Auto transport questions and answers
What is auto transport?
Auto transport is the movement of a vehicle from one location to another on specialized carrier equipment rather than by driving the vehicle. Most domestic shipments use open or enclosed trailers and are completed by authorized motor carriers.
What is an auto transport broker?
An auto transport broker coordinates the shipment. The broker gathers the vehicle and route details, explains options, presents the shipment to qualified motor carriers, checks authority and insurance, and supports communication through pickup and delivery.
What is a motor carrier?
A motor carrier is the transportation company that owns or operates the truck and trailer, employs or contracts with the driver, and physically moves the vehicle. The carrier is separate from the broker arranging the shipment.
How is a carrier selected?
A broker considers the route, equipment, vehicle dimensions and condition, dates, access restrictions, carrier authority, insurance, safety information, and the carrier's accepted compensation before presenting an assignment to the customer.
How does car shipping pricing work?
Pricing is based on the actual transport market for the route. Distance, vehicle size, operating condition, equipment type, location access, timing, fuel conditions, demand, and available carrier capacity all influence the amount.
Why can prices change?
A preliminary estimate can change when the vehicle details, dates, access requirements, demand, or available carrier offers differ from the original assumptions. The broker should explain a change and obtain approval before dispatching at a different amount.
What affects car shipping prices?
The main factors are distance, vehicle size and weight, whether it runs, open or enclosed service, seasonal demand, pickup flexibility, fuel conditions, and how far each location is from a well-traveled carrier corridor.
What is open transport?
Open transport carries vehicles on an uncovered multi-level trailer. It is the most common and widely available method for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks, with normal exposure to weather and road conditions.
What is enclosed transport?
Enclosed transport carries vehicles inside a covered trailer. It reduces exposure to weather and road debris and is commonly selected for classic, luxury, exotic, restored, or low-clearance vehicles.
What does door-to-door mean?
Door-to-door means the carrier picks up and delivers as close to the requested addresses as is safe and legal. It does not guarantee that a large truck can enter a narrow street, gated community, garage, or restricted urban block.
How does pickup work?
The driver confirms timing, meets the customer or authorized contact, inspects the vehicle, records its condition on the Bill of Lading, and loads it after both parties review the record.
How does delivery work?
The driver calls ahead, unloads at the agreed safe location, and completes a second inspection with the recipient. Any new damage should be written on the Bill of Lading before it is signed.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The Bill of Lading is the transport document and vehicle condition record. It identifies the shipment and records the vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery. Customers should keep a copy and note any concerns before signing.
How does carrier insurance work?
The motor carrier must maintain insurance for its transport operations. Coverage terms and limits belong to the assigned carrier's policy, so customers may request the certificate of insurance and review it before pickup.
How long does car shipping take?
Transit time depends on mileage, legal driving hours, weather, traffic, and other stops. The pickup-assignment period is separate. Reliable estimates are ranges tied to a specific route, not guaranteed dates.
What should customers do before pickup?
Clean and photograph the vehicle, remove personal belongings and toll tags, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, check tires and battery, report leaks or modifications, provide a working key, and make sure an adult can sign the Bill of Lading.
How do gated communities affect pickup?
Guard procedures, commercial-vehicle rules, narrow streets, low branches, and limited turning space may prevent a carrier from entering. Add the driver to the visitor list and identify a safe meeting place outside the gate if needed.
How does snowbird car shipping work?
Seasonal residents typically ship south to Florida in fall and north in spring. Because many customers move at the same time, advance requests and flexible pickup windows help a broker locate appropriate carrier capacity.
Reviewed by
Rena Anders
Owner/operator, Enterprise Auto Transport · 15+ Years Auto Transport Experience