The 5-Step Auto Transport Process
We've shipped tens of thousands of vehicles nationwide, and the process is the same whether you're moving across town or coast to coast. Specifically, every shipment follows these five steps from quote to delivery. There are no hidden fees, no surprises, and no upfront payment required.
Get an Instant Quote
Enter your pickup city, delivery city, vehicle make and model, and approximate dates. You'll see a free quote in seconds — no email or phone number required to view pricing.
Book Your Shipment
Reserve your spot with no upfront payment. You only pay once your vehicle is assigned to a carrier and picked up. We confirm by email and assign a dedicated dispatcher to your shipment.
We Match a Carrier
Our dispatchers match your shipment to a vetted, fully insured carrier with availability on your route. Specifically, we verify FMCSA licensing, DOT numbers, insurance, and safety ratings before any carrier is approved.
Pickup at Your Door
The carrier contacts you 24 hours before pickup. They inspect your vehicle and create a bill of lading documenting condition with photos. You sign, hand over the keys, and your vehicle is on its way.
Delivery & Inspection
The driver delivers to your destination address and conducts a final inspection together with you. Note any concerns on the receipt before signing. Pay the remaining balance directly to the driver by cash, certified check, or card.
How Much Does Auto Transport Cost?
Auto transport pricing depends on five main factors: distance, vehicle size, transport type (open vs. enclosed), seasonality, and route popularity. Specifically, most standard sedans and SUVs ship for $500 to $1,400 nationwide on open carriers. Furthermore, enclosed transport adds approximately 40-80% to the base rate but provides full weather and dust protection. Cross-country shipments typically cost $1,200 to $1,800. Local moves under 500 miles often cost $300 to $700.
Snowbird routes (October to December southbound, April to May northbound) may run 20-40% above off-season pricing due to high demand. Booking 4-6 weeks ahead helps secure better pricing and carrier availability.
How Long Does Auto Transport Take?
Transit times depend on distance and route popularity. Generally expect:
- Under 500 miles: 1 to 2 days in transit
- 500 to 1,000 miles: 2 to 3 days in transit
- 1,000 to 1,500 miles: 3 to 5 days in transit
- 1,500 to 2,500 miles (cross-country): 5 to 8 days in transit
- 2,500+ miles or remote areas: 7 to 10 days in transit
Pickup scheduling adds 1 to 5 business days depending on carrier availability. Furthermore, expedited service is available for urgent shipments at premium pricing.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
Most vehicles ship via open carrier transport — the same trucks dealerships use to deliver inventory. Specifically, open carriers haul 7 to 10 vehicles efficiently and offer the most affordable pricing. They're appropriate for daily drivers, used cars, and standard vehicles.
Enclosed transport uses fully enclosed trailers, often single-car or two-car capacity, with hydraulic liftgates and tie-downs. While more expensive (40-80% premium), enclosed is recommended for luxury vehicles ($75,000+), classic cars, exotic vehicles, vehicles under warranty restrictions, low-clearance sports cars, and high-value collector vehicles.
What Information Do We Need?
- Pickup city/ZIP and delivery city/ZIP
- Vehicle year, make, model
- Whether the vehicle is operable (running and drivable)
- Approximate pickup date (we work in 1-5 day windows)
- Open or enclosed transport preference
- Any modifications affecting loading (lift kits, low body kits, etc.)
How to Prepare Your Vehicle
Before pickup, clean the exterior so any existing damage is visible during inspection. Remove personal items — carriers are insured for the vehicle itself, not the contents. Leave a quarter tank of fuel (enough for loading/unloading, not so much that it adds weight). Disable car alarms to prevent disruption during transit. Document existing damage with timestamped photos. Note any mechanical issues, and leave keys with the carrier.
Insurance & Carrier Compliance
Every Xpress Auto Transport carrier is licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT), bonded, and carries commercial cargo insurance. Specifically, we verify MC and DOT numbers, insurance certificates, and safety ratings before dispatching any shipment. Your vehicle is fully insured by the carrier while in transit. Any damage during transport is the carrier's responsibility per industry-standard bill of lading procedures.