Question 1

How much does it cost to ship a car?

Accepted Answer

Auto transport rates vary based on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and current carrier availability. As a general guide, short hauls under 500 miles typically range from $300 to $700. Mid-range routes between 500 and 1,500 miles typically range from $700 to $1,400. Cross-country routes over 1,500 miles typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 or more. Enclosed transport runs approximately 30 to 50 percent higher than open carrier pricing. Every quote we provide reflects live carrier spot-market rates — not stale averages — so the number you see is what carriers will actually accept.

Question 2

Is there a minimum shipping distance or cost?

Accepted Answer

We handle shipments of any distance with no minimum mileage requirement. However, moves under 100 miles carry a minimum charge of $300. While short-distance moves are operationally possible, they are generally less efficient for a broker model — we want to be upfront about that so you can make the best decision for your situation.

Question 3

How quickly will I receive my quote?

Accepted Answer

During our operating hours — 8AM to 10PM Monday through Saturday — most customers receive a response within minutes of submitting their quote request. Requests submitted outside those hours will be addressed first thing the following morning. Every quote reflects live carrier market rates at the time it is generated.

Question 4

Are there any hidden fees in your quotes?

Accepted Answer

No. Our quotes are transparent and itemized — our broker fee is disclosed upfront and quoted separately from your carrier cost — you always know exactly what we charge, no surprises. No deposit is required to book. The price you are quoted is the price you pay — we do not use bait-and-switch pricing or issue last-minute rate increases after booking.

Question 5

Why do auto transport quotes change after pickup?

Accepted Answer

Bait-and-switch pricing is one of the most common complaints in the auto transport industry. It typically happens when a broker provides an artificially low quote to win the booking, then presents a higher number at pickup — often blaming carrier market conditions or vehicle size discrepancies. At Approved Auto Transport, your broker fee is locked at booking and confirmed in writing. Your carrier rate reflects live market conditions at the time of quote. We do not issue last-minute rate increases after a carrier has been assigned and confirmed.

Question 6

How does the auto transport process work?

Accepted Answer

The process has four steps. First, you submit a quote request and we provide a live market rate. Second, we vet and dispatch an FMCSA-verified carrier for your route. Third, at pickup, the driver completes a Bill of Lading — a documented condition report of your vehicle that serves as your legal protection during transit. Fourth, at delivery, you complete a final walk-around inspection with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading only after confirming the vehicle arrived in the same condition it left.

Question 7

What is a Bill of Lading and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The Bill of Lading is a legal document completed at both pickup and delivery that records your vehicle's exact condition — existing scratches, dents, and any pre-existing damage — before transport begins. It is your primary legal protection if any damage occurs during transit. Never sign the Bill of Lading at delivery if you notice new damage without first noting it on the document. We walk every customer through this process so nothing is missed.

Question 8

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

There is no cancellation fee if you cancel before a driver has been assigned and scheduled for pickup. If a driver has already been dispatched and assigned to your order, a cancellation fee applies. This is because canceling after dispatch leaves an empty spot on the carrier that the driver cannot easily fill on short notice, resulting in a real financial loss. We work to minimize any cancellation costs and will provide a partial refund wherever possible. We are transparent about this upfront because we believe you deserve to know the terms before you book.

Question 9

How do I pay and what payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We process payment securely by credit or debit card before dispatch — no cash, no COD, no payment exchanges with the driver at pickup or delivery. Your carrier cost and broker fee are both confirmed in writing before your vehicle moves. No deposit is required until a licensed, insured carrier is assigned and confirmed for your shipment.

Question 10

What happens if my vehicle is damaged during transport?

Accepted Answer

If damage occurs during transport, note it on the Bill of Lading at delivery before signing — do not sign a clean Bill of Lading if damage is present. Photograph the damage immediately. Contact us directly and we will guide you through the carrier's insurance claim process. Every carrier we dispatch carries active cargo insurance verified before dispatch. Your Bill of Lading completed at pickup serves as the legal record of your vehicle's pre-transport condition and is the foundation of any damage claim.

Question 11

How do you vet the carriers you use?

Accepted Answer

Every carrier we dispatch is verified in real time for active FMCSA operating authority, current cargo insurance coverage, and clean CSA safety scores before they are assigned to any shipment. We do not dispatch carriers with lapsed authority or insufficient insurance — no exceptions. Our USDOT number is 9677802 and MC number is 45556873, both verifiable on the FMCSA SAFER system.

Question 12

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every carrier in our network is required to carry active cargo insurance as a condition of dispatch. The Bill of Lading completed at pickup documents your vehicle's pre-transport condition and serves as the legal record if any claim becomes necessary. We verify insurance currency before every dispatch — not just at onboarding.

Question 13

What is the difference between a broker and a carrier?

Accepted Answer

A carrier physically transports your vehicle on their truck. A broker like Approved Auto Transport sources, vets, and dispatches carriers on your behalf — handling documentation, insurance verification, pricing, and accountability throughout the process. The advantage of working with a licensed broker is access to a vetted carrier network across all 50 states, a single point of contact from booking to delivery, and legal recourse if something goes wrong. The risk of booking directly with an unvetted carrier is carrying that verification and accountability burden yourself.

Question 14

Are you licensed and bonded?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Approved Transport Group LLC operates as a fully licensed and bonded auto transport broker registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under USDOT# 9677802 and MC# 45556873. Our bond is active and our authority is in good standing. Both are publicly verifiable on the FMCSA SAFER system at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Question 15

How do I know if an auto transport broker is legitimate?

Accepted Answer

A legitimate auto transport broker must hold active operating authority issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any broker's license, bond status, and authority at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov using their USDOT or MC number. Approved Transport Group LLC operates under USDOT# 9677802 and MC# 45556873 — both publicly verifiable and in good standing. Any broker unwilling to provide these numbers on request should be treated with caution.

Question 16

Can you ship a non-running or inoperable vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We transport inoperable vehicles using specialized equipment including winch-loaded carriers. Non-running vehicles typically carry a surcharge due to the additional equipment and time required for loading and unloading. Please note this when requesting your quote so we can provide an accurate rate.

Question 17

Can you ship a classic, luxury, or exotic vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we strongly recommend enclosed transport for high-value vehicles. Enclosed carriers provide full protection from weather, road debris, and UV exposure. We dispatch enclosed carriers with soft-tie systems and lift gates for low-clearance vehicles. For vehicles with significant monetary or sentimental value, enclosed transport is the right choice — the premium over open carrier pricing is modest relative to the protection it provides.

Question 18

How much fuel should be in the tank when the carrier picks up?

Accepted Answer

We recommend keeping the fuel level around one quarter of a tank. A full tank adds unnecessary weight which can affect transport costs. Near-empty tanks can cause issues with moving the vehicle on and off the carrier. One quarter to one half tank is the industry standard recommendation.

Question 19

Can I leave personal belongings in the car?

Accepted Answer

Most carriers permit personal items in the vehicle up to 100 lbs, and this is generally acceptable. However there are important conditions. You must inform your agent of any items left in the vehicle and provide your best estimate of the total weight at the time of booking. If a driver arrives and the actual weight exceeds what was disclosed, it can create a problem at pickup — the driver has the right to refuse the load or charge additional fees on the spot. Personal belongings are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance policy under any circumstances — only the vehicle itself is insured during transport. If items are lost or damaged in transit there is no recourse through the carrier's insurance. Keep valuables, irreplaceable items, and anything exceeding the 100 lb threshold out of the vehicle entirely. When in doubt, contact your agent before pickup and we will confirm what is acceptable for your specific carrier assignment.

Question 20

How long does auto transport take?

Accepted Answer

Transit times depend on distance and route. Short hauls under 500 miles typically take 1 to 2 days. Mid-range routes between 500 and 1,500 miles typically take 2 to 4 days. Cross-country routes over 1,500 miles typically take 5 to 9 days. These are transit times after pickup — total time from booking to delivery also includes carrier assignment, which typically takes 1 to 3 business days depending on route demand and your pickup window flexibility.

Question 21

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

Booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance gives you the best combination of carrier availability and competitive pricing. Last-minute bookings within 48 to 72 hours are possible on high-demand routes but typically command a premium. If your move has a fixed date — a lease start, a job start, a closing date — book as early as possible to protect your timeline and your rate. For urgent moves, contact us directly — we've placed carriers within 24 hours on high-demand corridors.

Question 22

Can you ship to or from Hawaii or Alaska?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hawaii and Alaska shipments require additional coordination beyond standard over-the-road transport. Hawaii routes require ocean freight via container or roll-on roll-off vessel from a West Coast port. Alaska routes combine over-the-road and ferry or ocean freight depending on the destination. These routes require more lead time and carry higher rates than continental US shipments. Contact us directly for Hawaii and Alaska quotes.

Question 23

Will the carrier come directly to my door?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes — we provide true door-to-door service wherever the carrier can safely and legally access. In some dense urban areas or neighborhoods with low bridges, tight streets, or weight-restricted roads, the carrier may need to arrange a nearby meet point for the final exchange. When this is necessary we coordinate a convenient and secure location close to your address and communicate it clearly in advance.

Auto Transport FAQ

Pricing & Quotes

The Transport Process

Carrier Safety & Credentials

Vehicle Specific

Timing & Logistics

Still have questions?