How to Ship a Car
Safe, Easy, Affordable Car Shipping Nationwide
Shipping my car with Speedy was a great decision. Their service was reliable, affordable, and couldn’t have been easier.
How Auto Transport Works: Our Simple, Easy Steps
Shipping a car can seem like a daunting task, but with the help of Speedy Car Shipping, it can be quick, & easy. At Speedy Car Shipping we believe in making things easy for our customers.
Here are the steps you need to take to get your car transported. We’ll go through everything in detail so you’ll appreciate how auto transport can be an easy and convenient process.
Step 1: Schedule Your Car Shipment Online or Over the Phone
To get a free, all-inclusive quote for your auto shipping order, please complete the form above or call us to speak with one of our car shipping professionals. The quote includes all taxes, fees, and full insurance coverage. You can select between open or enclosed transport, and choose a date that works for your schedule. Between our many transport options, you’re bound to find a price that works for you.
Speedy Car Shipping is different because we offer:
An Easy Shipping Process
Your dedicated transport specialist will handle your entire vehicle transport from A-Z.
No Deposits, No Hidden Fees
Unlike most auto transport companies, we do not require a deposit upfront to guarantee your delivery.
Best Price Guarantee
Our prices are already industry-leading, but if you find a better offer from an A-rated or 5-star company, we’ll match it.
Special Discounts
Available for senior citizens, military, multiple vehicles, dealerships, and repeat customers.
Money-back Guarantee
If we don’t dispatch a driver to pick up your vehicle, you pay nothing.
To book your auto transport service, all that’s needed is your pickup and delivery address, as well as contact names and phone numbers at each location. Once we receive that, we’ll contact our network of car carriers to schedule your transport. In the meantime, you’ll receive a digital contract with all the terms of your vehicle transport in writing. This includes your guaranteed price and 100% bumper-to-bumper coverage. You can sign the contract on a smartphone or computer, then your order will be confirmed!
One of our expert auto transport dispatchers will schedule the pickup of your vehicle at the time and place of your choosing. When you ship a car with Speedy, we do our very best to work around your schedule!
Step 2: We Will Pick up and Track Your Vehicle
To prepare your vehicle for transport, clean it inside and out, remove valuable personal items, and make sure there’s at least a quarter tank of gas for loading and unloading it off of the car hauler. On car pickup day, you or someone your authorized onsite contact will inspect your vehicle with your driver to notate any pre-existing damages and other concerns. This goes on a document called a Bill of Lading. Once the Bill of Lading and the inspection report are signed, your car will be on its way to your destination.
Step 3: Your Vehicle Arrives at The Destination
We’re excited to help you reunite with your vehicle! Your driver will get as close to your address as safely and legally possible, and give you a call ahead of time so you can meet them at the destination.
Any balance due will be paid directly to the driver (usually by cash or cashier’s check) upon delivery. After the car is off the truck, you and the driver will check your car for any damage. Once satisfied, you’ll sign the Bill of Lading and you’re done! Shipping can be a headache with other car moving companies, but Speedy Car Shipping makes it a breeze.
Frequently Asked Car Shipping Questions
Have questions about shipping your car? We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to answer the most frequently asked auto transport questions. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, contact our customer care team, we’d be happy to assist you.
What You Need to Know When Transporting a Vehicle
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Our instant quote calculator takes all the guesswork out of car shipping costs. Simply enter the details of your shipment above to get one flat-rate price that includes shipment, insurance, taxes and fees.
If you’re wondering how the cost is calculated, it depends on several factors such as pickup and delivery locations, distance, type of vehicle, and condition of the vehicle. Other factors include open or closed transport, the time of year and how many drivers are on your route. To get an exact quote for your transport needs, it’s best to use our instant quote system or speak with one of our specialists who can help tailor a transport plan specifically for you.
Can I leave items in my vehicle?
The Department of Transportation has rules about what you can and cannot place on your vehicle when it’s being transported. You can leave up to 100 lbs of personal items in the vehicle, but note that personal belongings (items not related to the car itself) are not insured by the carrier. So make sure that you clear out all valuable personal belongings from the car such as clothes, furniture, gadgets, and electronics.
How long does it take to ship a vehicle?
It completely depends on the pickup and destination locations, but the average trip usually takes 3 – 5 days. For instance, transporting a vehicle from the Midwest to the West Coast may take 3-5 days, while the transit time from coast to coast usually takes 7 to 10 days.
How far in advance should I book?
To get the best service and to ensure your vehicle is transported on the date you need, we suggest you book your transport at least a week in advance. However, if you need to book sooner, we do have expedited services available.
Does the size of my vehicle matter to the cost?
Yes – The size of your vehicle will determine whether an oversized vehicle transport service is required. Larger vehicles can take up the same amount of space as two conventional mid-size cars.
Do you guarantee pick up/delivery date?
No – Although we are very accurate and try to stick to our scheduled pickup/ delivery dates, we do ask for a 2-3 day window for most common metropolitan areas and a slightly larger window for uncommon areas. We will always work within your timeframe so it’s best to speak with us on the phone if you have any firm dates for pickup and delivery.
Can I get a status update during transit?
Yes – You can contact us via phone or email to request an update in regards to the status of your vehicle. We can provide you with a status update for your order once we contact the driver.
What are your forms of payment?
For deposits, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover as forms of payment. The remaining amount is due upon delivery and must be paid in cash or by a certified bank check to the driver.
Is my booking deposit refundable?
Yes. If your order is canceled before your car is picked up, you will receive a full refund of your booking deposit (minus any applicable cancellation fees). If you cancel your order after your car has been picked up, a refund will not be possible.
Are there any hidden charges?
No – All transportation charges are included in our Quote. Pickup, delivery, insurance, and taxes are all covered by your quote.
Auto Transport Brokers vs. Carriers: Roles, Similarities, and Differences Explained
Auto Transport Brokers vs. Carriers
Auto transport brokers are companies that act as a intermediaries between you and the carrier. They don’t have their own fleet of trucks, so they don’t pick up and deliver vehicles for their clients. They are the ones who charge the deposit and find the appropriate car carrier for you. They typically have a large network of carriers they work with, so they can find the best price and service for you. They have direct access to a wide range of car transporters through National Dispatch Boards, they also often negotiate and strategize with carriers for better rates. Auto Transport Carriers utilize their own fleet of trucks to transport automobiles.
Why you should work with a broker instead of a carrier
Choosing to work with an auto transport broker is your safest bet to get your vehicle delivered safely and reliably. The auto transport industry is regulated by using brokers to make sure that customers are not exploited by unreliable carriers. Brokers have access to industry specific databases and tools that allow them to verify insurance and licenses, view driver ratings, and get the best prices for their clients. Without using a broker, you run the risk of working with an unreliable, uninsured car carrier, opening yourself up to receiving a damaged vehicle with little form of recourse.
Reputable car shipping companies know which drivers and carriers are the best for any particular route in terms of price and reliability. If you don’t work with a broker, you’ll have to research and find carriers on your own.
Once you find a carrier that works in your area, you’ll have to wait for them to have enough demand on your route to take your job. If you work with a broker, the broker will be able to find you an appropriate carrier much faster as they have access to industry-specific directories and websites that are closed to the general public. Without these tools it will be difficult to verify that the carrier carries insurance for carrier error. If you don’t work with a broker, you are opening yourself up to a substantial financial loss.
In short, working with a broker ensures that your car will be best taken care of and shipped as efficiently as possible.
How do auto transport brokers work?
The primary function of the car transporting brokers is to locate and evaluate the best carriers for each client, based on their specific needs. Another important duty is to manage or coordinate all automobile shipments on behalf of their clients.
What Auto Transport Brokers and Car Carriers Have in Common
Auto Transport Brokers and Auto Transport Carriers must obtain a license and other regulations needed in the vehicle transportation business from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) before they operate as a car transport broker or a carrier.
What is Speedy Car Shipping?
Speedy Car Shipping is a top-rated auto transport company that specializes in shipping vehicles. We only work with carefully screened and licensed carriers, and we also make sure each carrier’s insurance policy is current should there be any problems. Should the driver cause any damage to the vehicle, it will be covered. We don’t actually carry the cars ourselves but instead work with our vetted network of carriers to get your car where it needs to go. We take the guesswork out of car shipping, so you can spend time on other things. Use our instant quote calculator above or call us today for a free quote on your car shipment.
