How Auto Transport Works
Four steps from quote to delivery. No terminals, no deposit, and a dispatcher you can reach at any hour. Start with a free quote in under 60 seconds.
Get Your Instant Quote
Fast, secure pricing in 30 seconds.
- Fully insuredYour vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery.
- No upfront depositPay when your vehicle is delivered.
- Real people, 24/7Call (205) 578-6129, day or night.
From Quote to Delivery in Four Steps
No terminals to visit and no paperwork to chase. Here is exactly what happens, and who does what, at each stage.
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Get your quote
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, your vehicle, and when you would like it picked up. The quote tool returns an all-in price in about a minute. That price includes the carrier, door-to-door service, and cargo insurance while your vehicle is on the truck. There are no fuel surcharges and nothing is added at delivery.
What you doHave both ZIP codes, the year, make, and model, and know whether the vehicle runs.What we doPrice your route at current market rates, so the number you see is one a carrier will actually accept. -
Book with no deposit
When you are ready, choose a pickup window and give us the addresses and a contact at each end. You pay nothing to book. We then assign a carrier we have vetted for active FMCSA authority, current cargo insurance, and a sound safety record, and we send you the driver's details.
What you doPick your dates and tell us about anything unusual, such as a gated community, a lifted truck, or a car that sits low.What we doMatch your vehicle with a licensed, insured carrier already working your route. -
Pickup and inspection
The driver calls ahead with an arrival time. At pickup, the two of you walk around the vehicle and record its condition on the bill of lading. You sign it, keep a copy, and hand over one set of keys. If your street cannot fit a car hauler, the driver arranges a meeting point a few minutes away.
What you doBe there, or send someone you trust, with the keys. Take your own photos before the car is loaded.What we doStay in touch with the driver and step in if timing needs to change. -
Transit and delivery
Your vehicle travels to its destination on the carrier, and your dispatcher is a phone call away the whole time. The driver calls again before delivery. When the vehicle is unloaded, you compare it with the pickup report, sign, and pay. That completes the shipment.
What you doInspect the vehicle before you sign, and note anything new on the bill of lading.What we doKeep you updated in transit and stay on the line until the keys are back in your hand.
How Long Car Shipping Takes
A shipment has two parts: the wait for pickup and the time on the road. Transit time depends almost entirely on distance, and the figures in the table are typical once your vehicle is loaded.
The wait for pickup depends on how many carriers serve your route and how flexible you can be. Booking 7 to 14 days ahead gives you the best combination of price and availability. A pickup window of a few days, instead of one fixed date, lets us fit your vehicle onto a truck that is already passing through.
If you need a specific day, ask about expedited transport or guaranteed pickup when you book.
| Distance | Example | Time in transit |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | Birmingham to Atlanta or Nashville | 1–3 days |
| 500 to 1,500 miles | Montgomery to Dallas or Chicago | 3–5 days |
| Over 1,500 miles | Huntsville to Los Angeles or Seattle | 7–10 days |
Typical transit times after pickup. Weather, traffic, and other stops on the route can add a day.
Before the Driver Arrives
Ten minutes of preparation makes pickup faster and protects you if a question ever comes up.
- Wash the vehicle. A clean car makes existing marks easy to see during the inspection.
- Photograph it. Take dated photos of each side, the roof, the wheels, and the odometer.
- Remove personal items. Cargo insurance covers the vehicle, not belongings left inside.
- Leave a quarter tank of fuel. Enough to load and unload without adding unnecessary weight.
- Take down toll tags and loose accessories. Remove transponders, bike racks, and anything that could come loose.
- Check the battery and tires. The car should start and roll. If it does not, tell us before pickup.
- Disable the alarm. Or leave written instructions for switching it off.
- Have one set of keys ready. The driver needs a key for the ignition and any locked compartments.
Open or Enclosed Transport?
The one real choice you make when you book. Most customers choose open.
Open Transport
- The industry standard and the lowest price
- The same way new cars are delivered to dealerships
- Easiest to schedule, because most carriers are open
- Right for everyday cars, SUVs, and pickups
Enclosed Transport
- A fully covered trailer, shielded from weather and road debris
- Costs roughly 60 to 80 percent more than open
- Fewer carriers, so allow a little more lead time
- Right for classic, luxury, exotic, and high-value vehicles
What It Costs and When You Pay
The price we quote is the price you pay. You pay nothing to book, and the full amount is due when your vehicle is delivered.
Typical ranges for a standard, running vehicle on an open carrier. Vehicle size, season, and route all affect the final price.
Get My Exact Price| Route | Distance | Price range | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Regional | Under 500 mi | $350 – $700 | 1–3 days |
| Mid-Distance | 500–1,500 mi | $700 – $1,300 | 3–5 days |
| Cross-Country | 1,500+ mi | $1,100 – $1,800 | 7–10 days |
| Enclosed Premium | Any distance | +60–80% | Similar |
Questions About the Process
Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?
You or an adult you trust needs to be there at both ends to hand over or receive the keys and to sign the inspection report. It does not have to be the same person, and it does not have to be the person who booked.
What paperwork do I need?
Very little. The driver brings the bill of lading. You do not need the title or registration to ship a vehicle within the United States, and we recommend keeping those documents with you instead of in the car.
How will I know where my vehicle is?
Your dispatcher can give you an update whenever you call, at any hour. The driver also phones before pickup and again before delivery to confirm the time and place.
What if my dates change after I book?
Call your dispatcher as soon as you know. There is no deposit at stake, and we will work with you to set a new pickup window.
What happens if I notice damage at delivery?
Write it on the bill of lading before you sign, take photos, and call your dispatcher. Damage noted at delivery is handled through a claim on the carrier's cargo insurance, and we help you start that process.
See All Frequently Asked Questions
Further reading: How to prepare your car for shipping Open vs. enclosed transport What auto transport costs
Ready to Get Started?
Step one takes about a minute. Get your free quote now, or call and let a dispatcher walk you through it.