Auto Transport FAQ

Auto transport rates vary based on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and current carrier availability. As a general guide, short hauls under 500 miles typically range from $300 to $700. Mid-range routes between 500 and 1,500 miles typically range from $700 to $1,400. Cross-country routes over 1,500 miles typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 or more. Enclosed transport runs approximately 30 to 50 percent higher than open carrier pricing. Every quote we provide reflects live carrier spot-market rates — not stale averages — so the number you see is what carriers will actually accept.

For a detailed explanation from a broker who watched the industry from the inside, read: Why I Am Almost Never the Cheapest Auto Transport Quote

We handle shipments of any distance with no minimum mileage requirement. However, moves under 100 miles carry a minimum charge of $300. While short-distance moves are operationally possible, they are generally less efficient for a broker model — we want to be upfront about that so you can make the best decision for your situation.

During our operating hours — 8AM to 10PM Monday through Saturday — most customers receive a response within minutes of submitting their quote request. Requests submitted outside those hours will be addressed first thing the following morning. Every quote reflects live carrier market rates at the time it is generated.

No. Our quotes are transparent and itemized — our broker fee is disclosed upfront and quoted separately from the carrier cost, so you always know exactly what we charge. A quote reflects an estimated rate based on current market conditions; the final contracted rate is confirmed once we accept a carrier's offer on your load, and you approve both the carrier and the rate in writing before dispatch. You will never be charged a change after your vehicle has already been picked up.

Our broker fee covers everything required to manage your shipment end-to-end — carrier vetting and credential verification, dispatch coordination, payment processing (including credit card transaction costs), the software and systems used to track and confirm your shipment, and coverage for our own liability as your broker. You are never charged a separate card processing surcharge, platform fee, or convenience fee on top of the quoted broker fee — it is a single, fixed number disclosed to you in writing before you approve anything.

Bait-and-switch pricing is one of the most common complaints in the auto transport industry. It typically happens when a broker provides an artificially low quote to win the booking, then presents a higher number at pickup — often blaming carrier market conditions or vehicle size discrepancies. At Approved Auto Transport, your broker fee is locked at booking and confirmed in writing. Your carrier rate reflects live market conditions at the time of quote. We do not issue last-minute rate increases after a carrier has been assigned and confirmed.

For a detailed explanation from a broker who watched the industry from the inside, read: Why I Am Almost Never the Cheapest Auto Transport Quote

The process has four steps. First, you submit a quote request and we provide a live market rate. Second, we vet and dispatch an FMCSA-verified carrier for your route. Third, at pickup, the driver completes a Bill of Lading — a documented condition report of your vehicle that serves as your legal protection during transit. Fourth, at delivery, you complete a final walk-around inspection with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading only after confirming the vehicle arrived in the same condition it left.

The Bill of Lading is a legal document completed at both pickup and delivery that records your vehicle's exact condition — existing scratches, dents, and any pre-existing damage — before transport begins. It is your primary legal protection if any damage occurs during transit. Never sign the Bill of Lading at delivery if you notice new damage without first noting it on the document. We walk every customer through this process so nothing is missed.

There is no cancellation fee if you cancel before a driver has been assigned and scheduled for pickup. If a driver has already been dispatched and assigned to your order, a cancellation fee applies. This is because canceling after dispatch leaves an empty spot on the carrier that the driver cannot easily fill on short notice, resulting in a real financial loss. We work to minimize any cancellation costs and will provide a partial refund wherever possible. We are transparent about this upfront because we believe you deserve to know the terms before you book.

We process payment securely by credit or debit card before dispatch — no cash, no COD, no payment exchanges with the driver at pickup or delivery. Your carrier cost and broker fee are both confirmed in writing before your vehicle moves. No deposit is required until a licensed, insured carrier is assigned and confirmed for your shipment.

If damage occurs during transport, note it on the Bill of Lading at delivery before signing — do not sign a clean Bill of Lading if damage is present. Photograph the damage immediately. Contact us directly and we will guide you through the carrier's insurance claim process. Every carrier we dispatch carries active cargo insurance verified before dispatch. Your Bill of Lading completed at pickup serves as the legal record of your vehicle's pre-transport condition and is the foundation of any damage claim.

Read our full breakdown of the 2026 Supreme Court ruling and what it means for your shipment: Why Auto Transport Costs More in 2026

Every carrier we dispatch is verified in real time for active FMCSA operating authority, current cargo insurance coverage, and clean CSA safety scores before they are assigned to any shipment. We do not dispatch carriers with lapsed authority or insufficient insurance — no exceptions. Our USDOT number is 9677802 and MC number is 45556873, both verifiable on the FMCSA SAFER system.

See exactly what we check on every carrier before dispatch: What We Check Before Your Carrier Is Dispatched — Every Single Time

Yes. Every carrier in our network is required to carry active cargo insurance as a condition of dispatch. The Bill of Lading completed at pickup documents your vehicle's pre-transport condition and serves as the legal record if any claim becomes necessary. We verify insurance currency before every dispatch — not just at onboarding.

Read our full breakdown of the 2026 Supreme Court ruling and what it means for your shipment: Why Auto Transport Costs More in 2026

A carrier physically transports your vehicle on their truck. A broker like Approved Auto Transport sources, vets, and dispatches carriers on your behalf — handling documentation, insurance verification, pricing, and accountability throughout the process. The advantage of working with a licensed broker is access to a vetted carrier network across all 50 states, a single point of contact from booking to delivery, and legal recourse if something goes wrong. The risk of booking directly with an unvetted carrier is carrying that verification and accountability burden yourself.

Yes. Approved Transport Group LLC operates as a fully licensed and bonded auto transport broker registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under USDOT# 9677802 and MC# 45556873. Our bond is active and our authority is in good standing. Both are publicly verifiable on the FMCSA SAFER system at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

A legitimate auto transport broker must hold active operating authority issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any broker's license, bond status, and authority at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov using their USDOT or MC number. Approved Transport Group LLC operates under USDOT# 9677802 and MC# 45556873 — both publicly verifiable and in good standing. Any broker unwilling to provide these numbers on request should be treated with caution.

Yes. We transport inoperable vehicles using specialized equipment including winch-loaded carriers. Non-running vehicles typically carry a surcharge due to the additional equipment and time required for loading and unloading. Please note this when requesting your quote so we can provide an accurate rate.

Yes, and we strongly recommend enclosed transport for high-value vehicles. Enclosed carriers provide full protection from weather, road debris, and UV exposure. We dispatch enclosed carriers with soft-tie systems and lift gates for low-clearance vehicles. For vehicles with significant monetary or sentimental value, enclosed transport is the right choice — the premium over open carrier pricing is modest relative to the protection it provides.

We recommend keeping the fuel level around one quarter of a tank. A full tank adds unnecessary weight which can affect transport costs. Near-empty tanks can cause issues with moving the vehicle on and off the carrier. One quarter to one half tank is the industry standard recommendation.

Most carriers permit personal items in the vehicle up to 100 lbs, and this is generally acceptable. However there are important conditions. You must inform your agent of any items left in the vehicle and provide your best estimate of the total weight at the time of booking. If a driver arrives and the actual weight exceeds what was disclosed, it can create a problem at pickup — the driver has the right to refuse the load or charge additional fees on the spot. Personal belongings are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance policy under any circumstances — only the vehicle itself is insured during transport. If items are lost or damaged in transit there is no recourse through the carrier's insurance. Keep valuables, irreplaceable items, and anything exceeding the 100 lb threshold out of the vehicle entirely. When in doubt, contact your agent before pickup and we will confirm what is acceptable for your specific carrier assignment.

Transit times depend on distance and route. Short hauls under 500 miles typically take 1 to 2 days. Mid-range routes between 500 and 1,500 miles typically take 2 to 4 days. Cross-country routes over 1,500 miles typically take 5 to 9 days. These are transit times after pickup — total time from booking to delivery also includes carrier assignment, which typically takes 1 to 3 business days depending on route demand and your pickup window flexibility.

Booking 2 to 3 weeks in advance gives you the best combination of carrier availability and competitive pricing. Last-minute bookings within 48 to 72 hours are possible on high-demand routes but typically command a premium. If your move has a fixed date — a lease start, a job start, a closing date — book as early as possible to protect your timeline and your rate. For urgent moves, contact us directly — we've placed carriers within 24 hours on high-demand corridors.

Yes. Hawaii and Alaska shipments require additional coordination beyond standard over-the-road transport. Hawaii routes require ocean freight via container or roll-on roll-off vessel from a West Coast port. Alaska routes combine over-the-road and ferry or ocean freight depending on the destination. These routes require more lead time and carry higher rates than continental US shipments. Contact us directly for Hawaii and Alaska quotes.

In most cases yes — we provide true door-to-door service wherever the carrier can safely and legally access. In some dense urban areas or neighborhoods with low bridges, tight streets, or weight-restricted roads, the carrier may need to arrange a nearby meet point for the final exchange. When this is necessary we coordinate a convenient and secure location close to your address and communicate it clearly in advance.