Getting a car shipping quote is easy. Use our instant online auto transport cost calculator or call (800) 600-3750 to speak with a pricing expert. To provide an accurate estimate, we’ll need the pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, method of transport, operational condition and your shipping availability date.

To save money, consider choosing open auto transport instead of enclosed. Flexibility with your pickup date, meeting the driver near a major highway, and avoiding peak seasons can also help cut costs. Check out our car shipping tips for more money-saving strategies.

We accept all major credit cards, postal money orders, and electronic payments. If you choose to pay the remaining balance upon delivery, cash, or postal money order are accepted. 

To prepare your vehicle for shipping, make sure it is clean so that any pre-existing damage is visible. Remove all personal belongings and valuables, detach toll passes, and disable alarm systems to prevent complications. Leave about a quarter tank of gas—enough for loading and unloading but not excessive.

Yes, Direct Express Auto Transport allows you to place two pieces of luggage—such as a box, bag, or suitcase—up to 100 lbs. total in the trunk at no additional cost. Some carriers take exception to that, but we won’t use them to transport our customer vehicles. 

If the personal items are in excess of 100 lbs., some carriers will accept a small fee ($100-$300) to take the additional weight. 

Some carriers may be concerned about making it through the highway weight scales and deny extra items. 

Yes, your vehicle is protected during transit. The carrier’s cargo insurance provides coverage, usually up to $250,000. However, it is recommended to maintain your own car insurance as backup.

Car shipping costs vary based on distance, vehicle size and weight, transport type (open or enclosed), seasonal demand, fuel prices, and any extra services like door-to-door delivery. For an accurate quote, consider using our online calculator or contacting our team directly at (800) 600-3750.

Transit times are typically based on mileage—about one day for every 500 miles. For example, a 1,000-mile journey usually takes around 2-3 days. Double that for 2,000 mile routes. Triple it for 3,000 mile transits. Visit our estimated delivery timeline page for more details.

Shipping time depends on the delivery distance and type of transport selected. On average, car shipments within the U.S. take a few days to two weeks. The process includes vehicle pickup, transit, and delivery. Contact us for a customized time estimate.

Yes. An adult (18 or older) must be available at both pickup and drop-off to provide the keys, sign inspection reports, and release or receive the vehicle.

In most cases, we offer door-to-door service. If local regulations or physical obstacles (like tight streets or low-hanging trees) prevent access, the driver will arrange to meet you at a nearby open area—typically a large parking lot or store.

The car transport carriers are often huge trucks, and they need plenty of room to navigate. That is primarily why the drivers choose to meet nearby, which is in the spirit of door-to-door delivery.

Absolutely. We can transport inoperable vehicles, but please indicate this during booking. Additional shipping costs normally apply. If your vehicle cannot roll, brake, or steer, specialized equipment and labor will be required, which may result in extra charges.

One good reason to ship a car Open Transport is that it is about 33% cheaper than Enclosed Transport. Another practical reason is that there are almost 30 times more Open carriers on the road, and the chances of getting assigned faster increases, especially in remote locations. 

The best and most accurate car shipping cost calculator is Direct Express Auto Transport, who originated the first one in 2004. It has been continually updated ever since to provide the most reliable quotes and estimates to ship a vehicle anywhere in the United States.