Best Car Shipping Company - A1 Auto Transport

Regarding domestic vehicle hauling, costs can vary based on several key factors. At A-1 Auto Transport, we evaluate the following elements to provide you with an accurate estimate:

• Distance:  Distance plays a crucial role in determining your vehicle hauling costs. Most carriers charge based on the miles traveled. Rates are influenced by factors such as demand and fuel prices. Typically, as the distance increases, the per-mile rate decreases. For example, you might see a rate of $2 per mile for trips under 500 miles, which could drop to $1.50 for longer distances.
• Weight:  In the U.S., the standard gross auto weight limit for semi-trucks and trailers is 80,000 pounds, covering the vehicle, trailer, and all cargo. If your vehicle is hefty, it may limit the number of autos a carrier can haul at once, potentially raising costs compared to a standard sedan.
• Method: There are two main moving methods for cross-country vehicle hauling: open-air transport and enclosed trailer delivery. Open-air is generally more cost-effective since carriers can ship more vehicles. Enclosed trailer delivery, while providing extra protection, usually comes at a higher price because fewer vehicles can be accommodated.
• Season and Carrier Availability: Car shipping costs often peak in the summer due to higher demand. If you’re flexible with your timing and can plan your move for fall or winter, you might secure better rates. However, winter shipping can sometimes result in delays, especially if moving to or from colder regions.
• Delivery Method: Regarding delivery, you typically have two options: terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door. Door-to-door service offers maximum convenience, though it is generally more expensive. Terminal-to-terminal transport can lower costs, but you’ll need to pick up your vehicle from a nearby terminal when it arrives. You can compare these options by getting a detailed vehicle hauling quote.
   

Vehicle hauling rates fluctuate throughout the year primarily due to varying demand. During the summer months, the demand for vehicle moving services typically peaks as many clients choose to relocate or travel. This surge in demand can lead to higher costs as carriers adjust their prices to match the increased need for their services.

Another factor influencing seasonal rates is the concern over weather-related delays. Many customers prefer to schedule their auto delivery during the summer to avoid potential issues with adverse weather conditions. This seasonal preference contributes to higher rates as carriers work to accommodate the higher volume of requests.

Absolutely! A-1 Auto Transport partners with a broad network of carriers to offer efficient and reliable vehicle moving services both domestically and internationally. Whether you need to move your vehicle within the U.S. or across borders to virtually any destination around the world, we've got you covered.

International car hauling involves intricate logistics, so starting the booking process well in advance is best. We recommend reaching out about a month before your preferred pickup date to ensure a smooth and timely experience.

With our extensive experience and global network, we make international vehicle shipping as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

At A-1AT, we’re renowned for our top-notch vehicle hauling solutions, but our expertise doesn’t stop there. We’re equipped to handle a wide range of shipments and types of transportation. Whether you need to move:

• Motorcycles
• SUVs
• Exotic cars
• Pickup trucks
• RVs
• Boats
• Heavy equipment
• Non-mobile machinery
• Household goods
• Golf carts
• ATVs
• UTVs
• Snowmobiles
• Freight
• And more….

We've got you covered if it has an engine or requires careful handling. We even specialize in arranging the transport of inoperable vehicles and equipment, ensuring a smooth and reliable experience for all your shipping needs.

Contact our dedicated customer service team to find out if you qualify for a discount. We offer a range of discounts for veterans, military personnel, college students, seniors, government employees, and dealerships. Additionally, we have seasonal promotions and offer savings for shipping multiple vehicles. Discounts may not always appear in our online cost calculators, so it’s important to inquire about current discount opportunities when speaking with our transport specialists. We’re committed to providing the best rates and ensuring you get excellent value for your vehicle moving needs.

Yes, gas prices do influence vehicle hauling costs. Fuel is a significant expense for carriers when providing auto-moving services. As fuel prices increase, so do the rates for transporting your car. These fluctuations in fuel costs can affect your car hauling quote, although changes are typically minor unless there is a significant rise in fuel prices. To ensure you get the best rate, it's a good idea to obtain quotes from multiple companies and compare them.

Distance is the most significant factor affecting the cost of your vehicle moving services. As the distance increases, so does the cost. Typically, auto transport companies offer better rates for longer distances. For instance, the cost per mile might be $1.50 for shipments under 1,000 miles but could decrease to $1.25 for shipments over 1,000 miles. These rates are general estimates and may vary based on current pricing from your auto-moving service provider.

Yes, the weight of your shipment significantly affects the cost. Carriers have a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) limit of 80,000 lbs, which includes the weight of the truck, trailer, and cargo. For example, if a truck and car hauler together weigh 35,000 lbs, they can carry up to 45,000 lbs of cargo. A heavier vehicle, like a pick-up truck at 7,000 lbs, will take up more cargo capacity than a lighter sedan at 3,000 lbs. Consequently, heavier vehicles will generally incur higher shipping costs due to the increased burden on the carrier's capacity.

An open-air trailer is the most cost-effective method for shipping your car domestically. To further reduce costs, choose terminal-to-terminal delivery, which is generally cheaper than door-to-door service. Upgrading to an enclosed carrier or opting for door-to-door delivery will increase the cost. Additionally, dispatching a non-running vehicle can also add to the expense. For the best rates, select these basic options and use a cost calculator to get an accurate quote.

Shipping your car in an enclosed carrier offers superior protection from environmental factors and reduces the risk of damage. However, enclosed trailers are heavier and have a lower capacity, which means they can ship fewer vehicles at a time. This limitation results in higher costs per vehicle to ensure the carrier remains profitable.

RoRo, or roll-on/roll-off, is a method primarily used for international car freighting. It involves driving your vehicle directly onto a cargo ship during loading and driving it off at the destination. Domestically, RoRo is also used for ground transport, except in cases where the vehicle is non-operational, oversized, or heavier, in which case special equipment is needed for loading.

Yes, A-1 Auto Transport includes cargo insurance coverage for every vehicle we ship. Our carriers are required to carry liability insurance to handle shipping assignments. However, this coverage may not fully protect the value of your vehicle. For high-value or classic cars, we recommend considering additional insurance through your auto insurance provider or a third-party vendor to ensure complete protection.

No, storing luggage or spare parts in your vehicle during shipping is prohibited. This practice can lead to fines, potential damage to your car, and safety risks. Remove all non-standard items from the car before moving. Spare tires and jacks can remain as long as they are properly secured according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Terminal-to-terminal vehicle shipping is a cost-effective option for auto transport. Instead of scheduling a door-to-door pickup, you deliver your vehicle to a designated loading terminal. From there, the carrier transports your car to the nearest terminal to your new location. Once it arrives, you collect it from that terminal. This method works well for moves between major cities but may not be suitable for rural areas far from terminal locations.

Yes, We offer free estimates for car delivery services. We are committed to transparency and integrity, ensuring you receive clear and accurate pricing. Our quotes are based on the details you provide, so it's important to supply correct information about your vehicle, pickup, and delivery locations. This helps us generate the most accurate estimate possible.

Your instant quote from A-1 Auto Transport is valid until the end of the business day. This time-frame reflects that vehicle shipping rates can fluctuate daily due to factors like fuel costs, demand for services, and weather conditions. If you cannot book your car delivery services by the end of the day, we are happy to provide a new quote to ensure you get the most accurate pricing for your shipment.

We can haul your vehicle to virtually any location worldwide. Our extensive network of reliable open and enclosed carriers provides both domestic and international moving options.

A-1 Auto Transport offers a smooth and convenient payment process for your auto shipping needs. We accept various payment methods, and our online payment system makes it simple to reserve and pay for your shipment securely.

Yes, you can make full payment via credit card. We accept all major credit cards for both deposits and full payments. You can handle your payment securely online or over the phone, ensuring a smooth and efficient booking process.

For optimal service and to secure your preferred pickup dates, booking your auto-hauling services about two to three weeks in advance is best. Early booking also allows you to potential discounts and helps streamline the process. For international shipping, we recommend scheduling your shipment three to four weeks ahead of time to accommodate the more complex logistics involved. This extra lead time allows us to provide the best service for your global vehicle transport needs.

At A-1 Auto Transport, we strive to accommodate your preferred shipping date and time. However, availability may vary based on booking lead time and current demand for auto moving services. While we may only sometimes be able to schedule your preferred date, we can typically arrange for delivery within 2-3 days of your requested time-frame. We aim to offer the most cost-effective and convenient solution for your vehicle moving needs.

Delivery times vary based on several factors, including:

• Weather: Severe weather conditions, like snowstorms, can cause delays by shutting down roadways and impacting transport schedules.
• Unexpected delays: Issues that arise unexpectedly can affect delivery times, potentially extending the hauling period.
• Distance: The greater the distance your vehicle must travel, the longer the delivery will take. International shipping generally requires more time than domestic deliveries, even if the distances are similar.
• Shipping type: Whether your shipment is domestic or international will also influence the delivery timeline.

Together, these factors determine the overall delivery duration.

To generate a free quote, We require the following information:

• Pick-Up Location: The city and state or zip code where your vehicle will be picked up.
• Delivery Location: The city and state or zip code where your ride will be delivered.
• Vehicle Details: The year, make, and model of your vehicle.

Providing the exact pick-up and delivery addresses will enhance the accuracy of your quote. However, if you only have the city and state or zip code, that information will still allow us to provide an estimate.

Yes, you can schedule auto transport services with A-1AT using just the city and state or zip code for pick-up and delivery locations. If you opt for door-to-door delivery, we'll need the exact addresses before finalizing the services.

Yes, you can track your vehicle shipment once it's loaded onto the carrier's truck. Our partner carriers use real-time GPS tracking technology to provide accurate updates on your vehicle’s location. You can easily track your shipment using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or any other internet-connected device.

Yes, someone needs to be present during both loading and delivery. If you cannot be there, you can designate someone to meet the carrier at pick-up. This person must be ready to sign the bill of lading and hand over the vehicle keys.

Please inform our team in advance if no one can be available during delivery. Upon arrival, we can arrange for your vehicle to be stored at a warehouse. Our partner carriers offer both short-term and long-term storage options.

The bill of lading is an official document that records the details of the property being loaded onto the vehicle hauler. For car shipping, this document includes essential information about your car, such as its make, model, year, and color. Before signing, carefully review the bill of lading to ensure all details are accurate. This document serves as a crucial record for both you and the carrier.

Yes, you can ship your vehicle even if it does not run. It is important to inform us about this when booking your services, as the carrier will need to bring additional equipment to load the non-operational ride onto the trailer. Please notify us to ensure the carrier can load your vehicle on the scheduled date, leading to rescheduling and additional fees.

Yes, A-1 Auto Transport can handle the shipment of oversized vehicles. It's crucial to inform us in advance if your auto is oversized or has been modified so we can arrange the necessary space on the carrier’s trailer. Remember that oversized vehicles may incur higher shipping rates due to their impact on the carrier’s capacity to move additional vehicles.

No, your vehicle does not need a license plate attached during transport. However, you must provide proof of ownership. Additional documentation may be required for international shipments. For example, if your vehicle has an active lien, you will need a letter authorizing the international shipment from the holder. Without this documentation, the carrier cannot load your auto onto their hauler.

The type of semi-truck used for your vehicle's haul depends on your chosen shipping method. For open car transport, the carrier will use a traditional semi-truck with an attached open car hauler. If you opt for enclosed, the carrier will use a specialized enclosed trailer designed for protecting vehicles during long-distance hauls.

Enclosed moving provides top-notch protection for your vehicle, shielding it from weather conditions, road debris, and other potential hazards. Although this option is more expensive, it is highly recommended for exotic, classic, or high-value irreplaceable vehicles. With enclosed moving, your car is loaded into a secure, enclosed trailer and strapped down to ensure minimal movement during the journey. This offers peace of mind and optimal care for your valuable vehicle.

Yes, We handle numerous auction purchases each year. While auction houses often offer shipping services, they can be expensive and slow. Choosing A-1 Auto Transport provides a more cost-effective and efficient solution. We coordinate with the auctioneer and our partner carriers to ensure your vehicle is collected and delivered to your home quickly and reliably.

Absolutely. A-1 AT and our trusted partner carriers specialize in shipping exotic and classic cars. We have extensive experience safely transporting these valuable and rare vehicles to destinations around the globe, so your prized car will be in expert hands throughout its journey.