Car Shipping FAQ

If you’re shipping your vehicle within the continental U.S., you typically do not need to provide your driver’s license, title, or registration for standard door-to-door transport. However, if you’re shipping a car internationally, specific documentation is required based on the destination country. We’ll guide you through the necessary paperwork depending on the regulations of the country you’re shipping to.

While you don’t have to be personally present, we strongly recommend that someone you trust is available at both pickup and delivery. This person should be able to hand over the keys and sign the Bill of Lading, which includes the vehicle inspection report. This helps ensure everything is properly documented for insurance and liability purposes.

The transit time for your vehicle will depend on the distance between the pickup and delivery locations. Generally, every 500 miles will add one day to the transit time. So, for a 1,000-mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. You can check out our estimated transit times for a more detailed view of approximate delivery times. Learn more about how long it takes to deliver the vehicle.

The official answer according to the FMCSA and the D.O.T. is “no.” However, a common practice is to allow between 50-100 lbs in the trunk or out of the line of sight. This is really at the discretion of your carrier, though, as they risk hefty fines and lengthy inspections for carrying anything but motor vehicles.

Absolutely. We transport vehicles from auto and salvage auctions every week. Each auction has its own release requirements, and we’ll collect all necessary details during the booking process.
Make sure the vehicle is fully paid for and ready for release before scheduling transport. If the vehicle was listed as operable but is later found to be inoperable, additional charges may apply, and the assigned carrier may need to be changed. Learn more on our auto auction car shipping services page.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport under the carrier’s cargo and liability policy, covering it throughout loading, transit, and unloading. The insurance is included in your quote at no extra cost and with a zero-dollar deductible. Our claims team ensures a smooth process if needed. For maritime transport, consult our agents for additional coverage options.

We recommend booking about a week in advance to ensure the best availability. However, we can start looking into transport options as soon as your vehicle is ready to go!

Clean your vehicle both inside and out, and take a picture of it. All personal belongings are prohibited, except factory hardware, and Remove and protect the loose parts of the vehicle. Theft during transport is rare, but extra caution is recommended to avoid loss. A vehicle may have a one-fourth (1/4) tank of fuel. Your vehicle must be operable and Make sure the auto transporter has your keys. Check the Radiator, Battery, and Tires. Disable alarms and anti-theft devices. You can find a detailed guide on how to prepare your vehicle for car shipping.

Most vehicles are picked up within the first few days of being available. The time it takes to transport your vehicle depends on the specific route and distance. Typically, delivery can take anywhere from 1 to 7 days for short to medium distances. For longer routes, it may take more time. We recommend discussing your transport details with our team to get a more accurate estimate for your specific vehicle and route. You can also refer to our service areas and car shipping times for a general idea of transport durations.

The cheapest way to ship a car is by open car transport, which is typically about 40% less expensive than enclosed car transport. Around 97% of all vehicles are shipped using open car transport, and it is a safe and reliable method. Click here to learn more about open car transport.

Yes – AutoStar Transport Express has a decade of experience in shipping non-running or inoperable vehicles, Our Experts can transport any type of non-running vehicle. Although your vehicle can’t move, it still needs to roll, steer, and brake smoothly. Make sure our transport specialist is aware that your car is not functioning.

We provide door-to-door vehicle shipping service as long as our trucks can physically reach your desired location. If for whatever reason our driver can’t get to your door (low-hanging branches, weight restrictions, etc.), he/she will liaise with you directly to figure out a convenient meeting point, such as a grocery store parking lot.

Yes, you can. As long as we have the city and zip code of your destination, we can proceed with booking a driver who is heading in that direction. You can finalize the exact address closer to the pickup date.

Yes – If your vehicle is oversized, an oversized vehicle transport service will be required. A larger vehicle occupies the same amount of space as two midsize cars.

• Military bases: Getting clearance can be nearly impossible, we will get as close as the base will let us.
• Airports: No for two reasons 1.) Near impossible to get clearance 2.) Legally we work in windows of days, not hours, and nobody wants to hang around an airport for more than a couple of hours.
• Dealerships: Sure! Just make sure we have the VIN number and hours of operation.
• Ports: Sure! We just need to know if we need a TWIC card or not, your booking number, and the hours of operation.
• Body shops: Sure! We just need to know the license plate and/or VIN and the hours of operation.
• Auctions: Sure! We just need the VIN, hours of operation, Buyer Number, and Lot Number.

Vehicles with a clearance lower than 4 inches typically require transportation on an enclosed trailer equipped with a lift gate. This is because low-clearance vehicles cannot safely be driven onto an open trailer, as there’s a risk of the car scraping or bottoming out during the loading process onto the carrier.

Yes, AutoStar Transport Express specializes in shipping high-value, luxury, and antique vehicles. We offer expert handling and competitive pricing for these types of transports, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely. Click here to learn more about our luxury car transport services.

Yes, you can book a return trip! Keep in mind that car shipping prices may change if your return date is set for more than a few weeks in the future. Our Transport Coordinators can provide personalized guidance. Feel free to reach out to us via phone or email for assistance.

We can ship vehicles of any size. You can check our detailed service page for oversized vehicle transport services. You can also call us for a specialized rate quote for oversized vehicles. Our online quote calculator cannot generate a quote for oversized vehicles because pricing is based on standard and unmodified vehicle sizes and specifications.

Yes, you can track your vehicle using our standard tracking system. Just provide your order number and the email address associated with the order to get updates on your shipment’s status.

That depends on the car shipping service you choose. It will be either an open or enclosed trailer hauling multiple vehicles. Either way, the truck will be quite large. You can call us anytime if you have questions about a carrier’s ability to bring their truck onto your street. Check our detailed information on truck transport.

It is recommended to have no more than a quarter tank of gas in your car during transport. This reduces weight and minimizes safety risks during loading and unloading.

Car shipping costs are typically calculated on a per-mile basis. The final cost depends on factors like distance, vehicle size, shipping method, time of year, and fuel prices. Additional fees may apply for special handling or insurance. To get an accurate estimate, explore the detail of car shipping prices.

You receive a range of car shipping quotes because prices depend on carrier availability, route demand, and your preferred shipping timeline. Lower quotes may take longer to get your car picked up, while higher quotes usually ensure faster transport. Brokers balance cost and speed to find the best option for you. Getting flexible with your delivery dates can help lower your cost. Get a free instant car shipping quote today!

Yes, you can pay for your car transport service using a credit card. We accept secure payments online, over the phone, or in person. Multiple payment options are available to make your car shipping experience easy and convenient.

Car shipping quotes are typically valid for 7 to 14 days. Prices can change quickly due to factors like fuel costs, carrier availability, and demand on specific routes. To get the most accurate and up-to-date price, check with your transport coordinator before booking. For questions or updates, call us at 855-881-6629.

The cost to ship a car depends on factors like distance, vehicle size, route demand, and fuel prices. Short-distance shipments typically cost less, while long-distance moves are more expensive. Market conditions and carrier availability also impact the final price.

Our experts carefully monitor these factors to provide fair and accurate quotes that balance value for you and reliable service. For more details, check our full guide on how much it costs to ship a car

Your payment includes two parts: the Reservation Fee and the Carrier Pay. The Reservation Fee secures your spot on the carrier’s schedule and is only charged once a carrier is assigned to your shipment or after you return your signed contract. The Carrier Pay covers the carrier’s transportation costs and is paid later according to your agreement. For more details, check our full guide on how to pay for car transport.

You can pay using credit card, cash on delivery (C.O.D.), full credit card payment, direct deposit, wire transfer, PayPal, or Zelle.

• Credit Card + C.O.D.Reserve with a credit card, pay the driver on delivery by cash, certified check, or money order.
• Full Credit Card Payment: Pay the full amount by credit card upfront (5% fee applies.
• Other Methods: Direct deposit, wire transfer, PayPal, and Zelle available—contact your coordinator to arrange.

No, legally no one can guarantee an exact pick-up date. However, we provide you with the carrier’s projected schedule and keep you updated throughout the process to ensure you stay informed.

Yes, we strive to provide the best fair prices for both customers and carriers. Discounts are available for active or retired military, returning customers, and those shipping multiple vehicles. Visit our discounts page to learn more.

No, there are no hidden charges. Our quote includes all costs such as pickup, delivery, and taxes to give you a transparent price upfront.

If you cancel before the first available pickup date or within 5 business days of booking, the Reservation Fee is non-refundable. If you cancel after this period, you may be eligible for a full refund of the Reservation Fee. For more details, please contact us or visit our refund policy page.

• Bonded: This signifies that a company is officially considered prepared to offer services to its customers. Essentially, being bonded mandates a company to reimburse a client for any potential damages. This safeguards the client’s concerns while also showcasing the company’s reliability, fostering smoother business operations.
• Car Hauling: This term is an alternative to auto transport. Typically, it refers to moving a vehicle over a brief distance, but it can also encompass various types of vehicle shipping.
• Co-loading: Transporting multiple vehicles in a single shipment by an individual. This method is more streamlined than dispatching several cars on separate shipments, resulting in enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Cut-Off Time: The term used in the car shipment process defines the latest time for a vehicle to be delivered to its destination.
• Lowboy: A car hauler like this has a lower deck height than the wheels so it can carry taller loads.

AutoStar Transport Express offers car transport services Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For the latest updates or holiday hours, please visit the AutoStar Transport Express website.

AutoStar Transport Express has been in the auto transport business since 2007. With over 18 years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, transparent, and customer-focused car shipping services across the U.S. and beyond.

AutoStar Transport Express operates with a dedicated team of 25 Transport Coordinators and 10 Customer Service Agents. Our main hub is in Miami, FL, with multiple support hubs located across the U.S. to ensure efficient and nationwide car transport service.

Yes, AutoStar Transport Express is fully licensed and bonded with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We operate under USDOT Number: 2239014 and strictly follow all Department of Transportation regulations. You can verify our credentials at www.safersys.org.

Dealing with a broker is the preferred way that carriers like to do business. It’s good for them and good for you. For the carrier, going through a broker means they have access to many more customers, which keeps the prices down. Good for the customer! Also, most carriers are not set up with a customer service department to deal directly with the customers, so any inquiries, status updates, or any other questions will most likely go unanswered by the carrier.

Most carrier companies are family-owned and have maybe only 1 or 2 trucks in their entire fleet, so if you book directly with a carrier and their truck breaks down, then you will have to wait for them to fix their truck. This can take weeks for them to repair their truck. With a broker, we have access to literally hundreds of carriers, and can immediately get on the phone and find another carrier who can get your car back on the road usually in a day or two. The biggest distinction between a carrier and a broker is the service area.

While brokers generally have contacts all over the United States and often internationally, most carriers travel very specific routes with limited trucks. Because they have a limited number of resources, they are prone to over-booking and therefore you may experience long delays. While carriers have the authority to physically transport vehicles, many do not meet the federal requirements for brokering your vehicle. If your automobile transport is not along their specific routes, they will be forced to give it to another carrier, sometimes illegally, putting your vehicle in jeopardy.

Our quality control department ensures safe transport with an insured and reputable carrier. Another major difference is communication. While carriers physically transport vehicles and are vital to any broker’s operation, they often fall short of keeping the customer well-informed throughout the transportation of their vehicle. If there are delays and you need to know where your vehicle is, you will wish you had a broker, whose main purpose is constant communication with the customer.

The third area of distinction between brokers and carriers is cost. While brokers have very little overhead, carriers have to contend with rising fuel prices and costly mechanical problems. These often lead to higher car shipping prices to make a profit. Brokers help carriers by keeping their trucks fully loaded. Because we provide them with this valuable service, often helping them avoid half-full loads, we get your vehicles moved at a discount.

There are many brokers in the auto transport industry, and one of the tools we all use is a National Board that connects us with truckers and allows us all to see tracking updates about what is going on in the market: how many vehicles are moving on each route, what the going rates are, how many trucks are available, etc. It also allows us to advertise the vehicles that we need to ship. What makes AutoStar Transport Express different is that we do not let the National Board do all the work for us- we have our own coveted preferred carrier lists, insider contacts, and dedicated Dispatch Department which focuses solely on reaching out to the best carriers out there for our clients. All of our carriers have up-to-date, full-coverage insurance and stellar ratings on our insider industry tools.

Bill of Lading (B.O.L.) – This inspection report is the key to making sure you are covered. If you’ve ever rented a car, you know the drill: you or whoever you designate checks the vehicle out with the driver upon pickup and delivery and notes the condition on the B.O.L. You get a copy of this inspection report upon delivery, and in the unlikely event that the vehicle is not in the same condition it left in, just give us a call and we will help you with what’s next! » DOT, MC #, Insurance Certificate, W-9 – Each of our carriers is registered with the Department of Transportation, has a Motor Carrier Number with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), proof of liability insurance coverage, and a taxpayer W-9 form on file with us. » How Much Coverage – carriers are generally insured for between $100,000 – $1,000,000; it varies by type of carrier and the number of vehicles they carry. Your vehicle will be insured for its Kelley Blue Book value. » What Exactly is Covered – The basic answer is anything at all that is driver negligence. For all the ins and outs, just call us and ask or see our terms and conditions.