Common questions about vehicle transport answered
You can include up to 100 lbs of personal belongings, stored securely in the trunk or back seat under the window line. Be aware that these items are not covered by insurance.
Keep about a quarter tank of gas. It’s enough for loading and unloading without adding unnecessary weight.
Ensure your vehicle is clean inside and out for a clear inspection. Remove personal items unless they meet the shipping guidelines (under 100 lbs, below window line). Share any special instructions with the driver and leave about a quarter tank of gas. Review our checklist to be fully prepared.
Yes, non-operational vehicles can be shipped with special equipment, but additional charges may apply.
Yes, we can arrange shipping through specialized carriers nationwide. Pricing for these vehicles requires a custom quote, as our online tool only covers standard vehicles.
It can still be shipped, but if clearance is below 4 inches, an enclosed carrier with a lift gate is usually required to prevent damage during loading.
No, plates aren’t needed—only the vehicle and its keys.
Your car is picked up as close to your home or location as the carrier can safely reach and delivered directly the same way. No terminal stops involved.
Yes, all shipments are fully insured by licensed carriers for complete peace of mind.
Open transport is cost-effective and commonly used, while enclosed transport provides extra protection for luxury or classic vehicles.
A broker coordinates vehicle transport by connecting customers with carriers that move cars from point A to point B. Their network can be small or very large depending on the company. Auto Shippings, for example, has access to over 10,500 vetted carriers.
Auto Shippings handles all vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, classic and antique cars, motorcycles, construction equipment, inoperable vehicles, and boats. If you’re unsure, feel free to call us to confirm.
Absolutely. We handle hundreds of auction vehicles weekly, including salvage and other auction types. Release rules vary by auction, and we’ll collect all needed details during booking. The vehicle must be fully paid and cleared for release. If it’s listed as operable but is actually inoperable, extra fees and different equipment may be required.
We provide two main options: open car shipping and enclosed car shipping. Open transport is the most frequently used method, where vehicles are shipped on open, multi-level carriers. Enclosed transport uses a covered trailer for extra protection and is recommended for luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles.
Your vehicle will be shipped using either an open or enclosed auto transport trailer, depending on your selected service. These carriers are typically large and designed to carry multiple cars. If you’re unsure about street access, you can call us anytime for clarification.
Top load service means your vehicle is positioned on the upper level of an open transport trailer. It is often preferred because it reduces the risk of exposure to fluids that may come from vehicles placed on the lower deck.
Booking early helps secure your desired timeframe. Ideally, plan 2 to 3 weeks ahead. For urgent moves, expedited shipping is available—reach out to our experts to explore your options.
We require the pickup and delivery locations, contact names and phone numbers, the date your vehicle will be ready, and the vehicle’s year, make, and model.
That’s fine—just share the city and ZIP code for now, and update us later with the full details.
Yes, 24/7 online tracking is available with real-time updates. You’ll get a unique booking number and access to a portal where you can also chat with a support agent.
Empty personal items, keep a quarter tank of gas, turn off security alarms, and document any existing scratches or dents. We’ll guide you with a checklist.
Yes, a person must be available to hand over and receive the vehicle, provide the keys to the driver, and sign both the pickup and delivery inspection reports. This can be any trusted individual over the age of 18.
The driver will bring the transport truck as near to your location as it is safely and legally allowed. While this is often right at your door, certain areas may restrict large trucks. If access is difficult due to narrow roads or obstacles, you may be asked to meet at a nearby location with enough space, such as a large parking area.
The Bill of Lading is a crucial document that records the condition of your vehicle before shipping, including any prior damage. It also includes your contact details and acts as the formal agreement for transport. It’s necessary for any insurance claims related to your shipment.
Delivery typically takes 3–7 days depending on distance, route, and carrier availability.
The driver performs a full inspection at both pickup and drop-off, and both parties sign a Bill of Lading documenting the vehicle’s condition. Taking photos is also recommended.
Pickup and delivery times are given as estimates only. In rare cases, delays may occur due to unexpected factors, which is why we cannot promise fixed dates.
Provide your route and vehicle info in the form, and our team will review it and send you a quote by email—often within a few hours. Support is available 24/7.
Simply use our online quote tool above or call (571) 714-9696 to talk with one of our experts. To calculate your quote, we’ll require details like pickup and drop-off locations, the type of vehicle, and the ready date for shipment.
We offer flexible payment options, including major credit cards, electronic transfers, postal money orders, and bank or certified checks for deposits or full payment. If there is a balance due at delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver via cash, certified check, or postal money order.
Yes, customers can pay the entire transport cost using a credit card at the time of booking, either online or via phone. This provides a convenient single-payment option. Another choice is to pay a deposit by card and handle the remaining balance in cash at delivery.
You can usually get a full refund if you cancel before a carrier is assigned. After dispatch, there may be a cancellation fee. Details are provided with your quote.