Ever looked at your car and thought, “How the heck do I get you 1,200 miles away?” Maybe you’re moving across the country for a new job, or you bought a vintage Mustang online and need it delivered. Whatever the reason, you’re about to learn something most people never think about until they need it: how auto transport actually works.
Here’s the thing—shipping your car isn’t like ordering something from Amazon. There’s no “two-day shipping” button, and the process involves real trucks, real drivers, and real logistics. But once you understand how it works, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Let’s walk through everything you need to know so you can ship your car without losing sleep over it.
Table of Contents
- What Auto Transport Actually Means
- The Complete Process: From Quote to Delivery
- What You’ll Actually Pay (And Why)
- Timeline Reality Check: When Will Your Car Arrive?
- Open vs. Enclosed: Which One’s Right for You?
- Finding a Carrier You Can Trust
- Getting Your Car Ready to Ship
- Insurance 101: What’s Protected and What’s Not
- Mistakes First-Timers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
- Your Questions, Answered
What Auto Transport Actually Means
Auto transport is the service of moving your vehicle from one location to another using specialized car carriers—those big trucks you see on highways hauling multiple vehicles. It’s not just for cross-country moves. People use car transport services for all kinds of situations: military relocations, college students heading to school, snowbirds heading south for winter (October 2025 is prime snowbird season, by the way), classic car purchases, and even just avoiding a brutal 2,000-mile drive.
The industry splits into two main categories: open car transport and enclosed car transport. Open transport is what you typically see—cars exposed to the elements on a multi-level trailer. Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protected from weather and road debris.
Most car transport companies work as brokers, not carriers. That means they connect you with actual trucking companies that physically move your car. Some companies do both, but the broker model dominates because it gives you access to a nationwide network of carriers. Think of it like Expedia for car shipping—they find you the best option without you having to call 50 different trucking companies.
The Complete Process: From Quote to Delivery
Let’s break down exactly what happens when you ship your car. No fluff, just the real steps.
Step 1: Get Your Quote
You’ll provide basic info: pickup location, delivery location, vehicle details, and your preferred dates. A reputable company like SpeedyWay Auto Transport will give you a quote within a few hours. This isn’t a final price—it’s an estimate based on current market rates.
Step 2: Book Your Transport
Once you accept a quote, you’ll put down a deposit (typically $100-$300). The company then assigns your shipment to a carrier. This can happen quickly or take a few days, depending on your route and timing. Popular routes like Chicago to Dallas fill up faster than, say, Boise to Albuquerque.
Step 3: Carrier Assignment
You’ll get a call from the carrier (the actual truck driver) to schedule pickup. They’ll give you a window—usually a 1-3 day range. Yes, it’s a window, not a specific time. Trucks can’t predict traffic, weather, or how long previous pickups take.
Step 4: Pickup Day
The driver arrives, does a thorough inspection with you, notes any existing damage on a Bill of Lading, loads your car, and you sign off. Take photos of your car from all angles before it’s loaded. Seriously, do this. Your phone already has 8,000 photos—what’s 10 more?
Step 5: Transit
Your car is now on its journey. Most carriers haul 7-10 vehicles at once, so they’re making multiple stops. You can usually track progress through the carrier, though it’s not real-time GPS tracking like following your pizza delivery.
Step 6: Delivery
The carrier calls when they’re close (usually 12-24 hours before arrival). They’ll give you another delivery window. When they arrive, inspect your car carefully before signing the delivery receipt. Check for any new damage, compare it to your pickup photos, and note anything unusual on the paperwork.
A customer named Rachel shipped her Honda Accord from Seattle to Boston in June 2025. Total time from booking to delivery: 11 days. Pickup happened 3 days after booking, transit took 8 days. That’s pretty typical for a cross-country route.
What You’ll Actually Pay (And Why)
Here’s what nobody wants to talk about but everyone wants to know: what does this actually cost?
For a standard sedan going cross-country (think Los Angeles to New York), you’re looking at $1,100-$1,500 for open transport. Shorter distances cost less—Denver to Phoenix might run $600-$800. Enclosed transport costs about 40-60% more, so that same LA to NY trip would be $1,600-$2,200.
What affects your price:
Distance is the obvious one. The farther your car travels, the more you pay. But it’s not linear—a 2,000-mile trip doesn’t cost twice as much as a 1,000-mile trip because the carrier is making money the whole way.
Route popularity matters more than you’d think. Shipping from Miami to Atlanta is cheaper than Miami to Boise because way more people ship that route. More demand means more carriers, which means competitive pricing.
Vehicle size and weight change the equation. A compact sedan takes up less space and weighs less than a Suburban. Carriers pay for fuel based on weight, so bigger vehicles cost more. Expect to pay $100-$300 more for an SUV or truck.
Seasonality is real. Right now in October 2025, snowbird routes to Florida and Arizona see price increases of 20-30% because everyone’s heading south for winter. Summer is also expensive because that’s peak moving season. January through March? That’s when you find the best deals.
Transport type is your biggest decision point. Open transport is standard and affordable. Enclosed transport costs more but protects your vehicle from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. Most people choose open unless they’re shipping something valuable.
Operational condition affects everything. If your car runs and drives, you’re good. If it doesn’t, you need inoperable vehicle transport, which costs $150-$300 extra because it requires special equipment to load and unload.
Here’s a real example: Mike shipped his Toyota Camry from Chicago to Phoenix in March 2025 using open transport. Distance: 1,750 miles. Cost: $875. Transit time: 6 days. He booked two weeks in advance during a slow season, which helped keep costs down.
Timeline Reality Check: When Will Your Car Arrive?
Let’s talk about time because this is where expectations and reality often clash.
Booking window: You want to book 1-2 weeks ahead for standard routes, 3-4 weeks for less common routes. Right now in October 2025, if you’re shipping to Florida or Arizona (snowbird season), book at least 4-6 weeks out. Those routes are slammed.
Pickup timing: After booking, pickup typically happens within 1-7 days. Popular routes see faster pickup because carriers run those routes constantly. Rural areas or unusual routes might take longer because carriers need to build a full load.
Transit time: This depends entirely on distance. Here’s what’s realistic:
- 0-500 miles: 1-3 days
- 500-1,500 miles: 3-6 days
- 1,500-2,500 miles: 5-8 days
- 2,500+ miles: 7-10 days
These are door-to-door times, not just driving time. Remember, the carrier is making multiple stops to pick up and deliver other vehicles.
Delivery windows: Carriers give you a delivery window, not a specific time. This frustrates people, but here’s why it exists: trucks can’t predict traffic, weather, or mechanical issues. A 2-3 day delivery window is standard.
Sarah shipped her Subaru from Portland to Denver in August 2025. She booked on a Monday, pickup happened Thursday, and delivery was the following Tuesday—8 days total. The carrier called her Sunday night to say they’d arrive Tuesday between 10am-2pm. They showed up at 11:30am.
Open vs. Enclosed: Which One’s Right for You?
This decision isn’t as complicated as people make it.
Open car transport is what you see everywhere—multi-level trailers with cars exposed to the elements. It’s how about 90% of vehicles get shipped, and it’s perfectly safe. Your car sits on the same highways it would if you were driving it. Yes, it might get dusty or dirty, but that’s cosmetic. No structural damage happens from weather during transport.
Open transport makes sense when:
- You’re shipping a daily driver or standard vehicle
- You want the most affordable option
- You’re okay with your car getting a little dirty
- Your vehicle isn’t rare, exotic, or valuable
Enclosed car transport puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer. It’s protected from weather, road debris, and visibility. Carriers also tend to haul fewer vehicles in enclosed trailers (typically 2-6 instead of 7-10), which means fewer stops and faster delivery.
Enclosed transport makes sense when:
- You’re shipping a luxury, exotic, or classic car
- Your vehicle has custom paint or modifications
- You’re moving a high-value vehicle (generally $75,000+)
- You want maximum protection and peace of mind
- You’re shipping a convertible in winter
The price difference is significant—expect to pay 40-60% more for enclosed. But if you’re shipping a $150,000 Porsche or a restored 1967 Corvette, that extra $500-$800 is worth it.
Tom shipped his 2024 Tesla Model S from Miami to Seattle in September 2025. He chose open transport, paid $1,250, and the car arrived in perfect condition after 9 days. The car got dusty from the road, but a quick wash fixed that. He saved $700 by choosing open over enclosed.
Finding a Carrier You Can Trust
Here’s where people get nervous, and rightfully so. You’re handing your car—probably your second most valuable possession—to strangers. How do you know they’re legit?
Check licensing: Every car transport service must have a USDOT number and an MC number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look up any carrier at fmcsa.dot.gov. If they can’t provide these numbers, walk away immediately.
Read actual reviews: Not just the testimonials on their website. Check Google reviews, Better Business Bureau, and transport-specific sites like TransportReviews.com. Look for patterns—one bad review happens to everyone, but consistent complaints about damage, delays, or communication are red flags.
Verify insurance: Carriers must have cargo insurance. Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify the coverage amount. Standard is $100,000-$750,000 for open transport, $250,000-$1,000,000 for enclosed. Don’t just take their word for it—ask to see the actual certificate.
Get it in writing: Everything should be documented: pickup and delivery locations, dates, price, insurance coverage, cancellation policy. If a company is vague about putting things in writing, that’s a problem.
Watch for red flags:
- Requiring large deposits upfront (standard is $100-$300)
- No physical address or phone number
- Prices significantly lower than everyone else (if it seems too good to be true…)
- Pressure to book immediately
- Unable to provide USDOT and MC numbers
Green flags you want to see:
- Clear communication and responsiveness
- Willing to answer all your questions
- Provides carrier information before pickup
- Has been in business for several years
- Offers multiple contact methods
SpeedyWay Auto Transport has been moving vehicles nationwide since 2010, with full licensing, insurance, and thousands of successful shipments. That’s the kind of track record you want.
Getting Your Car Ready to Ship
You can’t just hand over your keys and call it a day. A little preparation prevents problems.
Clean your car: Wash it thoroughly, inside and out. This isn’t about making it pretty—it’s about documenting existing damage. You can’t spot a new scratch if the car’s covered in dirt. Take photos of every angle, including close-ups of any existing damage.
Document everything: Those photos you just took? Email them to yourself with a timestamp. Take photos of the odometer too. During pickup, the driver will do a walk-around inspection and note everything on the Bill of Lading. You’ll both sign it. This document is crucial if you need to file a damage claim later.
Remove personal items: Carriers aren’t insured for personal belongings. If you leave your laptop in the trunk and it disappears, you’re out of luck. Some carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk, but they’re not responsible for it. Better to just remove everything.
Check fluid levels and tire pressure: Your car needs to be in good operating condition. Low tire pressure or leaking fluids can cause problems during loading and transport.
Disable alarms: Nothing’s more annoying than a car alarm going off on a transport truck. Make sure your alarm is disabled or give the driver clear instructions on how to shut it off.
Secure loose parts: If you have a custom spoiler, loose trim, or a detachable antenna, either remove it or secure it. Anything that could fly off at highway speeds needs attention.
Leave a quarter tank of gas: Carriers require this for loading and unloading. More than a quarter tank adds unnecessary weight.
Note existing damage: That small door ding from the grocery store parking lot? Document it. The faded paint on the hood? Document it. The cracked taillight you’ve been meaning to fix? Document it. Seriously, document everything.
Jennifer shipped her Mazda CX-5 from Austin to Portland in July 2025. She spent 30 minutes cleaning it and taking photos. During delivery, she noticed a small scratch on the rear bumper that wasn’t there before. Because she had detailed photos, the claim process was straightforward, and the carrier’s insurance covered the repair.
Insurance 101: What’s Protected and What’s Not
Insurance confuses everyone, so let’s make it simple.
Carrier insurance: Every licensed carrier has cargo insurance that covers your vehicle during transport. This is mandatory. Coverage typically ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the carrier and transport type. This insurance covers damage that occurs during transport—scratches, dents, broken glass, etc.
What’s covered:
- Damage from loading or unloading
- Damage during transit
- Weather-related damage (though rare with proper securing)
- Accidents involving the transport truck
What’s NOT covered:
- Pre-existing damage (this is why documentation matters)
- Personal items left in the vehicle
- Damage you don’t note on the delivery receipt
- Normal wear and tear
- Mechanical failures unrelated to transport
Your auto insurance: Your personal car insurance typically doesn’t cover transport. Some complete policies include transport coverage, but don’t assume. Call your insurance company and ask specifically about coverage during transport.
Filing a claim: If you notice damage during delivery, note it on the Bill of Lading immediately. Don’t sign off that the vehicle is in good condition if it’s not. Take photos of any new damage. You typically have 24-48 hours to report damage after delivery, but noting it at delivery makes everything easier.
The claim process goes like this: document the damage, notify the carrier immediately, file a claim with the carrier’s insurance, provide your pickup photos as proof the damage is new, and get repair estimates. Most claims resolve within 30-60 days.
Additional insurance: Some car transport companies offer supplemental insurance for high-value vehicles. If you’re shipping something worth $100,000+, this might be worth considering. But for most vehicles, the carrier’s standard insurance is sufficient.
David shipped his BMW 5 Series from Las Vegas to Miami in April 2025. During delivery inspection, he noticed a small dent in the driver’s side door. He documented it on the delivery receipt, took photos, and filed a claim the same day. The carrier’s insurance covered the $850 repair, and he had his car back from the body shop within two weeks.
Mistakes First-Timers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Let’s learn from other people’s mistakes so you don’t repeat them.
Mistake #1: Booking too late
Waiting until the last minute means you’ll pay premium prices and have limited carrier options. Book at least 1-2 weeks ahead, more during busy seasons. October 2025 is snowbird season—if you’re shipping to Florida or Arizona right now, you should’ve booked weeks ago.
Mistake #2: Choosing price over reputation
That quote that’s $200 cheaper than everyone else? There’s probably a reason. Low-ball quotes often come from unlicensed carriers or companies that add fees later. A reputable company might cost a bit more, but you get peace of mind and actual insurance coverage.
Mistake #3: Not reading the fine print
Some companies quote you a price, then add fees for insurance, fuel surcharges, or “expedited processing.” Read the contract. Ask about all fees upfront. Get the final, all-in price in writing.
Mistake #4: Skipping the inspection
You’re busy, the driver’s in a hurry, and you just want to sign and be done. Don’t. Take the time to walk around your car with the driver. Note every scratch, dent, and imperfection. This 10-minute investment protects you from disputes later.
Mistake #5: Leaving valuables in the car
“I’ll just hide my laptop under the seat.” No. Carriers aren’t responsible for personal items, and theft can happen. Remove everything valuable. If you must leave items, put them in the trunk and keep it under 100 pounds.
Mistake #6: Not taking photos
This is the easiest mistake to avoid and the most common. Take photos before pickup. Take photos after delivery. Your phone makes this effortless. Do it.
Mistake #7: Expecting exact timing
Auto transport isn’t Amazon Prime. Carriers give windows, not specific times. If you need your car by an exact date for an event, build in buffer time. Don’t schedule your cross-country move so tight that a one-day delay ruins everything.
Mistake #8: Not communicating special circumstances
If your car has modifications, if it’s lowered, if it needs special attention—tell the carrier upfront. Surprises on pickup day lead to problems. A lowered sports car might not fit on a standard trailer and require special equipment.
Lisa made several of these mistakes when shipping her Honda Civic from San Diego to Atlanta in May 2025. She booked three days before her move (rushed pricing), didn’t take photos (no documentation of pre-existing damage), and left her gym bag in the back seat (it disappeared). She learned expensive lessons that cost her about $400 in avoidable problems.
Your Questions, Answered
How far in advance should I book auto transport?
For standard routes during normal seasons, 1-2 weeks gives you good pricing and carrier availability. For less common routes or busy seasons (like October 2025 snowbird season), book 3-4 weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings are possible but cost more and limit your options. The sweet spot is booking 10-14 days before your desired pickup date—you get competitive pricing without the stress of waiting too long.
Can I ship personal items in my car?
Technically, most carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk, but they’re not insured. If something gets damaged or stolen, you have no recourse. The carrier’s insurance only covers the vehicle itself. If you must ship items, keep them under 100 pounds, pack them in the trunk (not visible through windows), and understand you’re taking a risk. Better option? Ship important items separately through a moving company or take them with you.
What if my car gets damaged during transport?
Note any damage on the delivery Bill of Lading immediately—don’t sign off that the car is fine if it’s not. Take photos of the damage right away. Contact the carrier within 24 hours to file a claim. You’ll need your pickup photos proving the damage is new, plus repair estimates. The carrier’s insurance should cover legitimate damage that occurred during transport. Most claims resolve within 30-60 days. This is why documentation during pickup is so critical.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes, every licensed carrier has cargo insurance covering your vehicle during transport. Coverage typically ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000. However, this only covers damage that occurs during transport—not pre-existing damage, personal items, or mechanical issues unrelated to shipping. Ask to see the carrier’s insurance certificate before booking. Your personal auto insurance typically doesn’t cover transport, though some complete policies do—call your insurer to check.
How do I track my car during transport?
Most car transport services provide carrier contact information once your vehicle is picked up. You can call the driver directly for updates. Some companies offer GPS tracking, though it’s not as real-time as tracking a pizza delivery—updates might come once or twice daily. Expect a call from the carrier about 12-24 hours before delivery with a more specific arrival window. The tracking isn’t as precise as you might hope, but reputable carriers stay in communication throughout the process.
Can I ship a car that doesn’t run?
Yes, but it costs extra—typically $150-$300 more than standard transport. Non-running vehicles require special equipment (a winch) to load and unload, which takes more time and effort. You need to disclose that your car is inoperable when booking. If you book for a running car and it doesn’t start on pickup day, the carrier might refuse to load it or charge extra on the spot. Be upfront about your vehicle’s condition to avoid problems.
What’s the difference between a broker and a carrier?
A broker connects you with carriers—they don’t actually transport your car themselves. They have relationships with hundreds of carriers nationwide and find one that matches your route and timing. A carrier is the trucking company that physically moves your vehicle. Most companies you’ll work with are brokers because they give you access to a wider network. Some companies do both. Neither model is inherently better—what matters is reputation, licensing, and insurance. SpeedyWay Auto Transport works with vetted carriers nationwide to find you the best option for your specific route.
Is enclosed transport worth the extra cost?
For most people shipping daily drivers, no—open transport is perfectly safe and costs 40-60% less. But enclosed transport makes sense for luxury vehicles, classics, exotics, or anything valued over $75,000. It protects from weather, road debris, and visibility while typically offering faster delivery with fewer stops. If you’re shipping a 2024 Honda Accord, save your money and go with open transport. If you’re shipping a restored vintage Porsche or a brand-new Tesla Plaid, the extra $600-$800 for enclosed is worth the peace of mind. Consider the value of your vehicle and how you’d feel if it arrived with road dust or a small chip from highway debris.
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Shipping your car doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. You now know what to expect, what to look for, and what to avoid. The key is booking with a reputable company, documenting everything, and understanding that auto transport is a logistics process with realistic timelines.
Ready to get a quote? SpeedyWay Auto Transport has been helping people ship vehicles nationwide since 2010. Get a free quote today, and let’s get your car where it needs to be—safely and without the headaches.