Auto Transport FAQ

Our estimate is distance-based: $1 per mile plus a $300 base, for open carrier transport. A 900-mile move runs about $1,200; coast to coast is closer to $2,800. Enclosed transport adds $500. Use the calculator on this page for your exact route — it prices the real road distance between your two ZIP codes.

Open carriers are the multi-car trailers you see delivering to dealerships. They carry 7 to 10 vehicles, cost the least, and expose your car to weather the same way driving it would. Enclosed carriers are hard-sided trailers carrying 2 to 6 vehicles with no weather exposure, used for classics, exotics and low-clearance cars. Enclosed adds $500 to any quote.

Transit runs roughly 400 to 500 miles per day once the vehicle is loaded, because drivers are limited by federal hours-of-service rules. Chicago to Florida is typically 3 to 4 days, coast to coast 7 to 10. Add 1 to 5 days for the pickup window on top of that.

Yes. Every carrier we dispatch to carries active cargo insurance, and we verify it before your vehicle is assigned. Damage claims are filed against the carrier policy. Personal items left in the vehicle are not covered.

Up to about 100 lbs in the trunk, below the window line. Carriers are licensed to haul vehicles, not household goods, and DOT weight limits apply to the whole load. Personal belongings are not covered by cargo insurance.

Someone does. You or a named representative has to be present to sign the Bill of Lading and walk the inspection at both ends. It can be a friend, relative, neighbor, or a dealership employee.

Two to three weeks is ideal. It gets you better pricing and a wider choice of pickup dates. We do handle same-week and next-day requests, and expedited service exists for firm deadlines.

A deposit at booking, with the balance due to the driver at delivery. Nothing is charged before a carrier is assigned to your vehicle and you have the pickup date confirmed.

No. Non-running vehicles ship on winch-equipped carriers. Tell us at booking whether it rolls, steers and brakes, so we send the right equipment rather than wasting a pickup window.

Note it on the Bill of Lading before the driver leaves — that document is the basis of any claim. Photograph the damage, and call us. We file against the carrier cargo policy on your behalf.