Key takeaways
- Auto transport is the commercial service of moving vehicles on specialized car carrier trucks. Also called car shipping or vehicle transport.
- Five steps: quote, book, carrier dispatch, transit (GPS tracked), delivery and payment.
- Open transport ships 85% of vehicles ($400–$1,550). Enclosed costs 30–50% more and is used for high-value vehicles.
- Regulated by the FMCSA. Every company must have a USDOT number, operating authority, and cargo insurance.
Auto transport is the commercial service of moving vehicles from one location to another using specialized car carrier trucks. Also called car shipping, vehicle transport, or auto shipping, the industry moves millions of vehicles across the US every year — from new cars leaving factories to personal vehicles crossing the country during a relocation.
How auto transport works
The process follows five steps: request a quote with pickup and delivery locations, book at a guaranteed price, a verified carrier is dispatched to pick up your vehicle, the vehicle is transported on a car carrier while you track it by GPS, and the vehicle is delivered to your destination. You pay when it arrives.
The process is managed by licensed auto transport companies — either brokers (who coordinate shipments) or carriers (who own trucks). Most consumers work with brokers because they have nationwide carrier-network reach. See the full step-by-step process on our how it works page.
Types of auto transport
Open transport
The most common and affordable method. Your vehicle rides on a standard multi-car carrier alongside 8–10 other vehicles, exposed to the same conditions your car faces on a normal highway drive. Used for 85% of vehicle shipments. Costs $400–$1,550. Learn more.
Enclosed transport
Your vehicle travels inside a fully covered trailer, shielded from weather and road debris. Used for luxury, classic, exotic, and high-value EVs. 30–50% more than open. Learn more.
Door-to-door
Carrier picks up at your address and delivers to your destination. The default for most shipments. Learn more.
What does auto transport cost?
$400–$1,550 for open and $650–$2,250 for enclosed, depending on distance, vehicle size, service tier, and seasonal demand. See full pricing on our pricing page.
- Under 500 mi: $400–$700 open / $650–$1,050 enclosed
- 500–1,000 mi: $600–$1,000 / $950–$1,500
- 1,000–2,000 mi: $800–$1,300 / $1,200–$1,850
- 2,000+ mi: $950–$1,550 / $1,400–$2,250
Who uses auto transport?
- People relocating for work or life
- Online car buyers (Carvana, Cars & Bids, Bring a Trailer, private sellers)
- Military families during PCS moves
- Snowbirds shipping between northern and southern homes
- Dealerships moving inventory or delivering to customers
- Auction buyers (Copart, IAAI, Manheim)
- Collectors moving classic, exotic, or show cars
- Fleet operators and government agencies
How to choose a company
Five things matter most: insurance coverage, payment model (deposit vs. pay-at-pickup), carrier verification (one-time vs. continuous), tracking (calls vs. real-time GPS), and pricing transparency (estimates vs. guaranteed).
Is it regulated?
Yes — by the FMCSA, a division of the US Department of Transportation. Every broker and carrier must register, hold operating authority (MC number), maintain insurance, and file BOC-3 process agent designation. Verify any company at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
FAQ
What is auto transport? The commercial service of moving vehicles via specialized car carrier trucks. Also called car shipping or vehicle transport.
How much does it cost? $400–$1,550 open / $650–$2,250 enclosed, depending on distance and vehicle.
How long does it take? 1–3 days for short routes, 6–9 days cross-country. Total includes pickup window + transit.
Is it safe? Yes. Millions of vehicles ship safely each year. Choose a company with FMCSA registration, insurance, GPS tracking, and verified carriers.
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