Car shipping FAQ
ShipCargo provides nationwide open and enclosed vehicle shipping with instant online quotes and Pay At Pickup. Typical indicative costs are $700–$1,700 open and $1,200–$3,200 enclosed. Pickup and transit windows depend on your route and service. Enter your shipment details, review your total and book with $0 due upfront.
Car shipping questions
How much does car shipping cost?
Typical indicative prices are $700–$1,700 for open transport and $1,200–$3,200 for enclosed transport. Your route, vehicle, running condition, trailer type and pickup date determine your quote. Review your final total before booking; these bands are guidance, not a guaranteed price.
How long does car shipping take?
Standard pickup is within 1–7 business days; Expedited pickup is within 1–5 business days at +20%. Transit is separate from pickup timing and depends on distance, route, weather and carrier scheduling. Your quote provides an estimated delivery window, not a guaranteed arrival date.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport carries vehicles on an exposed trailer. Enclosed transport uses a covered trailer and is often selected for classic, luxury or high-value vehicles. Compare both options for your specific shipment.
How does Pay At Pickup work?
$0 is due at booking. Your card is charged the full order total when your vehicle is picked up by the carrier. Nothing is due at delivery.
What is included in the shipping process?
The shipment process includes carrier matching, shipment status updates and photo inspections at pickup and delivery. Tracking is status-based; this site does not provide a live GPS map. Review your quote for the transport service and any selected optional coverage.
How are carriers verified?
Carrier identity, authority, and insurance verification runs through Super Dispatch's Super Protect compliance and carrier verification platform. ShipCargo also checks internal carrier performance scorecards — on-time pickup and delivery, safety scores, active authority, communication scores, and equipment — before dispatch.
How should I prepare my car?
Remove valuables and loose items, document the vehicle’s condition and keep the keys ready. Tell ShipCargo about mechanical issues or loading restrictions before booking. Review the pickup inspection and bill of lading with the driver.
Can I leave personal items in my car?
Do not assume personal items are permitted or insured. Confirm any items and restrictions with ShipCargo and the assigned carrier before pickup. Remove valuables and anything that could interfere with loading or inspection.
What insurance is available?
Every carrier must carry at least $1M liability and $100K cargo coverage, checked through Super Protect. Optional shipper’s-interest coverage is available for $99 per vehicle, with up to $200,000 coverage, separate from the carrier’s cargo policy. Coverage is subject to policy terms, exclusions and a $100 deductible.
How it works
1. Quote
Enter the route, vehicle, transport type and pickup date; review your quote.
2. Book ($0 upfront)
Confirm the shipment details and save a card; no payment is due at booking.
3. Carrier matching
ShipCargo checks carrier verification and internal performance scorecards before dispatch.
4. Pickup & payment
Review the pickup photo inspection. Your card is charged the full order total when your vehicle is picked up.
5. Track
Follow shipment status updates and estimated delivery information.
6. Delivery
Review the delivery photo inspection and bill of lading. Nothing is due at delivery.
Car shipping glossary
- Bill of lading
- The bill of lading documents the vehicle, transport details and condition inspection at pickup and delivery. Review it with the driver and retain a copy.
- Open transport
- Open transport moves vehicles on a trailer exposed to weather and road conditions.
- Enclosed transport
- Enclosed transport moves vehicles inside a covered trailer, limiting exposure to weather and road debris.
- Door-to-door shipping
- Door-to-door shipping uses pickup and delivery locations as close to the requested addresses as safely and legally accessible. Truck restrictions may require a nearby meeting point.
- Carrier vs broker
- A carrier operates the truck that physically transports the vehicle. A broker arranges transportation with carriers; ShipCargo is a logistics technology company with an AI-powered shipping brokerage and an asset-based carrier acquisition in progress.