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Car Shipping FAQ
The questions customers ask most before they see an instant estimate. Booking places a $250 authorization hold. You approve the carrier and final price before the transportation price is charged.
Car shipping questions
How much does car shipping cost?
Most car shipping quotes fall between $440 and $1,490. Regional routes under 500 miles typically run $440 to $590, while coast-to-coast transport runs $1,340 to $1,490. Enclosed transport costs more than open transport. See the full table on pricing.
Do I pay anything today?
Seeing an estimate is free. Booking places a $250 authorization hold on your card. That hold is temporary and is not an immediate charge. We capture it only after a carrier is assigned and the payment terms are confirmed. Your bank determines when the hold disappears.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel at no charge before a carrier is assigned. After a carrier is assigned, a $250 cancellation fee applies when you cancel for reasons within your control. The $250 fee does not apply if Bigfella or the assigned carrier cannot complete the shipment.
What is Bigfella Price Lock™?
Bigfella Price Lock™ means the final transportation price you approve after shipment and carrier review is locked for 30 days, unless you request a change to the shipment or service.
Is the calculator price guaranteed?
No. The calculator provides an instant estimate based on the information you enter. Carrier availability and route conditions can change. After you submit your shipment, Bigfella reviews the route and works to secure an available carrier. You review the final carrier and price before payment. Once you approve the final price, it is locked for 30 days.
When is my price locked?
Your price is locked for 30 days after Bigfella reviews your shipment, secures an available carrier, and you approve the final carrier and price.
Will the price change after I submit my shipment?
The calculator price is an estimate. Final pricing is confirmed after shipment and carrier review. You will have the opportunity to review and approve the final price before payment. Once approved, the price is locked for 30 days unless you request a change to your shipment or service.
Are your carriers insured?
Yes. Every carrier we assign carries cargo insurance with a minimum of $150,000 in coverage, and we verify that coverage directly before the carrier is assigned to your shipment.
How long does shipping take?
Regional routes under 500 miles usually deliver in 1 to 3 days. Cross-country shipments take 5 to 10 days depending on the lane, the season, and carrier availability.
What happens after I book?
See your Direct Quote, then book with a $250 authorization hold. A Bigfella transport specialist searches vetted carriers. You review and approve the assigned carrier and final price. You're charged only after you approve. Then we coordinate pickup through delivery.
What affects auto transport pricing?
Distance, vehicle size and weight, open versus enclosed transport, whether the vehicle runs, how far in advance you book, and current carrier demand on your lane. See how pricing works.
Do you offer enclosed auto transport?
Yes. Enclosed transport is recommended for classic, exotic, luxury, and high-value vehicles. Enclosed transport adds $380 to your Direct Quote. See enclosed car transport and classic & exotic car transport.
Do you ship cars door to door?
Yes. We pick up and deliver as close to your door as the truck can legally and safely get. Narrow streets and low-clearance areas sometimes require meeting the driver at a nearby lot. See door-to-door car shipping.
What's the difference between an instant estimate and a Route Pool?
A Direct Quote starts carrier matching on your schedule with a $250 authorization hold. A Bigfella Route Pool™ lets you join a scheduled multi-vehicle carrier run along popular lanes like LA → Houston or Miami → Houston to unlock shared-lane savings. Both options use approved carriers only, and both book with the same $250 hold.
Can you ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes, using a winch-equipped carrier. Inoperable vehicles add $200 to your Direct Quote for winch-equipped handling.
How do you verify carriers?
We confirm active USDOT and MC operating authority, verify $150,000 or more in cargo insurance directly, review FMCSA safety ratings, and track on-time and cancellation history. See how we vet carriers.
What is a Bigfella Trust Score?
A 0 to 100 score based on verified operating authority, insurance, FMCSA safety history, and real performance data. You see the assigned carrier's score before dispatch.
Can I see the carrier's DOT number before pickup?
Yes. Before dispatch we send you the carrier's name, USDOT number, MC number, and confirmed insurance coverage.
Do you offer a military discount on car shipping?
Yes. Active duty service members, veterans, National Guard, and reservists receive $75 off nationwide vehicle shipping. See the military offer.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Texas?
Most California to Texas car shipping quotes run $1,215 to $1,365 for an operable sedan on open transport. Texas to California on the return lane is often $1,015 to $1,165. Enclosed transport and larger vehicles add to the total.
How long does California to Texas car shipping take?
California to Texas and Texas to California auto transport typically takes 4 to 6 days door-to-door on the I-10 corridor, depending on pickup/delivery locations and season.
Does Bigfella Auto Express offer pet transport?
Yes. After you book your vehicle shipment, you can browse nationwide pet transport partners — including PetCommute and Bad to the Bone Pet Care — in the Bigfella Partner Marketplace.