How Does Affordable Car Shipping Work?
Reliable and easy car shipping process
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- As Soon as Possible
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Affordable Vehicle Transport and Car Shipping Service
Shipping a car may seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be. In the following guide, we’ll explain the process step by step, from finding a trusted auto transport partner, to preparing your vehicle for its journey. At Auto Shipping Group, our goal is to provide affordable car shipping backed by friendly service to ensure a stress-free experience.
How the Car Shipping Process Works
The auto transport industry is vast, with providers ranging from owner operators to nationwide auto logistics brokers. If you’re new to car shipping, you may not know where to begin.
As a first step, we recommend researching auto transport companies. Because industry standards for transparency vary, it’s essential to look beyond the lowest price and verify that a company is licensed, bonded, and Department of Transportation (DOT)- compliant. Look for a proven track record to ensure your vehicle is handled by a professional team that values fair business practices. Refer to this article on finding the best car shipping company for helpful tips and additional information.
Choosing Auto Shipping Group means partnering with a company that has built a legacy of trust over 30 years, maintaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We act as your advocate, utilizing a strictly vetted network of insured, DOT-compliant carriers to ensure your vehicle is safe from pickup to delivery. With Auto Shipping Group, you receive more than just a competitive rate; you get friendly service every step of the way!
We’ve streamlined our process into three simple steps to ensure your car gets from point A to point B safely, efficiently, and at a price that fits your budget.
Vehicle Shipping Process
Step 1
Request a Quote:
Begin the process by calling Auto Shipping Group a completing our online quote form. Provide necessary details about the vehicle and the desired transportation route.
Step 2
Schedule Vehicle Pickup:
After receiving your inquiry, one of our dedicated shipping specialists will get in touch with you. They will work with you to arrange a convenient time and location for picking up your vehicle.
Step 3
Safe and Timely Delivery:
Once the pickup details are set, one of Auto Shipping Group’s trusted carriers will retrieve your vehicle. They will then transport it securely to the designated location, ensuring it arrives on time and in the same condition as when it was picked up.
These straightforward steps ensure a smooth and worry-free experience when entrusting Auto Shipping Group with your vehicle transportation needs.
When you click get a quote, you’ll be prompted to complete some basic information. Fill in your origin and destination, select open or enclosed transport, and add your vehicle details. Then enter some basic contact information along with your ideal pickup date, and you’ll receive an instant estimate. A copy of your quote will be emailed to you for review. It can also be updated if your plans change.
The online quote process is simple, but our friendly service reps enjoy helping customers via phone or chat. Give our team a call at (888) 588-1269 to get started! We’d be happy to walk you through the process, including how to choose between open and enclosed transport.
- Open transport is the standard method where vehicles are loaded onto a two-tier open-air trailer. These types of trailers provide safe and reliable transport for both local and long distance moves. Since carriers are readily available and serving routes nationwide, pricing is affordable.
- Enclosed transport is highly recommended for exotic, luxury, and other high-value vehicles, as well as some inoperable and low-clearance vehicles that need specialized equipment for loading and unloading.
Take a deeper dive into this comparison with our Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping blog.
Once you book your vehicle shipment, you’ll want to be prepared for pick up. To make the process as quick as possible, clean your vehicle inside and out. This makes the vehicle inspection at pickup and delivery more accurate. A few other recommendations include removing personal belongings, addressing any leaks or maintenance issues, and managing your fuel level. Your vehicle needs just enough fuel to be driven on and off the trailer, about a ¼ tank. For electric vehicles, be sure your battery charge is between 45% and 65%, and include the charging cables.
For more details on the preparation process, check out our blog How to Prepare Your Car for Transport.
Remember the inspection that takes place at pickup and delivery? That information is recorded on a document called a Bill of Lading, or BOL. You, or a qualified representative for you, will need to be at both locations during inspection to confirm the details and sign the BOL. This document acts as your receipt.
How Affordable Car Shipping Works FAQs
Is the car shipping quote the full price?
Yes, our quotes are all-inclusive. The price you receive covers the door-to-door transport and insurance. There are no hidden fees. However, please ensure your vehicle description is accurate; changes to the vehicle’s size, weight, or operability (e.g., if the car doesn’t run) can affect the final price.
What kind of insurance coverage is included?
All trucks we use carry a minimum $100,000.00 insurance policy and must provide Auto Shipping Group with a certificate naming our company as additionally insured. As long as your vehicle is up on the truck, it is fully insured through the truck’s cargo insurance policy. If you do have insurance on the vehicle, your personal insurance will become “secondary” to the truck’s insurance. Alternative/additional insurance is available on a per shipment basis. Ask your agent for details.
What is the expected pickup and delivery window?
Vehicle pickup usually occurs within a 1 to 5 business day window from your first available date. For transit, a good rule of thumb is roughly 325 miles per day.
- Short distances (0-500 miles): 1-3 days
- Medium distances (500-1,500 miles): 3-7 days
- Long distances (1,500+ miles): 5-14 days
These are estimates and may change based on route, weather, and carrier availability.
Can I choose my car transport pickup and delivery dates?
While we cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time due to variables like traffic, weather, and road conditions, we work with you to establish a preferred window. We recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance to secure your ideal dates. For urgent moves, we offer expedited shipping for an additional fee.
What is Auto Shipping Group’s DOT/MC license number?
Auto Shipping Group operates under USDOT Number 2239008 and MC Number 600841. We are a fully licensed and bonded freight brokerage in good standing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
How long has Auto Shipping Group been in business?
Auto Shipping Group was formed by bringing together four top-ranked brokerages with a combined history dating back to 2003. With over 30 years of collective industry experience, we have successfully shipped hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
Per Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, carriers are not licensed to transport household goods. We recommend removing personal items from your vehicle. Please note that items left in the vehicle are at your own risk.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may cancel your order at any time. If you cancel before a carrier has been assigned to your shipment, you’re generally eligible for a full refund of your deposit. If a carrier has already been dispatched and scheduled for your pickup, a cancellation fee of $129 will apply to compensate the driver for their time and lost opportunity.
What documents do I need to ship a car?
For domestic transport, you generally only need to provide the keys and the Bill of Lading (which the driver will provide at pickup to document the car’s condition). You should also have a copy of your registration and insurance for your records.