Car Shipping Quotes

Is There Any Obligation to Pay When Using the Online Car Shipping Calculator?

Absolutely not! Using our online car shipping calculator is completely free, and there’s no commitment required on your part. It’s designed to provide you with an instant estimate of shipping costs, allowing you to plan with confidence—no strings attached. You won’t be charged a penny for checking rates, and there are no surprise reservation fees lurking in the fine print.

Feel free to explore your options and compare quotes as much as you like. The estimate you receive is yours to consider with zero obligation, allowing you to make the best decision for your needs, pressure-free!

As soon as you send the form back to us, you will receive a binding car shipping quote in a few seconds. Our team of pricing experts works non-stop to provide the lowest possible prices to move your car within the shortest possible time. For this reason, we consider factors such as diesel fuel rates and supply and demand.

Does the Car Shipping Quote Include Insurance?

Yes—your car shipping quote automatically includes standard auto cargo insurance coverage. Whether you select open or enclosed transport, insurance is included in the price you’re quoted. This means your vehicle is protected throughout its journey at no additional cost. Please note that insurance coverage amounts can vary based on the type of transport and the specifics of your vehicle.

If you want details about coverage limits or have questions about additional insurance options, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re happy to walk you through what’s included, so you can ship your car with confidence.

Did you know that you may be eligible for a special car shipping discount? Contact us via live chat, phone, or online contact form to find out if you qualify.

Tips to Save on Your Car Shipping Quote

If you’re shipping a vehicle on a budget, a few smart choices can make a big difference:

• Choose Open Transport: Open carriers are the most cost-effective way to ship your car. Enclosed transport costs more and is typically only needed for high-value or classic vehicles.
• Ensure Your Vehicle Is Operable: Shipping an inoperable vehicle usually leads to higher costs, since special equipment and extra labor are required.
• Be Flexible With Scheduling: If you can be flexible with your pickup and delivery dates, you may be able to take advantage of lower rates when demand dips.
• Request an Instant Quote: Use our online calculator for a quick, tailored estimate—no commitment required. You might be surprised at how affordable your total shipping cost can be!

Taking these steps can help you secure a lower rate while still getting excellent service for your auto transport needs.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car on Average?

If you’re wondering what you might expect to pay for shipping your car, here’s the scoop: on average, most people pay around $650 for vehicle transport, but your actual quote can look quite different depending on several key details.

Here are some of the most significant factors that affect your car shipping cost:

• Distance: The longer the journey, the higher the price. Shipping from coast to coast—think Los Angeles to Miami—will cost more than moving a car between neighboring states like Georgia and Florida.
• Type of Transport: Open carriers are more common and economical, while enclosed carriers (for luxury or classic vehicles) typically run at a premium.
• Vehicle Details: Size, weight, and modifications can nudge your quote up or down.
• Timing: Rates often fluctuate based on the season and how quickly you need your car delivered.
• Pickup and Drop-off Locations: Urban routes are usually less expensive than shipments covering rural or remote destinations.

Generally, you’ll see prices ranging from approximately $0.40 to $2.00 per mile. For example, a 500-mile trip might cost around $400–$600, while a cross-country move can range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the aforementioned variables.

The easiest way to pinpoint your rate is to use our instant online calculator—no guesswork, just quick and accurate pricing based on current market trends.

Is My Car Insured During Transport?

Absolutely. Whether you’re shipping your car across the state or clear across the country, rest easy—your vehicle is covered. Every reputable auto transport carrier, including those we partner with, is required by federal law to carry full cargo insurance. This means your car is protected from pickup to delivery.

For extra peace of mind, we recommend reviewing the carrier’s insurance policy and ensuring you have a copy before your vehicle is loaded. If you have a specific concern about coverage or wish to explore additional insurance options, our team is happy to walk you through the details so you’re never left in the dark.

What Is the Best Way to Ship a Vehicle?

The most innovative, safest, and most cost-effective way to ship a vehicle is by hiring a reputable auto transport company—like major leaders American Auto Shipping or Montway Auto Transport—rather than trying the DIY route. Sure, you could drive your car across the country yourself, but by the time you’ve tallied up the expenses for gas, meals, lodging, not to mention the added wear and tear on your vehicle (and your own patience!), those “hidden costs” far outweigh the up-front price of professional car shipping.

Choosing a reliable car shipping company means:

• Access to both open and enclosed transport options, depending on your needs and budget.
• Peace of mind knowing licensed, insured professionals are handling your vehicle.
• The convenience of scheduling pickup and delivery dates that fit your timetable.
• No wasted vacation days or weekends spent behind the wheel in unfamiliar territory.

Professional auto transport companies are built to streamline the process and eliminate the headaches, so you can focus on what matters most, while your car gets where it needs to go quickly and safely.

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Before your vehicle is picked up for transport, there are a few important steps to help ensure a smooth shipping process.

• Give Your Car a Thorough Cleaning: Wash your vehicle inside and out. This makes it easier to document its condition before shipping and helps you spot any pre-existing dents, scratches, or blemishes.
• Remove Personal Items: Remove all personal items and valuables from your car. Auto transport drivers aren’t responsible for items left in the vehicle, and extra weight may affect your shipping cost.
• Disable Alarms: Turn off any alarms or anti-theft devices to prevent unnecessary issues during loading and unloading.
• Check Fuel Level: Ensure your gas tank is about a quarter to half full. This is sufficient for loading and unloading, without adding unnecessary weight.
• Inspect for Leaks and Maintenance Needs: Check for any fluid leaks and top off essential fluids as needed. If you spot a leak, have it repaired before the car shipping day.
• Document Condition: Take clear photos of your car from multiple angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. These photos are beneficial for peace of mind.

Following these steps will help expedite the pickup and delivery process while protecting your vehicle and ensuring everything goes off without a hitch.

What Is the Safest Way to Ship a Car?

When it comes to getting your vehicle from Point A to Point B, safety is at the top of everyone’s checklist—after all, nobody wants a dented fender or an unexpected road trip story. The safest way to ship a car is to partner with a reputable, experienced auto transport company that only uses fully licensed, insured, and professional car carriers.

Look for companies with extensive experience, high customer ratings, and industry certifications. Reliable providers, such as Montway Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and Sherpa Auto Transport, are known for working with vetted and highly trained drivers who operate modern, well-maintained equipment that meets or exceeds federal safety standards.

Before making your choice, check for the following:

• FMCSA licensing and USDOT registration for both broker and carrier
• Transparent insurance policies that clearly outline coverage
• Modern enclosed or open carriers in good condition
• Up-to-date driver training and safety records
• Positive reviews from real customers across multiple platforms

Shipping your car yourself might seem like a fun road trip at first glance, but it invites unnecessary risks—think roadside mishaps, extra mileage, and unexpected expenses. Trusting your vehicle to professional transporters means less stress, less wear and tear, and a much higher chance that your car arrives in showroom condition.

In short, do your homework, pick a trusted transport provider, and let the pros handle the heavy lifting so your car arrives safe and sound—no need to white-knuckle the steering wheel across state lines or gamble with just any hauler.

Is Car Shipping Worth It?

You might be wondering if shipping your car is really worth it. For most people, the answer is a resounding yes, especially for those relocating across the country, snowbirds heading south, students going off to college, or anyone moving a prized classic.

Professional auto transport saves you thousands of extra miles on your odometer, not to mention the potential headaches of a cross-country road trip. Rather than racking up wear and tear (and burning through vacation days as you drive through the cornfields of Nebraska), you can have your vehicle picked up and delivered right to your door—door-to-door service is now standard with most reputable carriers, such as Montway, AmeriFreight, and Sherpa Auto Transport.

So whether you’re moving your daily driver, a collector car, or even a military vehicle, car shipping offers a convenient, hassle-free solution that protects your vehicle and your peace of mind.

How the Payment Process Works for Car Shipping

When it comes to paying for your car shipping service, flexibility and transparency are top priorities. With American Auto Shipping, you’re in control of when and how you pay for your shipment, making the process convenient and straightforward.

You’ll have the option to pay for your vehicle transport in advance or upon your carrier’s arrival for pickup. Either way, your payment is secured and your rate is locked in, ensuring no surprises down the line.

Pre-Delivery Inspection

On delivery day, your driver will conduct a detailed inspection of your vehicle to confirm everything is in order. You and the driver will review and sign off on the Bill of Lading—a crucial document that records the condition of your car at both pickup and drop-off.

Once you sign the final paperwork, your job is done! Your vehicle has arrived at its destination, and you’re ready to hit the road or hand over the keys.

How Distance Will Affect Your Car Shipping Quote

The first factor that car shipping companies use to determine an auto transport quote is the pickup and destination cities. Your car shipping quote depends heavily on where you’re shipping from and to – a car shipping quote from, say, California to New York will always be more expensive than a car shipping quote from Texas to Arizona.

This is because the distance from California to New York is significantly greater, which means the auto transport carrier has to travel further, resulting in higher costs for fuel and boarding. Different auto transport companies offer varying prices per mile in their auto transport quotes, and as this forms the basis of your overall quote, it will differ based on their rates.

From there, it depends on how much the auto shipping company charges for their deposit. Your quote should include the deposit, which is included if you get one from us. However, sometimes your auto transport quote won’t differentiate between the truck price and the broker’s deposit, so if you are unsure about how much your car shipping quote is, you should always ask a representative.

Is It Cheaper to Ship a Car or Drive It Yourself?

Many people wonder if driving their car across the country is more economical than hiring a professional car shipping service. At first glance, filling the tank and setting out on the open road can seem like the cheaper alternative. But let’s break down the real costs you’ll encounter.

First, consider the fuel factor—cross-country drives rack up hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles, resulting in a hefty gas bill. Don’t forget about meals on the road, hotel stays, and any potential car maintenance or unforeseen repairs along the way. Tire wear, oil changes, and overall depreciation from adding so many miles can also take a toll on your vehicle’s long-term value.

By contrast, professional auto transport companies cover all the logistics for you, so your vehicle stays in one piece, and you avoid piling on extra mileage. You’ll also save time, not to mention the stress of lengthy hours behind the wheel or the risk of weather delays and traffic jams. In many cases, once you add up all the hidden costs of a DIY drive, shipping your car often ends up being the smarter—and sometimes even the more budget-friendly—choice.