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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions & Answers
Vehicle transport cost depends on several factors:
Distance traveled
Vehicle size and weight
Open vs. enclosed transport
Running or non-running condition
Pickup and delivery locations
Time of year and fuel prices
Typical U.S. pricing ranges:
0–500 miles: about $400–$800
500–1,000 miles: about $700–$1,200
1,000–2,000 miles: about $1,000–$1,600
Cross-country (2,000+ miles): about $1,200–$2,000+
Additional costs may apply for:
Enclosed transport
Oversized vehicles
Expedited shipping
Non-running vehicles
Example estimates:
Arkansas to Texas: often $600–$900
Arkansas to Florida: around $900–$1,300
Arkansas to California: typically $1,200–$1,700
Cash is the preferred payment method for the drivers unless prior arrangements are made. Payment Terms Freight: All freight charges shall be prepaid. SHIPPER agrees to pay BROKER for the transportation of authorized commodities under this Agreement in accordance with BROKER’s effective rate schedules upon receipt of BROKER’s invoice. Please see terms
Payment Terms Vehicles: No upfront fees for processing your order and placing it on the National's Largest Loading Board. The broker's fee will be payed when your vehicle is dispatched and a carrier has been assigned to your vehicle. An invoice will be sent to you. The carrier's Pay is upon delivery in Cash, money order or Certified Funds. Unless prior arrangements have been made. See terms
Broker's Fee Payment options: zelle=Brian Martin 501-697-0782, Cash App Linda Martin=$lmartin365, or Venmo=@Linda-Martin-26. You will receive a receipt.
You can call our Logistics Coordinator anytime during the shipping process at 501-358-4982 for real-time updates on your vehicle’s location, estimated pickup time, or expected arrival. You will also receive the carrier’s contact information so you can communicate directly with the driver for additional updates.
Vehicle transport time depends mostly on distance, route popularity, weather, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Typical estimates within the U.S.:
0–500 miles: 1–3 days
500–1,000 miles: 2–5 days
1,000–1,500 miles: 4–7 days
1,500–2,500+ miles (cross-country): 7–10 days
A few things that can add time:
Rural pickup/drop-off locations
Winter storms or heavy traffic
Carrier scheduling delays
Enclosed transport (fewer trucks available)
For example:
Arkansas to Texas: often 2–4 days
Arkansas to California: usually 6–9 days
Coast-to-coast: around 7–10 days
Yes, we can transport non-operational vehicles. However, carriers with the necessary equipment may charge more due to higher insurance costs and additional weight fees.
If a vehicle is inoperable (non-running), carriers typically charges an additional $150–$500 on top of the standard transport price.
The extra cost depends on:
Whether the vehicle can roll, steer, and brake
If a winch or forklift is needed
Vehicle size and weight
Pickup and delivery accessibility
Typical added fees:
Rolls and steers: +$150–$250
Needs winching: +$250–$400
Requires forklift/crane assistance: +$400+
Most carriers require that non-running vehicles at least:
roll freely
steer properly
have working brakes
If the vehicle is fully operable, there is usually no additional fee beyond standard transport pricing.
Either you or an authorized representative must usually be present at both pickup and delivery.
At pickup and delivery, the driver will:
Inspect the vehicle
Document its condition on the Bill of Lading
Collect or provide signatures
Hand over or receive the keys
If you cannot be there, you may designate someone else such as:
a family member
friend
coworker
dealership representative
Just make sure the person is:
at least 18 years old
available during the scheduled time window
familiar with the vehicle’s condition
The carrier will coordinate pickup and delivery times in advance to help make the process convenient.
There are other options you can discuss with your agent.
Several factors can affect the cost of vehicle transport, including:
Distance: Longer trips generally cost more overall, but the cost per mile usually decreases on longer routes.
Vehicle size and weight: Larger or heavier vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, and vans cost more to transport than standard sedans.
Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles may require special equipment for loading and unloading, which can increase the price.
Transport type: Enclosed transport costs more than open transport because it offers added protection and limited carrier availability.
Pickup and delivery locations: Rural or hard-to-access areas may increase costs compared to major cities or routes.
Season and demand: Prices can rise during peak shipping seasons, holidays, or periods of high fuel costs.
Expedited shipping: Faster pickup or guaranteed delivery windows may increase the total cost.
Fuel prices and carrier availability: Market conditions and route demand can impact carrier rates.
Providing accurate vehicle and route information helps ensure the most accurate quote possible.
Yes. All carriers we work with are required to carry cargo insurance that covers your vehicle while it is being transported.
Coverage typically protects against damage caused during transit, loading, and unloading. Before pickup, the driver will complete a vehicle inspection report (Bill of Lading) noting the vehicle’s condition. A second inspection is completed at delivery to confirm the vehicle arrived in the same condition.
We also recommend:
Removing personal belongings from the vehicle
Taking dated photos before pickup
Asking for a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate if desired
If any damage were to occur during transport, it should be noted on the Bill of Lading at delivery so a claim can be filed promptly with the carrier’s insurance company.
The vehicle transport process is simple and straightforward:
Request a Quote
Provide your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle information, and preferred transport type (open or enclosed) to receive a shipping quote.
Book Your Transport
Once you approve the quote, your shipment is scheduled and assigned to a licensed carrier.
Schedule Pickup
A Logistics Coordinator or carrier will contact you to arrange a pickup date and time window.
Vehicle Inspection at Pickup
The driver performs a vehicle inspection and documents the condition on the Bill of Lading before loading the vehicle.
Vehicle Transport
Your vehicle is safely transported to its destination. During transit, you can contact our Logistics Coordinator or the carrier directly for status updates.
Delivery and Final Inspection
Upon arrival, the driver completes a final inspection with you or your authorized representative to confirm the vehicle’s condition before delivery is completed.
To begin scheduling transport, you’ll typically need:
Pickup and delivery addresses
Vehicle year, make, and model
Vehicle condition (running or non-running)
Desired shipping dates
Contact information for pickup and delivery parties
To prepare your vehicle for transport, we recommend the following:
Wash your vehicle so it is easier to inspect for any existing scratches, dents, or damage.
Remove all personal belongings and valuables from inside the vehicle, as most carriers are not licensed to transport household goods.
Leave about 1/4 tank of fuel — enough for loading and unloading, but not a full tank.
Check for leaks and mechanical issues and make sure the battery is charged and tires are properly inflated.
Disable alarms to prevent unnecessary interruptions during transport.
Remove or secure loose accessories such as toll tags, bike racks, spoilers, antennas, or custom items that could be damaged.
Provide a spare key to the driver if available.
Make sure the vehicle can be accessed safely at the pickup location by a large transport truck.
For inoperable vehicles, please let us know in advance so the carrier can bring the proper loading equipment.
Yes, many carriers allow a limited amount of personal items to be placed inside the vehicle, but policies vary by carrier.
In most cases:
Personal items should be limited to about 100 lbs.
Items must be placed below the window line
Nothing should block the driver’s view or shift during transport
Valuables, fragile items, firearms, ammunition, and hazardous materials should never be left inside the vehicle
Please note:
Personal belongings are typically not covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance
Excess weight may result in additional fees or delays
Some carriers may prohibit personal items altogether due to DOT weight regulations
We recommend discussing any items you plan to leave in the vehicle with your Logistics Coordinator before pickup.
Keep in mind that the carrier will not be responsible for any personal items left in the vehicle. Insurance companies will not cover personal items.
Open Transport
The most common and cost-effective shipping option
Vehicles are transported on an open-air trailer exposed to weather and road conditions
Commonly used for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks
Faster scheduling due to greater carrier availability
Typically costs less than enclosed transport
Enclosed Transport
Vehicles are transported inside a fully enclosed trailer for added protection
Protects against weather, road debris, and outside exposure
Recommended for luxury, exotic, classic, antique, or high-value vehicles
Fewer enclosed carriers are available, which can affect scheduling
Usually costs 30–60% more than open transport
Both options are safe and insured, but the best choice depends on your vehicle type, budget, and level of protection desired.
If you’re unavailable at delivery, you can still complete the process by arranging for an authorized representative to receive the vehicle on your behalf.
Here’s how to handle it:
Designate someone in advance (friend, family member, coworker, or dealership staff)
Make sure the person is 18 years or older
Provide their name and contact information to the carrier ahead of time
Ensure they are available during the scheduled delivery window
The representative will complete the final inspection and sign the Bill of Lading
They will confirm the vehicle’s condition before accepting delivery
The carrier will coordinate directly with the contact person you designate to ensure a smooth handoff.
Yes—there are some restrictions and limitations depending on the carrier and equipment available.
Most standard auto transport carriers can handle:
Sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans
Inoperable vehicles (if they can still roll, steer, and brake)
Lightly modified vehicles (within standard size limits)
Common restrictions include:
Oversized or heavy vehicles: Very large trucks, lifted vehicles, or heavily modified builds may require specialized carriers or equipment.
Low-clearance vehicles: Extremely low sports cars may need ramps or lift gates (often requiring enclosed transport).
Non-rolling or severely damaged vehicles: If a vehicle cannot roll, steer, and brake, it usually requires a winch or special loading equipment—and not all carriers accept this.
Commercial/heavy equipment: Construction machinery or large commercial vehicles typically need freight or heavy-haul transport.
Hazardous or non-operational contents: Vehicles containing hazardous materials cannot be transported.
Very wide or tall vehicles: May require route planning or special permits.
If you’re unsure about a specific vehicle, it’s best to share the year, make, model, and any modifications so the carrier can confirm if it’s eligible and what equipment would be needed.
Yes. Vehicle transport carriers do have weight limits, and they mainly depend on the trailer type and federal trucking regulations.
Typical guidelines:
Standard open car carriers: Usually handle vehicles up to about 10,000–12,000 lbs per vehicle space, depending on axle load distribution.
Most common passenger vehicles: Cars, SUVs, and light trucks are well within normal limits and require no special handling.
Heavier vehicles (large pickups, lifted trucks, vans): May still ship, but can reduce trailer capacity and increase cost.
Very heavy vehicles (over ~12,000–15,000 lbs): Often require specialized heavy-haul equipment or dedicated transport.
Key factors carriers consider:
Total combined trailer weight (GVWR limits) under DOT regulations
Axle weight distribution across the trailer
Vehicle dimensions (height, length, width), which can matter as much as weight
Route restrictions, especially for bridges and certain highways
If a vehicle is near or above standard limits, the carrier may:
Require a specialized trailer
Charge an additional fee
Or decline the shipment if it’s not compatible with their equipment
If you want, tell me the vehicle make/model/year and I can estimate whether it would fall within standard carrier limits.
If you need to file an insurance claim for damage during vehicle transport, the process is usually straightforward and time-sensitive:
Inspect the vehicle at delivery
Before signing anything, carefully inspect the vehicle with the driver.
Note any damage on the Bill of Lading (BOL)
If you see new damage, it must be clearly written on the delivery inspection report before you sign it.
Take photos immediately
Document all damage from multiple angles, along with the overall condition of the vehicle.
Sign the Bill of Lading with notes
Your signature confirms delivery, but your written damage notes are what protect your claim.
Notify the carrier or broker right away
Contact the carrier listed on your paperwork (and your logistics coordinator if applicable) as soon as possible.
Submit a formal claim
The carrier will provide instructions for filing a claim with their cargo insurance provider. You may need:
Photos of the damage
Copy of the Bill of Lading
Transport details and inspection reports
Insurance review and resolution
The insurance company investigates the claim and determines coverage based on the carrier’s policy and documented evidence.
Important tips:
Claims are strongest when damage is reported at delivery, not later
Pre-transport photos are critical for comparison
Most carriers have a limited window (often days) to report issues
If you want, I can also explain what is and isn’t typically covered under carrier cargo insurance.
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Yes, expedited shipping is often available, but it depends on carrier availability and your route.
Expedited transport means your vehicle is prioritized for:
Faster pickup (often 24–72 hours vs. several days or more)
Shorter dispatch time
More direct routing when possible
Things to keep in mind:
It usually costs more than standard shipping (often a few hundred dollars extra, sometimes more depending on distance and urgency)
Availability can be limited, especially in rural areas or during peak seasons
Not all carriers offer guaranteed pickup dates, but some can prioritize your load for quicker assignment
If you need expedited service, it’s best to specify:
Your required pickup window
Delivery deadline (if any)
Vehicle details and route
That allows the dispatcher to match you with a carrier that can meet the timeline.
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