Technological advances in transporting cars have made the process of hiring and using auto transport companies even simpler. The quote box at the top of this page allows you to get an instant estimate of your shipping costs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The price for shipping your car will vary based on the type of car, the running condition of the car and the starting and ending points for the car’s journey. Many carriers also provide the ability to track your car’s movement across the country from your computer, similar to tracking a package using a domestic freight carrier.

Auto transport companies have a variety of methods to use for transporting a car between locations. Some transport companies use car hauler trucks for the initial pickup and delivery to the final location, but use rail transport to move the cars between transport hubs. Others use truck haulers for the entire journey and pick up cars along their highway route. Many auto transport companies also provide the option of shipping cars internationally, whether to other countries in North America by road or rail, or across an ocean using shipping containers and freighters.

Before shipping a car using auto transport companies, it is important for you to first prepare your car for transport. The car needs to have a fuel tank that is at least half empty and the car itself needs to have the alarm system disabled. You also need to remove your personal items from the car, as auto transport companies are not willing to accept responsibility for personal items in your car. At the time of pick-up, you will verify the condition of your vehicle and sign off on an inspection report. The transport company will provide a firm deadline for delivery of the car, as well as documents outlining policies and guarantees if the deadline is not met. A similar inspection will be completed at the time of delivery, at which point the balance of the transport charge will be due.

Auto transport companies are the best way to get a car across the country — or even between countries — when you change homes or purchase a car from a distant seller. Auto transport companies can often provide this service for a lower fee than you would spend on hotels, food and fuel during a long road trip to your new destination. Use our free quote service in the box above and receive an instant price estimate for your future transport needs.

How distances correlate with rates
As you are comparing auto transport rates, you will find that there is a strong correlation between your rate and the distance that your shipment will cover. What you will find in looking at various companies is that there are some companies who do a much better job of providing low rates for long-range shipments. These companies might take a little bit longer to make the delivery, but they will provide you with something that is actually affordable. For people who are looking for a bit of value, these auto rates will be something to certainly consider. Ultimately you are going to get the best rates only if you do a complete comparison of many different companies, though.

Understanding covered and uncovered options
It doesn’t take a genius to see the difference in auto transport rates between covered trailers and uncovered trailers. For people who want a little bit more protection for their car, the covered route is a solid choice. These auto transport rates, of course, will be higher because these spots are in higher demand. The level of service that accompanies a spot in a covered trailer will vary based upon which company you are working with. This makes it even more important look for as much information as you can when comparing the companies.

Likewise, lower auto transport rates can be had if you are willing to ship the vehicle in an uncovered trailer. As far as getting the car to its destination is concerned, these trailers do an excellent job. The issue here is that they cannot protect the vehicle from outside damage nearly as well as a covered trailer can. Keeping this in mind when looking at various auto transport rates will be your best approach to finding a company that satisfies all of your shipping needs.

Using the internet as your friend
For those people who are serious about finding the best possible company for shipping their car, it is important to understand just how powerful the internet is in your search. Compare auto transport rates right online and you will be able to see how a bunch of different companies fare when put side by side. Cost is not the only consideration that you have to have in mind, so look for even more information on each of the companies. When you use the internet, you will be able to find out how they protect your car and how long it typically takes them to make deliveries to a host of different destinations. Comparing auto transport rates and details in this way will give consumers a better chance of understanding the process before they walk into it.

Why Use An Auto Train?

Even if an auto train isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to moving a car, it’s important to realize that there are many excellent reasons for using one. The most common reason people chose to ship their car is when they have to relocate. The logistics of moving from one coast to another, for example, can be daunting; if your family has more than one car, shipping via car transport can simplify things considerably. Why waste the gas and try to coordinate moving two, three – or even more – cars from one place to another, when having it shipped can cut your work in half for you?

Use An Auto Train When Vacationing

Believe it or not, moving isn’t the only time that people choose to enlist the help of a car shipping company. Renting a car can be prohibitively expensive, especially if you’re planning a long trip. Rather than spend all that cash on a rental, you can have your car sent to you via auto train. Considering that the average cost of shipping a car  is approximately $1,000, it’s easy to see why it’s the more budget friendly choice. If you’re planning an extended vacation and would like to use your own car – but don’t feel like driving it wherever you’re going – shipping your car  might be just the right option for you.

Get High End Vehicles Transported Safely

Moving can be a car collector’s worst nightmare, in terms of getting their beloved vehicles from place to place safely. This is where an auto train comes in: your high end vehicle can be loaded onto a train and carried to its destination. Using an auto transporter allows you to avoid putting an excessive number of miles on your well maintained classic car – and that helps you keep its value high. In that regard, an investment in shipping via  train makes good fiscal sense. As an added bonus, shipping your vintage car protects it from the dangers of the road better than just about anything. There’s no doubt about it: shipping by auto train is a car collector’s dream come true.

Avoid High Fuel Expenses

Astronomical gas prices are on everybody’s mind these days; they can be assuaged by shipping. Although the flat fee charged to ship may sound excessive, when it’s broken down by the cost per gallon of fuel, it’s an absolute steal. Economically savvy folks know that  car shipping is the way to go, whether it’s for moving purposes, an extended vacation or any other reason. Using an auto train can save you time, money and from excessive worrying, too. Get your free auto train shipping quotes now- just fill out the form at the top of the page!

How Long Will Auto Transfer Take to Ship My Car?

This of course depends on how far you are moving it. Chances are, if you are on this site, you are planning to move a car long distance. In general it will take anywhere from 3-7 days for your car to get to its new home. Be sure to ask each service for an estimate as to how long your transport will take, but be wary of any service who offers verbal guarantees but won’t back it up in writing, with a clause as to what your recourse is if they fail to deliver within the specified time.

How Much Does Auto Transfer Cost?

The first factor for pricing auto transfer is of course distance traveled—you will pay less to ship from Texas to Tennessee than from Connecticut to California. The second is weight—it will cost more to ship a pickup truck than a subcompact. The cost usually depends on the type of transport being used, and the services offered as well. An open transport will cost less than an enclosed transfer, and a transfer to and from a large city will usually cost less than a delivery to a rural area. Be sure to discuss all of these options with each company you receive quotes from.

What Paperwork Do I Need?

You will be expected to provide your auto transfer provider proof of ownership of the car as well as sales records if you are shipping for sale to a new owner. This way the shipper won’t be an accessory to any crimes and doesn’t get to the end of the line with nobody to pick up the car.

How Do I Choose an Auto Transfer Company?

Your best bet for an auto transfer firm is one that is bonded and insured—in fact, you should never go with a company that isn’t bonded and insured. Most companies will also offer you the option of purchasing an additional insurance policy to cover any damages that may occur along the way. Most auto transport services use flatbed trucks such as you typically see moving cars to dealerships. As a result debris can cause minor damage, though this is relatively rare.

Another feature any FAQ would be remiss to not mention is reputation. There are a number of sites available online which offer reviews of various transport companies across the country. Read the reactions of past customers and find one with a reputation for customer service and professionalism.

My Car Doesn’t Run, Is This a Problem?

Not for most companies, but be sure to mention it when getting a quote. Specialized equipment may be needed to load and unload your car if it isn’t drivable
We hope that this FAQ has answered the most common questions, but we understand that the prospect of putting your baby on the back of a truck and sending it on the road can be frightening. For this reason, all of our partners are fully licensed, bonded, insured, and pre-screened.  Fill out the form above to check out the best rates and service for auto transfer anywhere today!

Therefore, it is important for anyone hiring car shipping company to ask the following questions:

-Is the transport company licensed? And how long has the company been licensed?
This is the most important question. While theoretically anyone can claim to be an auto mover, since cars are large, delicate, and can easily be destroyed if improperly secured, all states have licensing laws regarding car shipper. An unlicensed company is sure to be trouble, as is a transporter  which has lost and regained their  license!

-How much will the auto mover charge?
The cost of moving a vehicle is dependent on the type of the vehicle, how far it needs to travel, and how it will be transported. It is important to have these costs locked down contractually before the vehicle is moved, to ensure that no extra costs are racked up during the move. It is also a good idea to see if the fee can be reduced by transporting the vehicle at a later date or to a nearby city instead of the final destination. Many times it will cost hundreds of dollars to take a vehicle deep into an urban area, and they are willing to pass much of the savings on to the customer if the vehicle is delivered to a nearby suburb instead.

-What sort of transportation options are provided by the auto mover?
In general, transporters use special trucks to move the cars around, and carry those same cars on board ships when crossing the ocean. It is important to choose a transportation method appropriate for the car. Cars which can withstand the weather can easily take an un-enclosed transportation trailer, while vintage and collectible cars generally cannot. Ask your car transport company what sort of trailers they can offer.

-What sort of references can the auto mover provide?
All it takes is one loose chain to turn a beautiful car into a smashed pile of wreckage by the highway. Does the transporter have a history of quality service? Can they point to happy  customers and a good rating by the Better Business Bureau? Ideally you want a  company  who will treat your car with the same sort of care that they would treat their own vehicle.

-What sort of insurance does this auto mover carry?
All licensed auto shippers are required by law to carry insurance, but it is always a good idea to check with your personal auto insurance company to verify what coverage it provides during transport as well.  Even a good driver may run afoul of bad weather or defective equipment, so this  insurance is very important!

These are just some of the most basic questions one should ask, and it is always important to shop around and research a company’s business history before hiring them. This not only ensures one gets the best deal, but that they hire a transporter that they know they can trust.

To get started now, fill out the form at the top of the page to get your free quotes from reputable, licensed, bonded, and insured auto movers!

One of the biggest secrets among auto transporters is that many broker out their shipments.  With some companies, the shipping company that you choose may not be the ones that ship your vehicle. If the company that you choose is not going where you need it to they will post the job on the load board. Most transporters share one universal load board that has all of the vehicles that need shipping along with the details of the shipment. Any car shipping companies can view it and should they be going that way, they will take the vehicle. This enables a car to be transported as quickly as possible, at the lowest possible rate.

That being the most important of auto transporters secrets, the most surprising of these secrets would be that there are several companies that actually do not have any trucks of their own- these are typically called brokers. Conversely, there are shippers that will not accept any work that they can’t complete with their own trucks. Whether you choose a broker, or an auto transporter, make sure that the company who will be moving your car are fully licensed, bonded, and insured when you are receiving quotes.

The lowest quote is not always the best thing to do. Should your auto transporters post your job because they can’t accommodate you, another company may not pick up your vehicle if the quoted price is too low. This particular secret could affect how long it will take your vehicle to arrive. Be sure to compare services as well as prices before choosing an auto transporter.

Shipping to and from major cities will greatly increase your chances of having auto transporters available to transport quickly.
The reputation should be an important part of your decision making. Consider all of the different services including: types of transport, door to door delivery, terminal to terminal, express, open, flat bed, and enclosed transport when choosing between different shipping companies.  Investigate each and know who you are dealing with before you accept a quote.

Transporting your vehicle is important, so uncover all the secrets before you decide.  Get started with free quotes from licensed, bonded, insured auto transporters, don’t let secrets cost you time or money.

1. Know Your Options.
Fill out the form at the bottom of this page with some details about your car and how you would like to transport your auto, and you’ll get a number of free instant quotes to various car moving companies who are best suited to transporting your auto.

2. Have realistic expectations.
When problems between auto shipping companies and their customers arise, they’re often due to unrealistic expectations on the part of the customer in regards to the time and effort it takes to successfully transport an auto from one location to another. Be aware of how long it will take to transport auto and discuss this with the rep from your auto transport company if you’re not sure why it will take the amount of time stated in your estimate, but realize that a car is not an easy item to move and finding a good company that will care for your car is more important than finding a slapdash company who will move your car with the greatest possible speed.

3. Prepare for auto transport.
It would be great if you could just drive up to your transport auto company, drop off your car and its keys, and then be on your way without preparing your automobile for transport, but that isn’t how car shipping works. Your car must be clean and free of personal belongings, and you should always document its condition before having your pickup inspection with the representative of your company. Taking preparatory steps to prepare your car for its journey will improve its chances of arriving at its destination on time and unscathed.

4. Check insurance policies.
You should check both your insurance policy and the policy of your transport auto company to make sure you know precisely what is covered in the event of damages or accidents taking place while your car is en route to its destination. Car shipping companies are federally required to have insurance and the rep from your insurance company must show you their insurance certificate upon request. Discuss your insurance with your own auto insurance company to see whether you will need to make arrangements for additional coverage or be liable for higher deductibles during your vehicle’s transport.

5. Know your car shipping company.
Once you’ve received some quotes and think you’ve narrowed your search to a handful of finalists, take the time to talk to reps from each company about the car shipping choices available to you and the prices you can expect to pay for those services. Ask for references from each company, and follow them up if possible by talking to the company’s previous clients, but also look into your car transport company online and see what other customers – who they may not have referred you to – have to say about their work.

Auto transport companies provide a valuable service to those who need to ship their vehicles from one location to another. By following these auto transport basics, you can find the transport auto company that’s right for you!

Open Truck Transport
For those who own “typical” cars – normal, everyday autos that run them around town easily – an open auto transport method is probably best. This is less expensive than using an enclosed truck, while still offering the protection of professional loading and truck transport. Open truck transports are the ones most frequently seen on the highway.

Enclosed Auto Transport
If you own a classic or luxury car, then the first question you ask any auto transport company should be whether they have an enclosed transport available for your car’s journey. Enclosed transport – which covers over the entire car, shielding it from the elements and from incidental damage caused by sticks or rocks – will protect your car and help maintain its value. Individuals who own luxury and classic cars should know that this method of transport is slightly more expensive, but well worth the peace of mind which accompanies it.

Flat Bed Transport
This method of auto transport relies on a truck with a flat bed, which the car is secured to during transport. It is not recommended for classic cars or luxury cars, as it leaves the car exposed to the elements. This is a great way to transport older cars and less expensive cars, which are still fully covered by the auto shipping company’s insurance.

Moving Your Car With a Dolly
A dolly is a small piece of equipment which attaches to another vehicle, enabling the driver of a smaller car to tow a second vehicle behind them. While this a great budget option and dollies can typically be rented from auto shipping companies based on the number of days you wish to use them (unlike shipping costs, which vary depending on weight and distance traveled), using a dolly attached to your own car has different insurance implications from using a professional auto transport service, and when making the decision to use this method of transport, you should check with your insurance company to make sure your car will still be covered and you don’t need to purchase additional riders to your insurance.

Train Transport
Train transport is environmentally friendly and cost effective, but has very limited availability, and so unless you live near a train line which allows train transport of cars, it is not a method which can be taken advantage of.

To find qualified auto transporters in your area who can provide detailed recommendations and quotes for your situation, fill out the short form above.

When looking at the cost of auto transport, there are a number of factors which help determine the cost. Some factors are based on the information you provide – the location of pickup, the destination city and state, and the type, year, make, model and condition of your car. Other factors may be determined based on specific features each auto transport company uses to determine your autotransport quotes.

Breaking down the elements that are used by a auto transport to determine a quote may allow a customer to gain a better idea of how these factors impact your quotes.

ORIGIN AND DESTINATION

The biggest single factor in the cost of moving your car from one place to another is the distance your car will be traveling in the care of the shipper. This makes sense, because the cost of time, labor, and fuel used to transport your car from one place to another will vary greatly depending on how far the car has to go. If you are transporting your car from New York to New Jersey, for example, the price will be substantially lower than if you want to ship a car from Alaska to Florida. Providing accurate origin and destination information in you quote request enables us to provide you with local and autotransport, which makes narrowing down your choices much easier.

TYPE OF CAR

This option allows you to enter the general description of the type of car you need to have shipped. A small car will cost less to ship than a large SUV, and an RV or other large item will have a similar effect on making your autotransport more costly.

YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL

You must provide this information to the companies you request quotes from as it allows them to accurately anticipate the transport needs of your car. If you’ve purchased a classic or luxury car online and are having it shipped back to your home, or if you are moving and need your car to be taken care of on its journey, the autotransport company you’re using must know what kind of car they are transporting. This can impact not only the method by which the car is shipped, but also the transporters insurance policy. Your own car insurance may also be impacted depending on what kind of year, make and model of car you are getting transport quotes for.

WHAT CONDITION IS YOUR CAR IN?

This is a simple question with only two answers – running and non-running – but the implication is significant. A running car is far easier to load onto its mode of transport, while a non-running car will require your car transporting company to use additional equipment.

We hope this has helped explain how your quote is put together. To take advantage of our free autotransport quotes fill out the form above!

Q: What’s the best way to for you to transport my car?

A: Our auto transit partners offer a number of options for auto transit, including open and closed carriers and a variety of do-it-yourself options, where you can rent equipment for your car’s transportation. Depending on the make and model of your car, you should have a discussion with the sales representative from each of the companies you get quotes for, and discuss the best option for your car in terms of both price and the safety of your vehicle.

Q: How do I get my car back?

A: When your car is ready to be delivered, you or someone you designate will have to be available to receive your vehicle. This may seem inconvenient, especially if you’re in the midst of a move, but it is for your protection. At drop-off, you’ll have an inspection of the car with a representative of your auto transit, which will ensure that your car has not suffered any damage along the way to its destination. If you do see damage to your car, you should document it and agree on it with the representative BEFORE you sign off on receipt of your car.

Q: How long will it take my car to be transported?

A: This varies based on the distance and method of travel, and while we can’t provide exact dates (due to traffic, weather, and regulatory considerations) you will most likely be provided with a window of time (usually 3-7 days) for auto transit and delivery.

Q: What kind of insurance will my vehicle have while with the auto transit I choose?

A: Your car will be covered under the auto transit company’s insurance, which is a federal requirement they must fulfill in order to operate. Classic and luxury cars may require some additional insurance, so be sure to check with your own insurance company to see what insurance will be in effect. Have all details of the auto transportation company’s insurance included in your written contract, and find out what you may have to pay as a deductible.

Q: Can I pack my car with some of the other items I’d like to transport?

A: Due to federal and state transportation regulations, auto transit companies are not allowed to transport personal items in your car. It’s important to realize that this is for the safety and protection of both your car and your personal items; insurance will not cover personal items left in the car and they can contribute to damage to your car while in transportation.

To get free, instant online quotes for an auto transit in your area, click above!