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Car Shipping FAQs: 15 Most Important Questions to Ask a Shipping Company

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Origin Zip:
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TOP FOUR MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR SHIPPING SERVICE.

To ship a car can be confusing. We get it. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about our car shipping service.
Before we dive into the rest of your auto transport questions, let’s take a look at the top four questions about car shipping services. Save time sifting through our whole guide to find the few answers that you require before ship a car.

WHAT DO car shipping companies COST?

The cost for auto transport will vary based on the distance traveled, whether you’re using an open car trailer or an enclosed car trailer, and the size and mechanical condition of the vehicle.

Close up of an open trailer's ramps

HOW DO I SHIP IT?
Shipping a car is actually a fairly simple process! To get started, you’ll set up a free quote with a shipping specialist. From there, we’ll pick up your vehicle and get it sent out. You’ll be able to track your vehicle’s progress and we’ll deliver it to your drop-off destination in as little as a few days.

 

do car shipping companies INCLUDE insurance?

 

Yes! Your vehicle is fully insured from the time of pickup to the time of delivery. Depending on the type of trailer, the company & vehicle cost is how much your vehicle will be insured up to.

Blue Open Trailer with 8 Tesla Model 3s traveling away from the photo.

WHO IS THE BEST in the auto transport industry?

It is difficult to determine a single best auto transport company, as different auto transport companies may excel in different areas. Some things to consider when choosing an auto transport company include:

Reputation: Look for a company with a good reputation in the industry. You can check customer reviews, ratings, and accreditations to get a sense of the company’s reliability.

Services: Make sure the company offers the car transport services you need, such as open or enclosed transport, door-to-door, and insurance coverage.

Price: Compare quotes from different car shipping companies to find the best price for the auto transport services you need. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not always be the best deal, as it could come with hidden fees or lower-quality service.

Customer service: Look for a company with good customer service, as they will be able to answer any questions you may have and provide assistance if any issues arise during the transport process.

There are many auto transport companies to choose from, so it is a good idea to do your research. The good thing is National Transport Services meets all 4 of these key factors. Contact us today for your free quote.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to questions to ask a car shipping company, just because your questions are not the three most popular questions doesn’t mean they’re not important. As one of the best car shipping companies, we understand that there are all sorts of questions you might have. Therefore, we’ve put together an FAQ for a few other common questions that people are asking.

THE AVERAGE AUTO TRANSPORT RATE VARIES

While average car shipping costs have many factors that play a role (such as make, model, whether the vehicle is vintage, etc.), the average price to ship a car on an open carrier is approximately $910. A cross-country shipment costs just over $1,500, while a trip of only 150 miles costs about $360. Remember, these aren’t exact numbers, and your price will vary depending on a variety of different factors.

IT CAN, BUT DOESN’T HAVE TOO

 

Your total car shipping cost varies from car shipping company to car shipping company. The most affordable and best car shipping companies can ship your car for an average cost of $800, while the more expensive transporters charge over $1,100.

BASIC INFORMATION IS REQUIRED

 

Before we get to work transporting your vehicle across the country, we’ll get you set up with a quote for our services. That way, you know what to expect before you sign up to have us transport your vehicle. To get you an accurate quote, we require the following information:

  • Pickup and Delivery Zip Codes
  • Year, Make, and Model
  • Running or Non-Running
  • Any Modifications, i.e. lift kit, large tires, etc.
  • Available Ship Date
  • Transport Type (Open or Enclosed)
  • Your Contact Phone Number

Having these details lets us make sure we get your vehicle to the right place and that we get you an accurate quote for services. If we don’t have all the information, we’ll need to obtain it

YES!

 

Yes, we do. We have thousands of top-rated and vetted carriers that can assist you with shipping your motorcycle nationwide. If you’d like specific information on the motorcycle carriers we use, you are welcome to give us a call, and we can get you more detailed shipping terms.

ANTWHERE FROM 1 DAY TO TWO WEEKS

 

The time it will take to transport your vehicle depends on the distance that your car will be going. For instance, are you shipping your car to another state or are you shipping your car across the country? We’ve included a small chart to help you get a better idea of how long the auto transport time will take.

  • 0-500 Miles: 1-2 days
  • 501-1,000 Miles: 2-3 days
  • 1,001-1,500 Miles: 3-5 days
  • 1,501-2,000 Miles: 4-7 days
  • 2,001-2,500 Miles: 7-10 days
  • 2,500 + Miles: 10-14 days

Please note: Distance, season, road conditions, traffic, other stops, pick-up, and drop-off locations may prolong the delivery date. It’s important to include your pick-up and drop-off locations as well as the dates of service you’ll need when you submit your car shipping quote request form. That way we can provide you with the most accurate timing information

MEET SOMEWHERE SAFE TO LOAD OR UNLOAD

 

Most auto transport trucks are quite large, up to 75ft long. This sometimes makes it impossible to reach many residential areas. If that’s the case, your carrier will attempt to get as close as possible to your delivery location. We can also arrange a convenient location, like a shopping center, to either pick up or deliver your vehicle.

MANY DIFFERENT VARIABLES EFFECT COST

 

When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. 

The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport and also additional options such as an enclosed carrier. When looking into how much it costs to ship your car, make sure you are considering all of these details.

 

MAKING PAYMENT IS EASY

 

We accept credit cards, debit cards, electronic transfer and Zelle for the deposit or full prepayment of your shipment. AMEX is not accepted. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

 

YES!

 

Yes, regardless of how much it costs to ship your car,  you can pay the full car shipping cost via credit card. If you want to pay in full online, you can do so at the time of booking either online or by phone with a car shipping company agent. With this option, you can make a convenient, one-time payment with a credit or debit card. You also have the option of paying a deposit with your credit card and then paying the rest of your remaining balance with cash upon delivery.

CONTACT INFO & LOCATIONS

We will need the address for the locations that your vehicle will be picked up from and delivered to, along with the name and phone number of the contact person at each location. We will also need the date that your vehicle will be ready and the year, make, and model of the vehicle(s) that will be transported.

ZIP CODES WORK BEST
Yes, the city and zip code will suffice until your exact pickup or delivery location is known. Once you do have that exact address, be sure to let us know so that we can update your file and make sure we get your vehicle delivered to the correct address.
AN ADULT IS REQUIRED

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver, and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle. Typically we’ll recommend asking a close friend or family member to assist with this if you are unable to do so yourself.

PRICES VARY

The cost of shipping a car across the country will depend on several factors, including the size and weight of the car, the distance of the trip, and the mode of transportation. Here are some estimates based on different options:

  • By train: Shipping a car by train is generally the most cost-effective option, but it may take longer than other modes of transportation. Prices for car transport service by train start at around $700 and can go up to $1,500 or more, depending on the size of the car and the distance.
  • By truck: Shipping a car by truck is generally more expensive than by train, but it may be faster. Prices for shipping a car by truck start at around $1,000 and can go up to $2,000 or more, depending on the size of the car and the distance.
  • By air: Shipping a car by air is the most expensive option, but it is also the fastest. Prices for shipping services by air start at around $2,500 and can go up to $5,000 or more, depending on the size of the car and the distance.

Keep in mind that these estimates are just rough estimates, and the actual cost of shipping a car across the country may vary depending on the specific circumstances. To get more accurate car shipping quotes, you can contact us and provide us with details about your car and your desired mode of transportation.

CONDITION & VALUE OF YOUR VEHICLE MAY MATTER

There are pros and cons to both open and enclosed car trailers, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider:

  • Open car trailers: Open car trailers are the most common and cost-effective option for car shipping. They are typically used for standard, non-luxury vehicles and are open on the sides, which allows for easy loading and unloading. However, open trailers do not provide as much protection for your car as enclosed trailers, so they may not be suitable for luxury or high-value vehicles.
  • Enclosed car trailers: Enclosed car trailers offer more protection for your car as they are fully enclosed on all sides. They are typically used for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles and provide additional security and protection from the elements. However, enclosed trailers are generally more expensive than open trailers, and they may be harder to find, as there are fewer of them available.
Ultimately, the decision to use an open or enclosed car trailer will depend on your budget, the value and condition of your car, and your priorities for shipping. If you have a luxury, classic, or high-value car, you may want to consider an enclosed trailer for added protection. However, if you have a standard, non-luxury vehicle, an open trailer may be a more cost-effective and practical choice.
PROOF OF SERVICE

A bill of lading is a document that serves as a contract between a shipper and a carrier for the transportation of goods. It is also a receipt for the goods that have been shipped and includes details about the type and quantity of goods, the origin and destination of the shipment, and any special instructions or requirements for handling the goods. The bill of lading is an important document in international trade because it serves as proof of ownership and is often used to transfer title to the goods from the shipper to the buyer. It is also used as a document of title, which means that it can be used as collateral for a loan or to secure payment for the goods. In addition to its legal and financial functions, the bill of lading also serves as a document of record for the shipment, including the date and method of transportation, the parties involved in the transaction, and any additional charges or fees that may be incurred. It is important for both the shipper and the carrier to retain copies of the bill of lading for their records.

We're Your First Choice for Car Shipping Companies in the Continental USA

A Light Blue Porsche is loaded into an enclosed trailer. If you need to ship a car, we are the best car shipping company around. Ask about our —Door-to-door Auto Transport Service.

The team at National Transport Services has been assisting US residents with their auto transport needs for years. That’s what’s enabled us to be one of the best car shipping companies and create a next-level service that truly helps you to get your vehicle to its destination in one piece. Because of our years of experience, we’ve got all the answers that you’re looking for when you turn to a team for car shipping assistance. 

Get started working with National Transport Services and know that you’re being backed up by one of the best auto transport teams out there. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

OUR SHIP A Car GUARANTEE

As we stated above, each one of our car shipping services whether an open transport service or an enclosed transport service is fully insured. That way we can guarantee that your vehicle will reach its final destination in one piece. Working with us means working with a team that you can count on to provide you with the excellence you need when you turn to a car shipping team.

Questions? We have the answers. Ship a car with National Transport Services

We understand that our FAQ isn’t an all-inclusive list of car shipping questions you might have. We’ve done our best to answer the most commonly asked questions so that you can have quicker access to the answers you’re looking for. And, we’ve also got a team that works around the clock to make sure that we can support you when you need extra assistance.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (888) 346-2202. We are here to answer any questions. You’ll be connected with one of our friendly and knowledgeable employees who will help answer any questions you have and to take care of your needs as you get ready to ship your vehicle.

Car:
SUV:
Pickup:
Other:




Origin Zip:
Destination Zip:
Trailer Type:
Mechanical Condition:
First Available Ship Date:

Preferred Contact Method:
Message:

Contact Us Today

For quotes, service questions, and other inquiries, contact us here or call us at:

(888) 346-2202.