What military discount do you offer?

We offer a $50 military discount for active duty service members, veterans, and military families. This discount applies to all open and enclosed transport services nationwide. Simply provide your military ID or DD Form 214 when booking to receive your discount.

How far in advance should I book for a PCS move?

We recommend booking 2-3 weeks in advance for optimal pricing and availability. However, we understand military orders can change quickly, so we also offer last-minute booking for emergency PCS orders, flexible rescheduling if your orders change, priority scheduling for active duty military, and rush transport options.

Can you ship to military bases overseas?

Yes! We offer international POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) shipping to overseas military bases including Europe (Germany, Italy, UK, Spain), Asia (Japan, South Korea, Okinawa), Middle East (Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain), and Pacific (Hawaii, Guam, Alaska). We handle all customs documentation, port logistics, and coordinate with military transportation offices.

Is my vehicle insured during military transport?

Yes! All our carriers are fully licensed and insured with comprehensive cargo insurance coverage. Open transport includes standard carrier insurance up to $100,000, while enclosed transport provides premium coverage up to $500,000. Protection covers damage during loading, transport, and unloading with full documentation.

How long does military vehicle shipping take?

Domestic shipping timeframes vary: 0-500 miles takes 1-3 days, 500-1,500 miles takes 3-7 days, 1,500-2,500 miles takes 5-10 days, cross-country takes 7-14 days, Alaska takes 7-14 days, Hawaii takes 10-21 days, and overseas bases take 30-60 days for international shipping.

Car Shipping FAQ - Auto Transport Questions Answered

All Questions Car Transport Process Shipping Costs Vehicle Insurance

Car Shipping Basics

How much does car shipping cost? (Auto Transport Pricing 2025)

Car shipping costs and auto transport rates vary based on several factors including distance, vehicle type, transport method (open vs. enclosed carrier), and seasonal demand. Average vehicle shipping costs in 2025:

Short distance car transport (0-500 miles): $300-$700
Medium distance auto shipping (500-1,500 miles): $600-$1,200
Long distance vehicle transport (1,500+ miles): $900-$2,000+
Cross-country car shipping: $1,200-$2,500+
Enclosed auto transport: Add 40-60% to open carrier rates

For an accurate instant car shipping quote tailored to your specific vehicle and route, request a free quote online or call our auto transport specialists at (312) 300-0998.

How long does car shipping take? (Vehicle Transport Timeline)

Car shipping delivery times and auto transport timelines depend on the distance and route. Typical vehicle shipping timeframes:

0-500 miles (regional car transport): 1-3 days
500-1,500 miles (interstate auto shipping): 3-5 days
1,500-2,500 miles (long-distance vehicle transport): 5-7 days
Cross-country car shipping (2,500+ miles): 7-10 days
Expedited auto transport: 1-3 days anywhere in USA

Alaska and Hawaii car shipping typically takes 7-14 days due to marine transport requirements. International vehicle shipping varies by destination (typically 2-8 weeks for overseas auto transport).

Open vs Enclosed Car Transport: Which Auto Shipping Method is Best?

Open Car Transport (Open Auto Carrier): Your vehicle is transported on an open-air multi-car trailer (most common car shipping method). Open transport is the most cost-effective auto shipping option, safe, and used for 90% of vehicle shipments nationwide. Your car is exposed to weather elements but fully insured during transport.

Enclosed Auto Transport (Enclosed Car Carrier): Your vehicle is transported in a fully enclosed trailer, providing maximum protection from weather, road debris, and dust during car shipping. Enclosed transport is recommended for luxury vehicle transport, classic car shipping, exotic car transport, or high-value auto shipping. Enclosed car transport costs 40-60% more than open carrier service.

Both car shipping methods are safe, insured, and used by professional auto transport companies. Choose enclosed vehicle transport if your car requires extra protection or you prefer maximum peace of mind during auto shipping.

Is my car insured during auto transport? (Vehicle Shipping Insurance Coverage)

Yes! All licensed auto transport carriers provide comprehensive vehicle shipping insurance. Every car shipment includes cargo insurance that covers your vehicle for its current cash value during transport. This is a federal requirement for all professional car shipping companies.

Auto transport insurance coverage typically ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the carrier. We provide you with the carrier's insurance certificate, policy details, and USDOT number before vehicle pickup for your peace of mind.

For high-value luxury car transport or classic vehicle shipping, we recommend discussing additional coverage options with your personal auto insurance provider. Our car shipping specialists are happy to work with your insurance company if needed for enclosed auto transport services.

Can I put personal items in my car during vehicle shipping?

You can place up to 100 lbs of personal belongings in the trunk during car shipping. Items must be below the window line and cannot be visible from outside the vehicle during auto transport.

Important car shipping restrictions:

No hazardous materials, firearms, or illegal items during vehicle transport
No fragile, valuable, or irreplaceable items in car shipment
Personal items must be securely packed for auto transport
Personal belongings are not covered by carrier insurance during vehicle shipping

For larger moves, we recommend shipping personal items separately through a professional moving company rather than including them in your car transport.

Car Shipping Process & Vehicle Transport Booking

How to book car shipping services? (Auto Transport Booking Guide)

Booking car shipping with Top Auto Logistics is easy! Follow our simple auto transport booking process:

Get a Free Car Shipping Quote: Request an instant auto transport quote online or call 1-888-267-3199
Review Transport Options: We'll present vehicle shipping options (open carrier vs. enclosed transport) and competitive pricing
Book Your Auto Shipment: Confirm your car shipping reservation with a small deposit
Schedule Vehicle Pickup: We'll coordinate a convenient pickup date and time for your car transport
Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping: Remove personal items, document vehicle condition with photos
Carrier Assignment: We'll assign a licensed USDOT-registered auto carrier and provide driver contact details
Track Your Car Shipment: Monitor your vehicle transport and receive real-time delivery updates

Most car shipping orders can be scheduled within 1-5 business days of booking. Expedited auto transport available for rush deliveries.

How to prepare my car for shipping? (Vehicle Transport Checklist)

To ensure a smooth car shipping pickup and successful auto transport, please complete the following vehicle preparation checklist:

Wash your vehicle: Makes vehicle condition inspection easier and properly documents pre-transport condition
Remove personal belongings: Only 100 lbs in trunk allowed for car shipping (not covered by carrier insurance)
Check for mechanical issues: Ensure vehicle is in running condition (notify us if non-running for special auto transport arrangements)
Disable car alarms: Prevent issues during vehicle transport and loading/unloading
Document vehicle condition: Take photos/videos from all angles before car shipping pickup
Remove toll tags & parking passes: Avoid unwanted charges during auto transport
Keep fuel level low: 1/4 tank or less recommended (safety requirement for car carriers)
Provide all vehicle keys: All key sets should be available at car shipping pickup
Have valid identification ready: Valid driver's license or ID required at vehicle pickup and delivery

The auto transport driver will conduct a thorough Bill of Lading inspection with you at both car shipping pickup and final vehicle delivery.

Do I need to be present for car pickup and vehicle delivery?

Yes, you or your authorized representative must be present at both car shipping pickup and vehicle delivery to:

Sign the Bill of Lading (vehicle condition report for car transport)
Conduct thorough vehicle inspection with the auto carrier driver
Hand over/receive vehicle keys and car shipping documentation
Make final auto transport payment (for delivery)
Document any concerns or vehicle damages discovered during car shipping

If you can't be present for car shipping pickup or delivery, you can designate someone 18+ years old to act as your authorized representative. Just provide our auto transport team with their name and contact information in advance.

Can I track my vehicle during car shipping? (Real-Time Auto Transport Tracking)

Yes! Once your vehicle is assigned to an auto carrier for car shipping, you'll receive comprehensive tracking information:

Licensed auto transport carrier contact information and USDOT number
Car shipping driver's direct phone number for real-time communication
Expected vehicle delivery date window for your car transport
Regular auto shipping status updates throughout transit

You can call the car carrier driver directly to check vehicle transport status, and our customer service team is available 7 days a week to provide car shipping updates. The driver will typically call 24 hours before delivery to confirm the exact time and location for your vehicle arrival.

Can you ship non-running cars? (Inoperable Vehicle Transport)

Yes, we provide inoperable vehicle transport and non-running car shipping services. However, there are additional requirements for disabled vehicle auto transport:

Additional non-running vehicle fee typically applies ($150-$300) for special car shipping equipment
Vehicle must roll, steer, and brake for safe auto transport loading
Car carrier needs winch or lift gate equipment for non-running vehicle shipping
We need advance notice about inoperable condition when requesting car shipping quote
Pickup/delivery locations must accommodate special equipment for disabled vehicle transport

Please inform our auto transport specialists if your vehicle is non-running when requesting a car shipping quote so we can arrange appropriate equipment and provide accurate inoperable vehicle transport pricing.

Pricing & Payment

When do I pay for the service?

Our payment structure is designed to be fair and secure:

At Booking: Deposit to secure your reservation (typically $100-$200 or 10-20% of total cost)
At Delivery: Remaining balance paid to the driver via cash, cashier's check, or sometimes credit card

Important: Never pay the full amount upfront before pickup. Legitimate carriers collect the balance upon delivery. The deposit is paid to our broker service, and the balance goes directly to the carrier.

We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and wire transfers for deposits. Final payment methods vary by carrier.

Are there any hidden fees?

No! We believe in transparent pricing. The quote we provide includes all standard services. However, additional fees may apply for:

Non-running vehicles: $150-$300 extra for special equipment
Oversized vehicles: Lifted trucks, large SUVs may cost more
Expedited shipping: Rush delivery within 1-3 days
Remote locations: Pickup/delivery in rural areas may have surcharges
Cancellation fees: If you cancel after carrier assignment

All potential additional costs will be discussed upfront during your quote. There are no surprise fees at delivery.

Do you offer military or student discounts?

Yes! We proudly support our military members and students:

Military Discount: Active duty, veterans, and military families receive special pricing on PCS moves and deployments
Student Discount: College students receive discounted rates (valid student ID required)
Multiple Vehicle Discount: Shipping 2+ vehicles at once
Seasonal Promotions: Check our website for current offers

Mention your eligibility when requesting a quote. Proper documentation (military ID, student ID, orders) will be required to claim discounts.

What factors affect the cost of car shipping?

Several factors influence your final shipping cost:

Distance: Longer routes cost more, but cost per mile decreases
Route popularity: Major routes (CA to TX) are more competitive
Vehicle size & weight: Larger vehicles cost more
Transport type: Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more than open
Time of year: Summer and snowbird season (Oct-Nov, Apr-May) are peak times
Vehicle condition: Non-running vehicles require special equipment
Pickup/delivery locations: Rural areas may have surcharges
Expedited service: Rush shipping costs significantly more

For the best rates, book in advance during off-peak seasons and be flexible with dates.

Can I cancel my shipment? Is there a cancellation fee?

Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair:

Before carrier assignment: Full refund of deposit (minus processing fees)
After carrier assignment (before pickup): May incur $100-$150 cancellation fee
After pickup has occurred: No refunds; you're committed to the shipment

If you need to reschedule (not cancel), we can often accommodate changes without penalties if done before carrier assignment. Contact us immediately if your plans change.

Weather delays, carrier issues, or other circumstances beyond your control are handled on a case-by-case basis with no penalties.

Specialized Services

How does shipping to Alaska or Hawaii work?

Alaska Shipping: We transport your vehicle via marine freight from Seattle or other West Coast ports. The process includes:

Ground transport to Seattle port (from your pickup location)
Marine shipping to Alaska ports (Anchorage, Fairbanks, etc.)
Delivery to your final destination in Alaska
Total transit time: 7-14 days

Hawaii Shipping: Similar process via Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Oakland ports:

Ground transport to West Coast port
Ocean freight to Hawaiian islands (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai)
Port delivery (you pick up) or door delivery available
Total transit time: 7-21 days

Both services require additional documentation and higher costs due to marine transport.

Do you ship internationally? What countries?

Yes! We provide international vehicle shipping to over 100 countries worldwide, including:

Europe: UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, and more
Asia: Japan, South Korea, China, UAE, Singapore, Thailand
Central/South America: Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Argentina
Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Israel
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana

International shipping requires customs documentation, export paperwork, and typically takes 2-8 weeks depending on destination. We handle all logistics, customs clearance, and port coordination. Contact our international shipping specialists for detailed quotes and requirements.

Can you transport motorcycles, boats, or RVs?

Absolutely! We specialize in transporting various types of vehicles:

Motorcycles:

Shipped on specialized motorcycle trailers or enclosed transport
Soft-tie system to protect fairings and paint
Cost: $300-$1,000+ depending on distance

Boats:

Small boats up to 40+ feet on specialized boat trailers
Powerboats, sailboats, yachts, jet skis
Pricing based on size and distance

RVs & Motorhomes:

Class A, B, and C motorhomes
Travel trailers and fifth wheels
Requires specialized carriers with RV experience

Each vehicle type requires specific equipment and handling. Contact us for specialized transport quotes.

Do you offer auto auction transport services?

Yes! We have extensive experience with auto auction logistics. Our services include:

Pickup from major auction houses (Copart, IAA, Manheim, Barrett-Jackson, etc.)
Coordination with auction facilities for scheduled pickups
Handling of auction paperwork and gate passes
Transport for purchased vehicles (running or non-running)
Delivery to your preferred location

We understand auction timelines and storage fees, so we work quickly to pick up your vehicle before daily storage charges accumulate. Many auction buyers and dealers use our services regularly for reliable, cost-effective transport.

Pro tip: Book your transport before your auction ends to ensure quick pickup and avoid storage fees.

What makes your classic/luxury car transport different?

High-value vehicles require specialized care and attention. Our premium services include:

Enclosed Transport: Full protection from weather, dust, and road debris
Climate-Controlled Options: For extremely valuable or sensitive vehicles
Single-Car Enclosed Trailers: Your vehicle is the only one transported
Experienced Drivers: Specialists trained in handling exotic and classic cars
White-Glove Service: Extra care during loading, transit, and unloading
Higher Insurance Coverage: Up to $1M+ in cargo insurance
Detailed Inspections: Thorough documentation of vehicle condition
Direct Communication: Dedicated account manager for premium shipments

We've safely transported Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, vintage Corvettes, classic Mustangs, and other collector vehicles valued at $100K-$1M+. Your investment is protected every mile.

Car Shipping & Auto Transport FAQ Guide