FAQ
Car Shipping & Auto Transport FAQ
Everything you need to know about shipping your vehicle nationwide — pricing, insurance, booking, and delivery.
No Upfront Payment
You pay nothing upfront. Your payment is only collected once we have successfully assigned a driver to your shipment. No driver? No charge.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
The cost depends on distance, vehicle type, transport type (open vs enclosed), pickup date, and seasonal demand. Use our instant quote calculator for an estimated price range. Short routes under 500 miles typically start at $200. Cross-country routes range from $900 to $1,400 for open transport.
Do I have to pay upfront?
No. Top1 Auto Transportation does not collect any upfront deposit or payment at booking. Your payment is only collected once a licensed carrier has been assigned to your shipment. No driver assigned? No charge.
How long does car shipping take?
Transit time depends on distance: 0–500 miles takes 1–2 days; 500–1,000 miles takes 2–4 days; 1,000–2,000 miles takes 3–6 days; 2,000+ miles takes 5–9 days. These are estimates and not guaranteed delivery dates.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport loads your vehicle on a multi-car open carrier — the most affordable option for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. Enclosed transport costs approximately 35% more.
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. All carriers in the Top1 network are FMCSA-licensed and required to maintain active cargo insurance. Upon carrier assignment, we provide the carrier's name and MC number so you can verify their insurance at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
Can I ship a car that doesn't run?
Yes. Inoperable vehicles can be shipped, but a flat fee of $150–$200 is added to cover special loading equipment. The vehicle must be accessible for the carrier's winch or forklift equipment.
What payment methods do you accept?
Once a carrier is assigned, we accept credit/debit cards (via Stripe), cash on delivery to the driver, and Zelle payments to +1 (916) 407-9455. Personal checks are not accepted.
Do you offer a military discount?
Yes. Active-duty military personnel, veterans, and military spouses receive a 10% discount. Valid military ID or DD-214 is required at booking.
How do I track my shipment?
After booking, you receive a unique order number. Enter it on our Track Your Vehicle page to see real-time status updates. You also receive email and SMS/WhatsApp notifications at each status change.
What if my vehicle is damaged during transport?
Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before signing the delivery Bill of Lading. Note any damage on the BOL before signing. Contact us within 24 hours of delivery with photos and repair estimates to initiate a claim with the carrier's insurance.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes. You may cancel at no charge before a carrier is assigned. After carrier assignment, a cancellation fee may apply. See our Cancellation Policy for full details.
Do you ship to Alaska or Hawaii?
Alaska and Hawaii routes require agent pricing due to specialized logistics. Contact us at +1 (916) 407-9455 for a custom quote.
Still have questions? Contact us or call +1 (916) 407-9455.