Compare Top Vehicle Shipping Service Quotes with Compare The Carrier

The right service depends on your vehicle type, budget, and timeline. Open transport suits most standard cars and offers the lowest rates. Enclosed transport is recommended for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. Door-to-door delivery is more convenient; terminal-to-terminal costs less. For oversized vehicles – RVs, boats, heavy equipment – specialized carriers are required. Compare quotes across service types to find the best match for your specific situation.

A carrier is the company that physically transports your vehicle using their own trucks and trailers. A broker is an intermediary that connects customers with carriers – they do not own trucks. Brokers have access to a large carrier network and can find competitive rates faster. Carriers offer direct service but limited route availability. Most online auto transport platforms, including comparison tools, work with networks of both brokers and carriers.

To avoid scams: verify the company's USDOT number on the FMCSA website, never pay the full amount upfront, avoid unusually low quotes that seem too good to be true, and read reviews on third-party platforms. Legitimate carriers always provide a Bill of Lading at pickup. Refuse any company that asks for full cash payment before delivery or cannot provide proof of insurance and licensing.

All legitimate auto transport companies operating in the US must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and hold a valid USDOT number. Carriers are required by law to carry cargo insurance covering your vehicle during transport. Before booking, ask for the carrier's MC number and verify their insurance certificate. Companies listed through reputable comparison platforms are pre-screened for licensing and insurance compliance.

Open transport uses an uncovered multi-car trailer – typically holding 6 to 10 vehicles – and is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris but arrives undamaged in the vast majority of shipments. Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer holding 2 to 6 vehicles, providing complete protection. Enclosed costs 30–50% more and is recommended for luxury, classic, exotic, or low-clearance vehicles.

Terminal-to-terminal shipping means you drop your vehicle off at a carrier's depot and pick it up at a depot near the destination – the carrier does not come to your home address. It is typically 10–15% cheaper than door-to-door service. The trade-off is that you need to arrange your own transport to and from the terminal, and your vehicle may sit at the depot for 1–3 days before or after transit.

Yes. Most carriers accommodate multi-vehicle shipments on a single trailer, which reduces the per-unit cost compared to separate bookings. This is common for families relocating, dealerships moving inventory, or owners shipping multiple recreational vehicles. When requesting a quote, list all vehicles at once – carriers will confirm trailer capacity and provide a combined rate. Discounts for multiple vehicles vary by carrier and route.

Yes, but you may need written authorization from the lienholder – the bank or leasing company – before the shipment can proceed. Most lenders allow transport within the continental US without restrictions. International shipping of a leased or financed vehicle typically requires explicit written approval. Check your lease or loan agreement for any transport restrictions before booking, and inform the carrier of the vehicle's financing status upfront.

Standard carrier cargo insurance covers your vehicle during transport, but policies vary in coverage limits and exclusions. Supplemental shipping insurance is worth considering for vehicles valued above $50,000, classic or collector cars, or any vehicle where the carrier's base coverage would not fully cover replacement cost. For standard vehicles under $30,000 in good condition, carrier insurance is typically sufficient. Always request a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate before booking.

Most professional carriers provide basic tracking updates via phone or email at key stages – pickup confirmation, estimated transit progress, and delivery notification. GPS real-time tracking is available through select carriers but is not yet an industry standard. When booking, ask specifically about the carrier's tracking method. For time-sensitive shipments, choose a carrier that offers direct driver contact so you can get status updates throughout the transit.