Auto transport FAQs
Everything we get asked, grouped by what you are actually trying to find out.
The most common auto transport questions concern cost, transit time, insurance coverage, whether personal items can be left in the vehicle, what door-to-door delivery means, and what happens at the pickup and delivery inspections. Auto transport pricing is driven by distance, vehicle size, open versus enclosed, route density, and season; transit runs from 1 to 2 days under 500 miles to 7 to 10 days coast to coast; and an adult must be present at both ends to sign the condition report.
Pricing
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Cost depends on distance, vehicle size and weight, open versus enclosed, route density, and season. Price per mile falls as distance rises, so long moves are better value per mile than short ones. See How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car for the full breakdown.
Why are quotes so different between companies?
Because some quotes are prices and some are bids for your booking. A number well below the rest usually will not attract a carrier, so the vehicle sits until someone comes back asking for more money.
Does a non-running vehicle cost more?
Yes. It needs a winch-equipped carrier, a much smaller equipment pool, and loading takes longer. Declare it at booking.
Do businesses get different pricing?
Yes. Businesses shipping regularly are priced by lane rather than per transaction, which is generally better than repeat retail pricing.
Scheduling and transit
How long does shipping take?
1 to 2 days for 1 to 500 miles, and 2 to 3 days for 501 to 700 miles. Longer distances scale from there, up to roughly 7 to 10 days coast to coast. Add time for carrier assignment before pickup.
Is my first available date my pickup date?
No. It is the earliest day the vehicle can be collected. Actual pickup falls in a window after that, once a carrier is assigned.
Coverage and claims
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Every carrier in the Clutch network is required to carry active cargo insurance, verified before assignment rather than accepted on trust.
Does my own auto insurance cover transport?
Sometimes, in part. Check with your insurer before shipping. The carrier's cargo insurance is the primary coverage during transport.
What if my vehicle is damaged?
The pickup and delivery condition reports establish what changed in transit. Note any discrepancy on the bill of lading before signing at delivery, and photograph it.
Are items inside the vehicle covered?
Generally not. Carriers are licensed and insured to haul vehicles, not household goods.
Pickup, delivery, and the vehicle itself
What does door to door mean?
As close to your address as is legally and safely possible for a truck around 75 feet long. Narrow streets and low branches often mean meeting nearby at a larger lot.
Can I leave belongings in the car?
As a rule no. Some carriers allow a limited amount in the trunk, often under about 100 pounds, if agreed in advance.
Do I have to be there?
You or an adult you authorize, at both ends, to inspect the vehicle and sign the bill of lading.
Can you ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes, with a winch-equipped carrier, at a higher rate. Declare it at booking rather than at pickup.
Do you ship to Alaska or Hawaii?
Those involve ocean carriers alongside over-the-road transport and are handled case by case rather than through the standard quote form.
Two ways to start
Businesses that ship regularly get lane pricing and portal access. Everyone else can price a single vehicle in about a minute.
I ship for my business
Movers, dealers, RMCs, auctions, fleets. Contract pricing and the Clutch Transport Portal.