Get Free Car Shipping Quotes from the Best Carriers

The car shipping process involves three main steps: getting a quote, carrier dispatch, and transit. After booking, a broker assigns a vetted motor carrier to your route. The driver inspects the vehicle at pickup, loads it onto the trailer, and transports it. Finally, a second inspection occurs at delivery before you sign the Bill of Lading.

Most vehicles are shipped via highways using multi-car open trailers, similar to those delivering inventory to dealerships. For high-value, classic, or fragile vehicles, carriers use enclosed trailers that protect against weather and road debris. Alternatively, cars traveling overseas or to non-contiguous states are transported using specialized roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) maritime vessels.

Auto transport delivery times depend heavily on the total distance. A short trip of under 500 miles typically takes 1 to 3 days. Coast-to-coast transport across the country generally requires 7 to 10 days. Weather conditions, traffic, DOT-mandated driver rest hours, and the specific route's popularity can also influence the final transit time.

Federal regulations technically restrict auto carriers from transporting household goods. However, most drivers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items stored securely in the trunk or below the window line. Carriers are not insured for personal property damage or theft. Hazardous materials, firearms, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.

A USDOT number is a unique identifier assigned by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to commercial vehicles involved in interstate commerce. It serves as a tracking mechanism for a company's safety records, compliance reviews, and crash investigations. Verifying a carrier's USDOT number ensures they are legally authorized to transport vehicles.

Shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland involves maritime transport. The vehicle is loaded onto a specialized roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ship at a Hawaiian port and transported to a West Coast port, typically in California or Washington. From there, a standard auto carrier truck transports the car to its final inland destination.

Yes, you can ship an electric vehicle, but it requires specific handling. EVs are heavier than traditional gas-powered cars due to their battery packs, which can slightly affect the shipping rate. The battery should be charged between 30% and 50% to ensure the vehicle can be safely driven onto and off the transport trailer.

A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is a detailed vehicle evaluation performed by an independent mechanic before completing a remote purchase. If you are buying a car out of state and shipping it home, a PPI is highly recommended. It identifies hidden mechanical or cosmetic issues before the car is loaded onto the auto carrier.

Yes, you can ship a car domestically within the contiguous United States without providing the vehicle's title. Auto transport drivers only require a signed Bill of Lading and the keys to operate the vehicle during loading. However, shipping to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or internationally does require the original title and registration.

Standard door-to-door auto transport does not include vehicle storage. If you cannot receive the car on the delivery date, it may be dropped at a local terminal or storage facility. Terminal-to-terminal shipping naturally involves short-term parking, but extended storage usually incurs daily fees from the facility managing the lot.