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What Is Auto Transport & How Does It Work?
The complete guide to moving your vehicle safely with licensed carriers
Auto transport (also called car shipping or vehicle transport) is the process of moving a car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle using a licensed carrier. Whether you're relocating, buying a vehicle out of state, or shipping a classic car to a show, the goal is the same: move the vehicle safely, efficiently, and with real-time communication.
At Bigfella Auto Express, we break down the entire process so you know exactly what to expect, from quote → pickup → delivery.
How Auto Transport Works: Step-by-Step
From quote to delivery - your complete roadmap
Step 1: Get an Auto Transport Quote
The first step is getting an accurate quote based on: Vehicle type, Operating condition, Pickup and delivery locations, Transport type: open or enclosed, Season and route demand, Carrier availability, Lead time (how much notice you give). Rates change daily based on carrier supply and route saturation, so quotes reflect real-time market pricing. At Bigfella Auto Express, your quote always includes: Door-to-door service, 100% vetted carriers, Full cargo insurance, No hidden fees, GPS tracking when available.
Step 2: Book Your Transport (Secure Your Spot)
When you're ready to book we require an initial $150 deposit to reserve your spot, you choose: Your transport option, Pickup window, Special requirements (inoperable vehicle, lifted trucks, low clearance cars, etc.). Why carriers require a pickup window: Most transports don't have exact pickup times because: Truck routes change daily, Drivers make multiple pickups along the route, Weather & traffic impact timing. You'll receive updates throughout the process from dispatch and your driver.
Step 3: Carrier Assignment (Matching You With the Best Driver)
Once booked, our dispatch team assigns your vehicle to a licensed, insured, vetted carrier. We only work with carriers who maintain: Active DOT & MC authority, $1M liability insurance, $250K+ cargo insurance, 95-100% on-time delivery record, Clean safety history. You'll receive: Driver's name, Truck/trailer type, Insurance info, Estimated pickup & delivery times. This step is crucial because the quality of the carrier determines the entire experience.
Step 4: Vehicle Pickup Day (Quick and Simple)
On pickup day, the driver will call 2-3 hours ahead. During pickup they will: Inspect the vehicle (walkaround), Document the condition on the Bill of Lading (BOL), Take photos of any existing damage, Load the vehicle onto the truck. What you need to prepare: Most carriers require: 1/4 tank of gas, No loose personal items, No roof racks/cargo boxes unless disclosed, Keys available for the driver, Alarm disabled, Low-clearance vehicles noted ahead of time. If the vehicle doesn't start or steer, let us know in advance — specialized equipment or a winch may be required. The remaining auto transport balance is automatically charged to the card on file once the carrier picks up your vehicle.
Step 5: Transport & Tracking (Your Vehicle on the Road)
Your vehicle is now secured to the carrier and in transit. You'll receive updates along the route, including: GPS tracking (when available), Driver call/text updates, Progress milestones, Changes in ETA. How long does shipping take? Approximate transit times: 0-500 miles: 1-3 days, 500-1,000 miles: 2-4 days, 1,000-1,500 miles: 3-5 days, 1,500-2,000 miles: 4-7 days, Cross-country: 7-10 days. Season, weather, and route demand can affect timing.
Step 6: Delivery Day (Final Inspection)
Upon delivery: The driver will unload your vehicle, You'll inspect it with the driver, Any discrepancies are documented on the Bill of Lading. The entire delivery takes 5-10 minutes. If something is wrong — what happens? Cargo insurance covers transport-related damage. Simply note the issue on the BOL and notify Bigfella Auto Express immediately.
Types of Auto Transport Options
Choose the right protection level for your vehicle
✔ Open Transport (Most Popular)
- Everyday vehicles
- Dealerships
- Buyers and sellers
- Quick pickup
- Safe and affordable
- Used by 90% of customers
✔ Enclosed Transport (Premium Protection)
- Luxury vehicles
- Exotics
- Classic cars
- Low-clearance sports cars
- High-value show cars
- Full protection from weather, debris, and exposure
✔ Door-to-Door Delivery
Your vehicle is picked up and delivered as close to your actual addresses as safely possible. (Short residential streets may require meeting at a nearby parking lot.)
✔ Expedited Shipping
For customers who need same-day or next-day pickup. This service uses specialized carriers positioned for rapid dispatch.
✔ Inoperable Vehicle Transport
Vehicles that don't start, roll, or steer require: Winches, Special equipment, Experienced carriers. (Bigfella Auto Express handles this daily.)
How Auto Transport Pricing Is Calculated
Understanding what determines your shipping cost
Auto shipping rates depend on:
- ✓ Distance
- ✓ Type of vehicle
- ✓ Transport type (open vs enclosed)
- ✓ Pickup/delivery locations (cities vs rural)
- ✓ Seasonal demand
- ✓ Fuel prices
- ✓ Carrier availability
- ✓ Vehicle condition (running vs inoperable)
- ✓ Route popularity
For example:
- ✓ CA → NY = High demand route (better pricing)
- ✓ ND → AZ = Low carrier density (higher pricing)
Bigfella Auto Express monitors real-time load boards to match customers with the best route pricing.
Why Choose Bigfella Auto Express
Experience the difference with our customer-first approach
98% Vetted Carriers
We only work with carriers who maintain active DOT/MC authority, clean safety records, and 95-100% on-time delivery.
40+ 5-Star Reviews
Rated 5.0 by customers for transparent pricing, reliable service, and exceptional communication.
No Bait-and-Switch Pricing
Your quoted price is your final price. No hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
GPS Tracking When Available
Real-time tracking when available, plus regular updates from dispatch and your driver.
Door-to-Door Delivery
We deliver as close to your addresses as safely possible, with coordination for residential access.
Full Transparency
Featured in The Source & Black Enterprise. Customer-first communication. 100% U.S.-based dispatch. You get real agents, not call center scripts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common auto transport questions
2-5 days is ideal, but same-day options exist.
Light items under 100 lbs are usually allowed but must be disclosed.
It is covered under the carrier's cargo insurance.
Yes—GPS tracking or driver updates.
You or an authorized representative can sign.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Get your personalized quote today and experience the Bigfella Auto Express difference