Frequently Asked Questions

Find Answers to Your Most Common Questions

We’re dedicated to making your truck-buying experience as easy and seamless as possible. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

Find Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Browse through our frequently asked questions to get the clarity you need, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help!

How do I prepare my vehicle for shipping?

Here are some basic guidelines to remember when preparing your car for transport:

  • Do not fill the gas tank. Only ? tank of gas is necessary for transit.
  • Check your antifreeze levels. If you’re shipping a vehicle from a warm climate to a cold climate, be sure it has a sufficient amount of antifreeze. This will protect it from the cold weather.
  • Remove all personal items from the vehicle.  Shipping any personal items in your vehicle is discouraged.  They are not covered under any insurance and we are not responsible for any loss or damage to anything left in your vehicle.  If you must leave anything in your vehicle it must not weigh over 50lbs and must be secured in the trunk of your vehicle. 
  • Disable all alarm systems. Although alarm systems should be disabled, please inform us of any alarms and provide instructions for operating the alarm should it be necessary.
  • Check tire pressure. Tires should be inflated to their recommended pressure level to insure safe loading and unloading.
  • Keys and Documents.  If you are sending any manuals, title, bill of sale, or anything else that needs to be delivered to the receiver, make sure you give those items to the carrier and they log them in.

Yes. A full-size truck or SUV will cost more than a regular sedan. Shipments are based on the length and weight that a truck can legally carry. Taller and longer vehicles, as well as those with specialized or custom enhancements to the exterior may also require an additional fee.

The most popular and commonly used trailer is the open trailer. These trailers carry anywhere from 10-12 vehicles at a time. Open trailers are less expensive than closed trailers. However, open trailers will subject your car to the elements of nature, such as rain, snow, wind, and dirt. Still, unless you are shipping your vehicle through extreme climates, this option should be fine. If you own an expensive or classic car that you wish to protect from the elements during hauling, closed carrier may be worth the extra cost. A closed trailer is a vehicle that has a covered freight area.

If your auto transporter offers complete door-to-door service, a local truck is dispatched to your home or desired location and the vehicle is also dropped off at your precise destination. The car transport driver will get as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. Many cities have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into some residential areas. Transport trucks are enormous and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to your home is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees, speed bumps or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet the truck at a large parking lot nearby such as a grocery store. If your auto shipper does not provide door-to-door service, cannot pick up your vehicle due to scheduling conflicts, or if your vehicle is not located in an accessible area, terminal service may be necessary. In this case, you may be required to drop off your vehicle at a terminal and pick up the vehicle at another terminal close to your destination.

A non operational vehicle can be transported, however, additional charges will apply. In order to provide you with correct information, we will need to know the true condition of the vehicle. For example, it is important that a non op vehicle rolls forward and in reverse, steers and brakes. Vehicles that do not meet this criteria can still be moved, however, may require special equipment for loading and unloading.

Your auto shipper company’s representative should be able to provide you with an estimate of pick-up and delivery times. A 3-day window for pick-up is common and reasonable. After the vehicle is picked up, your hauler should be able to give you a fairly precise estimate of the delivery date. If you need an exact date for delivery, most auto transport companies can accommodate your request by picking up your car and holding it at their terminal for an additional charge.

Any personal items are placed in vehicles at the owner’s risk. Auto transporters are not licensed or insured for the transport of personal items or household goods. You may place up to 50 lbs. in the trunk of your vehicle at your own risk and agree to hold harmless the carrier for any loss or damage to personal items.  Carrier’s insurance does NOT cover personal items. Please see shipping terms for further details.

All of the motor carriers must provide primary insurance coverage for the customer’s vehicle. The motor carrier’s cargo insurance is primary coverage to your own insurance coverage, in an unlikely event that a claim may arise.  This insurance covers damage to the vehicle only, and does NOT cover any loss or damage to any personal property left in the vehicle.  Please see shipping terms and the pickup bill of lading for details on coverage. Insurance certificates for assigned motor carriers will be provided upon request.

Typical transport time coast to coast nationwide is estimated at 7-14 days in transit once a vehicle is picked up. The estimated transport time varies for shorter distances and routes. Auto transporters cannot guarantee exact transport times due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather elements, road conditions, natural disasters, mechanical issues, etc.

The deposit can be paid by Visa or MasterCard through PayPal.  The remaining balance due is payable COD upon delivery and MUST be in the form of CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK, or MONEY ORDER made out to the Carrier.

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