Everything you need to know about shipping a car

Your price depends on distance, route popularity, vehicle size and weight, open vs. enclosed transport, whether the vehicle runs, and the time of year. We quote the true market rate carriers actually accept on your route — not an artificially low number designed to win your booking. Get your free quote above or call (732) 398-5248 for an exact price in minutes.

Most carriers pick up within 1–5 business days of your first available date. Once loaded, short routes under 500 miles typically take 1–3 days, mid-range routes 3–6 days, and coast-to-coast shipments about 7–10 days. Your dedicated advisor gives you honest timelines up front and keeps you updated throughout.

Yes. Every carrier we assign holds active FMCSA authority and cargo insurance, which we verify before dispatch. Your vehicle is covered bumper-to-bumper while in the carrier's care, and its condition is documented on the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery.

Most carriers allow up to about 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk or cargo area, kept below the window line. Personal belongings are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance, and hazardous, illegal, or high-value items should never be shipped inside the vehicle.

There is $0 upfront to book. Nothing is charged until a carrier has been assigned and dispatched for your vehicle. The remaining balance is paid directly to the driver at delivery, exactly as outlined in your order confirmation — no surprises.

Open transport uses the multi-car carriers you see on the highway — it's the most affordable and widely available option, and the right choice for most vehicles. Enclosed transport protects your car inside a covered trailer, shielding it from weather and road debris. It costs more and is recommended for luxury, exotic, classic, or low-clearance vehicles.

You or a trusted adult (18+) you designate should be present to hand over keys and sign the Bill of Lading inspection report at both pickup and delivery. Your driver will call ahead so you can plan accordingly.

Yes. We regularly ship inoperable vehicles using carriers equipped with winches or lift gates. Just let us know the vehicle's condition when you request your quote so we assign the right equipment.

Auto transport is the professional hauling of your vehicle from one location to another — usually across state lines — on a licensed car carrier. Instead of putting thousands of miles on your car, burning gas, and paying for hotels, a professional driver loads it at your pickup address and delivers it to your destination.

It's three simple steps. First, request a free quote online or call (732) 398-5248 and book your order with $0 upfront. Second, we assign a vetted, FMCSA-licensed carrier who picks up your vehicle and completes a Bill of Lading inspection with you. Third, your car is delivered to your destination, you inspect it, and you pay the remaining balance to the driver.

No. Your quote covers transport, fuel, and the carrier's cargo insurance, and we explain every line before you book. The price on your order confirmation is the price you pay — it only changes if the order details change, for example a different vehicle, a non-running vehicle that wasn't disclosed, or a new pickup or delivery address.

Yes — door-to-door is our standard service. Your driver picks up and delivers as close to your addresses as is safe and legal. If a full-size carrier can't access your street (narrow roads, gated communities, low trees), the driver will arrange to meet you at a nearby open spot such as a shopping center parking lot.

Your dedicated advisor confirms each milestone — carrier assigned, pickup scheduled, vehicle loaded, and delivery window — by phone, text, or email. You'll also receive your driver's contact information, and you can call us anytime at (732) 398-5248 for a status update.

Wash your car so its condition is easy to inspect, and take a few dated photos. Keep the fuel tank at about 1/4 full, remove toll tags and valuables, turn off or disable the alarm, fold in mirrors, and remove or secure loose parts like spoilers, bike racks, or custom antennas. Make sure the battery is charged and tires are properly inflated. Your advisor will send a full checklist when you book.

For a standard domestic shipment, you generally don't need to hand over your title or registration — the driver needs your keys and a signed Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery. Keep your registration and proof of insurance in your possession. Dealer and auction pickups usually require a release form or gate pass, which your advisor will help you arrange.

US Prime Shipping LLC is an FMCSA-licensed and bonded auto transport broker (MC# 1794487, USDOT# 4527009). Instead of relying on a single fleet, we match your vehicle with a vetted carrier already running your route, which usually means faster pickup and better pricing — and you keep one point of contact the entire time.