What an automobile move is and when you need one
An automobile move is the process of transporting your vehicle from one location to another, usually across state lines or a distance too far to drive yourself. This differs from straightforward driving your car to a new home — you hire a carrier to load, transport, and deliver it while you travel separately or handle other moving tasks.
You might need an automobile move if you're relocating for work, retiring to another state, purchasing a vehicle from a distant seller, or unable to drive due to injury or mechanical problems. The carrier handles loading at a pickup location and unloading at delivery, which takes the physical strain and time commitment off you.
The cost and timeline depend on distance, vehicle type, carrier availability, and whether you choose open transport (your car exposed on a trailer with others) or enclosed transport (your car inside a covered trailer). Most moves take one to two weeks, though expedited options exist for higher fees.
Key Takeaways
- Open transport costs less than enclosed transport but exposes your vehicle to weather and road debris during transit.
- You can book through brokers, direct carriers, or freight companies, each with different pricing structures and liability terms.
- Get quotes from at least three providers and verify their insurance coverage and complaint history before committing.
- Prepare your vehicle by removing personal items, checking fluid levels, and documenting its condition with photos before pickup.
- Most carriers require a signed bill of lading that lists pickup and delivery dates, vehicle condition, and what damage claims are covered.
Open versus enclosed transport and what each costs
Open transport places your vehicle on an open trailer alongside other cars. It is the most common and least expensive option. Your car is exposed to weather, dust, and road debris during the journey. Most standard vehicles — sedans, hatchbacks, small SUVs — travel this way without issue. Open transport typically costs between $800 and $2,500 for a cross-country move, depending on distance and current fuel prices, which carriers pass through as fuel surcharges.
Enclosed transport puts your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather and debris. This option costs roughly 50 to 100 percent more than open transport and is chosen for luxury vehicles, classic cars, high-value imports, or vehicles with existing damage you want to prevent from worsening. Enclosed transport typically runs $1,500 to $5,000 or more for long distances.
A third option, terminal-to-terminal transport, means you drop your car at a carrier's facility and pick it up at another. This is cheaper than door-to-door service but requires you to handle the logistics of reaching those terminals yourself.
How to find and book a carrier
You can book through three main channels: brokers, direct carriers, and freight companies. Brokers act as middlemen — they take your request and match you with available carriers, handling paperwork but not owning trucks themselves. Direct carriers own their own fleet and handle your move from start to finish. Freight companies typically handle larger shipments but sometimes accept individual vehicles.
Start by getting quotes from at least three providers. Most offer free estimates online or by phone; you'll need your vehicle's make, model, year, current location, and destination. Compare the quoted price, pickup and delivery windows (some offer specific dates, others a range of days), and whether the quote includes fuel surcharges or if those are added later.
Before booking, check the carrier's complaint history with the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which maintains a database of safety violations and customer complaints. Ask whether they carry cargo liability insurance and what damage coverage is included in the contract. Some carriers cover only damage caused by their negligence, not normal wear or pre-existing damage.
Preparing your vehicle for transport
Remove all personal items from your car — tools, documents, valuables, and loose items in the trunk or glove compartment. Carriers are not responsible for items left inside, and some explicitly prohibit transporting personal belongings. Leave only the vehicle itself.
Check your fluid levels — oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer — and top off as needed. may support your battery is in good condition and your tires are properly inflated. If your car has been sitting unused, run it for a few minutes to confirm it starts and runs without obvious problems. If it doesn't, tell the carrier before pickup so they can plan accordingly.
Document your vehicle's condition by taking photos of all sides, the interior, the odometer reading, and any existing dents, scratches, or damage. These photos protect you if the carrier disputes damage claims after delivery. Note the mileage on the bill of lading as well.
If your car is inoperable, inform the carrier when ready. Some charge extra to pick up non-running vehicles, and others require you to arrange a tow to their facility. Clarify this before committing to a quote.
Understanding the bill of lading and insurance coverage
The bill of lading is the contract between you and the carrier. It lists your vehicle's make, model, year, and condition; the pickup location and date; the delivery location and expected date; the total cost; and what damage is covered. Read it carefully before signing. Some carriers limit liability to a set amount per pound of vehicle weight rather than the vehicle's actual value — this can mean you recover far less than your car is worth if it arrives damaged.
Ask the carrier what their standard liability limit is and whether you can purchase additional coverage. Some offer "full value protection," which covers the actual cash value of your vehicle if it's damaged beyond repair. Others offer limited liability at no extra cost but require you to purchase a separate policy if you want broader coverage.
Your personal auto insurance typically does not cover transport damage, so do not assume you're protected. Review the carrier's liability terms and consider whether additional coverage is worth the cost based on your vehicle's value.
What happens on pickup and delivery day
The carrier will contact you a day or two before the scheduled pickup window to confirm timing. Have your vehicle parked in an accessible location — a driveway or street, not a garage or tight parking lot. The driver will inspect your car, note its condition on the bill of lading, and take their own photos. Compare their notes to yours; if they've missed or mischaracterized existing damage, point it out before they load the vehicle.
Once loaded, you'll receive a tracking number or link to monitor your vehicle's progress. Delivery typically occurs within the quoted window, though delays happen due to weather, traffic, or mechanical issues with the carrier's truck. Most contracts allow a grace period of a few days beyond the promised date before you can claim a delay.
At delivery, inspect your vehicle before signing the final bill of lading. Check for new damage, verify the mileage hasn't changed significantly, and confirm all your documentation matches. If you spot damage, note it on the bill of lading and photograph it when ready. Do not sign off on delivery if you're not satisfied with the vehicle's condition.
Costs beyond the base transport fee
The quoted price is rarely the final price. Fuel surcharges fluctuate and are often added at pickup based on current diesel prices. Some carriers charge extra for pickup or delivery in remote areas, for vehicles longer than standard sedans (trucks, SUVs), or for non-running vehicles. Holiday periods and peak moving seasons (May through September) can increase prices by 10 to 20 percent.
If you need expedited delivery — faster than the standard one to two weeks — expect to pay a premium. Conversely, flexible delivery windows (allowing the carrier to fit you into their schedule) can lower the cost.
Terminal-to-terminal transport is cheaper than door-to-door, but factor in the cost and time of getting your car to and from those terminals. For most people, door-to-door is worth the extra cost for convenience.
Alternatives if standard auto transport doesn't fit your situation
If you're moving a classic or high-value car and enclosed transport is too expensive, some specialty carriers focus on luxury and vintage vehicles and may offer better rates than mainstream brokers. They typically require a longer lead time but provide more careful handling.
If you're moving a single vehicle a short distance (under 500 miles), driving it yourself or hiring a local tow service might be cheaper than a full transport contract. Compare the cost of fuel, tolls, and your time against the carrier quote.
If your vehicle is inoperable and transport is expensive, some salvage or auction companies will pick up non-running cars for free or a small fee, though you'll lose ownership. This is an option only if the vehicle's value is very low or you're unable to pay for transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride along in the carrier's truck with my car?
No. Carriers do not allow passengers in their trucks for insurance and liability reasons. You must arrange your own transportation to your destination.
What if my car gets damaged during transport?
Document the damage with photos when ready upon delivery and file a claim with the carrier in writing within the timeframe specified in your contract (usually 30 days). Provide your photos, the bill of lading, and repair estimates. The carrier's insurance will cover the claim up to the liability limit in your contract.
Do I need to empty my gas tank before pickup?
Most carriers prefer a quarter tank or less to reduce weight and fuel costs. Check your contract or ask the driver at pickup. Never leave a full tank, as it adds unnecessary weight and cost.
How far in advance should I book a carrier?
Two to four weeks is typical for standard moves. During peak season (May through September), book earlier if possible. For expedited or long-distance moves, one to two weeks may still work, but you'll have fewer carrier options and may pay a premium.
What if the carrier is late delivering my car?
Most contracts allow a grace period of three to five days beyond the promised delivery date. If the carrier exceeds that window, review your contract for late delivery penalties or compensation clauses. Some carriers offer a partial refund; others do not. Clarify this before booking.