Question 1

How do I get a car shipping quote?

Accepted Answer

Tell a company about your vehicle, where it is going, and when you need it picked up, then compare the written quotes you get back. Our free quote request collects those details in four short steps. The form is not connected to any company yet: your request is saved in your browser only, nothing is sent, and no quote is produced.

Question 2

How far ahead should I book?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed rule, but earlier is generally easier. Asking for quotes a couple of weeks before you need pickup gives a company time to fit your car onto a route, and a flexible pickup window can lower the price. Last-minute and peak-season requests often cost more and leave fewer options.

Question 3

Why should I compare more than one quote?

Accepted Answer

Companies price the same route differently, and a quote is only useful if you know what it includes. Compare the total price, the deposit, the pickup window, open or enclosed transport, and whether the company is a broker or a carrier. A price far below every other quote deserves extra questions, not a quick deposit.

Question 4

What do I need to give a company to get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Usually the vehicle's year, make, and model, whether it runs and drives, the pickup and delivery locations, your preferred dates, whether you want open or enclosed transport, and a way to reach you. You should not have to pay anything just to receive a quote.

Question 5

Can I ship a car that does not run?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but tell the company up front. A car that does not run needs special loading equipment and usually costs more. If it turns out to be different from what you described, the price can change on pickup day.

Question 6

What affects the cost of shipping a car?

Accepted Answer

Mainly the distance and route, the size and weight of the vehicle, open versus enclosed transport, whether the car runs, the season, and how flexible your dates are. Each company also sets its own rates. The Cost Guide, linked below, explains each factor in more detail.

Question 7

Are the prices on this site real quotes?

Accepted Answer

No. The calculator and the Cost Guide show illustrative estimates from a simple model. They help you see what moves a price, but they are estimates, not quotes, and no company has agreed to any price here. Only a company can give you a real quote, and you should get it in writing.

Question 8

Do I pay a deposit, and when do I pay the rest?

Accepted Answer

Many companies take a modest deposit when you book and collect the balance when the car is delivered, though terms vary. Ask exactly how much is due and when, which payment methods are accepted for each part, and whether the deposit is refundable. Be cautious about any company that wants the full price before anything has moved.

Question 9

What should a written quote include?

Accepted Answer

The total price and what it covers, the deposit amount and the refund and cancellation terms, the pickup and delivery window, open or enclosed transport, the insurance coverage, and whether the company is acting as a broker or a carrier. Ask whether any other fees could apply, such as for a car that does not run or an oversized vehicle.

Question 10

Can the price change after I book?

Accepted Answer

It can if the facts change, for example if the car does not run as described or you change the dates or addresses. A fair company explains this in writing before you book. A price that rises with no explanation after you have paid a deposit is a recognized warning sign, covered in Scam Watch.

Question 11

How does car shipping work from start to finish?

Accepted Answer

You request quotes and choose a company, then book and usually pay a deposit. If the company is a broker, it assigns a carrier, and the driver contacts you to arrange pickup. At pickup you and the driver inspect the car and sign a bill of lading. The car is then driven to its destination, where you inspect it again, sign, and pay any remaining balance.

Question 12

How long does car shipping take?

Accepted Answer

Transit time grows with distance. Short regional moves can take a few days, while coast-to-coast moves often take a week or more. Companies give estimated windows, not guaranteed delivery dates, and weather, traffic, and other stops on the same truck can shift them.

Question 13

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Accepted Answer

Open transport is the most common and usually the most affordable option, but the car is exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport shields the car and is often chosen for luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles, but it costs more.

Question 14

Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?

Accepted Answer

You, or someone you trust to act for you, usually needs to be present to hand over the keys, inspect the car, and sign the bill of lading. Large car haulers often cannot get down a residential street, so you may agree on a nearby meeting point. Ask the company about its rules before you book.

Question 15

Can I leave personal items in the car?

Accepted Answer

Rules vary, so ask before you load anything. Many carriers limit or forbid personal belongings, and they are often not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance. Extra weight can also affect the price. Remove valuables and loose items, and get the company's policy in writing.

Question 16

What should I do at pickup and delivery?

Accepted Answer

Photograph the car from every angle and inspect it with the driver before you sign the bill of lading. At delivery, inspect it again before you sign, and note any new damage on the bill of lading while the driver is still there. Signing a clean report can weaken a later claim.

Question 17

Are the companies on this site real?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The directory lists real, well-known US car shipping companies. We do not publish star ratings, scores, or reviews of our own; instead each profile links to the company's official FMCSA SAFER record and its BBB profile so you can check its registration and reputation at the source.

Question 18

How do I check that a real company is legitimate?

Accepted Answer

Ask for its legal name, USDOT number, and MC number in writing, then search those numbers on the FMCSA's free SAFER website. Make sure the name and address on the record match what you were told and that the company's operating authority is active. The Verify a Company page walks through each step. This site does not perform the check for you.

Question 19

How can I spot a car shipping scam?

Accepted Answer

Common warning signs include a price far below every other quote, pressure to pay fast, a demand for full payment up front, no USDOT or MC number, a company that will not name the carrier, and requests to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency. Scam Watch lists the common tactics and what to do if one catches you.

Question 20

Is my car insured while it is being shipped?

Accepted Answer

Federal rules require for-hire carriers to carry minimum liability insurance and brokers to post financial security, but that is a minimum, not a promise that every loss is covered. Ask for a certificate of insurance that shows cargo coverage, the limit, and any deductible, and ask whether your own auto policy applies in transit.

Question 21

What if my car is damaged in transit?

Accepted Answer

Note the damage on the bill of lading at delivery before you sign, take photos, and keep every document. Then tell the company in writing as soon as you can and ask how to file a claim with the carrier's insurer, because deadlines can be short. If you believe you were scammed, you can report it to the FTC and to your state attorney general.

Question 22

How are companies ordered here?

Accepted Answer

We do not score or rate companies. The directory order is a transparent, factual ordering based on things like BBB accreditation, years in business, federal licensing, and the breadth of services offered. It is not a quality rating, and payment and advertising never affect it. To judge a company yourself, follow the FMCSA SAFER and BBB links on its profile.

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