You’re ready to move from one place to another, but you need more time and resources to bring your car with you. Professional auto transport could be the perfect solution. This transportation mode is becoming increasingly popular as people look for an easier and safer way to move their vehicles. But why do you need it? That’s what we’ll explore in this blog post.
We’ll start by looking at the benefits of using professional auto transport. You’ll be able to avoid the stress and expense of driving your car to its destination, as well as the potential risks of damage to your vehicle. We’ll also discuss the different types of auto transport services available and the costs associated with them. Finally, we’ll look at some tips to help you maximize your auto transport experience.
So, if you want to move your car quickly and safely, professional auto transport is worth considering. Read on to find out more about why it could be the right choice for you.
What’s Considered a Professional Auto Transporter?
Do you see those giant haulers cruising down the highways, carrying neatly parked cars on multiple levels? Chances are those haulers operate for a professional auto transport company. Yes, there can be individual drivers or carriers who pick up orders from here and there, but most of the work on the organized side of the transport industry is done by vehicle shipping companies.
The demand for the professional auto transportation industry has ballooned over the last few years. It has become a $9.9 billion giant as of 2023, thanks to the excellent work vehicle shippers are doing.
But, a professional transporter has a network of car carriers (those giant haulers). The company books orders from customers gives details to those hauler operators, and the transport process begins. That’s all there’s to it. Having said that, make sure to look for these things when hunting for a vehicle shipping company:
Reputation
Should have at least over 1,000 online reviews with an average of 4.3 ratings out of five. An A+ BBB rating and at least 5-10 years of experience in the industry.
Featured Online
Should have accolades, recognitions, and mentions in leading publications like Forbes, Move.Org, MoveBuddha, Jalopnik, etc.
Insurance Coverage
The company should offer comprehensive insurance coverage for any damages incurred during the shipping process. Make sure to understand the terms and conditions of their insurance policy well.
Shipping Options
Reliable companies provide options like open, enclosed, door-to-door, and terminal-to-terminal transport. Choose a company that offers the service that suits your needs best.
Accurate Quotes
Some companies might quote an attractively low price initially but add on hidden charges later. Check if your chosen company provides a detailed breakdown of costs without any hidden fees.
License and Registration
It’s essential to ensure that the vehicle shipping company is licensed and registered under authorities like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can use the FMCSA’s official website to verify this information.
Customer Support
Look for a company that offers good customer service. They should be able to address all your queries and concerns promptly and efficiently, ideally providing 24/7 customer support. Should have multiple ways to reach such as live chat, call, SMS, and email.
Questions to Ask a Car Transporter Before Hiring:
There are some rotten eggs in this industry, like all industries. So make sure to consider these things to find the best auto transporter for your needs:
| Question | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Do you have a tracking system? | A tracking system lets you monitor your vehicle’s location during transit, providing peace of mind and transparency. |
| How do you handle damage claims? | Understanding their claims process is crucial if your vehicle sustains any damage during transportation. It ensures you know how to proceed in such an unfortunate event. |
| Can you provide references or testimonials? | References and testimonials offer insight into the transporter’s past performance and customer satisfaction, helping you gauge their reputation. |
| What is your payment structure? | Clarify payment terms, including deposits, final payment, and additional fees. This ensures you are financially prepared for the service without hidden surprises. |
| Are you a member of any professional associations? | Membership in industry associations such as the National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) or the American Trucking Associations (ATA) can indicate a commitment to professionalism and industry standards, enhancing their credibility. |
| Do you have a written contract? | A written contract outlines the terms and conditions of the agreement, helping to avoid misunderstandings and disputes, and it serves as a legally binding document. |
| What happens in case of delays or unexpected events? | Understanding how the transporter handles unexpected situations, such as delays due to weather or other unforeseen issues, ensures you are prepared for potential disruptions. |
| Can you provide details on your insurance coverage? | Knowing the extent of their insurance coverage is essential to assess whether it adequately protects your vehicle during transportation or if additional insurance is needed. |
| What measures do you take to ensure vehicle safety? | Inquiring about safety protocols and precautions demonstrates the transporter’s commitment to protecting your vehicle during the shipping process. |
| How do you prepare vehicles for transport? | Understanding their vehicle preparation procedures, such as cleaning, securing loose items, or disabling alarms, helps ensure a smooth and safe shipping process. |
Nationwide Professional Auto Transport Costs Breakdown:
Whether you want to move your vehicle to/from Hawaii, Alaska, Texas, California, New York, or any other part of the U.S, you can count on us to do that at a competitive price. We believe you get what you pay model, so you’ll never see us cutting corners.
We cannot give you a definite answer because the prices keep going up and down due to factors affecting global trade like gas prices, seasonality, etc. Plus, specifics like your vehicle size and dimensions and total distance can completely change a quote. However, we can give you the basis to get an idea for yourself with this table:
| Distance | Base Price Per mile | Example Distance | Example Price | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-500 Miles | $1.00 | 400 miles | $400 | 2-4 Days |
| 500+ miles | $0.75 | 900 miles | $675 | 3-5 Days |
| 1,000+ miles | $0.60 | 1,200 miles | $720 | 4-6 Days |
| 2,000+ miles | $0.50 | 2,400 miles | $1,200 | 5-7 Days |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.40 | 3,600 miles | $1,440 | 7-9 Days |
Here’s a rough idea of how our quote calculator calculates the costs using the values of the table above. But remember, it takes many more factors into account; the table values are just the starting point.
| Shipping Route | Total Distance | Transport Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipping a car from Birmingham, Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia | 146 mi via I-20 E | $150 | 1-2 Days |
| Transporting a car from Augusta, Georgia to Jacksonville, Florida | 255 mi via US-25 S | $255 | 2-4 Days |
| Hauling a car from Miami, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina | 583 mi via I-95 N | $437 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a car from Greenville, South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina | 102 mi via I-85 N | $150 | 1-2 Days |
| Moving a car from Raleigh, North Carolina to Richmond, Virginia | 170 mi via I-95 N | $170 | 1-2 Days |
| Shipping a car from Richmond, Virginia to Charleston, West Virginia | 317 mi via I-64 W | $320 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Shipping from Morgantown, West Virginia to Columbus, Ohio | 204 mi via I-70 W | $200 | 2-4 Days |
| Vehicle Transportation from Cleveland, Ohio to Frankfort, Kentucky | 327 mi via I-71 S | $330 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Shipping from Lexington, Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee | 213 mi via KY-9002 W | $215 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Transport from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi | 383 mi via I-59 S | $399 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Shipping from Gulfport, Mississippi to Little Rock, Arkansas | 418 mi via US 49 N | $420 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a car from Fort Smith, Arkansas to Baton Rouge, Louisiana | 498 mi via I-40 E | $500 | 2-4 Days |
| Move a car from Lafayette, Louisiana to Houston, Texas | 217 mi via I-10 W | $220 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a Vehicle from San Antonio, Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | 466 mi via I-35 N | $470 | 2-4 Days |
| Hauling a Car from Lawton, Oklahoma to Wichita, Kansas | 246 mi via I-44 E | $250 | 2-4 Days |
| Transporting a Car from Topeka, Kansas to Grand City, Nebraska | 263 mi via US-75 N | $270 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Lincoln, Nebraska to Sioux Falls, South Dakota | 236 mi via I-29 N | $250 | 2-4 Days |
| Hauling a Car from Rapid City, South Dakota to Fargo, North Dakota | 495 mi via I-94 E | $500 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Transportation from Bismarck, North Dakota to Billings, Montana | 415 mi via I-94 W | $450 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Shipping from Helena, Montana to Boise, Idaho | 486 mi via I-15 S | $499 | 2-4 Days |
| Moving a Vehicle from Boise, Idaho to Cheyenne, Wyoming | 735 mi via I-84 E | $550 | 3-5 Days |
| Car Shipping from Jackson, Wyoming to Denver, Colorado | 511 mi via US-191 S | $383 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Boulder, Colorado to Albuquerque, New Mexico | 475 mi via I-25 S | $480 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Transportation from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Phoenix, Arizona | 479 mi via I-40 W | $480 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Shipping from Tucson, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada | 412 mi via I-10 W | $420 | 2-4 Days |
| Move a car from Reno, Nevada to Los Angeles, California | 472 mi via US-395 S | $480 | 2-4 Days |
| Ship a car from Sacramento, California to Portland, Oregon | 579 mi via I-5 N | $435 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Shipping from Eugene, Oregon to Spokane, Washington | 460 mi via I-84 E | $460 | 2-4 Days |
| Vehicle Shipping from Seattle, Washington DC to Anchorage, Alaska | 2,260 mi via Alaska Hwy | $1,130 | 6-8 Days |
| Ship a car from Anchorage, Alaska to Honolulu, Hawaii | 2,782 mi from Port of Alaska to Honolulu Port | $1,112 | 6-8 Days |
| Car transport from Houston, Texas to Miami, Florida | 1,187 mi via I-10 E | $712 | 4-6 Days |
| Auto shipping from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Tampa, Florida | 1,270 mi via I-65 S | $762 | 4-6 Days |
| Ship a car from Buffalo, New York to Los Angeles, California | 2,532 mi via I-80 W | $1,012 | 7-9 Days |
| Transport a car from Columbia, South Carolina to San Francisco, California | 2,696 mi via I-40 W | $1,078 | 7-9 Days |
| Shipping a car from Boston, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington | 3,044 mi via I-94 W | $1,217 | 8-10 Days |
| Ship a car from Salem, Massachusetts to San Francisco, California | 3,113.2 mi via I-80 W | $1,245 | 8-10 Days |
| Ship a car from Richmond, Virginia to San Diego, California | 2,601 mi via I-40 | $1,040 | 7-9 Days |
| Haul a car from Houston, Texas to Sacramento, California | 1,931 mi via I-10 W | $1,158 | 5-7 Days |
| Car Shipping from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to San Jose, California | 2,199 mi via I-80 W | $1,099 | 6-8 Days |
| Car transportation from Olympia, Washington to Miami, Florida | 3,365 mi via I-80 E | $1,346 | 8-10 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Newark, New Jersey to Orlando, Florida | 1,065 mi via I-95 S | $639 | 4-6 Days |
| Car Shipping from Juneau, Alaska to Tacoma, Washington | 1,742 mi via BC-37 S | $1,045 | 5-7 Days |
| Shipping a Car from San Oakland, California to New York City, New York | 2,899 mi via I-80 E | $1,159 | 7-9 Days |
| Auto Transportation from San Diego, California to Miami, Florida | 2,655 mi via I-10 E | $1,062 | 7-9 Days |
| Ship a Car from Los Angeles, California to Houston, Texas | 1,547 mi via I-10 E | $928 | 5-7 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Honolulu, Hawaii to Los Angeles, California | 2,554 mi via Port of LA to Port of Honolulu | $1,021 | 7-9 Days |
| Auto Moving from San Francisco, California to Chicago, Illinois | 2,132 mi via I-80 E | $1,066 | 6-8 Days |
| Car Transportation from Pensacola, Florida to Columbus, Ohio | 821 mi via I-65 N | $615 | 3-5 Days |
| Vehicle Shipping from Tampa, Florida to Detroit, Michigan | 1,178 mi via I-75 N | $706 | 4-6 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Destin, Florida to Denver, Colorado | 1,495 mi via I-20 W | $897 | 4-6 Days |
| Auto Transportation a car from Florida City, Florida to Cambridge, Massachusetts | 1,517 mi via I-95 N | $910 | 5-7 Days |
| Vehicle Shipping from Jacksonville, Florida, to New York City, New York | 930 mi via I-95 N | $697 | 3-5 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Madison, Wisconsin to Tallahassee, Florida | 1,111 mi via I-65 S | $666 | 4-6 Days |
| Transporting a Car from Vancouver, Washington to Austin, Texas | 2,057 mi via I-84 E | $1028 | 6-8 Days |
Why Go With Professional Auto Transport Brokers Instead of Carriers?
1. Selection and Flexibility:
Auto transport brokers have a range of auto carriers to choose from. This means they can work with your specific needs (like timing, special handling for high-end vehicles, etc.) much more effectively than if you approach a driver directly.
A carrier only has its fleet or routes to offer, while a broker can access hundreds of carriers and routes, resulting in flexible services tailored to your preferences. For example, if you have a classic car that needs special care in transportation, brokers can find you a specialized driver with whom they’ve already established relationships.
2. Price Negotiations:
An auto transport broker can save you money. Because they work with many different carriers and their vast network, brokers are often able to negotiate lower rates than if you go directly to a carrier yourself. Brokers know the market fluctuations, season changes, and various factors affecting the pricing, thereby allowing them to garner cost-effective deals for their clients.
For instance, in the off-peak season, when carriers are less busy, brokers can utilize this scenario to secure low-cost deals.
3. Convenience and Time-Savings:
A broker will do all the hard legwork for you. Instead of spending your valuable time contacting different carriers, getting estimates, checking credentials and reviews – a broker will handle all these tasks for you.
They manage the logistics of pickup, tracking, and vehicle delivery. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re transporting a car cross-country or internationally, where documenting formalities and other processes may be overwhelming.
4. Customer Advocacy:
Brokers act as middlemen between the client and carrier – this also means they advocate for customers’ rights and services. If any disputes or issues occur during the transportation process - such as a delay in delivery or damage incurred in transit - a reliable broker liaises with the carrier on your behalf.
They stand up for clients based on industry knowledge and ensure customer satisfaction. For instance, should your car get damaged during transportation, the broker can guide you on insurance claims and advocate for you for damage repairs from the carrier.
5. Knowledge and Expertise:
Auto transport brokers have broad industry knowledge and experience. They know the ins and outs of the complex logistics involved in auto transportation. Such seasoned professionals can effectively manage unexpected situations like road closures, harsh weather, and other logistical barriers in transit.
A customer might not be aware of these potential issues when dealing directly with a carrier, making brokers a safer choice. For example, if a particular state has strict regulations about vehicle transportation, your broker would know how to bypass those challenges efficiently, something a carrier might not be able to manage as effectively.
How Easy Auto Ship Can Help You Move Your Vehicle Nationwide?
- We’ve Got Specialists: Want to Move a Tesla? We’ve got carriers who’ve got experience with handling electric cars. Need to safely ship your luxury or vintage car? No problem, we’ve got enclosed carriers with specialized equipment such as hydraulic ramps and straps. Need to ship a two-wheeler, a boat, a yacht, or oversized equipment? No matter what, we have a carrier lined up with experience in dealing with that specific vehicle or oversized load.
- We’re Well-Reputed: With Nearly 5,000 reviews online, including Google, Transport Reviews, BirdEye, BBB, Consumer Affairs, and social media, you can count on us for the best experience. We’ve even won the Best Shipping Company recognition from Forbes Home.
- We’re Covered: Even though our carriers are vetted for their insurance of at least $100k, we carry our own as well, so double the safety for your expensive vehicle.
- Additional Perks: If your car gets delayed (which hardly happens), we’ll offer you an allowance for a temporary vehicle rental so your day-to-day travels are not delayed. If the car arrives dirty, we’ll offer a free car wash as well.
- Top-notch Customer Support: The team at Easy Auto Ship is dedicated to delivering top-notch services via phone, SMS, live chat, and email. We provide regular updates on your shipment and answer all your queries promptly.
- Comprehensive Nationwide Reach: Easy Auto Ship has worked with deliveries to all corners of the US. Whether you’re shipping a car from New York to California or from Florida to Alaska, we’ll ensure your car gets there safely. Our seamless nationwide service removes the stress of geographical limitations in auto shipping.
- High-Quality Equipment and Modern Transport Technology: Easy Auto Ship uses a range of high-quality carriers and handling equipment. We also have modern transport logistics tech, such as ELDs, to maintain price transparency.
- Scheduling Flexibility: We allow our customers to schedule pickup and drop-off dates. This ensures that vehicle owners can plan their day without worrying about their vehicle’s move.
- Multiple Shipment Options: Easy Auto Ship provides flexibility with a wide range of vehicle shipping options. We offer open car shipping, enclosed auto transport, door-to-door shipping, and expedited shipping - essentially catering to any need.
Professional Auto Transport Services We Offer:
- International Shipping - Customers needing their vehicle transported overseas to international destinations like Canada or Mexico. We coordinate all cross-border paperwork and regulations.
- State-to-State Moves - A popular option for people relocating domestically within the US. In addition to transport, we can often help facilitate selling/buying vehicles in different states.
- Car Hauling with Towing Services - For transporting broken down, salvage, or non-running vehicles that need to be towed. Our crew tows the vehicle safely and secures it tight for transit.
- Seasonal Storage Shipping - Providing year-round solutions, whether one-way or roundtrip, for seasonal residences. It is popular for transporting vehicles to summer homes, winter resorts, or college campuses.
- Door-to-Port Transport - Delivering vehicles to terminals for ocean transport if clients have overseas military assignments or are emigrating internationally.
- Vehicle Repositioning - Configured for auto auctions, rental/leasing agencies, and dealers needing to relocate fleets or inventory between lots and facilities.
- Loaded Miles Transport - A long-haul option for efficiently moving multiple enclosed vehicles longer distances, sometimes across several states simultaneously.
- Enclosed Auto Transport - For high-end, luxury, or classic vehicles that need protection from the elements. Our enclosed auto carriers have secured compartments that can accommodate up to 6 vehicles. Each vehicle is secured with ratchet straps and locked inside its own climate-controlled space.
- Open Car Hauling - For more heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, SUVs, cars, or motorcycles. Our open carriers can transport 6-8 vehicles securely strapped to the deck. This is a more affordable option for standard vehicles.
- Expedited Service - For clients who need their vehicle transported within a shorter timeframe, usually 3-4 days. We prioritize loading and allocate enclosed space or secure deck spots for expedited shipments. Pickup is done within 24 hours.
- Specialized Equipment Transport - For moving larger vehicles like RVs, campers, boats, and jet skis that require a custom fit. Our drivers are experienced with transporting a variety of equipment using adjustable securement points and specialty ramps.
- Manufactured Home Transport - For relocating mobile/modular homes, tiny homes, or multi-section homes. We have dedicated trailers designed for wide and oversized residential structures up to 24 feet wide.
- Car Hauling Services - Full coast-to-coast transport within the continental US. For clients who need interstate transfers, we ensure door-to-door delivery is tracked every step of the way.
- Snowbird Transportation - A seasonal service transporting vehicles from colder northern states to warmer southern states enjoyed by “snowbirds.” Often door-to-door to prevent weather damage.
- Dealership Redistribution - For automotive dealers needing to transfer new/used inventory between multiple lots or regional facilities. We coordinate large-scale vehicle relocation efficiently.
- Auction & Tradeshow Logistics - Vehicles transported directly to major auctions/events like Barrett-Jackson, Mecum, and SEMA to support attendance by dealers, collectors, and manufacturers. Time-sensitive service.
- Hawaii/Alaska Shipping - Door-to-door mainland to HI/AK transport involving water/land segments. Complex coordination for islands with stricter transportation bureaus and ports of entry by ground/sea.
- Car Crating - For exotic/antique vehicles requiring custom packaging and domestic/international shipping. Our certified craters custom-build protective multi-use crates.
- Offshore Oilfield Fleet Moves - Relocating fleets of work trucks, SUVs, and heavy machinery supporting offshore oil rig crews and remote facilities.
How Does Auto Transport Work – Detailed Overview:
Step#1: Schedule Your Auto Shipment
We’ve spent years developing and testing our cutting-edge online car transport quote calculator. You can leverage its powerful algorithm to receive instant car transport quotes. Simply provide:
- Car pickup and delivery zip codes
- Open or enclosed auto transport trailer
- Car year, make, and model (to ensure the right trailer size)
- The first available car pickup date
Step#2: We’ll Pick Up Your Vehicle and Begin The Car Shipping Journey
After you agree to the car shipping cost, our dispatch will look for the most suitable trucker to pick up and transport your car.
Next, he’ll arrive at your location to pick up your car. You’ll first inspect the automobile with the carrier and sign the Bill of Lading.
Once he reviews the documents, he’ll hit the road to transport your car quickly. You can rest assured that our car shipping carriers are U.S.D.O.T. certified and thoroughly vetted.
They also have over $100,000 in shipping insurance coverage, which our team reviews and verifies before bringing them on board. So yes, your car is in safe hands, and we’ll treat it like one of our own!
Step#3 - You’re Reunited With Your Trusty Car
We’re the leading car shipping company with highly trained drivers who move with the speed of light and ensure your car arrives safely. The carrier will call you when the auto-shipping process is almost complete so you can be ready to receive your car.
You can do a careful inspection to ensure the car is in the same condition it was picked up in before car transport, sign the Bill of Lading to accept the car delivery, and you’re done!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much To Tip Car Transport Driver?
While tipping is a personal decision, a general rule for tipping car transport drivers is between 10-20% for short distance moves like under 1,000 miles but for longer than this, 5-10% is the standard. Remember, this is a way to express gratitude for the driver’s hard work and dedication to safely transporting your vehicle.
What is the Cheapest Company to Ship Your Car?
While prices may vary based on factors like distance, size of the vehicle, and time of year, “Easy Auto Ship” has consistently been reported to offer competitive rates. Always remember, though, cheaper isn’t always better - look for a balance of cost and quality service.
What are the Best USA Car Shipping Companies?
There are several reputable car shipping companies in the USA, including yours truly, Easy Auto Ship Professional Auto Transport Inc. We’re known for our excellent customer service and seamless shipping process. Check our nearly 5,000 reviews online and A+ BBB accreditation, and you’ll know we’re the real deal!
How to Know a Company Has Expert Drivers?
To ensure a company has expert drivers, look for ones that conduct thorough background checks. Companies like Easy Auto Ship verify drivers’ insurance coverage, licenses, and experience before hiring. This ensures that your vehicle is in safe hands throughout the transport process.