FAQs

We verify that all carriers maintain up-to-date insurance policies, including proper cargo and liability coverage, to protect your vehicle during transit. This process involves requesting an active Certificate of Insurance (COI) directly from the carrier's insurance agent. Additionally, we verify their USDOT and Motor Carrier (MC) records through SAFER (Safety and Fitness Electronic Records) and review their ratings on industry load boards to ensure reliability.

It's always a good idea to plan ahead. While we can handle last-minute requests, we recommend scheduling your shipment 2-4 weeks before your preferred shipping date. Be sure to allow a 2–3-day window for pickup. If you have any questions, our agents are ready to assist you.

The time needed to transport your vehicle depends on several factors, including the total distance. Short-haul transports typically take 1-2 days, while cross-country transports may take 7-10 days. Once a carrier is assigned, we’ll provide you with the exact pickup date and an estimated delivery date. As the delivery date approaches, we’ll keep you updated with a more precise drop-off time.

Yes, we can guarantee specific pickup or delivery dates for an additional fee to ensure those requirements are met. Most of our transports fall within the time windows our customers are comfortable with. However, please note that while your vehicle may be picked up on the scheduled day, it doesn't always mean the transport will begin immediately.

You can either pay a deposit upfront by major credit card (with a 3% processing fee and pay the remaining balance in cash upon delivery (COD), or you can pay the full amount before delivery. If you choose COD, the payment must be made with cash, a money order, or a cashier’s check.

Yes, we offer convenient door-to-door pickup and delivery services. If you live in a gated community or an area that's challenging for our large carriers to access, we’ll get as close to your door as safely and legally possible. Please note that our trucks are typically 80 feet long and about 14 feet tall, which may limit access in certain locations.

Open transport is the most common method for vehicle shipping, where cars are loaded onto open trailers and exposed to weather elements like rain, sun, and dust. It’s a secure and cost-effective option—most new cars are delivered to dealerships using open trailers.

Enclosed transport, often used for high-end or collector vehicles, offers extra protection by shielding your vehicle from the elements and road debris, reducing the risk of damage like rock chips or dirt. In addition to that, enclosed transport allows for higher cargo insurance limits, making it a better choice for transporting more expensive cars. While it does come at a higher cost, the added security and coverage make it worth considering for luxury or valuable vehicles.

First, clean your car of personal items, leaving only the registration and insurance documents in the glove box. Next, inspect your vehicle for pre-existing damage by taking clear photos of any scratches, dents, or mechanical issues for reference. Then, check for leaks and fix them before shipment to avoid complications. Afterward, check the tire pressure to ensure the tires are properly inflated for safe loading and unloading.

Once the vehicle is inspected, remove or secure loose parts like antennas, bike racks, or spoilers to prevent damage. Then, remove toll transponders or electronic devices to avoid accidental charges during transit. Keep the gas tank low, ensuring it is around a quarter full or less to reduce the car’s weight. Finally, provide the keys to the driver at pickup and communicate any special instructions about your vehicle, such as quirks or specific handling requirements, to the transport company.

Unfortunately, reserving a specific spot for your vehicle on the truck isn't possible. The driver needs to load the trailer based on factors like space optimization, the height limit of 13 feet 6 inches for highway overpasses, and the order of pick-ups and drop-offs. Reorganizing the trailer is time-consuming and affects the driver's schedule, which is tightly managed by electronic logging systems. Rest assured, the driver will arrange the vehicles carefully to ensure safety and efficiency, with the first car to be unloaded typically placed near the back for easier access.

Yes, you will be contacted prior to your vehicle’s delivery. It's important that either you or a designated person (friend, family member, or coworker) is present at the time of delivery. If no one is available or cannot be reached, the vehicle may be dropped off at a terminal, which could result in additional fees. Being reachable helps avoid any extra charges and ensures a smooth delivery process.

It is imperative that you or a designated friend/coworker/family member must be present upon the vehicle’s arrival. If you are unavailable or cannot be reached at the time of your vehicle’s delivery, it may be dropped off at a terminal, which comes with a drop fee, plus any additional storage fees that must be paid prior to receiving your vehicle.

Once you sign off on the delivery, you release the carrier from any further liability. If you discover any damage upon delivery, it must be noted on the Bill of Lading before signing. If the damage is not reported at the time of delivery, it becomes much harder to file a claim. The vehicle is fully insured during transport, but proper documentation, like pictures taken before and after, is essential to support any potential claim.

Cancellation & Refund Policy Disclaimer

By booking with Auto Transport Professionals (ATP), you agree to the following terms and conditions outlined in our Cancellation & Refund Policy. For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

• Deposit: A non-refundable amount of $250.00, charged to the credit card on file, unless otherwise stated, upon confirmation of vehicle pick-up.
• Scheduled Pick-Up Date: The date agreed upon by the Customer and ATP for the vehicle to be picked up by the assigned carrier.
• Cancellation Fee: The monetary penalty applied in the event of a cancellation, as described below, based on the timing and circumstances of the cancellation.
• Customer: The individual or entity that books the auto transport service with ATP.
• Carrier: The specific transporter assigned by ATP to complete the vehicle shipment.

Terms and Conditions:

1. Deposit Application: A $250.00 deposit will be applied to the total transport fee upon confirmation of vehicle pick-up, unless explicitly waived or adjusted in writing.
2. Cancellations Within 48 Hours of Pick-Up Date: Any cancellations made within forty-eight (48) hours of the scheduled pick-up date will result in a cancellation fee equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total transport fee.
3. Cancellations More Than 48 Hours in Advance: Any cancellations made more than forty-eight (48) hours before the scheduled pick-up date will incur a cancellation fee of $200.00.
4. Automatic Cancellation:
   • If the Customer releases the vehicle to a carrier not assigned by ATP, whether intentionally or unintentionally, this will constitute an automatic cancellation, and the applicable cancellation fees will be applied.
   • If ATP is unable to contact the Customer or any alternate contact provided for vehicle pick-up, the order will be deemed canceled, and the corresponding cancellation fees will apply.
5. Submission of Cancellations: All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email or another approved written communication method. Cancellations made via telephone will not be accepted or processed.

Acknowledgment and Acceptance:

By proceeding with your booking, you acknowledge and accept the terms outlined in this Cancellation & Refund Policy. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please contact ATP prior to confirming your booking.

Door-to-Door Transport:

Convenient pickup and delivery at locations of your choice. No need to travel to terminals, saving time and effort.

Terminal-to-Terminal Transport:

Lower costs but requires you to drop off or pick up the vehicle at designated hubs. Suitable for those with flexible schedules.

Yes, shipping a non-running car is possible. However, it requires specialized equipment, such as winches, to load and unload the vehicle. This will incur additional fees, but experienced carriers can handle inoperable cars with ease.

Step 1: Choose your transport type (open or enclosed).

Step 2: Book your shipment early, as snowbird season (fall and winter southbound and spring and early summer northbound) is a peak time for car shipping.

Step 3: Schedule door-to-door delivery to your seasonal home.

Step 4: Plan return transport before the season ends to secure the best rates.

Pricing Disclaimer:
The prices provided are approximate and can vary based on several factors, including fuel costs, seasonal demand, vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), pickup/delivery locations, and timeline. To get an accurate quote tailored to your specific route, vehicle, and schedule, contact us directly or use our online quote tool.

Example Cost Breakdown by Distance 

• 500 Miles: Approximately $500 ($1.00 per mile).
• 1,000 Miles: Approximately $1,000 ($1.00 per mile).
• 1,500 Miles: Approximately $1,400-$1,800 ($0.93-$1.20 per mile).
• 2,000 Miles: Approximately $1,800-$2,300 ($0.90-$1.15 per mile).
• 3,000 Miles (Coast-to-Coast): Approximately $1,800-$2,500 ($0.60-$0.83 per mile).

Vehicles with low ground clearance are best transported using enclosed carriers with lift gates or ramps designed with a very gradual incline. This ensures the car is loaded and unloaded safely without damage to the undercarriage.