Car Shipping FAQ

Car shipping costs range from $600 to $1,800 depending on distance, vehicle size, carrier type (open vs. enclosed), and time of year. Short routes under 500 miles typically run $600–$950. Cross-country routes average $1,100–$1,700. Get a free, no-obligation quote to see your exact price.

The main factors are: distance (longest single factor), vehicle size and weight, carrier type (open is cheaper, enclosed costs 30–60% more), time of year (summer and snowbird season are peak), pickup and delivery locations (rural areas may cost more), and how quickly you need the vehicle picked up.

A carrier owns and operates trucks that physically transport your vehicle. A broker like EZ Auto Movers connects you with a network of vetted, FMCSA-licensed carriers to find the best match for your route, timeline, and budget. Brokers give you access to hundreds of carriers — which means better pricing, faster availability, and someone handling the logistics for you.

Getting a quote is fast and free. Fill out the quote form on our website in under a minute, or call us at (888) 508-2175. We'll review your route and give you a transparent, all-inclusive price with no hidden fees.

Transit time depends on the distance. Short routes under 500 miles typically take 1–3 days. Medium routes (500–1,500 miles) take 3–6 days. Cross-country shipments usually take 7–10 days. Add 1–5 days for carrier dispatch after booking.

Expedited shipping assigns a carrier and schedules pickup within 24–48 hours instead of the standard 1–5 day dispatch window. It's ideal when you're on a tight timeline — job relocation, vehicle purchase, or last-minute move. Expedited service typically adds 15–40% to the base price.

Rates are typically lowest in January–February and mid-October to mid-November when demand is lower. Summer (June–August) and snowbird season (October–January for Florida/Arizona routes) see the highest demand and prices. Booking 2–4 weeks out during off-peak periods usually gets the best rates.

Yes — it is strongly recommended for luxury, exotic, classic, and high-value vehicles. Standard carrier cargo policy limits may fall short of the vehicle's full market value, and Premium Protection Car Shipping provides additional claims support, documentation guidance, and supplemental cargo protection when applicable.

Yes. All carriers assigned through EZ Auto Movers are required to carry active cargo insurance and FMCSA-compliant coverage while transporting your vehicle. Insurance coverage applies during loading, transit, and unloading.

Car shipping carriers typically use cargo insurance, which helps protect your vehicle against damage caused during transport. This is separate from your personal auto insurance policy.

Most licensed auto transport carriers carry cargo insurance coverage that can range from $100,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the carrier, trailer type, vehicle load, and route requirements.

Damage caused directly during transport may be covered under the carrier's cargo insurance policy, depending on the circumstances and policy terms. Coverage can vary, so customers should ask about carrier insurance details before shipment.

Yes, but high-value vehicles may require enclosed transport and additional coverage verification. Luxury, exotic, and classic car shipments are often better protected with enclosed carriers because they reduce exposure to weather and road debris.

Yes. While the carrier provides cargo insurance during transport, customers should keep their personal auto insurance policy active for added protection and any lender or registration requirements.

If damage occurs, it should be documented on the Bill of Lading at delivery before signing. Customers should take clear photos, keep copies of all inspection documents, and notify EZ Auto Movers so the carrier's insurance claim process can begin.

You can ask for proof of cargo insurance, the carrier's MC number, USDOT number, and FMCSA registration status. Licensed brokers and carriers should be able to provide insurance verification upon request.

Both open and enclosed transport carriers are required to carry insurance, but enclosed transport is often recommended for luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles because it provides additional physical protection during transit.

Usually not. Most carrier cargo insurance policies do not cover personal belongings left inside the vehicle. Customers should remove valuables, electronics, fragile items, and important documents before pickup.

The Bill of Lading is the official vehicle inspection report used at pickup and delivery. It documents the vehicle's condition and is the primary record used if an insurance-related damage claim is needed.

Yes. Some carriers or specialty shipments may allow supplemental insurance coverage for high-value vehicles. Customers shipping luxury, exotic, classic, or collectible cars should ask about added protection before booking.

Premium Protection Car Shipping is an optional upgrade from EZ Auto Movers that adds carrier insurance verification, pre-shipment documentation guidance, dedicated claims assistance, priority issue resolution, and supplemental cargo protection when applicable. It is designed for customers shipping luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles who want additional oversight and support. It does not replace the carrier's cargo insurance. Terms, limits, exclusions, and eligibility apply.

No. Premium Protection Car Shipping is an optional shipment support program — not an insurance policy. It provides carrier insurance verification, documentation guidance, and claims assistance. When applicable, it may include supplemental cargo protection after carrier policy review and eligibility verification. Supplemental cargo protection is subject to carrier policy terms, shipment eligibility, documentation requirements, and final review. EZ Auto Movers does not act as an insurance company or underwriter. The carrier's cargo insurance remains the primary coverage during transport.

Yes. All FMCSA-licensed carriers are required to carry active cargo insurance. This coverage is the primary protection for your vehicle during transport and applies in the event of damage caused during loading, transit, and unloading. Coverage details — including deductibles, limits, and exclusions — vary by carrier and should be confirmed before your shipment.

If damage is discovered at delivery, note it on the Bill of Lading before signing, photograph all damage immediately, and notify EZ Auto Movers. File a written claim with the carrier's cargo insurer within the required notice window — typically 15 to 30 days. Documentation at delivery is critical: damage not noted on the BOL before signing is much harder to claim.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the official vehicle condition report completed at both pickup and delivery. It documents all existing damage, vehicle details, and both parties' signatures. The BOL is the primary document used in any damage claim. Reviewing it carefully and noting all damage before signing — at pickup and at delivery — is the most important protective step a customer can take.

Yes — strongly recommended. Timestamped photos of all four sides, the roof, interior, and any pre-existing damage before the carrier arrives create an independent record that predates the carrier's inspection. These photos are essential if a damage dispute arises. Premium Protection Car Shipping customers receive a pre-shipment documentation checklist that covers exactly what to photograph.

Premium Protection should be added before carrier assignment, as some elements of the program — including the enhanced pre-dispatch carrier review — occur at the assignment stage. Contact EZ Auto Movers as soon as possible after booking to confirm whether Premium Protection can still be added to your shipment.

Door-to-door shipping means the carrier picks up your vehicle as close to your origin address as legally accessible (considering road size and local restrictions), and delivers it as close to your destination as possible. No terminal drop-off required. This is the standard service at EZ Auto Movers.

Yes, you or a trusted representative (18+) must be present at both pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle, sign the Bill of Lading, and exchange keys. If you can't be there, a friend, family member, or colleague can represent you — just let us know in advance.

Yes. Once your carrier is assigned, we provide the driver's contact information so you can communicate directly throughout the shipment. Our team is also available by phone at (888) 508-2175 and by email at any time to give you status updates.

Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of soft personal items in the trunk, packed below the window line. However, personal belongings are not covered under the carrier's cargo insurance — ship valuables separately. Always confirm with us before loading anything, as some carriers have stricter policies.

Yes. We coordinate shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. These routes involve ocean freight (RO/RO shipping) in addition to ground transport, which affects pricing and transit time. Contact us for a custom quote on these routes.

Open transport carries your vehicle on an open multi-level trailer alongside other cars — the same type you see on highways daily. Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer that shields your vehicle from weather, road debris, and elements. Open is the most affordable and common option. Enclosed is recommended for luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles.

Yes. Open transport is safe for the vast majority of vehicles and accounts for over 90% of all car shipments in the US. All carriers are FMCSA-licensed and carry active cargo insurance. Your vehicle is secured to the trailer and inspected at pickup and delivery. Open transport is the industry standard for everyday sedans, SUVs, and trucks.

Choose enclosed transport for luxury vehicles (Mercedes, BMW, Porsche), exotic cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini), classic and collector cars, high-value vehicles, or any car you want maximum protection for. Enclosed is also a good choice when shipping through areas with extreme weather or rough road conditions.

Enclosed transport typically costs 30–60% more than open transport on the same route. The premium reflects the specialized equipment, lower vehicle capacity per trailer (usually 2–6 cars vs. 8–10 on open), and increased demand from owners of high-value vehicles. For most everyday vehicles, open transport is the right choice.

We ship almost everything: sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, motorcycles, classic cars, luxury and exotic vehicles, electric vehicles (including Tesla), and inoperable vehicles. If your vehicle has aftermarket modifications or oversized dimensions, let us know upfront so we can match you with the right carrier.

Yes. Non-running vehicles require a carrier equipped with a winch or forklift for loading and unloading. There is usually an additional fee of $100–$200 depending on the situation. Please let us know when requesting your quote so we can match you with a carrier that has the right equipment.

Yes. Motorcycles are shipped on specialized trailers or in enclosed containers to keep them upright and protected. The process is similar to car shipping — we pick up from your location and deliver to your destination. Motorcycle shipping is typically more affordable than car shipping due to smaller size.

Before shipping: wash the exterior so pre-existing damage is visible at inspection, remove all personal items, reduce fuel to about 1/4 tank, disable toll tags and parking passes, retract custom antennas, document the car's condition with photos, and make sure the battery is charged and the vehicle starts (if operable).

Book at least 1–2 weeks in advance for the best carrier availability and pricing. For peak seasons (summer, snowbird routes October–January), 2–4 weeks ahead is ideal. That said, we can often arrange transport within 24–72 hours for last-minute moves — call us and we'll do our best.

A small deposit is typically collected to secure your booking and assign a carrier. The remaining balance is paid directly to the driver at delivery — usually in cash or certified funds (cashier's check or money order). We'll walk you through the full payment structure before you commit to anything.

We accept all major credit and debit cards for the deposit. The remaining balance due at delivery is typically paid in cash, cashier's check, or money order directly to the driver. Some carriers may accept credit cards at delivery — confirm this with us when booking.

Yes. You can cancel before a carrier is assigned with no penalty. If you need to change your pickup date or address, contact us as soon as possible and we'll update your order. Changes after carrier assignment may affect your price or timeline depending on how close your pickup date is.

The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) is the U.S. government agency that oversees commercial motor carriers and transportation companies. In car shipping, FMCSA registration helps customers verify whether a broker or carrier is authorized to operate interstate.

Yes. EZ Auto Movers operates as a registered auto transport broker and displays its MC and USDOT information for transparency. MC# 1203677 · USDOT# 3572212.

An MC number is associated with operating authority for certain transportation businesses, including brokers and for-hire carriers. It confirms that a company is authorized to operate commercially in interstate transportation. EZ Auto Movers' MC number is MC# 1203677.

A USDOT number identifies commercial transportation companies and is used for safety monitoring, roadside inspections, and compliance records. EZ Auto Movers' USDOT number is USDOT# 3572212.

Look for a clearly displayed MC or USDOT number, transparent pricing, written shipment terms, explanation of broker vs. carrier role, verified customer reviews, and no pressure to pay large upfront deposits before carrier assignment.

Yes. EZ Auto Movers has fully bilingual Spanish-speaking agents available to help with quotes, booking, and shipment updates. Call our Spanish line at (332) 334-3909 or message us on WhatsApp for full support in Spanish throughout your entire shipment.

Yes. Call (332) 334-3909 to speak with a bilingual agent who will walk you through pricing, route options, and the full booking process entirely in Spanish. You can also reach us via WhatsApp in Spanish at any time.

Yes. We have a full set of Spanish-language service and location pages. Browse our Spanish services hub or individual state pages to read about car shipping in your state — all in Spanish.