Customer Reviews

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?

Posted on 01/26/2024

If you need to transport your vehicle across the country, you may be wondering — how long is this actually going to take? The car shipping process can be complicated, with many factors impacting timelines. This complete guide from RoadRunner will walk you through everything you need to know about typical car shipping durations and how to expedite your delivery.

Understanding Car Shipping Basics

Before diving into specific shipping timelines, it helps to understand some background on how the car shipping process works.

Popular Shipping Methods

There are two predominant methods used for moving cars, each with their own duration implications:

  • Open Transport: The more common shipping method involves hauling multiple vehicles stacked on an open carrier truck or trailer. Open car transport is less expensive but also provides less physical protection for your car.
  • Enclosed Transport: The more premium white glove option uses a fully enclosed truck trailer to transport vehicles. Enclosed car shipping costs more, but hauls just 1-4 vehicles at once for added security and protection from road debris/elements. However, the extra loading/offloading time does extend overall delivery timelines.

Get a quick and easy quote free from RoadRunner to help decide which shipping method works best for you.

Logistics Chain Overview

The overall logistics chain for vehicle transport involves:

  • Initial inspection and pick up at the origin
  • Overland freight transit on highways and interstates
  • Potential interim storage and consolidation at trucking terminals
  • Final delivery inspection and customer hand-off at destination

A variety of players facilitate this process:

  • Freight brokers coordinate logistics between shippers (customers) and carriers.
  • Trucking companies own the actual carrier equipment for transit.
  • Independent truck drivers operate and drive transport trucks and trailers.

Proper coordination by brokers optimizes market dynamics between shipper demand and available carrier capacity. This dramatically simplifies and accelerates the historically very complex car moving procedure for private customers.

Key Factors That Impact Car Shipping Time Frames

Many variables impact car shipping delivery time:

Transport Mode

The transportation method used — open or enclosed — impacts overall time in transit significantly:

  • Open auto shipping: Average transit times of 7-14 days
  • Enclosed auto transport: Typically takes between 10-21 days

This holds true over similar shipping distances. Enclosed trailers require more time loading each vehicle on/off the truck bed compared to open carriers that simply stack multiple vehicles quickly using ramps.

Overall Distance & Destination

Geographic factors also affect shipping duration:

  • Regional vs long-haul: Inter-regional open shipping over 500-1,000 miles (e.g. Midwest to Southeast) is inherently faster than longer cross-country delivery (West Coast to East Coast).
  • Rural vs urban destination: Final delivery and unloading the car shipment takes longer for rural destinations and remote areas, compared to drop-off at centrally located terminals in major metro regions.

If your final delivery point is in a slower rural locale, selecting the nearest major transportation hub terminal can shave off the last time-intensive final delivery segment.

Seasonality & Other Events

Car shipping delivery timelines also fluctuate based on broader market conditions:

  • Peak season: Late spring to early fall are the busiest shipping seasons, with surging student, family, and military relocations. More demand strains carrier capacity leading to longer transit times.
  • Holidays/events: Major holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc. often see traffic jams that significantly slow transport. One-off events like COVID-19 also disrupted delivery chains.

When possible avoid booking car shipments for date ranges with historically high freight volumes.

Size of Vehicle Shipment

The number of cars being shipped impacts time in transit as well:

  • Single car: Solo car transport means no delays for consolidation or interim storage with other vehicles.
  • Multiple vehicles: Even just 2-3 cars add pit stops for consolidation before final delivery, slightly increasing timelines.

If optimizing for speed, private single-vehicle deliveries have the advantage. That said, shippers can offset delays from multi-car transport through better carrier shipping route optimization.

Average Car Shipping Delivery Timelines

While precise shipping durations can vary widely case-by-case, we can establish reasonable expectations around typical timelines for common car transport scenarios.

Open auto shipping for distances under 500 miles usually completes within 3-7 days on average. Shipments between 500-1,000 miles take a bit longer at 5-10 days to account for the additional road transit time. Standard open shipping deliveries for moves in the 1,000-1,500 mile range span about 7-14 days end-to-end.

Enclosed auto transport tends to take longer overall compared to open methods, due to the extra preparation involved in loading a car safely into an enclosed trailer. For enclosed shipping of vehicles under 1,500 miles, customers can usually expect average delivery window of 10-14 days.

The longest average durations unsurprisingly come with moving a car cross country over 1,500 miles. For these long-distance car transport routes, open shipping transit often complete in a 14-21 day range on average. And enclosed trailers taking interstate trips of over 1,500 miles average delivery timeframes between 21-30 days.

While useful as rough estimates, actual shipping times often vary above or below these averages based on additional factors. Specifics like vehicle modifications, seasonal demands, weather conditions, final delivery location, and shipment sizes all impact precise time in transit as well. But framed properly, these averages paint a broad picture of realistic time expectations.

Tips to Help Expedite Car Shipping Delivery

If you have strict, specific delivery dates or simply need your car faster, here are some useful tips for expedited shipping:

Optimize Destination & Logistics

  • Select major transportation hubs in centrally located metro regions rather than rural delivery points. Avoid North Dakota in favor of Minneapolis.
  • Leverage enclosed car shipping only for the final delivery leg rather than the entire route. Use open transport for long freeway portions then transfer to enclosed carrier to reach remote destinations.

Strategically Time Your Shipment

  • Ship during off-peak fall and winter seasons when road freight sees far less volume and congestion.
  • Avoid scheduling deliveries close to major holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc as this is when roads are busiest.

Configure Optimal Transportation Mode

  • Use less expensive open shipping which loads/unloads much quicker at transit points than enclosed trailers.
  • Consider vehicle repositioning deals from car transporters moving empty fleet trucks and cargo vans. These one-way trips fill unused capacity at discounted rates in return for time flexibility.

While aftermarket modifications don’t impact road transit times directly, removing non-OEM parts can speed loading and prevent damage disputes later — ultimately quickening door-to-door delivery.

What to Expect After Initiating Vehicle Transport

Once you’ve initiated the process of shipping your car with a selected auto transport company, here’s a high-level timeline detailing key milestones to expect:

Initial transport booking & paperwork (1-5 days)

The broker collects details on your shipment parameters and destinations. Initial pickup timeframe windows are discussed. Vehicle inspection requirements are covered to note any pre-existing flaws.

Origin inspection & vehicle pickup (1 day on scheduled date)

On the booked pickup date, the carrier driver will conduct an inspection, compare to any prior damage disclosed, assess vehicle readiness for shipping, and have the shipper sign a contract listing terms and lienholder information. The vehicle is then loaded onto the transport carrier.

Overland transportation (Variable duration)

Truck and loaded vehicles begin highway transit along the route to the final destination. En route, the driver may stop to consolidate additional cars onto the carrier.

Delivery destination inspection & customer hand-off (1 day)

Once at the final destination, receivers conduct inbound inspections checking for any new damage sustained en route. Shippers sign final proofs of delivery to transfer custody back, and the vehicle is offloaded from the carrier.

Post-delivery administration (1-3 days)

The carrier driver submits all paperwork and delivery recaps to the originating broker. The broker finalizes payment paperwork and the shipper typically receives notifications that guaranteed delivery promises have been fulfilled.

The entire door-to-door transport process is streamlined through freight brokerage firms that coordinate pickups between customers and vetted car shipping companies. This simplifies and compresses shipping timelines significantly for private owners versus self-orchestrating such a complex chain of transportation hand-offs on your own.

Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company

Selecting the optimal car shipping partner has significant impacts on transparency, communication, and delivery timeliness throughout your vehicle transport. Here are key areas to evaluate potential car shipping companies:

Industry Experience & Reputation

Look for established players with years or decades of demonstrated history moving cars safely across states. Check online reviews and rating sites to confirm satisfactory experiences from past customers. Repeat business and referrals indicate capabilities to handle unique cases.

Shipment Tracking Technology

Modern systems and mobile apps providing real-time GPS tracking bring confidence through shipment visibility. Push notifications at each transport milestone also facilitate coordination and contingency planning if delays emerge.

Driver Vetting & Equipment Maintenance

Rigorously screened drivers and consistent carrier equipment maintenance demonstrate commitment to safe, damage-free delivery. Multi-point inspection protocols also help early identification of pre-existing flaws to prevent false claims later.

Taking time to carefully vet and select your transport broker sets the foundation for tailored planning based on factors like timing preferences, vehicle types, and delivery constraints. Leverage quotes from multiple auto transport providers, but prioritize experience and capabilities over just chasing the lowest bid. This lays the groundwork for smooth transport even in tricky scenarios.

About RoadRunner’s Car Shipping Services

RoadRunner Auto Transport is a premier car shipping service renowned for its reliability and efficiency. Catering to diverse needs, they offer seamless transportation for vehicles across the nation. Their comprehensive services ensure a hassle-free experience, providing open or enclosed transport options to suit individual preferences.

With a focus on customer satisfaction, RoadRunner employs cutting-edge technology for tracking and timely deliveries, assuring peace of mind throughout the process. Their commitment to safety and professionalism makes them a trusted choice for transporting vehicles, earning accolades for their dedication to quality service in the competitive auto shipping industry.

Frequently Asked Questions on Car Shipping Durations

Still have unanswered questions around car shipment timelines or how to make your delivery faster? We address some of the most common queries:

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Across the Entire Country?

For coast-to-coast open shipping transport between the West Coast states and the East Coast corridor, average delivery times typically range from 14-21 days. Enclosed trailers take slightly longer – averaging 21-30 days for cross country delivery depending on truck routes.

How Far in Advance Should I Plan and Book Shipments to Ensure Ideal Timelines?

We recommend initiating the booking process around 2-4 weeks prior to your ideal pickup date. This provides leeway to research a wide range of auto transport companies and find one that meets your desired timing.

Does the Condition of My Actual Vehicle Impact Shipping Duration?

Heavily modified vehicles with non-OEM parts or aftermarket chassis modifications can take longer to safely load and unload without damage which may indirectly increase transport timelines. But the vehicle itself does not impact overall highway transit times in most regular cases.

How Long Does International Vehicle Transport to Overseas Destinations Take?

Overseas shipping adds layers of complexity with international freight forwarding, customs import/export procedures, and overseas regulations. Total delivery timelines typically range from 30-60 days for most worldwide destinations with additional buffers built in for potential delays at each stage.

What Other Factors Can Directly Help Speed Up Car and Vehicle Delivery?

Using less expensive open shipping methods, keeping logistics flexible on the destination depot, shipping in off-peak fall and winter seasons, and selecting more centralized delivery locations all help expedite automobile transport and compress shipping timelines.

Instant Car Shipping Quote

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1Shipment Details

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?

Posted on 01/26/2024

If you need to transport your vehicle across the country, you may be wondering — how long is this actually going to take? The car shipping process can be complicated, with many factors impacting timelines. This complete guide from RoadRunner will walk you through everything you need to know about typical car shipping durations and how to expedite your delivery.

Understanding Car Shipping Basics

Before diving into specific shipping timelines, it helps to understand some background on how the car shipping process works.

Popular Shipping Methods

There are two predominant methods used for moving cars, each with their own duration implications:

  • Open Transport: The more common shipping method involves hauling multiple vehicles stacked on an open carrier truck or trailer. Open car transport is less expensive but also provides less physical protection for your car.
  • Enclosed Transport: The more premium white glove option uses a fully enclosed truck trailer to transport vehicles. Enclosed car shipping costs more, but hauls just 1-4 vehicles at once for added security and protection from road debris/elements. However, the extra loading/offloading time does extend overall delivery timelines.

Get a quick and easy quote free from RoadRunner to help decide which shipping method works best for you.

Logistics Chain Overview

The overall logistics chain for vehicle transport involves:

  • Initial inspection and pick up at the origin
  • Overland freight transit on highways and interstates
  • Potential interim storage and consolidation at trucking terminals
  • Final delivery inspection and customer hand-off at destination

A variety of players facilitate this process:

  • Freight brokers coordinate logistics between shippers (customers) and carriers.
  • Trucking companies own the actual carrier equipment for transit.
  • Independent truck drivers operate and drive transport trucks and trailers.

Proper coordination by brokers optimizes market dynamics between shipper demand and available carrier capacity. This dramatically simplifies and accelerates the historically very complex car moving procedure for private customers.

Key Factors That Impact Car Shipping Time Frames

Many variables impact car shipping delivery time:

Transport Mode

The transportation method used — open or enclosed — impacts overall time in transit significantly:

  • Open auto shipping: Average transit times of 7-14 days
  • Enclosed auto transport: Typically takes between 10-21 days

This holds true over similar shipping distances. Enclosed trailers require more time loading each vehicle on/off the truck bed compared to open carriers that simply stack multiple vehicles quickly using ramps.

Overall Distance & Destination

Geographic factors also affect shipping duration:

  • Regional vs long-haul: Inter-regional open shipping over 500-1,000 miles (e.g. Midwest to Southeast) is inherently faster than longer cross-country delivery (West Coast to East Coast).
  • Rural vs urban destination: Final delivery and unloading the car shipment takes longer for rural destinations and remote areas, compared to drop-off at centrally located terminals in major metro regions.

If your final delivery point is in a slower rural locale, selecting the nearest major transportation hub terminal can shave off the last time-intensive final delivery segment.

Seasonality & Other Events

Car shipping delivery timelines also fluctuate based on broader market conditions:

  • Peak season: Late spring to early fall are the busiest shipping seasons, with surging student, family, and military relocations. More demand strains carrier capacity leading to longer transit times.
  • Holidays/events: Major holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc. often see traffic jams that significantly slow transport. One-off events like COVID-19 also disrupted delivery chains.

When possible avoid booking car shipments for date ranges with historically high freight volumes.

Size of Vehicle Shipment

The number of cars being shipped impacts time in transit as well:

  • Single car: Solo car transport means no delays for consolidation or interim storage with other vehicles.
  • Multiple vehicles: Even just 2-3 cars add pit stops for consolidation before final delivery, slightly increasing timelines.

If optimizing for speed, private single-vehicle deliveries have the advantage. That said, shippers can offset delays from multi-car transport through better carrier shipping route optimization.

Average Car Shipping Delivery Timelines

While precise shipping durations can vary widely case-by-case, we can establish reasonable expectations around typical timelines for common car transport scenarios.

Open auto shipping for distances under 500 miles usually completes within 3-7 days on average. Shipments between 500-1,000 miles take a bit longer at 5-10 days to account for the additional road transit time. Standard open shipping deliveries for moves in the 1,000-1,500 mile range span about 7-14 days end-to-end.

Enclosed auto transport tends to take longer overall compared to open methods, due to the extra preparation involved in loading a car safely into an enclosed trailer. For enclosed shipping of vehicles under 1,500 miles, customers can usually expect average delivery window of 10-14 days.

The longest average durations unsurprisingly come with moving a car cross country over 1,500 miles. For these long-distance car transport routes, open shipping transit often complete in a 14-21 day range on average. And enclosed trailers taking interstate trips of over 1,500 miles average delivery timeframes between 21-30 days.

While useful as rough estimates, actual shipping times often vary above or below these averages based on additional factors. Specifics like vehicle modifications, seasonal demands, weather conditions, final delivery location, and shipment sizes all impact precise time in transit as well. But framed properly, these averages paint a broad picture of realistic time expectations.

Tips to Help Expedite Car Shipping Delivery

If you have strict, specific delivery dates or simply need your car faster, here are some useful tips for expedited shipping:

Optimize Destination & Logistics

  • Select major transportation hubs in centrally located metro regions rather than rural delivery points. Avoid North Dakota in favor of Minneapolis.
  • Leverage enclosed car shipping only for the final delivery leg rather than the entire route. Use open transport for long freeway portions then transfer to enclosed carrier to reach remote destinations.

Strategically Time Your Shipment

  • Ship during off-peak fall and winter seasons when road freight sees far less volume and congestion.
  • Avoid scheduling deliveries close to major holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, etc as this is when roads are busiest.

Configure Optimal Transportation Mode

  • Use less expensive open shipping which loads/unloads much quicker at transit points than enclosed trailers.
  • Consider vehicle repositioning deals from car transporters moving empty fleet trucks and cargo vans. These one-way trips fill unused capacity at discounted rates in return for time flexibility.

While aftermarket modifications don’t impact road transit times directly, removing non-OEM parts can speed loading and prevent damage disputes later — ultimately quickening door-to-door delivery.

What to Expect After Initiating Vehicle Transport

Once you’ve initiated the process of shipping your car with a selected auto transport company, here’s a high-level timeline detailing key milestones to expect:

Initial transport booking & paperwork (1-5 days)

The broker collects details on your shipment parameters and destinations. Initial pickup timeframe windows are discussed. Vehicle inspection requirements are covered to note any pre-existing flaws.

Origin inspection & vehicle pickup (1 day on scheduled date)

On the booked pickup date, the carrier driver will conduct an inspection, compare to any prior damage disclosed, assess vehicle readiness for shipping, and have the shipper sign a contract listing terms and lienholder information. The vehicle is then loaded onto the transport carrier.

Overland transportation (Variable duration)

Truck and loaded vehicles begin highway transit along the route to the final destination. En route, the driver may stop to consolidate additional cars onto the carrier.

Delivery destination inspection & customer hand-off (1 day)

Once at the final destination, receivers conduct inbound inspections checking for any new damage sustained en route. Shippers sign final proofs of delivery to transfer custody back, and the vehicle is offloaded from the carrier.

Post-delivery administration (1-3 days)

The carrier driver submits all paperwork and delivery recaps to the originating broker. The broker finalizes payment paperwork and the shipper typically receives notifications that guaranteed delivery promises have been fulfilled.

The entire door-to-door transport process is streamlined through freight brokerage firms that coordinate pickups between customers and vetted car shipping companies. This simplifies and compresses shipping timelines significantly for private owners versus self-orchestrating such a complex chain of transportation hand-offs on your own.

Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company

Selecting the optimal car shipping partner has significant impacts on transparency, communication, and delivery timeliness throughout your vehicle transport. Here are key areas to evaluate potential car shipping companies:

Industry Experience & Reputation

Look for established players with years or decades of demonstrated history moving cars safely across states. Check online reviews and rating sites to confirm satisfactory experiences from past customers. Repeat business and referrals indicate capabilities to handle unique cases.

Shipment Tracking Technology

Modern systems and mobile apps providing real-time GPS tracking bring confidence through shipment visibility. Push notifications at each transport milestone also facilitate coordination and contingency planning if delays emerge.

Driver Vetting & Equipment Maintenance

Rigorously screened drivers and consistent carrier equipment maintenance demonstrate commitment to safe, damage-free delivery. Multi-point inspection protocols also help early identification of pre-existing flaws to prevent false claims later.

Taking time to carefully vet and select your transport broker sets the foundation for tailored planning based on factors like timing preferences, vehicle types, and delivery constraints. Leverage quotes from multiple auto transport providers, but prioritize experience and capabilities over just chasing the lowest bid. This lays the groundwork for smooth transport even in tricky scenarios.

About RoadRunner’s Car Shipping Services

RoadRunner Auto Transport is a premier car shipping service renowned for its reliability and efficiency. Catering to diverse needs, they offer seamless transportation for vehicles across the nation. Their comprehensive services ensure a hassle-free experience, providing open or enclosed transport options to suit individual preferences.

With a focus on customer satisfaction, RoadRunner employs cutting-edge technology for tracking and timely deliveries, assuring peace of mind throughout the process. Their commitment to safety and professionalism makes them a trusted choice for transporting vehicles, earning accolades for their dedication to quality service in the competitive auto shipping industry.

Frequently Asked Questions on Car Shipping Durations

Still have unanswered questions around car shipment timelines or how to make your delivery faster? We address some of the most common queries:

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Across the Entire Country?

For coast-to-coast open shipping transport between the West Coast states and the East Coast corridor, average delivery times typically range from 14-21 days. Enclosed trailers take slightly longer – averaging 21-30 days for cross country delivery depending on truck routes.

How Far in Advance Should I Plan and Book Shipments to Ensure Ideal Timelines?

We recommend initiating the booking process around 2-4 weeks prior to your ideal pickup date. This provides leeway to research a wide range of auto transport companies and find one that meets your desired timing.

Does the Condition of My Actual Vehicle Impact Shipping Duration?

Heavily modified vehicles with non-OEM parts or aftermarket chassis modifications can take longer to safely load and unload without damage which may indirectly increase transport timelines. But the vehicle itself does not impact overall highway transit times in most regular cases.

How Long Does International Vehicle Transport to Overseas Destinations Take?

Overseas shipping adds layers of complexity with international freight forwarding, customs import/export procedures, and overseas regulations. Total delivery timelines typically range from 30-60 days for most worldwide destinations with additional buffers built in for potential delays at each stage.

What Other Factors Can Directly Help Speed Up Car and Vehicle Delivery?

Using less expensive open shipping methods, keeping logistics flexible on the destination depot, shipping in off-peak fall and winter seasons, and selecting more centralized delivery locations all help expedite automobile transport and compress shipping timelines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle shipping process.


When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available in order to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly at your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.

Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter more local moves. There is broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed transporters guarantee maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since there is limited carrier availability. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport

RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in shipping all types of vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.

You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.

The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.

Top load service is when your car is placed on the higher deck or level of an open auto transport trailer. This is considered to be preferable to the bottom load because the cars on the lower deck are at risk of possibly having fluid from the cars above leak on them.

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inpoerable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accomodate a non-running vehicle.

We offer open car shipping and enclosed car shipping services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on two decks that are exposed. Enclosed car shipping is when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is recommended for luxury, exotic or classic cars.

Door-to-door car transport is the full service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to safely reach your door. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.