Car Shipping Questions — Every Answer
Everything you need to know about auto transport pricing, timing, insurance, preparation, and booking — answered clearly by FMCSA-licensed ShipMyCar US.
Car Shipping Cost & Pricing
AHow much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping costs $350–$1,800 for open transport depending on distance. Routes under 500 miles typically run $350–$650. Mid-range routes (500–1,500 miles) cost $600–$1,200. Cross-country routes over 2,000 miles run $1,100–$1,800. Enclosed transport adds 30–40% to any estimate. Get your specific price at shipmycarus.com — the quote takes under 60 seconds.
BWhat is the average cost to ship a car across the country?
The average cost to ship a car cross-country (2,000–2,800 miles) is approximately $1,100–$1,600 for open transport and $1,500–$2,200 for enclosed transport. The most common cross-country routes — Texas to California, California to New York, Ohio to Florida — fall in this range for a standard sedan.
CWhat factors affect car shipping prices?
The main price factors are: (1) Distance — the primary driver. Longer routes cost more but at lower per-mile rates. (2) Transport type — enclosed is 30–40% more than open. (3) Vehicle size — full-size SUVs and trucks add $50–$150 over sedan rates. (4) Season — summer (June–August) and snowbird peaks (October–January) add 10–20%. (5) Urgency — expedited service adds 25–30%. (6) Location — rural pickup points away from major interstates may carry a small surcharge. (7) Vehicle condition — non-running vehicles add $150–$200 flat fee.
DIs car shipping cheaper in winter?
For most routes, September through November and February through March offer 10–20% lower rates than peak summer. However, snowbird routes (Midwest/Northeast to Florida and Arizona) are most expensive October through January — the opposite pattern. If you are flexible on timing, fall and early spring deliver the best pricing on most US corridors.
EWhy are some car shipping quotes much cheaper than others?
Extremely low quotes are almost always bait-and-switch pricing — the company quotes below market to win the booking, then raises the price before or during transport. A reliable auto transport company prices based on actual carrier market rates. ShipMyCar US uses upfront, all-inclusive pricing that does not change after booking. If a competitor's quote is more than 15–20% below ShipMyCar US pricing for the same route and service, ask them for a written price-lock guarantee.
FDoes ShipMyCar US charge hidden fees?
No. Your ShipMyCar US quote is your total price — no fuel surcharges added after booking, no rural delivery fees, no post-booking increases. The price in your quote is the price you pay at delivery.
Car Shipping Time & Scheduling
AHow long does car shipping take?
Total time from booking to delivery is typically 5–12 days on standard service. Carrier assignment takes 1–3 business days. Transit time varies by distance: 1–2 days for routes under 500 miles; 2–4 days for 500–1,000 miles; 3–5 days for 1,000–1,500 miles; 5–7 days for 1,500–2,000 miles; 7–10 days for cross-country routes over 2,000 miles. Expedited service (24–72 hour pickup) reduces the booking-to-pickup portion but not transit time.
BHow far in advance should I book car shipping?
For standard routes, book 7–10 business days before your target first-available pickup date. For summer (June–August) and peak snowbird seasons (October–January for southbound Florida/Arizona routes), book 10–14 days in advance. Expedited service is available for same-week or same-day booking at a 25–30% premium.
CWhat is a pickup window and how does it work?
The pickup window is the range of time during which a carrier can arrive at your pickup address. Standard service: 1–3 days from your first-available pickup date. At 12–24 hours before arrival, the driver narrows to a 2–4 hour window and contacts you directly with a confirmed time. You do not need to wait at home the entire window — just be reachable by phone.
DCan I ship my car last minute?
Yes. ShipMyCar US offers expedited car shipping with 24–72 hour pickup windows from booking. Expedited service is available on all major US corridors at a 25–30% premium above standard rates. If you have a same-week or emergency shipping need, call 1-888-706-8784 and we will assess availability on your specific route.
EWhen is the best time of year to ship a car?
For the best combination of pricing and availability: September–November and February–April on most routes. Summer (June–August) is the most expensive period nationwide due to peak demand. October–January is expensive for southbound snowbird routes (to Florida and Arizona) but inexpensive for routes in the opposite direction. The "best" timing depends entirely on your specific route direction.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport & Services
AWhat is the difference between open and enclosed car transport?
Open transport uses an open-air multi-car hauler — the same type that delivers new cars from factories to dealerships. It is fully insured, cost-effective, and appropriate for about 90% of vehicle shipments. Enclosed transport uses a fully sealed trailer that protects the vehicle from weather, road debris, UV exposure, and temperature extremes. Enclosed is 30–40% more expensive and is the right choice for luxury vehicles over $60,000 in value, exotic sports cars, classic and collector cars, and show vehicles.
BShould I choose open or enclosed transport for my car?
Choose open transport if: your vehicle is a daily driver under $60,000 in value, you are budget-conscious, and standard weather exposure during transport is acceptable. Choose enclosed transport if: your vehicle is a luxury brand (BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Tesla Model S Plaid), a classic or collector car, a freshly detailed show vehicle, or a vehicle where cosmetic condition is a top priority.
CWhat is door-to-door car shipping?
Door-to-door auto transport means the carrier picks up your vehicle at your specific address and delivers it directly to your destination address. No terminal visits, no depot pickups, no secondary transport coordination. ShipMyCar US includes door-to-door service on every booking at no additional charge — it is the standard, not a premium option.
DCan you ship a non-running car?
Yes. Inoperable, non-running, project, and damaged vehicles can be shipped using winch-equipped specialty carriers. You must disclose the non-running condition at the time of booking — this determines carrier type and pricing. A flat surcharge of approximately $150–$200 is added to the standard rate. Do not book a standard shipment for a non-running vehicle; standard carriers cannot load them.
EDo you ship motorcycles?
Yes. Motorcycles require a specialized cradle carrier rather than standard multi-car hauler equipment. Motorcycle shipping is priced differently from standard vehicle transport. Disclose that you are shipping a motorcycle at the time of booking.
FCan you ship to Hawaii or Alaska?
Yes. Hawaii auto transport uses ocean freight (Roll-on/Roll-off or container) from a West Coast port (Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle) to Honolulu. Transit from California to Hawaii is approximately 5–10 days by vessel. Alaska transport uses barge or ferry service from Seattle or Tacoma, with transit of 2–4 weeks to Anchorage or Fairbanks. Both require significantly more advance booking than lower-48 routes.
Insurance, Safety & Claims
AIs my car insured during transport?
Yes. Every carrier in the ShipMyCar US network is FMCSA-required to carry active cargo insurance. Coverage per load typically ranges from $100,000 to $250,000, covering the replacement value of most standard and luxury vehicles. This insurance is included in your transport cost — you do not pay separately.
BWhat is a Bill of Lading and why does it matter?
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the legal inspection document that records your vehicle's condition before and after transport. At pickup, you and the driver jointly document every existing scratch, chip, and imperfection. At delivery, the same inspection confirms condition. Any new damage not documented at pickup that appears at delivery is the carrier's legal liability and triggers their cargo insurance claim. Always complete both inspections thoroughly — never sign a blank or incomplete Bill of Lading.
CWhat is NOT covered by cargo insurance during transport?
Cargo insurance does not cover: personal belongings left inside the vehicle (remove everything before pickup), pre-existing mechanical failures unrelated to transport, cosmetic damage below the insurance deductible, and vehicles misrepresented as running when they are actually inoperable.
DWhat do I do if my car is damaged during shipping?
If you discover transport damage at delivery: (1) Document all new damage on the Bill of Lading before signing — do not sign until the inspection is complete. (2) Photograph all damage thoroughly from multiple angles. (3) Contact ShipMyCar US the same day — do not wait. We initiate the carrier's cargo insurance claim on your behalf, provide documentation support, and follow the claim through resolution. Transport damage is rare on properly loaded vehicles, but the process is clear and straightforward when it occurs.
EIs car shipping safe?
Auto transport is a well-established, federally regulated industry with a strong safety record. Industry-wide damage rates are under 0.5% of all shipments. All FMCSA-licensed carriers must carry cargo insurance, maintain safety ratings, and pass licensing checks. ShipMyCar US further vets every carrier in its network for insurance currency, safety score, and route history before they can receive a load assignment.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
AHow do I prepare my car for shipping?
Complete this checklist before your carrier arrives: (1) Wash and photograph the vehicle 24–48 hours before pickup — date-stamp all photos for your records. (2) Remove all personal belongings from the cabin, trunk, glove box, and all storage areas. (3) Lower fuel to one-quarter tank or less. (4) Ensure the battery is fully charged and all four tires are properly inflated. (5) Disable any aftermarket alarm system. (6) Retract or remove exterior accessories (roof racks, antennas, bike carriers, ski boxes). (7) Write down any special operating instructions and hand them to the driver.
BCan I leave personal items in my car?
No. Carrier cargo insurance explicitly excludes personal belongings. Remove everything before pickup — electronics, documents, clothing, car seats, chargers, and any valuables. Some carriers allow a small amount (up to 100 lbs) in the trunk at your own risk, but these items are completely uninsured and transported at your sole risk. Use a licensed moving company for personal goods transport.
CHow much fuel should be in my car?
Keep the tank at one-quarter full or less (approximately 2–3 gallons) at pickup time. This reduces the vehicle's weight on the carrier and is standard protocol for all auto transport. Do not fill the tank before pickup.
DDoes someone need to be present at pickup and delivery?
Yes. You or your designated authorized representative must be physically present at both the pickup location and the delivery address to complete the Bill of Lading inspection and sign for the vehicle. If you cannot be present personally, designate someone you trust — a family member, employer, property manager, or neighbor. Provide their name and contact information to ShipMyCar US at booking.
Booking & Payment
AHow do I get a car shipping quote?
Visit shipmycarus.com and complete the 3-step quote form in under 60 seconds: (1) Enter your pickup and delivery addresses and choose open or enclosed transport. (2) Enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and condition. (3) Enter your name, email, and phone. You receive an instant, all-inclusive price immediately — no callback required, no obligation to book. You can also call 1-888-706-8784 24/7 to get a quote by phone.
BDoes ShipMyCar US require payment upfront?
No. ShipMyCar US collects only a small booking deposit to confirm your order and begin carrier matching. The balance is due at vehicle pickup — not before. You pay the majority of the cost only after a carrier has been assigned and arrives at your location. This policy protects customers from paying in full before service begins.
CCan I cancel my car shipping order?
Yes. Free cancellation is available before carrier pickup. If you need to cancel before the driver arrives at your vehicle, ShipMyCar US does not charge a cancellation fee. Contact us as soon as your plans change so we can release the carrier assignment.
DWhat is the difference between a car shipping broker and a carrier?
A carrier is the company that physically drives the transport truck and moves your vehicle. A broker — like ShipMyCar US — is a federally licensed intermediary that connects customers with vetted carriers, handles pricing, logistics coordination, and customer support throughout the process. Brokers access the entire national carrier market to find the right match for your specific route, dates, and vehicle — far more efficiently than contacting individual carriers directly. ShipMyCar US is licensed as both a broker and motor carrier.
ECan I ship a leased or financed vehicle?
Yes. Leased and financed vehicles ship without issue as long as your lease or loan agreement permits interstate transport — most standard agreements do. Review your lease or loan terms before booking; if required, obtain written permission from the leasing company or lender. ShipMyCar US does not require lender documentation at booking.
FHow do I verify that ShipMyCar US is a legitimate company?
ShipMyCar US is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as a licensed and bonded freight broker. You can verify our licensing, bonding, and regulatory status directly at the FMCSA's public Safer Web database (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) using our company name. Every carrier we dispatch also holds independently verifiable FMCSA operating authority.
Snowbird & Seasonal Shipping
AWhat is snowbird auto transport?
Snowbird auto transport refers to seasonal vehicle shipping for customers who migrate between northern states in summer and warm-weather destinations in winter — primarily Florida, Arizona, and Nevada. The southbound peak season is October through January; the northbound return peak is March through May. ShipMyCar US runs dedicated snowbird routes on all major corridors and recommends booking 3–4 weeks in advance during peak season.
BWhen is the best time to book snowbird transport to Florida?
Book 3–4 weeks before your target pickup date for peak season snowbird transport to Florida (October–January southbound). September is the ideal month to book October and November pickup dates. Waiting until October to book October transport is common and leads to premium pricing and limited carrier availability. Return shipping (Florida to northern states) peaks March through May — book in February for March pickups.
CWhat are the most popular snowbird routes?
The most active snowbird auto transport corridors in the US are: Ohio → Florida, Michigan → Florida, Minnesota → Florida, Illinois → Florida, New York → Florida, Massachusetts → Florida, Indiana → Florida, Wisconsin → Florida, Pennsylvania → Florida, and Maryland → Florida (southbound, October–January). Arizona receives significant snowbird traffic from the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West. Return routes run in reverse March through May.
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