Get Instant & Free Shipping Quotes from the Best Companies

National average ranges from $400 to $1,700. Short routes under 500 miles average $400-$700. Cross-country routes (2,500+ miles) typically cost $1,200-$1,700 for open transport. Use our free calculator for an instant estimate based on your exact route and vehicle.

Main factors: shipping distance (the biggest driver), vehicle size and weight, transport type (open vs. enclosed), seasonal demand, fuel prices, pickup and delivery location (rural areas cost more), and how soon you need the vehicle picked up. Flexible pickup dates typically save 10-15%.

Submit your details on Compare The Carrier to receive multiple competing offers from licensed transport providers. Compare rates and company reviews. Booking 2-3 weeks in advance gives the most competitive pricing. Always compare at least 3 quotes before deciding.

Yes. Once you accept a transport provider's quote on our platform, the price is locked – no surprise charges at delivery. The only exception is if your vehicle's condition or pickup location changes significantly after booking.

We recommend comparing at least 3 quotes. Our platform typically returns 3-6 competitive offers per route. Always review company ratings alongside price – the lowest quote is not always the best value if the transport provider has poor reviews.

Yes. Deliveries to major cities cost less because transport providers run regular routes there. Remote or rural destinations may require a local shuttle service, adding to the overall cost. Choosing a central nearby address for door-to-door delivery can sometimes reduce your total price.

Cost per mile decreases as distance increases. Short routes (under 500 miles) run $1.00–$1.50/mile. Long routes (2,000+ miles) average $0.50–$0.75/mile. Our platform shows current average costs and cost-per-mile for the most popular US routes.

1) Submit vehicle and route details on Compare The Carrier. 2) Receive competing quotes within minutes. 3) Choose a transport provider by price and reviews. 4) The company contacts you to confirm the pickup window. 5) Both parties inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading at pickup. 6) Vehicle is delivered; you sign the Bill of Lading again upon arrival.

Transit times by distance: under 800 miles – 1-4 days; 800–1,500 miles – 4-7 days; 1,500–2,400 miles – 6-10 days; over 2,400 miles – 10-15 days. Add 1-7 days for transport provider assignment after booking. Expedited shipping can significantly reduce wait time.

Remove personal items (or keep under 100 lbs below the window line). Document existing damage with photos. Keep fuel tank no more than 1/4 full. Disable aftermarket alarms. Ensure tires are properly inflated. Leave a spare key with the transport company driver.

Yes – you or a designated adult representative must be present at both pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading. Note your representative's name when booking so the transport company is informed in advance.

Most transport companies in our network provide tracking updates via phone or text. Confirm the company's tracking method when accepting a quote. We recommend agreeing on a check-in schedule – for example daily updates – at the time of booking.

Book 2-3 weeks ahead for the best selection and pricing. Same-week shipping is available via expedited options but costs more. For military PCS moves or summer and January peak periods, book 4-6 weeks in advance.

Yes. Every transport company is FMCSA-licensed and fully insured. Open transport coverage ranges from $100,000 to $250,000 per vehicle. Enclosed companies carry minimum $250,000 coverage. The transport provider's insurance is primary – your personal auto insurance does not need to cover transit damage.

Document existing damage with photos before pickup and note it on the Bill of Lading. If new damage appears at delivery, note it on the Bill of Lading before signing, photograph it, and contact the transport company immediately to file a claim. Never sign a clean Bill of Lading if damage is present – this waives your claim rights.

Most transport companies allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or cargo area at no extra charge. Items must be secured below the window line. Companies are not liable for damage or theft of personal items. Prohibited items include firearms, cash, explosives, and illegal substances.

You need valid government-issued photo ID and will sign a Bill of Lading at both pickup and delivery. Vehicle title and registration are not required for domestic mainland shipping but are required for international and Hawaii or Puerto Rico routes.

All legitimate auto transport companies must be registered with the FMCSA and hold a valid MC number. Verify any company for free at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Every transport provider on Compare The Carrier is pre-verified through this database before joining our network.

Pickup windows are typically 1–3 day ranges, not exact times. If the transport company misses the window without communication, contact them directly first. If no response within 24 hours, contact Compare The Carrier support – we will help you rebook with an available company from our network.