Frequently asked questions

We work with professional agents to guarantee a timely shipping service. Plus, you can count on our team to support you 24/7 during the whole process. We are ready to help in case an issue occur. American Carship work with professional drivers who have proved themselves to be reliable and experienced to complete even the most complex job. We will never omit details regarding price rates, dates, and other important. And we have long lasting relationships with our carriers who have 5-star review ratings. Lastly, we are 100% committed to our customers and partners. Whenever you need professional shipping services, American Carship is here to help. We offer 24/7 phone, e-mail, live chat and message assistance.

Our rates are based on several different factors – size of vehicle, distance of transport, the working condition of the vehicle, time of year transport is required and the general market price for the particular route requested. By filling out a quote form on our home page, we can better estimate the exact costs.

We recommend that you schedule your move as soon as possible to insure that your vehicle is moved within the time frame which best meets you schedule. Usually, we are able to have a truck assigned and on its way to pick-up your vehicle 1 to 5 days from the date the vehicle is first available for pick-up. If your vehicle is available for immediate pick-up, we will work with you on getting your vehicle scheduled as close to the preferred date as possible. It is helpful when transportation orders are submitted approximately 5 days in advance of the available date. Scheduling your vehicle transportation in advance is helpful but it isn't always necessary.

For reservation you would need to share exact pick up and delivery address and names and phone numbers of people who is going to be on pick up and delivery and first available pick up date. Reservation is free of charge, we don’t charge anything upfront. Once we secure the spot on the trailer, you will be obliged to pay deposit. Balance is due on pick up or delivery and you can pay it with cash, cashier’s check or money order to a driver directly.

No, the quote is all inclusive. It covers door to door service, full bumper to bumper insurance, all tax and tolls paid, and personal belongings up to 100 lbs free of charge.

There are a few factors that affect the auto transport cost: route distance, vehicle size and condition (running or non-operable), the type of trailer that would be used (open or enclosed) and the season. For example if you want to ship your vehicle down to Florida, in fall, the cost will be higher due to the tremendous amount of traffic caused by snowbirds moving south to Florida.

We offer different methods of payment. The most common way to pay includes credit or debit card. Once when we find you a carrier, clients pay a partial fee that varies from 10% to 20% of the whole bill. The due balance is paid in full upon delivery. You can also pay the remaining balance (carrier pay) once your vehicle has been picked up. That way you won’t have to worry about the payment on delivery. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover.

Drivers are not allowed to accept credit cards or person checks on delivery. If you have an outstanding balance that is due on delivery, please make sure that you have cash, cashier’s check, or money order.

The main factor affecting pick-up time is location. If your vehicle has to be picked up from a big metropolitan area, your auto will usually be picked up on the exact date you need it to be picked up. Keep in mind that sometimes delays might occur due to weather, traffic, and road conditions. If your vehicle has to be picked up from a more rural area, it might take 2 or more days to be picked up.

Once we have confirmed your dates with your driver, you can expect your vehicle to arrive on time. Sometimes, there might be delays that are caused by unfortunate weather conditions, unexpected truck break downs, or other force majeure that the driver might encounter en route. Coast-to-Coast-Shipping usually takes between 7 and 10 days. Shipping a vehicle from north to south and vice versa take from 5 to 7 days. Auto transport under 500 miles should take less than 2 or 3 days, once the vehicle has been picked up.

Sure. We offer open trailer transport and enclosed transport services.

Door to door service means we would come and pick up your vehicle at any address and deliver it at any address as long as the drive-in is accessible for 18wheeler (many of the trucks are over 75 ft). If not, you can make a deal with the driver to meet him some place around the corner with the big parking lot.

Absolutely not. American Carship makes sure that your vehicle is delivered on the same truck that it has been loaded on. The only time your vehicle might be delivered by another truck is if the truck that had picked up your vehicle has broken down on a route and American Carship finds a replacement to complete your job on time.

Most drivers will load your vehicle wherever they think it is safe. Truckers have to deal with multiple factors when it comes down to loading your vehicle. They have to make sure that they fit all cars properly, so that they don’t exceed the permitted length of the truck, and they also need to make sure that they follow all federal laws, and there is no overweight on any of the axles.

Open auto transport is the most common method used to transport a vehicle. Nearly 90% of the vehicles are transported via an open transport. As there is $250.000 insurance coverage on the open transport, there is no need to worry that something might happen to your vehicle. Open transport usually costs about $300 or $400 less than the enclosed transportation. Most clients that are using enclosed transport have exotic vehicles that need the extra level of protection. As the insurance coverage for enclosed transport is higher than for open transport, it is recommended for more expensive super cars.

You can have personal belongings up to 100 lbs free of charge, and it has to be placed in the trunk or back compartment of your vehicle. If you want to place more than 100 lbs, it would be additional, and it has to be in front or back seat of the car below window level, it can not be nothing heavy and driver seat always must be empty. Personal belongings inside your vehicle will not be insured.

The Department Of Transportation prohibits the transport of household items with a vehicle while the vehicle is in transit. Personal belongings left in the vehicle are shipped strictly at the owner's risk. If the driver arrives at the pick-up location and sees that your vehicle is slammed to the ground because of the extra weight, he might ask you to remove your belongings, or charge you additionally. Truck drivers will take no responsibility for damages that arise from household items being kept inside your vehicle.

Yes, we provide full bumper to bumper insurance which means that your vehicle is insured for at least $100.000 damage of any kind for open trailer transport, and $250.000 for enclosed trailer. That includes tiny little scratch, total damage, theft, fire. Your vehicle is fully insured as long as it's on our trailer, but your personal belongings inside your vehicle will not be insured.

Your vehicle is fully insured during transit, as carriers have cargo insurance of $250K - $1 million. However, please keep in mind that damages caused by Acts of God (hail, floods, hurricanes, avalanches, etc), along with damages by road debris are not covered. However, if this is of a great concern to you, we are can arrange for your vehicle to be transported in an enclosed car carrier for an additional fee.

If you receive your vehicle and notice that there is a damage, you must immediately note it on the bill of lading. Next, call American Carship to report the damage. It will be very helpful for us to be aware of this new damage right away, so that we could resolve the issues as fast as possible. Make sure that driver does not leave without you reporting the damage on the bill of lading and the driver signing it.

We will ask you to submit both, bills of lading along with three estimates from an authorized repair shop. We will facilitate the arbitration with our carrier.

We do require someone to be present for the pickup and delivery process. Either you or anyone you authorize can be present to sign the Bill of Landing and observe our driver’s vehicle inspection. Once the inspection is complete and the Bill of Landing is signed, you may leave.

You can arrange to have a family member, a friend or a co-worker to be present on pick-up or delivery date. However, it is crucial that they are well informed about the inspection that is performed upon loading/unloading. The person who is shipping the vehicle must sign the bill of lading, where the condition of your vehicle is noted. If another person is receiving your vehicle, then they must be informed that they need to do a thorough inspection on delivery and confirm that vehicle has been delivered at same condition as it has been loaded. If there are any damages, the person receiving the car must note them on the same bill of landing.

You only need to provide the keys to the driver. Your title and insurance are not needed. You only need to sign off your vehicle that it has been picked up on the bill of lading, and then your vehicle will be on the way to its drop-off destination.

If your car should be picked up from the auction, we will require info about the company name and address, VIN, Lot and Buyer’s number prior the pick up date.

American Carship will provide you with the name and phone number of the driver as soon as a driver has been assigned. The driver will contact you 24 hours prior to the pickup, and again one hour before the pick-up on the move day. Once the driver arrives at your location, he will do an inspection on your vehicle and you will need to sign the bill of lading. Finally, the driver loads your vehicle and then, he leaves your place.

Yes, but the exact condition must be noted at the time you place your order. If your vehicle is not operable, an inoperable fee of approximately $200 will be added to the transport cost. Please, make sure that you inform us ahead of time if your vehicle is inoperable, so that we can assign the right driver to ship your vehicle.

We will provide you with information including estimated pickup and delivery times. Also, we will provide you with drivers name and phone number so you can give the driver a call directly. If he is busy and he is not able to answer, please give American Carship a call at (404) 905-6566 ()and we will be able to assist you as well.

USA CarShip is licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Our MC# is 1478460 and our DOT# is 3962868.

American Carship is a licensed broker, and so we can provide the best auto transport service. We have a network of hundreds of professional car carriers. Our network has been growing and evolving over the years, so that we could promise you a safe and timely pick-up, and prompt and transparent communication at all times. In the unlikely event of a damage, American Carship is takes responsibility to make sure that the driver’s insurance covers the damage in a timely manner.

Our carriers provide a window of time during which your car will be picked up or delivered. This can range from 2-4 hours. They will be in touch approximately prior to pickup or delivery to confirm time and place.

Before pickup day you should: 1. Give your vehicle a quick checkup. There are a few things our professional carriers need from you before they take possession of your vehicle: Gather keys to vehicle, including for gas cap and trunk if required Inform us of any aftermarket modifications Gas tank ¼ to ½ full Good tire pressure Working driver’s door and window Working brakes Charged battery No leaks 2. Remove your personal belongings. We cannot transport personal effects inside the vehicle. Please remove personal items from the interior of your vehicle. 3. Remove accessories and aftermarket parts. It’s worth taking time to remove or disconnect exterior appendages and interior accessories that could be damaged during loading or transit: Turn off all alarm systems Remove non-retractable antennae Remove dash-mounted and interior aftermarket accessories Take down luggage, ski and bike racks Don’t forget to grab your garage door opener, music collection and other personal items. Yes, even your toll transponder (e.g., EZ Pass). On pickup day 4. Confirm delivery-day contact information. You’ll review paperwork when the carrier picks up your car, confirm the delivery address, and provide the name and contact information for the person who will receive the car at its destination. It’s a good idea to supply more than one phone number. 5. Take note of your vehicle’s condition. The hand-chosen carrier will walk around your vehicle with you to note all existing damage to your car’s exterior. It’s always a good idea to take photos or video of the vehicle on pickup day to have an additional record of its condition at hand-off. Be sure to ask the driver for a copy of the Bill of Lading. 6. Sit back and relax! Your vehicle is in the hands of experienced professionals who will transport it with meticulous care, safely and in a timely manner. On delivery day 7. Perform a careful inspection. We are confident that we offer the highest level of service in the auto transport industry, and you should carefully inspect your vehicle upon its arrival. Review the Bill of Lading and compare notes with the pictures you snapped on pickup day. We trust you will find that your car has been shipped with impeccable care and attention to detail. Take time to assure yourself that your vehicle has arrived undamaged. In the unlikely event that your vehicle has been damaged, be sure it is clearly noted on the Bill of Lading. 8. Sign off and enjoy your ride! When you are fully satisfied with your vehicle’s condition at arrival, your professional auto transporter will ask you to sign the Bill of Lading and pay the remaining balance confirming successful delivery. 9. Treat yourself to a car wash on us. With our American Carship Wash Program, you can get your car washed for free. Get your car cleaned within seven days of arrival and we’ll reimburse you (up to $20) for the expense. Learn more about our American Carship Wash Program here. 10. Book your auto transport with us. You can book your transport calling (404) 905-6566 ()number or filling out online quote request. . Collect your bill of lading. Once your vehicle has arrived at its destination collect your Bill of Lading from the carrier. Hold on to this document as you’ll need to submit a copy of it to be reimbursed. Get your car washed. Choose your favorite car wash and get your car cleaned within seven days of your car being delivered. We will reimburse you up to a $20 maximum for the car wash. Be sure to keep your car wash receipt as we’ll need a copy to secure your refund. Mail us your Bill of Lading and receipt. Collect your Bill of Lading and car wash receipt and send copies to us at the address below within 30 days of your car being delivered. Once we receive these documents we’ll issue a refund of up to $20 to the card we have on file from your transport. It takes five to ten days for the refund to be applied to your card.

Please remove your E-Z Pass or any other electronic toll collection mechanism from your vehicle entirely and mail it to your destination or bring it with you. Due to the nature of the automated toll road systems, if your device is left in your car as it is transported, you will incur toll fees as if you were driving the vehicle. American Carship will not take responsibility for this avoidable expense.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what those terms mean and why it matters. Brokers find carriers and schedule shipments — prioritizing customers. Carriers own the trucks, and ship and deliver the cars — prioritizing the shipment. An auto transport management company, such as American Carship, serves customers from end to end, serving as a single point of contact from quote to delivery. When problems arise, an auto transport management company will solve them faster because these companies don’t just care for cars. They care for customers, too.

At first, this seems like a silly question. An auto transport company will transport cars and trucks, right? But here’s the thing — there are lots of auto transport options customers can choose from. Some companies ship via open-air trailer exclusively, while others offer enclosed trailer shipping, as well. There are multi-vehicle and single-vehicle shipping options. Do you need to ship a car that has been in an accident? Some companies are equipped to ship non-working cars while others only work with operational vehicles. Then there are shippers that can coordinate long-distance shipments by boat, train, or even plane.

Most customers shipping a car, van, SUV, or light truck won’t have any problems finding an auto transport company. But if the vehicle you want to ship is exceptionally valuable (like a race car or an antique car), oversized or heavily modified, or totaled after an accident, special equipment may be necessary to ship it. Not all car shipping companies have specialized towing and loading equipment, so if there’s anything unusual about the vehicle you want to ship, make sure to ask if the company can handle it safely before you book.

Getting a quote from an auto transport company should never mean that you’re under the obligation to use that company. Most shippers know that you’ll be getting quotes from other companies and are okay with that. A deposit should not be required to get a quote, so if a car shipping company will only give you a quote if you make some kind of commitment, move on. As we mention above, many companies now have online calculators that will give you a free estimate, but you’ll often get a more accurate quote by talking directly with a representative.

When you speak to an auto transport company representative directly, your quote will be more accurate because you’ll be able to explain any special needs or requests you have. Make sure you have as much information about your vehicle and your shipment available when you call so the rep can give you an accurate quote.

Make sure you double check before you book that the quote you receive is what you’ll pay. You can ask for an itemized list of what the quoted price covers and make it clear that you’d like to know now about any charges, fees, or additional costs that might not be included in the quote. That way, in the unlikely event that you are charged more, you can check your invoice against the itemized service agreement you received before you booked.

The quote you receive will not be arbitrary. The cost to ship a car is calculated using a number of factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, the distance it will be shipped, your drop-off and pickup locations, the shipping method you’ve selected, any special handling requests, whether the vehicle runs, demand, seasonal price fluctuations, and the price of gasoline. Generally, shipping a car in an enclosed trailer will cost more than shipping a car on an open carrier. If you’re shipping a vehicle between states, you may pay more than if you’re shipping it within state boundaries. International car shipping will always be more expensive due to tariffs and fees. And it typically costs more to ship larger vehicles like vans or trucks.

Ask what payment methods they accept, but don’t stop there. Many auto transport companies ask customers to pay a deposit or partial payment when a shipment is scheduled or before they drop off their vehicle. It’s less usual for a reputable car shipping company to ask for payment in full before a vehicle is shipped. Be sure you know how the company you’re talking to operates when it comes to payment, so you’re not surprised by a bill that comes due before you have received your shipment.

It’s not that hard to find out whether auto transport companies are registered and licensed, but it’s nice to hear it directly from a representative. Auto transport companies that move cars and trucks across state lines are required to have a USDOT Number by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. International car shippers additionally have to have a license issued by the Federal Maritime Commission. Once you have a company’s USDOT number, you can look up a company’s operating status, safety record, and other registration numbers here.

All reputable car shipping companies will be fully insured — it’s the law! The best companies have enough coverage to respond to any issues or emergencies that may arise. You can and should ask specific questions: What are the company’s standard shipping insurance options? Can I buy additional insurance? Should the worst happen, will your entire car be covered or just certain parts? Will there be a deductible you have to pay?

It’s a tough question, but the representative’s answer (and the speed of their answer) will give you a good idea of what the company culture looks like. Ideally, you’re looking for an auto transport company that values customers and has a solid track record of getting cars and trucks where they need to go in a safe and timely fashion. Are you getting the sense that you’re asking too many questions or that your rep is frustrated by your questions? That’s often a huge red flag.

You’ve already chosen your shipping method, but it’s nice to know what your car or truck’s journey will look like. What is the loading procedure? Will you need to help? Will the truck make stops along the way? Will your car be left alone for a long period? What happens at delivery?

First, if you need your car to ship on or around a certain date and/or to arrive on or around a certain date, make sure the person you are talking to knows that. Expedited car shipping, or guaranteed pickup, is possible, though it’s more expensive. An auto transport company may be able to offer you several time frame options at different costs.

Chances are that once your vehicle is on the road, you won’t need frequent updates. Unless, that is, you’re shipping an especially valuable vehicle or you’re shipping your car or truck on a tight schedule. Small brokers and carriers are usually unavailable after hours, which can be inconvenient or even stress-inducing. One of the reasons many people choose larger, nationwide auto transport management companies is that they enjoy the peace of mind of knowing they can get updates while vehicles are en route.

You shouldn’t have to take a road trip just to pick up your car at its destination. Larger auto transport companies will usually have the most drop-off and pickup locations available, but you should always double check that these hubs are convenient for you. Door-to-door service is often available, though it tends to cost more. When you opt for door-to-door service, the driver will deliver your vehicle directly to your home (or office) instead of dropping your car off at a terminal.

The answer you’ll receive on the phone will probably be: empty it, clean it, and have another set of keys made if you only have one. However, there are more steps that need to be taken. Check out this post for more information about what empty and clean mean in this context, and what else you’ll need to do to prepare your vehicle for its journey.

Since the bulk of car shipping involves vehicles riding on or in a truck, you might think this question is irrelevant. Problems arise, however, when customers trying to ship non-running cars and trucks don’t mention that the vehicle doesn’t run and so drivers show up without the equipment necessary to load those vehicles onto trailers. If you need to ship a non-running vehicle, make sure you clarify whether it can roll, brake, and steer. Many auto transport companies can handle non-working vehicles as long as they can do these things. Fewer are equipped to transport cars that can’t move at all or be moved safely without a forklift or other specialized equipment.

Most of the time, you’ll only need to provide your registration and insurance documentation plus a photo ID. Some auto transport companies will also require you to show the title. That’s for domestic shipments. If you’re shipping a car internationally, there will be other requirements set by the country that will receive your vehicle. If you don’t understand what the requirements are, you risk a situation where your car can’t be released from the port at its destination.

Most auto transport companies will require that an adult be present at both pickup and delivery because someone will need to hand over and then accept the keys and sign off on the paperwork (most often the inspection report and the bill of lading). However, that someone doesn’t have to be you. Typically, you can choose a friend, colleague, neighbor, or relative to be your designated agent at pickup and delivery if you’re unable to be there yourself. Make sure that the company you’re talking to allows this.