Before you go...
Before you go...
Joe brought me peace of mind. I can’t thank you enough for being so reliable and trustworthy
Joe brought me peace of mind. I can’t thank you enough for being so reliable and trustworthy
Get your vehicle shipped from anywhere and delivered to your doorstep.
Shipping your vehicle has never been easier. With a network of 40 terminals and 30 modern carriers, you can get your vehicle where it needs to be—quickly and safely from start to finish.
We offer many types of services when it comes to shipping cars and other types of vehicles, which include:
Moving is enough of a hassle, to begin with. We make things a little easier by saving you an out-of-the-way trip to the car depot.
Instead, simply get your vehicle picked up by a member of our friendly staff, and have it waiting for you at your new destination, as soon as it arrives.
Should the unimaginable happen, you can rest assured knowing that not only are our vehicles covered but so are you and your vehicle. While your vehicle is in our possession, we take total responsibility for its care.
I was out of town when the car got to Washington, so Joe took care of it until I arrived with no extra charge. He was there when I got back to greet me as well. The move was stress-free and straightforward.
A big part of being a first-rate vehicle transport company is getting your car where it needs to be on time. We don't waste any time getting your vehicle on 1 of the 30 carriers in our fleet.
Economy cars, SUVs, boats, motorcycles, and exotic sports cars—we haul it all! No matter your vehicle shipping needs, we'll help create a solution to get you there.
Why Choose A-1 Auto Transport?
A1 Auto Transport was founded way back in 1988 when Tony Taylor purchased his first tow truck in California. By 1995 A1 Auto had increased its vehicle transport fleet to over 50 auto transport carriers.
Then in 1997, we opened our first office overseas to cater to our international shipping requests for our customers. With more and more customers requiring car & vehicle transportation services to Asia, Euro, Africa, etc we expanded our coverage to meet their needs. Putting our focus on quality, reliable service we established a list of checked and vetted carriers in 2004 to ensure that you’re getting the very best service possible.
In 2008 we reached a huge milestone of successfully transporting over 500,000 shipments worldwide, all in 20 years starting from a single truck. 2011 we became cars.com's official shipper and helped safely transport more cars to more locations than ever before. By 2019 we were celebrating our 30th anniversary and servicing almost every country in the world. What will A1 Auto Transport achieve next?
Car Shipping Companies
What type of car shipping do I need? Should be one of the questions you ask yourself before searching. There are many factors you will want to consider such as:
Whether you’re looking to ship your classic Ford Mustang from California, or brand new Pagani Huayra R to Dubai take your time in searching for the right car shipping company, and ask these questions.
Vehicle Transport Industry At A Glance
Transporting vehicles locally and overseas is a job deserving of the most experienced and trained professionals. You need your car, motorcycle, van, boat, truck, or any other vehicle to reach the destination on time, in pristine condition, and as per your special instructions (door-to-door delivery, port-to-port delivery, container transport, open-air transport, etc.)
The vehicle transport industry goes much beyond transporting a car, the goal is not merely to ship a vehicle but to get it to the destination as required. Your vehicle transporter should be well-informed about the trends and requirements for shipping cars overseas or locally, insured against any possible losses, and have a track record of success in this type of work.
Logistics companies typically ask for your preference in the matter, and we, at A-1 Auto Transport, make it a point to do things specifically as instructed, based on the client's budget and any special considerations. From humble family cars to timeless classics and high-end sports vehicles, we ship everything, ensuring complete protection for your vehicle in the process. Contact us at your earliest convenience for a vehicle transport quote for the various options; we offer roll-on, roll-off transport, container shipping, overland transport, and air freight.
Plus, you can choose to have your vehicle picked up from your place and delivered straight to your new location, with our door-to-door delivery option, your troubles in the matter will be minimized. On top of this, our professional staff is more than acquainted with the import requirements for all international destinations. We'll assist you to get your car through customs and registered locally either short-term or long-term, depending on the duration of your stay overseas.
For local transport, we ensure complete protection against impact and other threats; rest assured, your car is in good hands – check out our reviews to understand what sort of reputation we've created for ourselves in the vehicle transport industry. Call us for a vehicle shipping quote, and let’s get your car moving!
Do Auto Transport Companies Offer Storage Facilities & Services?
Finally, you'll want to consider if you'll need any storage once your vehicle arrives at its destination. Most Auto Transport Companies either offer warehousing services or at least can arrange them on your behalf. It's usually best to mention this early in the process when you're getting a price quote.
Similarly, if your vehicle is not in running condition, that should be mentioned as well. There is a small additional cost that usually comes along with transporting an inoperable vehicle, whether it's because of a flat tire or a blown transmission. The additional cost is usually $100 or less, but you do need to mention it as special equipment may be needed.
We provide years of experience and industry knowledge that combine to ensure the most smooth and carefree vehicle delivery process possible for every customer.
You'll also want to remove anything that is a non-permanent component. This includes things like antennas, luggage racks, bike racks, spoilers, etc. The vehicle should be effectively empty before transport.
Taking pictures is usually a good idea for this part of the preparation as it provides clear evidence in the event of a dispute. Include any minor dents or scratches.
Companies will often tack on an additional charge for vehicles that have more than 1/4 tank of gas.
A small leak can cause big problems over the course of several hundred miles, especially if multiple vehicles are being moved at once.
This is an important step that, if overlooked, can cause big problems and long delays for the driver
Domestic car shipping costs will vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. When A-1 Auto Transport calculates your shipping costs, we will assess the following factors:
Distance – The most important factor involved in calculating the best car shipping cost is distance. Virtually every carrier charges by the mile. They set the per-mile rate based on demand, fuel costs, and other criteria. Most carriers adjust the per-mile rate as distance increases. For instance, a carrier may charge $2 per mile for trips under 500 miles and reduce that rate to $1.50 per mile if your vehicle is being transported more than 500 miles.
Weight – In the U.S., the standard gross vehicle weight limit for semi-trucks and trailers is 80,000 pounds. This includes the vehicle, trailer, and all cargo loaded on the truck. If your vehicle is abnormally heavy, then the carrier will not be able to load as many cars on their trailer. As a result, your auto shipment services may be a bit more costly than a sedan with an average weight.
Shipping Method – There are two primary transportation methods available when it comes to domestic cross-country car shipping services. These options are open car transport and enclosed trailer vehicle shipping. The open-air method is cheaper because the carrier can haul more vehicles. If you opt for enclosed trailer vehicle transport, then you will have to pay a premium because the carrier can only accommodate a few vehicles.
Season And Carrier Availability – Generally, the demand for long-distance auto shipping services is highest in the summer. As a result, car shipping cost tends to peak during this time of year. If you can wait until fall or winter, then you can usually acquire cheaper rates. However, auto shipments during the winter months are also at an increased risk of experiencing a delay. This is especially likely if your vehicle is being transported to or from a particularly frigid climate.
Delivery Method – A car transporter typically facilitates two primary delivery methods. These are known as terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door car shipping. The door-to-door option offers maximum convenience but is a bit more expensive. Terminal-to-terminal car transport reduces car shipping costs but requires you to retrieve your vehicle from a nearby receiving facility when it arrives in the city of your choice. You can quickly compare both by getting a car shipping quote.
The primary reason that shipping rates vary by season is due to demand for car shipping companies. The majority of clients want to have their vehicles shipped during the summer months. This increased demand for carriers’ resources drives up the final price of your car shipping quote.
Many clients are concerned about potential weather-related delays, which is likely why so many people schedule their auto shipping services in the summer.
Yes, A-1 Auto Transport works with a vast network of partner carriers. We can arrange fast, efficient domestic car transport. We also facilitate international car shipping to virtually every part of the globe.
However, international shipping is an incredibly complex process. If you need international shipping services, we recommend handling the booking process as soon as possible to avoid any potential delays.
In general, you should contact a car transport company about a month before you want to have your car picked up for international transport.
While we are best known for arranging world-class auto shipping solutions, we can also help you ship a variety of other vehicles and shipments. A-1 Auto Transport can facilitate the shipping of:
If it has an engine and you need it transported, we can help! We can even arrange the shipping of inoperable cars and equipment.
The easiest way to find out whether you qualify for a discount is to contact our excellent customer service team. We offer discounts to a variety of clients, including:
Not all discounts are available at all delivery times and are not available via the car shipping cost calculator. When you’re speaking with transport specialists, make sure to ask about current discount opportunities before you start the booking process. We will ensure that you get the services you need with the best rates possible.
Yes, unfortunately, gas prices do impact car shipping costs. Fuel prices are one of the many expenses that our carriers must account for when they are providing car transport services. When fuel costs rise, so do shipping rates and so will your accurate car shipping quotes via the car shipping cost calculator on the website. However, these price fluctuations are usually minimal unless fuel costs soar unexpectedly, which is why we recommend getting multiple quotes from different companies.
Distance is the factor that is most directly related to the cost of your auto shipping services. As mileage increases, so do your shipping costs. Typically, the best auto transport companies offer discounts on longer shipping requests. For example, the per-mile rate may cost $1.50 for shipments under 1,000 miles. The per-mile rate may drop to $1.25 if the shipment is over 1,000 miles. These are only generalizations and may not reflect the current prices you get from your car shipping company.
Yes, the weight of your shipment will impact rates because carriers can only haul a limited amount of cargo. The total weight of the carrier including cargo and the trailer cannot exceed 80,000 lbs GVW. Let’s say that a truck and car hauler weigh a cumulative 35,000 lbs. This means that the carrier can accommodate 45,000 lbs of cargo. A pick-up truck that weighs 7,000 lbs will consume more of the available cargo capacity than a sedan that weighs only 3,000 lbs. As a result, the owner of the pick-up will be charged more from the car shipping company for shipping.
The absolute cheapest way to ship your car domestically involves an open-air trailer. To maximize cost-effective savings and get the most reasonable price, you will also need to opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping when using the car shipping cost calculator. Upgrading to enclosed carrier transport, selecting door-to-door shipping, or scheduling the transport of a vehicle that does not run will each drive up the average cost.
An enclosed car shipping trailer offers your car maximum protection from the elements and reduces the risk of damage. However, enclosed car shipping trailers weigh more and cannot haul as many cars. This means that auto shipping companies must charge more per vehicle in order to make a profit on a shipment.
RoRo means roll-on/roll-off. It primarily refers to international car shipping services. This method involves driving your vehicle directly onto the cargo ship during the loading process. It is removed from the ship in the same manner when it arrives at the final destination.
However, vehicles that are being shipped domestically are loaded onto ground car transporter carriers via the RoRo method, as well. The only exceptions are if a single car does not run, is a bigger vehicle size or for heavier vehicles. In this scenario, the carrier will need to load the car using additional equipment.
Yes, shipping services arranged through auto shipping companies include cargo insurance coverage for every vehicle make and vehicle year. All carriers are required to carry liability insurance to accept and complete shipping assignments. However, the carrier's insurance coverage may not be enough to cover the full value of your vehicle and could require additional insurance. We recommend obtaining supplemental coverage from your auto insurance coverage provider or a third-party vendor. This is especially important if you are shipping exotic or classic cars.
Your car must be prepared for shipping when the auto transporter arrives to load the vehicle. Otherwise, you could delay the shipping process and incur additional charges. Before your scheduled pickup and delivery date, we suggest that you:
Disable the Alarm – Your vehicle is about to be transported hundreds or thousands of miles. While the auto transporter will be extremely cautious during the shipping process, they are sure to encounter a few bumps in the road. These bumps could activate your car’s alarm, which will require the carrier to stop and address the issue. Deactivating your alarm will save them a lot of time and frustration while transporting your vehicle.
Wash the Interior – Washing the interior of your vehicle serves two purposes. First, you will have one last chance to make sure that all of your personal belongings and personal items have been removed from the car. Secondly, your car will be nice and clean when it arrives at your new home.
Wash the Exterior – We also suggest giving the exterior of your car a thorough cleaning. Get rid of any dirt and debris that may present a hazard for other vehicles on the road. It will also make it easier for you to inspect your car when it is delivered.
Check for Leaks – Oil and transmission fluid leaks can present a hazard to others. All of that excess fluid can get blown around, especially if your car is being transported via an open-air trailer. The fluids may also run down and make a mess of other vehicles on the trailer. If possible, fix any leaks before arranging transport. If you cannot, make sure to notify our team so that we can pass this information on to the carrier. They will likely put your car on the bottom level of the hauler to minimize the issue.
Run the Fuel Down – Remember that you are being charged by the auto transporter for shipping services based on the distance traveled and the weight of your car. Why pay more money by filling up the tank right before transport? Before the carrier arrives, run your fuel down to about a quarter of a tank. Your vehicle will be driven onto the trailer, hauled to the destination, and unloaded. You will have plenty of opportunities to fuel up when your vehicle is delivered to your new home.
Document the Condition of the Vehicle – Thoroughly document the vehicle condition of your vehicle before the carrier loads it onto the trailer for cross-country car shipping. Take photographs from multiple angles after you have washed your car. When your vehicle is delivered, compare the current vehicle condition to the photographs you took. If you notice any discrepancies and your car does not come back in perfect condition, report them to your car movers immediately.
Remove Personal Property – Unfortunately, you cannot fill your passenger compartment and trunk up with luggage. Not only will this make your average cost more due to the added weight, but it can be dangerous. The luggage could also damage the interior of your car if it gets bounced around. To make matters even worse, the carrier could be subject to fines from the Department of Transportation. If this occurs, you may be held responsible for the violation.
Remove Toll Transponder – Having a transponder in your car to quickly pass through toll checkpoints is incredibly convenient. However, you must remove it before the auto transporter arrives for your car. If you leave it on, your account will be billed for every toll that the carrier traverses. Since your car is about to travel hundreds or thousands of miles, those tolls are going to add up quickly.
No, in the car shipping industry you cannot store luggage or spare car parts in your vehicle when it is being shipped. This can subject the auto carrier to fines, cause damage to your car, and endanger other drivers. Remove everything that is not a standard part of the vehicle. Your spare tire and jack can remain in place as long as they are secured as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Terminal-to-terminal vehicle shipping is an incredibly affordable cheap auto transport solution. Instead of arranging for the carrier to come to your door, you drop the vehicle off at the nearest loading facility for cross-country car shipping. When you arrive, the carrier will take possession of your car and load it onto the truck. Your vehicle will be hauled to the shipping terminal nearest your new home. When it arrives, you will be tasked with retrieving it from that location. Terminal-to-terminal shipping is a great choice if you are moving from one major city to another. However, it is not ideal if you are relocating to a rural area that is far from delivery locations.
Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient shipping method to fit customer-specific needs, the best way to ship when it comes to convenience, and usually results in a great experience for first-time shippers. The carrier will arrive at your residence and take possession of your car. They will haul the vehicle directly to your new home and unload it. However, door-to-door shipping costs a bit more than the terminal method.
Yes, of course. A-1 Auto Transport believes in conducting business with honesty and integrity. We are upfront about pricing when shipping a car, helping our clients to find the perfect shipping solutions for their needs. With that being said, our quotes are based on the information provided to us. If you provide inaccurate information about the vehicle, pickup and delivery location, or destination, then the estimate is subject to change. Please make sure that you provide us with the correct information for your vehicle(s) and shipping request so that we can generate an accurate estimate from top car transport companies.
Currently, A-1 Auto Transport can guarantee your car transport quote until the end of the business day. This is because the factors that impact vehicle shipping rates change daily. Fuel costs, the demand for auto shipping services, and weather can increase the cost of transporting your vehicle overnight. If you are not able to book your auto shipping services before the close of business, we will gladly provide you with a new instant quote for shipping your car.
A-1 Auto Transport can facilitate auto shipping to virtually anywhere in the world. We offer domestic and international shipping solutions through our network of partner open and enclosed carriers.
A-1 Auto Transport is proud to offer a seamless and enjoyable shipping experience for shipping your car. As part of those efforts, we accept a variety of payment methods. Online payment processing software makes it easy to reserve and pay for your shipment.
The best car shipping companies in the auto transport industry will honor all major credit cards. You can reserve your services by paying the minimum deposit. You can also pay for your services in full at the time of booking via credit card. We accept payments online and over the phone.
At a minimum, auto shipping customers should book their auto transport services approximately two to three weeks in advance. The sooner that you reserve your services, the better your chances of getting your desired guaranteed pickup dates. In addition, booking early can help you save time and money through various discount opportunities.
If you are arranging international vehicle shipping services, you should schedule the pickup and delivery date even further in advance. Typically, we suggest booking international auto shipping services three to four weeks ahead of time.
This extra time makes it easier for our team to facilitate this complex process and provide you with the exceptional shipping services you deserve.
At A-1 Auto Transport, we make every effort to accommodate the shipping date and time chosen by our clients. However, this is not always possible. Availability depends on several factors, such as how soon you book and the current demand for auto shipping services.
Even if we cannot arrange pick-up on the day you choose, we can almost always accommodate shipping within a few days in the most cost-effective way. 2-3 days from your preferred date.
The time that it will take for your delivery to arrive fluctuates depending on a variety of factors, including:
Extremely severe weather, such as a snowstorm that shuts down roadways, could delay your shipment by several days. The total distance that your shipment is traveling will also impact the time it takes to arrive. International shipping takes longer than domestic delivery, even if the total miles traveled are identical.
To provide you with a free quote, A-1 Auto Transport only needs the following information:
Once you have provided us with these basic details, our software will email you a free quote. If you have the exact pick-up and delivery address, this will improve the accuracy of the quote. However, the city and state or zip code will suffice if you don’t have the full information just yet.
Yes, you can schedule services through A-1 Auto Transport without the exact pick-up or delivery locations. You only have to provide the city and state or zip code to schedule your delivery. However, we will need the exact addresses before finalizing your services if you have chosen to use door-to-door delivery.
Yes, you can track your shipment shortly after it is loaded onto the carrier’s truck. All of our partner carriers utilize real-time GPS tracking technology so that you can get precise updates on your vehicle’s current location.
You can track your shipment with a smartphone, tablet, computer, or another internet-connected device.
Yes, someone must be present during both loading and delivery. If you cannot be present yourself, a designee can meet with the carrier at the time of pick-up. This person must be willing to sign the bill of lading and turn over the keys to the truck driver.
If no one can be present during delivery, make sure to notify our team of this in advance. We can arrange for your vehicle to be stored at a warehouse when it arrives at the final destination. Our partner carriers offer both short-term and long-term warehouse storage solutions.
The bill of lading is the official document that details what property is being received and loaded onto the car hauler. In this case, the bill of lading should include details about your car. Before signing the document, review the vehicle information to ensure that it is accurate. The make, model, year, and color of the car should all be listed on the bill of lading.
Yes, car shippers can facilitate car shipping services, even if your vehicle does not run. However, you must notify us of this fact when you’re booking your services. The carrier will need to bring additional equipment with them so that the car can be loaded onto the trailer.
If you do not notify us in advance, the carrier may not be able to load your vehicle. They will have to reschedule the transport, which will result in additional fees.
Yes, A-1 Auto Transport can facilitate oversized vehicle shipments. However, you must notify us in advance that your car is oversized and has been modified. That way, our partner carrier can allocate additional space for your vehicle on their trailer.
Vehicles that are exceptionally large or heavy will increase the rate of your shipping services. This is because they limit the carrier’s ability to haul additional vehicles.
No, your vehicle does not need to have a license plate attached when it is being transported by one of our carriers. You will need to provide proof of ownership, but no proof of registration is necessary.
If your vehicle is being transported internationally, then you may need to provide additional documentation. For instance, if your vehicle still has a lien on it, then you will need a letter from the lien holder that authorizes you to ship the car overseas. Without this documentation, the carrier will not be able to load your vehicle onto their hauler.
The answer to this question depends on the type of shipping services that you choose. If you opt for open car transport, then the carrier will arrive in a traditional semi-truck that is attached to a car hauler. If you choose enclosed shipping, the carrier will arrive with an enclosed trailer type that is designed specifically to haul cars long distances.
While it is a bit more expensive option, enclosed transport services offer your car maximum protection from the elements. We generally recommend enclosed transport if your vehicle is classified as being exotic, classic, or high value. These vehicles are difficult — if not impossible — to replace.
When you choose this shipping option, the carrier will load your car into an enclosed trailer and strap it down to minimize movement during transport.
Yes, A-1 Auto Transport arranges thousands of these types of shipments every single year. While most auctions offer shipping services, they often cost a premium and can take weeks to deliver your car.
A-1 Auto Transport’s shipping services are a cost-effective and reliable alternative. We will coordinate with our partner carrier and the auctioneer to collect your car. Our carrier will deliver your new purchase to your residence in no time.
Our partner carriers are trusted members of the auto transportation community. We have facilitated the transport of hundreds of classic and exotic cars. A-1 Auto Transport and our partners can safely ship your rare vehicle anywhere in the world.
“It’s my number one pick in auto shipping to this day.”
“You have my full support and recommendation!”
“I can safely say this is a legit company that will get the job done.”
“We give A1 Auto Transport a big 10 out of 10!”
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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:
