while an auto transport broker connects customers with carriers and manages the relationship between them.
Yes, American Auto Transport is a legitimate auto transport company.
Our business has direct access to over 2,500 modern auto transport carriers, making the process of shipping your vehicle hassle-free and straightforward. With over 15 years of experience and over 1,000,000 vehicles moved. Our car shipping resume includes individual households, military personnel, dealerships, relocation companies, and private corporations.
With our dispatch and customer service departments available to offer assistance, we’re here to help make your move go as smoothly as possible.
We offer both enclosed and open carrier transportation options depending on your specific vehicle needs.
Our enclosed transport service is perfect for antique, luxury, classic or custom vehicles, offering complete protection against road hazards, dust, debris, and weather conditions.
For daily drivers, our open carrier car shipping option is an affordable way to transport your vehicle while still receiving a prestige door-to-door service.
No matter which option you choose, American Auto Transport ensures a safe and smooth 5-star experience when transporting your vehicle.
We are fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind when trusting us with your vehicle.
Our clients never have to worry about not knowing the location of their vehicles during transportation. We offer two convenient ways for them to receive vehicle-tracking information. They can fill out our Vehicle Tracking Form. A representative then reaches out to them with the vehicle-tracking details. They can also speak to one of our knowledgeable agents, who can look up the details for them by calling (866) 327-7863.
Basically, at both the pickup and delivery locations, it’s important that someone is available to accept and sign for the vehicle. We require a spare set of keys to ensure a seamless handover. If you’re not able to be present personally, feel free to have a trusted friend or family member take your place.
We want to make sure your vehicle is delivered safely and securely, and having someone there to accept it is a vital part of that process.
Shipping cars is a complex process involving numerous variables and logistical challenges. Choosing auto shipping companies with a knowledgeable and experienced logistics team is crucial to select the best and most efficient routes. Even with the best planning, there can still be schedule changes due to unforeseeable factors like severe weather or accidents on the road.
Delays caused by factors out of the shipping company’s control, like customer drop-off or pickup times, can compound quickly. This can lead to further delays down the line, often forcing a range of delivery dates rather than a specific day and time.
To avoid such issues, booking car shipping services well in advance is important, especially if your vehicle needs to arrive at a specific destination by a certain time. Expedited shipping services can be an option, but they come at a higher cost.
Shipping a car is vastly different than shipping a package via FedEx. It’s vital to keep in mind that a car weighs at least three to four thousand dollars and involves numerous logistical challenges. For first-time customers, it’s critical to be patient and understanding during the shipping process.
The “estimated time of delivery” is self-explanatory. It is an estimate of when we believe we can deliver the vehicle as long as there are no emergency developments. We provide a delivery estimate instead of a guarantee because anything can adversely impact a scheduled delivery.
We never want to hear that one of our drivers did not make a timely delivery. Our drivers typically transport vehicles between 400 miles and 500 miles every day. Legally, they are permitted to drive up to a specific number of hours/miles in a day.
The estimated mileage for a specific delivery is dependent on the client’s route. The time of delivery is impacted by a variety of factors, including route and road conditions, such as traffic and weather, the number of other drop-offs the driver must complete along the route, and fuel shortages, if applicable.
Want a free estimate for a Car shipping service across the USA? Use our instant quote form – it’s easy! Check out the link at the top of any page, follow our instructions, and get a good quote.
If you have questions or need customization, call the phone number on the page.
Our company offers several types of shipping services depending on carrier availability. We’ve served 3000 happy customers across the USA.
If you find any damage to your vehicle upon delivery, don’t wait! Call us right away at American Auto Transport. We totally understand that accidents can happen during transit, but we have to file a claim within 30 days to help you out. So, please report it to us ASAP so we can assist you in the best way possible.
Also, make sure you note down any damages on the “Bill of Lading” or delivery receipt provided by the driver during the delivery process. This step is important, so we can clearly identify the damage that occurred during shipping and provide you with the necessary support. We’re always here to help, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need any assistance.
We always endeavor to make the pickup and delivery process quick and easy for our clients. Unlike many other companies, we offer door-to-door service as long as we’re legally permitted to do so in a specific geographic area. As a result, our clients typically never waste their time or money driving their vehicle to a special pickup spot and returning to their home or office.
With transportation of a standard-sized vehicle, our driver can usually pick up a vehicle at a client’s preferred location within 24 to 48 hours anywhere in the United States. With an oversized vehicle, such as certain brands and models of SUVs, trucks, and vans, the driver must use special equipment, which means that the pickup can take longer. Once we have taken custody of the vehicle, we typically deliver it within 5 to 8 days.
It might seem redundant for us to have another section about price and our competition, but we sincerely want clarity about price. We guarantee our price and always be upfront about it. Other companies with lower prices do not offer that type of guarantee. Some vehicle carriers pull a bait and switch. They quote extremely low prices to attract consumers, and then they hit their customers with hidden fees. Many people receive a late or damaged vehicle because they choose a new or untested company.
For more than 19 years, our team at American Auto Transport has worked with over 2,500 third-party carriers to safely move more than $1 million in vehicles. We are the preferred shipper for not merely individuals.
We are repeatedly chosen by private corporations, including Fortune 500 companies, relocation companies, vehicle dealers, and government agencies. When a consumer chooses us, whether they are shipping a custom luxury vehicle or an inoperable vehicle they plan to eventually rebuild, they know that they have received the best possible service in the auto transport industry.
For more information about these or other questions, speak to a member of our team today!
Yes, you can ship your non-running car. But, make sure to inform us about the condition in advance. This helps us get the necessary tools and knowledge.
Transporting a non-running vehicle may cost more, but it’s still a hassle-free option. We make it easy for you to transport your car when you need to. So, don’t worry if your vehicle isn’t running. Contact us and we’ll take care of the rest for you!
Here’s how you can do it:
- Top off the fluids and keep no more than 1/4 of the gas in the car.
- Clean the outside of your car. This makes scratches and dents more visible.
- Take images of the outside of the car. They will serve as proof of the car’s condition before shipment.
- Remove all personal items from the car.
- Take off any external accessories, such as bike racks or spoilers.
By following these steps, you can be sure your car is ready for shipment. This will ensure its safe and secure arrival at the destination with no scratches or damages.
Let’s go through them one by one:
Consider delivery time: When shipping a car, delays may occur due to weather, traffic or mechanical issues. Your car shipping service can provide an estimated delivery date. But what if you need your car by a certain date? Talk to our car shipping experts about expedited shipping options.
Choose your type of transport: When transporting your vehicle, you must choose between open or enclosed carriers. Open carriers are cheaper but leave your car exposed to outdoor elements. Enclosed carriers protect brand-new, luxury, antique, or exotic cars. Naturally, enclosed carriers cost more given the additional protection they provide. Think about the value of your car and the desired level of protection before making your choice.
Research the company: You should be careful of scammers when choosing a car shipping company. Research thoroughly to ensure they’re legit. Verify their license, registration, and insurance on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration site. Reading reviews and contacting the BBB is also important. If they can’t answer your questions, that’s a red flag!
Check out our online reviews to find out why we’re regarded as one of the finest car shipping companies in the industry.
This question is often the first one that many people ask our sales and other representatives after receiving a custom quote for transportation services based on their unique situation. Our rates are all guaranteed prices. That said, our price quotes are based on the previously mentioned factors. Even a suddenly busier route or an event that closes off a preferred route can cause a fluctuation in price. If a potential client waits too long to schedule, then they risk losing their quoted price.
It is also important to note again that we charge additional fees for some services. Unlike some companies, our fees are never hidden from potential or existing clients. For example, we charge extra if a client needs pickup or delivery on a specific date, an enclosed carrier for an inoperable vehicle’s specialty auto transport scenario, or replacement parts.
We charge extra for these services for several reasons. With on-demand pickup and delivery, we must pull a driver and transportation carrier from a pre-scheduled route especially to guarantee that we meet the custom pickup and delivery timeframes.
With a specialty vehicle that requires an enclosure, such as a classic car, we experience higher costs related to the purchase and maintenance of high-quality equipment and the enclosed carrier and insurance coverage. With an inoperable vehicle and replacement parts, one of our drivers must use extra equipment and take extra-special precautions to move the items to the carrier, which requires extra time and labor.
We highly recommend that you refrain from packing personal items in your car during transportation as it may result in detrimental damage to the interior of your vehicle due to shifting during transit.
Moreover, additional contents in the car may obstruct the driver’s view while loading or add additional weight to the vehicle, creating additional risks. It is crucial to understand that American Auto Transport cannot be held responsible for any damage caused during transit due to these additional items.
When moving a vehicle across the country, car transport costs can be major factors in deciding when and how to move. Various factors influence auto-shipping quotes, including weather, driver availability, demand for services, and current season.
For instance, shipping in summer and winter may increase costs due to high demand and driver availability issues. Meanwhile, autumn and spring may offer lower prices, meaning wise planning can save you some bucks when shipping your car.
Shipping your car to or from a location can impact the cost you have to pay. For instance, bigger cities such as LA and New York have more shipping options, which leads to competitive prices.
On the other hand, remote northern towns and smaller areas can be out of the way for many shipping routes, so costs can be higher.
The best way to ensure a safe and stress-free experience is by hiring a top professional auto transport provider such as American Auto Transport. While you may think driving your car yourself is a more cost-effective option, hidden expenses like gas, food, lodging, and potential wear and tear on your car could add up.
Furthermore, transporting your car with a reputable auto shipping service like American Auto Transport saves you time and money by providing efficient open and enclosed transport services. With American Auto Transport, you can rely on a team dedicated to meeting your schedule and budget needs.
Some vehicle owners think that if they wait to schedule the transportation until the last minute, they might receive a great deal or discount or the opportunity to use one company’s cheaper quote to negotiate a deal with another, more expensive company. Although there is always the chance that they might pay less by waiting, the fact is that economic changes, nationwide shortages, fuel costs, global conflicts, and increased supply and demand have made all types of personal and professional transportation much more expensive than they were even a few months ago.
The cost of fuel is by far the most important thing to think about when it comes to car transport. If a client waits even a week or two after getting a quote to plan a pickup, they risk getting a new, higher quote because fuel prices have gone up. If there aren’t enough parts or the shortage worsens, the price may go up based on when the news comes out.
Check out this article: The Cost of Driving vs. Transporting Your Car.
We are experts in transporting various types of vehicles, including cars, bikes/motorcycles, boats, commercial trucks, trailers/RVs, ATVs/UTVs, farm equipment, heavy-duty equipment, and luxury vehicles.
We can transport all kinds of cars, including sedans, coupes, sports cars, SUVs, and more, whether they’re running or not.
For bikes, we can haul road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric bikes, as well as all types of motorcycles, such as cruisers and off-road bikes.
We also move boats and small yachts like fishing boats, deck boats, and cabin cruisers. Our services extend to commercial trucks like dump trucks, cement mixers, and refrigerated trucks.
For trailers and RVs, we transport flatbed trailers, dry van trailers, and motor homes. We also haul ATVs and UTVs, and we can move farming equipment like tractors, shredders, and sprayers.
For luxury and hyper sports cars, we can transport Porsche, Ferrari, Pagani, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Koenigsegg, Rimac, Mercedes, and more.
Are you considering auto transport services? Here are some reasons why our car shipping services could be the answer:
Moving long-distance? Why risk wear and tear on your car, not to mention all the costs associated with a trek across the country? Our car transport service is a cost-effective and hassle-free alternative to driving your car cross-country.
Are you a snowbird? Traveling south for the winter? Our delivery options can make the trip easier and faster. Don’t let driving your car become a worry that steals your attention from enjoying the sunshine.
Moving through the military? Simply put, time is of the essence. Soldiers often opt for our auto transport service to simplify moving vehicles from one base to the other faster and more efficiently.
Dealerships have high costs and waste much time if they transport cars by themselves. We can make things easier by assisting dealerships in transporting cars quickly and easily, without missing any chances for new business.
Are you going to purchase a car online? Instead of hitting the road and spending your time driving, have us transport the car directly to your doorstep. No need to fly across the country, and the car can even be delivered straight to your door.
The choice is easy! Avoid turning a simple car transport into a complex journey fraught with unnecessary stress. Choose our car shipping services for a superior option.
Before sending off your car with a driver, you’ll want to ensure it’s in good shape. That means consulting your mechanic or performing these key checks yourself:
- Make sure there are no potential leaks
- Ensure there are no electrical or mechanical faults
- Check that all fluids are topped up
- Make sure tires are inflated and the battery is charged
Tip: Keeping an extra set of keys to access your car upon delivery is also important.
At American Auto Transport, we understand how much your classic car means to you. That’s why we’ve been America’s top classic car shipping company for over 15 years.
Our experienced drivers handle every vehicle with white-glove care, and go above and beyond to make sure your classic car arrives at its destination in pristine condition. We don’t cut corners like other car shipping companies might. We know that every detail matters, from the seat, covers to the two car covers we use for extra protection.
Our enclosed auto transport trailers have air ride suspension to ensure a smooth ride for your precious cargo and a lift gate to keep your vehicle level during loading. Your car will be private and protected from the elements and road debris during transport.
We’re equipped to handle non-running classic cars too. As long as it steers, rolls, and brakes, we can ship it with ease. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, and if you have any queries, you can always call us. We’re proud to be the best at what we do, and we’ll treat your old car as if it were our own. In fact, 99% of our customers return to us for all their classic car shipping needs.
If you ever need to ship your car, you’ve got two options to choose from. One option is open-car shipping, which is cheaper, more common, and can handle up to 10 cars at once.
The other option is enclosed car shipping, which is the right choice to go for if you’re looking to guarantee extra protection for your car. This option is perfect for fancy luxury cars that can’t be at risk of damage or scratches.
Keep in mind that enclosed trailers are smaller and can only handle 2-3 cars at once. Therefore, enclosed car shipping can cost twice as much as open car shipping.
Despite that, open car shipping is still one of the most popular options for car shipping. We offer more open car carrier options than enclosed car carriers. Not only is it cost-effective and fast, but open car trailers also require fewer stops during transportation.
What happens when the vehicle shipping carrier arrives at your specified pickup location? We take great care in selecting and training our carriers to ensure you receive the best service possible.
Our carriers safely load and transport your vehicle while keeping to the schedule. Our dispatch team ensures your automobile is well-cared for throughout the process and arrives on time and in excellent condition.
At American Auto Transport, we offer a flexible range of transportation options to meet your individual needs. Our services include open vehicle transportation, door-to-door service, and classic car transportation. Our skilled assistance will help you with all your car moving needs.
Here’s how long it takes to ship a car from one state to another:
For example, if your car is going 100-500 miles, it should only take 1-2 days.
If it’s traveling 500-1000 miles, it’ll take 2-3 days.
And if it’s going more than 2500 miles, it could take as long as 6-7 days.
However, these are just estimates. But, the weather, traffic, and locations affect the actual time for delivery. So, we generally estimate anywhere between seven to ten days for delivery. However, some shipments take even less time than that.
While we may not be among the cheapest car shipping companies, we maintain the best quality for a good customer experience. By keeping our promises, we make car shipping a stress-free process for our customers.
If you’re an active military member and have received permanent change of station (PCS) orders, the government may help you move one personal vehicle. Just make sure to check with the Department of Defense for any restrictions.
Basically, military members can easily transport their vehicles just like any standard auto transport service. However, this service is only available for active military members. The great news is that the Government may cover the cost of one privately owned vehicle (POV) shipment when you have a PCS order.
If you’re moving with more than one car, you may need to pay the cost yourself. Rest assured, our team at American Auto Transport is more than ready to help out our military clients with the transportation of their vehicles. With seamless access to over 2,500 modern transport carriers, we can surely find the best option for you.
At American Auto Transport, our full Dispatch and Customer Service teams are more than happy to help you with your move. We understand that moving can be overwhelming, so let us make your move as smooth as possible.
It depends on the distance it needs to travel. If your car shipment has to travel a major route, it can be collected in as few as two days after placing your order. For more remote routes, it can take up to seven days.
When you book your enclosed auto transportation service with American Auto Transport, your vehicle will be collected as soon as a truck going to your destination has available space. If you need same-day car shipping for your exotic car, collection can typically be done in 24 hours, and your vehicle can be delivered in around 72 hours. The timelines may vary slightly depending on the routes our drivers need to take.
We understand that timely and quality service is a top priority when it comes to shipping your exotic car. That’s why we never compromise service quality for speed at American Auto Transport. Trust us to ship your car safely and efficiently to your destination.
When shipping with us, you’ll get basic liability coverage during transit. But, to have superior coverage, we offer comprehensive insurance options. Just select your level of coverage during booking. Have questions about insurance options? Call us anytime!
Open car shipping is the cheapest way to transport vehicles. Want proof? Check out the online car shipping calculator.
It’s simple: open shipping saves you money. How come? Because open car carriers can haul more vehicles on each trip. So you pay less because more people share the costs. Plus, open carriers are more common than enclosed ones.
That means your booking can be quick and easy. At American Auto Transport, we do everything possible to help carriers fill their loads.
At American Auto Transport, we provide both open and enclosed car shipping services. Most often, you’ll see open car shipping on the highway, where vehicles are carried on two exposed decks. Enclosed car shipping, on the other hand, involves a trailer with walls and a roof—think of it like a bigger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is ideal for luxurious, exotic, or classic vehicles.
Our sales representatives quote prices based on a wide range of factors, including a client’s vehicle type, the route (starting point to destination), fuel costs, mileage, and availability.
We never hesitate to give a potential client a line-by-line quote of our best price without any games. We are clear about our costs, any fluctuating costs, and extra fees. For example, Classic Car Shipping in an Enclosed Auto Transport can run $500 to $2,000 more than shipment using Open Carrier Car Shipping. We are upfront with our clients about this fact because we do not want any confusion or upset about our fees. We treat our customers the same way we would want to be treated in the same scenario.
It’s important to note that we do provide discounts in certain scenarios. Active military members, for example, receive Military Car Shipping discounts in honor of their service to our country.
Car shipping, also known as auto or vehicle shipping, refers to transporting automobiles from one location to another using specialized carriers or transporters. People use car shipping for various reasons, such as buying a used car online and moving to a new home.
Car carriers have their trucks or fleets and transport your vehicle. On the other hand, auto transport brokers act as middlemen between you and the car carriers. They help find carriers to pick up and drop off your car.
When car shipping is required, car carriers or auto transport brokers can help make the process smooth and easy for you.
The auto transport industry is made up of low-end and high-end companies. As the saying goes, people get what they pay for regarding products and services. At American Auto Transport, we do our best to give clients a reasonable price for a high-quality service. That said, we acknowledge that they can find lower car shipping prices in the marketplace. The following questions address the most common concerns about price differences for vehicle shipping.