Read the most asked questions from customers about transporting and moving their vehicles. We answer frequently asked questions by our customers regarding the auto transport process and how it works.

1. How long should an auto transport take?

Shipping time all depends on the road conditions, weather, traffic and the how fast or slow your driver is. Listed below are some very basic ideas to help you along the way. Make sure however you contact us for your actual scheduled times.

East Coast to West Coast – 5 to 14 days

Midwest to East Coast – 3 to 8 days

South to the North – 3 to 8 days

All shipping times are estimated.

2. Can I put personal items in the vehicle?

Auto transporters are not licensed to transport personal belongings, as they do not have a household goods transportation license issued by the Federal Government. In addition, if you were to place things in the vehicle during car shipment, they would not be covered by insurance, unless you have a floater on your own home insurance. Many auto transport drivers, will allow some small personal belongings placed in the trunk. Some drivers allow you to put 100lbs of things in the trunk.

3. How does auto transport process work?

Auto transport is a fairly simply process. Once you submit the required paperwork and your deposit is received, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the dates on your shipping order. You should receive a call from the carrier anywhere from 10 to 24 hours in advance of your pick up date. When the driver picks up your vehicle, he will do a detailed inspection of your automobile and will present you with a Bill of Lading document. The same Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so you can re-inspect the car. The reverse happens at the delivery point. The driver calls in advance and will walk around the vehicle to see if there is any damage and take delivery upon your approval.

4. What is a “Bill of Lading”?

A Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by the carrier, that confirms the receipt of a car for transport, and specifies the terms and conditions of delivery. The document will be used at the time of pick-up and must be signed by the client and the carrier. It is also will be signed when the car is delivered. Consider the Bill of Lading as a receipt, a contract and a document that ensures the security of your possession.

5. What kind of truck will my vehicle be shipped on?

In most cases, your vehicle(s) will be transported on an open 8 or 10 vehicle hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new vehicles from factories to your local dealerships. Enclosed carriers are also offered by carriers but are $400 extra. Most popular and standard way of moving your vehicle is usually by open trailers.

6. What type of paperwork do I need to ship my vehicle? (Insurance, title, registration, etc.)

Unless your vehicle is leaving the country all that is required for your shipment is a signature and walk around with the driver at pick up. This walk around will allow you and the driver to verify if any damage exists at pick up.

7. What should I do if my vehicle arrives with damage?

First thing you should do is make sure the driver understands that the damage is new and was not on the original bill of lading. The damage should clearly be marked and noted, then signed for by the driver. Upon completion of delivery, a call should be placed to driver’s insurance company or Ship Any Car to inform us of the damage. In most cases the car carrier will ask for an estimate and send you payment in a couple weeks. If the carrier is not responsive and unwilling to work with you to resolve the issue, make sure you contact their insurance company and make a claim. Be sure you have all the documentation to back up your claim.

8. Do auto transport companies include insurance in their estimates?

Most transporters include some insurance in their basic price but you should ask about how much it is and if they offer additional insurance at a higher price. You may be able to get insurance separately as well. Also call your car insurance company and see if they offer coverage or protection for transporting your vehicle.

9. What if I have a non-operational vehicles?

The vehicle can still be transported but in most cases additional fees will apply because of the extra carrier equipment and labor needed to transport it. Please note, if car is in rolling condition less fees will apply.

10. Will I be charged by size of my vehicle?

Yes, larger cars like trucks and SUV’s will cost more money than a standard size car since it will take more room and weighs more on a trailer.