Most people think getting a car shipped means calling a company and picking a price. Wrong. You’ll get 5-7 quotes ranging from $600 to $1,800 for the same route. The difference? Knowing what you’re actually paying for.
Here’s what matters. Transport type. Distance. Season. Carrier reputation. Vehicle condition. Each factor shifts your price by hundreds of dollars. In November 2025, snowbird routes to Florida cost 25% more than they did in August. That’s not price gouging. That’s supply and demand when every retiree in Michigan wants their car in Tampa.
This guide breaks down the actual process. Real numbers, real timelines, and for sure real mistakes people make. No fluff about “smooth experiences” or “white-glove service.” Just what happens when you get a car shipped.
Table of Contents
- What Getting a Car Shipped Actually Means
- The Complete Process: Booking to Delivery
- Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay and Why
- Timeline Expectations: Book Early or Pay More
- Open vs. Enclosed: Which One You Actually Need
- Choosing a Carrier: Red Flags and Green Flags
- Vehicle Preparation: The Checklist That Matters
- Insurance and Protection: What’s Actually Covered
- Common Mistakes First-Timers Make
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Getting a Car Shipped Actually Means
Getting a car shipped means hiring a carrier to transport your vehicle on a truck. Not driving it. Not towing it. Loading it onto a multi-car hauler and delivering it to your destination.
Two main types exist. Open car transport uses standard car carriers you see on highways. Nine vehicles stacked on two levels. Your car sits exposed to weather. This handles 90% of shipments. Enclosed car transport uses covered trailers. Protection from elements. Higher cost. Usually reserved for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
The process involves three parties. You (the shipper). The broker (who finds carriers). The carrier (who physically transports your car). Most people book through brokers. Brokers have networks of vetted carriers. They match your shipment with available trucks heading your direction.
You don’t own the truck. And you don’t choose the exact pickup time. You get a window. Usually 1-5 days for pickup. Another window for delivery. This flexibility keeps costs down. Carriers combine multiple shipments on efficient routes.
Sarah in Denver shipped her Honda Accord to Boston in March 2025. She paid $1,340 for open transport. Seven-day transit. The carrier picked up on day 3 of her window. Delivered on day 8 total. Standard experience. No drama.
The Complete Process: Booking to Delivery
Step 1: Request Quotes
Start 3-4 weeks before your desired pickup date. Contact multiple companies. Provide: vehicle year, make, model. Origin and destination zip codes. Preferred dates. Vehicle condition (running or not).
You’ll receive quotes within hours. Prices vary widely. A Boston to Miami route might quote $800 from one broker, $1,100 from another. Lower isn’t always better. Check what’s included.
Step 2: Book Your Shipment
Choose your broker. Pay a deposit. Usually $100-$300 or a percentage of total cost. The broker lists your shipment on their carrier network. Carriers bid on your route.
The broker assigns a carrier. You get carrier details: company name, DOT number, insurance certificate, driver contact. This happens 24-48 hours before pickup in most cases.
Step 3: Pickup Day
The driver calls 24 hours ahead. Confirms exact time within your window. You meet the driver. Walk around your car together. Note every existing scratch, dent, paint chip. Take photos. Sign the Bill of Lading (BOL). This document lists all pre-existing damage.
Driver loads your car. Takes 15-20 minutes. You get a copy of the BOL. That’s your receipt and damage record.
Step 4: Transit
Your car travels cross-country. Drivers update brokers on progress. Good brokers provide tracking. You can call for updates. Transit times vary by distance. Coast-to-coast takes 7-10 days. Regional moves take 2-5 days.
Step 5: Delivery
Driver calls 24 hours before delivery. You (or your designated person) must be present. Driver unloads. You inspect the vehicle. Compare condition to pickup photos. Check for new damage. Sign the BOL confirming delivery condition.
If you find new damage, note it on the BOL before signing. Take photos immediately. This starts the insurance claim process. Most damage happens during loading/unloading, not transit.
Michael shipped his F-150 from Phoenix to Seattle in June 2025. Booked two weeks ahead. Got quotes ranging $950-$1,450. Chose a mid-range broker at $1,180. Carrier assigned three days before pickup. Truck arrived day 2 of his window. Delivered in 5 days. Zero issues.
Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay and Why
Base Costs by Distance
Short haul (0-500 miles): $300-$600. Regional (500-1,500 miles): $600-$1,200. Long haul (1,500+ miles): $1,200-$2,000. Cross-country (coast to coast): $1,400-$2,400.
These are open transport averages for standard sedans in 2025. Enclosed transport adds 40-60% to these numbers.
What Affects Your Price
Distance is obvious. Longer routes cost more. But it’s not linear. A 2,000-mile trip doesn’t cost twice as much as 1,000 miles. Per-mile cost decreases with distance.
Route popularity matters more than distance. Miami to New York ships daily. Carriers compete. Prices stay reasonable. Billings, Montana to Portland, Maine? Rare route. Fewer carriers. Higher prices. You might pay $2,200 for that 2,300-mile trip.
Season changes everything. Summer (May-September) sees peak demand. College moves. Snowbirds returning north. Winter (November-March) brings snowbirds heading south. November 2025 shows this clearly. Florida-bound routes from Michigan, Illinois, Ohio cost 20-30% more than they did in September.
Vehicle size impacts cost. Compact cars are cheapest. Full-size trucks and SUVs cost $100-$300 more. They take more space. Weigh more. Reduce carrier capacity.
Vehicle condition matters. Non-running vehicles cost $150-$300 extra. Carriers need winches. Loading takes longer. Adds complexity.
Transport type is the biggest variable. Open transport is standard pricing. Enclosed adds $400-$800 to any route.
Real Examples from 2025
Atlanta to Denver (1,400 miles): $1,150 open, $1,650 enclosed. Los Angeles to Chicago (2,000 miles): $1,380 open, $1,950 enclosed. Dallas to Boston (1,800 miles): $1,290 open, $1,800 enclosed.
Tampa to Minneapolis in November 2025 (snowbird return): $1,580. Same route in July 2025: $1,210. That $370 difference is pure seasonal demand.
Hidden Fees to Watch
Expedited service: $200-$400 extra. Guarantees pickup within 24-48 hours instead of 1-5 days. Only worth it for emergencies.
Remote area fees: $50-$150. Applies to rural locations far from major routes. If the carrier drives 30 miles off their route to get you, they charge for it.
Top-loading fee: $50-$100. Requests your car on the top level of the carrier. Reduces road debris exposure. Only matters for show cars.
Cancellation fees: $50-$150. If you cancel after carrier assignment. Brokers lose money when carriers reserve space you don’t use.
SpeedyWay Auto Transport provides transparent quotes with no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.
Timeline Expectations: Book Early or Pay More
Booking Windows
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best prices. Carriers plan routes in advance. Early bookings fill their trucks efficiently. You get normal rates.
Book 1-2 weeks ahead for standard rates. Still reasonable pricing. Good carrier selection. Most people book in this window.
Book under 1 week for premium prices. You’re asking carriers to adjust existing routes. Expect 15-25% price increases. Limited carrier availability.
Book under 48 hours for emergency rates. Double the normal price in some cases. few carriers available. You take what you can get.
November 2025 Reality
Right now, snowbird season is peak. Florida and Arizona routes book 4-6 weeks out. Carriers fill trucks fast. If you need a car shipped to Florida this month, you’re already late. Expect higher prices and longer waits.
Other routes benefit. Carriers returning north from Florida have empty space. Midwest-bound shipments from the South sometimes get discounted rates. The market balances itself.
Transit Times
Short haul (under 500 miles): 1-3 days. Regional (500-1,500 miles): 3-5 days. Long haul (1,500-2,500 miles): 5-8 days. Cross-country (2,500+ miles): 7-10 days.
Add 1-2 days for enclosed transport. Enclosed carriers move slower. They’re more careful. Make fewer stops.
Weather delays happen. Winter storms in the Rockies add days. Summer hurricanes delay Gulf Coast shipments. Factor this into your planning.
Pickup and Delivery Windows
Standard pickup window: 1-5 days. You give the carrier a range. They confirm 24 hours before arrival. You must be flexible.
Standard delivery window: 1-3 days. Based on estimated transit time. Driver calls when they’re close.
Guaranteed dates cost extra. Expedited service locks in pickup within 24-48 hours. Costs $200-$400 more. Only necessary for time-sensitive moves.
Jennifer needed her car shipped from San Diego to Austin in August 2025. She booked 10 days ahead. Got a 3-day pickup window. Carrier came on day 2. Transit took 4 days. Total time from booking to delivery: 16 days. She planned a 3-week buffer. Smart move.
Open vs. Enclosed: Which One You Actually Need
Open Transport: The Default Choice
With Open transport service providers like (Speedyway, Montway, Navi….etc) moves 90% of vehicles. Your car sits on an exposed carrier. Two levels. Up to 9 vehicles. Same trucks that deliver new cars to dealerships.
Pros: Costs 40% less than enclosed. More carriers available. Faster booking. Shorter transit times. Completely safe for standard vehicles.
Cons: Exposure to weather. Road debris. Dust. Not “damage” but minor dirt accumulation. Wash your car after delivery.
Who needs it: Anyone shipping a standard vehicle. Sedans. SUVs. Trucks. Daily drivers. Vehicles under $50,000 in value. This is the smart choice for 95% of shipments.
Enclosed Transport: Premium Protection
Enclosed transport uses covered trailers. Hard-sided or soft-sided. Holds 2-7 vehicles. Complete weather protection. No exposure to elements.
Pros: Full protection. No weather exposure. No road debris. Better for high-value vehicles. Peace of mind for collectors.
Cons: Costs 40-60% more. Fewer carriers available. Longer booking times. Slower transit. Not necessary for most vehicles.
Who needs it: Classic cars. Luxury vehicles over $75,000. Show cars. Exotic cars. Vehicles with custom paint. Motorcycles (though motorcycle shipping has specialized options).
The Real Decision
Your 2018 Honda Civic doesn’t need enclosed transport. Hmmm your 1967 Mustang restoration does. Your 2023 Tesla Model 3? Open is fine. Your 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo? Consider enclosed.
Price difference example: Chicago to Miami. Open: $1,180. Enclosed: $1,750. That $570 buys weather protection. For a $25,000 car, it’s unnecessary. For a $100,000 car, it’s cheap insurance.
Weather matters less than you think. Open carriers transport vehicles in rain, snow, heat. Your car handles weather every day on the road. It survives transport the same way.
Road debris is minimal. Top-level loading reduces exposure further. Most “damage” claims from open transport are pre-existing issues customers didn’t document at pickup.
Tom shipped his 2021 Camry from Portland to Nashville in April 2025. Debated enclosed. Chose open. Saved $520. Car arrived perfect. Needed a wash. That’s it. Made the right call.
Lisa shipped her 1972 Corvette from Boston to Phoenix in September 2025. Paid $2,100 for enclosed. Car arrived showroom-perfect. Worth every penny for a $65,000 restoration.
Choosing a Carrier: Red Flags and Green Flags
Green Flags: What Good Carriers Have
Active USDOT number. Verify it at FMCSA.dot.gov. Check their safety rating. “Satisfactory” is good. “Conditional” or “Unsatisfactory” means avoid.
Proper insurance. Minimum $750,000 cargo coverage. Ask for a certificate. Verify it’s current. Verify it covers your vehicle’s value.
Real reviews. Check Google, Transport Reviews, Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns. One bad review among 100 good ones is fine. Ten bad reviews about damaged vehicles is a problem.
Clear communication. Good carriers call 24 hours before pickup. Provide tracking. Answer questions. Stay in touch during transit.
Professional equipment. Well-maintained trucks. Working tie-downs. Clean trailers. If their equipment looks sketchy, walk away.
Red Flags: Warning Signs to Avoid
Requiring full payment upfront. Legitimate carriers take deposits. Balance due at delivery. Anyone demanding 100% payment before pickup is suspicious.
No USDOT number or invalid number. Unregistered carriers operate illegally. Zero insurance protection. Zero recourse if something goes wrong.
Price too good to be true. Quote $400 below competitors for the same route? They’ll add fees later. Or they’re not legitimate. Market rates exist for a reason.
No insurance certificate. Refusing to provide proof of coverage means they probably don’t have it. Never ship without verified insurance.
Poor communication. Can’t reach them. Don’t return calls. Vague answers about timing. These problems multiply during transit.
Bait-and-switch pricing. Quote $900. Then add $300 in “fees” at pickup. Legitimate brokers disclose all costs upfront.
Broker vs. Carrier: Understanding the Difference
Most people book through brokers. Brokers don’t own trucks. They connect you with carriers. They handle paperwork, scheduling, customer service. Carriers own trucks and do the physical transport.
Good brokers vet their carriers. Check USDOT numbers. Verify insurance. Track safety records. They protect you from bad carriers.
Bad brokers just find the cheapest carrier. Don’t verify credentials. Don’t care about quality. You get what you pay for.
Ask your broker: How do you vet carriers? What’s your carrier approval process? Can I see the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup? Good brokers answer confidently.
Verification Steps
Get the carrier’s USDOT number. Search it at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Check their inspection history. Recent violations? Safety rating? Out-of-service orders?
Request insurance certificate. Verify coverage amount. Check expiration date. Confirm it’s current.
Google the carrier name. Check reviews. Look for complaints. See how they respond to problems.
Call the carrier directly. Ask about their equipment. How long in business? What routes do they run regularly? Professional carriers answer professionally.
SpeedyWay Auto Transport vets every carrier in our network. USDOT verification. Insurance confirmation. Safety record checks. You get reliable carriers every time.
Vehicle Preparation: The Checklist That Matters
Before Pickup Day
Wash your car. Inside and out. Clean cars make damage inspection easier. You’ll spot every existing scratch during the walk-around. Dirty cars hide damage that might get blamed on the carrier.
Remove personal items. Carriers aren’t liable for belongings inside the vehicle. Items can shift during transit. Damage your interior. Or disappear. Take everything out. Trunk, glove box, center console, everywhere.
Exception: You can leave up to 100 pounds in the trunk. Below the window line. Carriers allow this. But they’re not responsible if items go missing. Don’t leave valuables.
Document existing damage. Take photos from every angle. Close-ups of scratches, dents, paint chips. Date-stamp the photos. Email them to yourself. This proves pre-existing condition.
Check fluid levels. Ensure adequate gas (quarter tank minimum). Check oil, coolant, brake fluid. Carriers won’t transport leaking vehicles.
Check tire pressure. Properly inflated tires prevent damage during loading. Under-inflated tires can blow during transit.
Disable alarms. Car alarms drain batteries. Cause problems during transport. Turn them off or provide the carrier with instructions to silence them.
Non-Running Vehicles
If your car doesn’t run, tell the broker during booking. Non-running vehicles cost $150-$300 extra. Carriers need winches. Loading takes longer.
The car must roll and steer. Brakes must work. Even non-running vehicles need basic functionality for safe loading. Completely seized vehicles might not qualify for standard transport.
Battery must hold charge. Carriers need to shift to neutral. Steer during loading. A dead battery complicates everything.
Pickup Day Documentation
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is your most important document. It lists every existing damage point. You and the driver both sign it. Take your time during the walk-around.
Note every imperfection. That tiny door ding. The paint chip on the hood. The scratch near the taillight. Write it all down. Be thorough. If it’s not on the BOL, you can’t claim it later.
Take photos during the walk-around. Match them to BOL notes. Date-stamp everything. Keep copies of the signed BOL.
Get the driver’s contact info. Cell phone number. Truck number. Carrier company name. You might need to reach them during transit.
Common Preparation Mistakes
Leaving valuables inside. Laptops, jewelry, cash. All gone if the car sits overnight at a terminal. Carriers specifically exclude liability for personal property.
Not documenting damage. “The car was perfect” doesn’t help when you find a scratch at delivery. No proof means no claim.
Overfilling the gas tank. Quarter to half tank is ideal. Full tanks add unnecessary weight. Increase fuel costs for carriers.
Leaving custom equipment loose. Bike racks. Roof boxes. Anything not permanently attached. Remove it or secure it properly.
Rachel shipped her Subaru from Seattle to Miami in July 2025. Left her laptop in the trunk. It disappeared. Carrier denied responsibility. Personal items aren’t covered. She learned the $1,200 lesson.
Insurance and Protection: What’s Actually Covered
Carrier Insurance Basics
Every legitimate carrier has cargo insurance. Minimum $750,000 coverage. This covers damage during transport. It doesn’t cover personal items. It doesn’t cover mechanical issues that existed before pickup.
Coverage applies to physical damage. Scratches, dents, broken glass, paint damage. Caused by the carrier during loading, transit, or unloading.
Coverage doesn’t apply to pre-existing damage. That’s why the pickup inspection matters. Anything not documented on the BOL is assumed to be pre-existing.
What’s Covered
New scratches, dents, or paint damage that occur during transport. Documented at delivery. Noted on the BOL before you sign.
Broken glass. Windshield cracks. Broken mirrors. Caused during transit.
Major collision damage. If the carrier truck gets in an accident. Your vehicle suffers damage. Full coverage applies.
What’s Not Covered
Pre-existing damage. That scratch you forgot to mention at pickup. Not covered.
Personal items. Anything inside the vehicle. Carriers specifically exclude this. Take everything out.
Mechanical issues. Engine problems. Transmission failure. Electrical issues. Unless directly caused by carrier negligence (rare), not covered.
Wear and tear. Normal aging. Existing rust. Fading paint. Not damage. Not covered.
Acts of God. Hail damage during transit. Falling tree branches. Flood damage. Check if the carrier’s insurance includes complete coverage. Most don’t. Your personal auto insurance might cover this.
Filing a Claim
Note damage on the BOL at delivery. Before signing. Write detailed descriptions. “Scratch on driver door, 3 inches long, through clear coat.” Be specific.
Take photos immediately. Multiple angles. Close-ups. Wide shots showing vehicle location on the truck. Date-stamped.
Don’t sign the BOL as “clean” if there’s damage. This kills your claim. Sign it with damage noted.
Contact the broker within 24 hours. Report the damage. Provide photos. Provide signed BOL with damage notes.
Carrier insurance adjuster investigates. Reviews documentation. Determines if damage occurred during transport. Approves or denies claim.
Payment comes from the carrier’s insurance. Not the broker. Processing takes 2-6 weeks typically. Sometimes longer for disputed claims.
Claim Success Factors
Documentation quality. Clear photos. Specific BOL notes. Timestamps. Good documentation wins claims.
Timing. Report damage immediately. Waiting days or weeks raises questions. Did it happen during transport or after?
Damage type. Clear impact damage from loading? Easy claim. Mysterious scratch that might have existed before? Harder claim.
Your Personal Auto Insurance
Your personal policy might provide additional coverage. Check with your insurer. Some complete policies cover transport damage. Some don’t.
Don’t file a claim with your insurer first. Start with carrier insurance. Your insurance is backup if the carrier’s insurance denies the claim.
Filing with your insurer might raise your rates. Use it as a last resort.
Mark shipped his BMW from Houston to New York in May 2025. Found a dent in the rear quarter panel at delivery. Noted it on the BOL immediately. Took photos. Filed claim within 12 hours. Carrier insurance paid $1,800 for repair. Process took 3 weeks. Proper documentation made it smooth.
Common Mistakes First-Timers Make
Mistake #1: Choosing the Lowest Quote Without Research
That $650 quote for a 1,500-mile shipment sounds great. Until you realize market rate is $1,100. Low-ball quotes come with problems. Hidden fees. Unlicensed carriers. Bait-and-switch pricing.
The broker quotes $650. Assigns a carrier. Carrier calls demanding $900. “Fuel surcharge. Insurance fee. Remote pickup fee.” You’re stuck. Car’s already scheduled. You pay the difference or cancel.
Solution: Get 3-5 quotes. Average them. Outliers on both ends are suspicious. Choose mid-range quotes from reputable brokers.
Mistake #2: Not Reading the Contract
You sign without reading. Miss the cancellation policy. The insurance limits. The delivery window terms. Problems arise. You have no recourse.
Contracts specify payment terms. Cancellation fees. Insurance coverage limits. Delivery timeframes. Dispute resolution. Read everything.
Solution: Read the entire contract. Ask questions about unclear terms. Understand what you’re signing. Know your rights and responsibilities.
Mistake #3: Poor Damage Documentation
You do a quick walk-around. Miss that door ding. Skip photos. Sign the BOL as “clean.” Find a scratch at delivery. Can’t prove it’s new. Claim denied.
Carriers won’t pay for damage you can’t prove happened during transport. The BOL is your evidence. Incomplete BOLs kill claims.
Solution: Spend 20 minutes on the pickup inspection. Document everything. Take complete photos. Note every imperfection on the BOL.
Mistake #4: Not Being Available for Pickup/Delivery
You give a pickup window. Leave town during it. Carrier can’t reach you. Misses your location. Charges a re-pickup fee. Delays your shipment.
Same at delivery. Driver arrives. You’re not there. They can’t wait. Charge storage fees. Reschedule delivery.
Solution: Be available during your windows. Keep your phone on. Respond to carrier calls immediately. Have a backup person if you can’t be there.
Mistake #5: Leaving Valuables in the Vehicle
You leave your golf clubs in the trunk. Your sunglasses in the console. Your registration in the glove box (keep this one). Items disappear. Carrier isn’t liable.
Personal property isn’t covered by carrier insurance. Explicitly excluded in contracts. Anything you leave is at your own risk.
Solution: Remove everything. Take photos of the empty interior. Only leave the spare tire and jack (standard equipment).
Mistake #6: Booking Too Late
You need your car shipped next week. Book today. Limited carrier availability. Premium pricing. Rushed process. Higher chance of problems.
Carriers plan routes weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings disrupt their schedules. You pay for that disruption.
Solution: Book 2-3 weeks minimum. 4-6 weeks during peak season (like November 2025 for snowbird routes). Early booking saves money and stress.
Mistake #7: Not Verifying Carrier Credentials
Your broker assigns a carrier. You don’t check their USDOT number. Don’t verify insurance. Carrier shows up with a beat-up truck. Questionable equipment. You’re uncomfortable but let them load your car.
Unlicensed or underinsured carriers cause problems. Damage your vehicle. Disappear. Leave you with no recourse.
Solution: Verify every carrier. Check USDOT number. Request insurance certificate. Google their reviews. If something feels wrong, refuse the pickup.
Mistake #8: Ignoring Seasonal Pricing
You book a Florida shipment in November 2025. Expect summer prices. Get shocked by the quote. Think you’re being overcharged. You’re not. It’s peak snowbird season.
Seasonal demand affects pricing. Summer moves are expensive. Snowbird seasons (November-March southbound, April-May northbound) cost more. Planning around seasons saves money.
Solution: Understand seasonal patterns. Book off-peak if possible. Accept higher prices during peak times. Plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a car shipped across the country?
Coast-to-coast shipping costs $1,400-$2,400 for open transport. Enclosed transport costs $2,000-$3,400. Exact price depends on specific route, season, and vehicle size. California to New York in July 2025 averaged $1,680 for open transport. Same route in November 2025 costs $1,520 because carriers return east from California with empty space after delivering snowbird vehicles.
Popular routes cost less. Los Angeles to Miami sees daily shipments. Carriers compete. Prices stay reasonable. Rare routes like Portland, Maine to Boise, Idaho cost more. Fewer carriers run that route. You pay premium for special routing.
How long does it take to get a car shipped?
Short distances (under 500 miles) take 1-3 days. Regional moves (500-1,500 miles) take 3-5 days. Cross-country shipments (2,500+ miles) take 7-10 days. Add your pickup window (1-5 days) to get total time from booking to delivery. Most shipments complete within 2 weeks of booking.
Weather and season affect timing. Winter storms in the Rockies add 1-2 days. Summer construction delays impact major routes. November 2025 snowbird season means Florida-bound trucks are packed full. They make multiple stops. Transit times increase slightly.
Enclosed transport takes longer. Enclosed carriers move more carefully. Make fewer stops per route. Add 1-2 days to open transport timeframes.
Can I track my car during shipping?
Most brokers provide tracking updates. Not real-time GPS. But periodic location updates. The driver checks in at major stops. Broker relays information to you.
You can call the driver directly. Most provide their cell number at pickup. They’ll tell you current location and estimated delivery time.
Don’t expect minute-by-minute tracking. Your car isn’t an Amazon package. Carriers handle multiple vehicles. Focus on efficient routing, not constant updates. As long as delivery happens within the estimated window, the system works.
What happens if my car gets damaged during shipping?
Note the damage on the Bill of Lading at delivery. Before signing. Write specific descriptions. Take photos immediately. Contact your broker within 24 hours to file a claim.
The carrier’s insurance investigates. Reviews your documentation. Compares delivery photos to pickup photos. Determines if damage occurred during transport. Approved claims result in payment for repairs.
Claims process takes 2-6 weeks typically. Insurance companies don’t rush. Good documentation speeds things up. Clear photos showing damage that wasn’t present at pickup. Detailed BOL notes. Immediate reporting.
Most damage happens during loading and unloading. Not during transit. That’s why the walk-around inspections matter. Document everything at both ends.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Yes. You or your designated representative must be present. The driver needs someone to sign the Bill of Lading. Complete the vehicle inspection. Hand over keys.
At delivery, someone must be there to accept the vehicle. Inspect it. Sign the BOL confirming delivery condition. Note any damage.
You can designate someone else. Friend. Family member. Coworker. Provide their contact information to the broker and carrier. They need photo ID. Authority to sign on your behalf.
Can’t be present and have no one else? Some carriers offer terminal delivery. You drop off at their facility. Pick up at destination terminal. Costs extra. Not all carriers offer it.
Is open transport safe for my car?
Yes. Open transport safely ships millions of vehicles annually. New cars arrive at dealerships via open transport. Your car handles weather exposure daily on the road. It survives transport the same way.
Road debris is minimal. Most carriers load valuable vehicles on top level. Reduces exposure to rocks and dirt kicked up by the truck. Your car might need a wash after delivery. That’s the extent of “damage” from open transport.
Actual damage from open transport is rare. When it happens, it’s usually during loading or unloading. Not from weather exposure. Carrier insurance covers legitimate damage.
Save your money. Use open transport unless you’re shipping a vehicle worth over $75,000. Or a classic car. Or a show car. Standard vehicles don’t need enclosed protection.
Can I put personal items in my car during shipping?
Carriers allow up to 100 pounds in the trunk. Below the window line. But they’re not liable for these items. If something goes missing or gets damaged, you have no recourse.
Don’t leave valuables. No electronics, No jewelry, and No important documents. Of course No cash! Carriers specifically exclude personal property from insurance coverage.
Why below the window line? Visible items attract theft. Cars sit at terminals overnight. Multiple people access the truck. Keep items hidden and minimal.
Best practice: Don’t put anything in the car. Take everything out. If you must leave items, limit it to soft goods. Clothing. Towels. Nothing valuable or irreplaceable.
How do I choose between a broker and a carrier?
Most people use brokers. Brokers have networks of vetted carriers. They match your shipment with available trucks. Handle customer service. Manage scheduling. Deal with problems.
Booking directly with a carrier works if you find one running your exact route. But you’re limited to their schedule. Their available trucks. No flexibility.
Brokers provide options. Multiple carriers bid on your shipment. You get competitive pricing. Better availability. Professional customer service.
Choose a broker with good reviews. Transparent pricing. Clear communication. Proper carrier vetting. SpeedyWay Auto Transport connects you with reliable carriers nationwide. We handle the logistics. You get peace of mind.
What’s the best time of year to ship a car?
Late winter (February-March) and early fall (September-October) offer the best combination of availability and pricing. Demand drops between peak seasons. Carriers have more capacity. Prices stabilize.
Avoid summer (May-August). Peak moving season. College students. Job relocations. High demand means higher prices and longer waits.
Avoid snowbird seasons. November-March for southbound Florida/Arizona routes. April-May for northbound returns. These routes see 20-30% price increases during peak times.
November 2025 is expensive for Florida shipments. Wait until January 2026 if possible. Demand drops after the holidays. Prices normalize.
Weather matters less than you think. Carriers ship year-round. Winter storms cause delays, not damage. Your car survives winter weather during transport just like it does in your driveway.
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Getting a car shipped isn’t complicated. Book early. Document everything. Choose reputable carriers. Understand what you’re paying for. The process works smoothly when you know what to expect.
Need reliable auto transport? SpeedyWay Auto Transport provides transparent quotes, vetted carriers, and professional service. Get your free quote today.