FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The duration of car shipping depends primarily on the distance and route. On average, cross-country shipments (e.g., New York to California) typically take 7-10 days. Shorter routes, such as between neighboring states, might take 3-5 days. Factors that can affect timing include weather conditions, traffic, road construction, and the driver’s required rest periods. We offer real-time tracking so you can monitor your vehicle’s progress. While we strive to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, it’s important to note that auto transport timelines can be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. We always recommend allowing some flexibility in your schedule when planning for vehicle delivery.

Yes, your vehicle is insured during transport with Texas Auto Transport. We provide cargo insurance coverage for all vehicles we ship, which protects against damage that may occur during the loading, transport, and unloading processes. This insurance is included in your quoted price at no additional cost. The coverage typically includes up to $250,000 for open transport and up to $500,000 for enclosed transport. However, we recommend checking with your personal auto insurance provider to understand your existing coverage during transport. For high-value vehicles, we can arrange additional coverage if needed. In the rare event of damage, we have a straightforward claims process to ensure any issues are resolved quickly and fairly.

Preparing your car for shipping is crucial for a smooth transport process. Start by washing your car to make it easier to spot and document any existing damage. Remove all personal items from the vehicle, as these aren’t covered by transport insurance. Disable any alarms and toll tags. Ensure your gas tank is no more than 1/4 full to reduce weight. Check for and repair any fluid leaks. Remove or secure any loose parts or custom accessories. If your car is inoperable, inform us in advance. Take photos of your vehicle from all angles for your records. Leave one set of keys with the driver and keep a spare. Lastly, make sure your contact information is up to date so we can reach you regarding pickup and delivery.

Open and enclosed transport are the two primary methods of car shipping. Open transport involves carrying vehicles on an open-air trailer, typically able to hold up to 10 cars. It’s more economical and widely available, suitable for standard vehicles. However, cars are exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport uses a fully covered trailer, usually carrying 2-6 vehicles. It offers superior protection from weather, debris, and potential theft, making it ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value cars. Enclosed transport is pricier but provides peace of mind for valuable vehicles. The choice between open and enclosed often depends on the vehicle’s value, your budget, and personal preferences regarding protection level.

While it’s tempting to use your car as an extra moving container, we strongly advise against packing personal items in your vehicle during shipping. Most auto transport companies, including Texas Auto Transport, prohibit this practice for several reasons. First, items inside the car aren’t covered by our cargo insurance policy. Second, additional weight can increase shipping costs and potentially damage your vehicle. Third, loose items can become projectiles during transport, risking damage to your car’s interior. Lastly, for security and legal reasons, carriers aren’t permitted to transport personal belongings in this manner. We recommend removing all personal items, including after-market electronics, before shipping your vehicle.

Texas Auto Transport offers real-time tracking for all shipments, allowing you to monitor your vehicle’s progress throughout its journey. Upon booking, you’ll receive a unique tracking number and instructions on how to access our online tracking portal. Simply enter your tracking number on our website to view the current location and estimated arrival time of your vehicle. For added convenience, we can also provide email or text updates at key milestones during the transport process. If you prefer a more personal touch, our customer service team is always available to provide detailed updates on your shipment. We understand the importance of staying informed and strive to provide transparent, up-to-date information throughout the shipping process.

While damage during transport is rare, we have a comprehensive process in place to handle such situations. If you notice any damage upon delivery, it’s crucial to document it on the Bill of Lading before signing. Take detailed photos and notify the driver immediately. Contact our customer service team as soon as possible to initiate a claim. We’ll guide you through our straightforward claims process, which typically involves submitting photos, repair estimates, and any other relevant documentation. Our insurance provider will review the claim and, if approved, arrange for repairs or compensation. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction and will work diligently to resolve any issues quickly and fairly.

Yes, Texas Auto Transport can ship inoperable vehicles, but it’s important to inform us in advance. Shipping a non-running car requires special equipment and handling, which may incur additional costs. We’ll need to use a winch or forklift to load and unload the vehicle, which isn’t necessary for operable cars. When booking, please provide details about your vehicle’s condition, including why it’s inoperable (e.g., mechanical issues, missing wheels, etc.). This information helps us assign the appropriate carrier and equipment. While we can transport inoperable vehicles, please note that they should still have functional brakes and be able to roll, steer, and brake for safety reasons during loading and unloading.

We recommend booking your car shipment as far in advance as possible, ideally 2-4 weeks before your desired pickup date. This lead time allows us to find the best carrier for your specific needs and secure the most competitive rates. During peak seasons (summer months and January), it’s wise to book even earlier, as demand for auto transport services increases. However, we understand that sometimes you need last-minute shipping. In such cases, we offer expedited services for an additional fee, subject to carrier availability. Remember, the more flexible you can be with your pickup and delivery dates, the easier it is for us to accommodate your shipping needs and potentially offer better rates.

Texas Auto Transport accepts a variety of payment methods to accommodate our customers’ preferences. We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We also accept payment via PayPal for added convenience. For those who prefer traditional methods, we accept cashier’s checks and money orders. Please note that personal checks are not accepted due to the processing time involved. In most cases, a deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation, with the remaining balance due upon delivery of your vehicle. For corporate clients, we offer invoicing options with pre-approved credit. All our transactions are secure, and we never share your financial information with third parties.

Yes, Texas Auto Transport proudly offers door-to-door service for maximum convenience. This means we’ll pick up your vehicle from your specified location (home, office, etc.) and deliver it directly to your desired destination. Our skilled drivers will get as close as legally and safely possible to your requested locations. However, please note that in some cases, especially in areas with narrow streets or low-hanging trees, the driver may need to arrange a nearby meeting point for pickup or delivery. We always prioritize the safety of your vehicle and compliance with local traffic laws. Door-to-door service saves you time and hassle, eliminating the need to drop off or pick up your vehicle at a terminal.

While Texas Auto Transport specializes in domestic auto shipping within the United States, we do have partnerships with reputable international auto transport companies. Through these partnerships, we can facilitate international car shipping to many destinations worldwide. International auto transport involves additional complexities, including customs clearance, import/export regulations, and overseas shipping methods (container or RoRo). If you need to ship a car internationally, please contact our customer service team. We’ll connect you with our international shipping partners who can provide detailed information about the process, costs, and requirements for your specific international route. They’ll ensure your vehicle complies with all necessary regulations and arrives safely at its overseas destination.

We understand that plans can change, and we strive to be as flexible as possible. If you need to modify your shipping dates, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible. For minor adjustments (1-2 days), we can usually accommodate the change without any issues or additional fees, especially if you notify us well in advance. For more significant changes, we’ll do our best to work with you, but please understand that it may affect carrier availability and potentially the price. In some cases, if the change is substantial, we might need to rebook your shipment. We always aim to find the best solution for our customers while balancing the logistical challenges of auto transport scheduling.

Getting a quote from Texas Auto Transport is quick and easy. You have three convenient options:

1. Online Quote Calculator: Visit our website and use our instant quote tool. Enter details like vehicle make/model, pickup and delivery locations, and preferred shipping method. You’ll receive an instant estimate.
2. Phone: Call our dedicated quote line to speak directly with a transport specialist. They can provide a detailed quote and answer any questions you might have about the process.
3. Email: Send us an email with your shipping details, and we’ll respond promptly with a comprehensive quote.

All our quotes are free and no-obligation. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing, so the quote you receive will include all standard fees. For the most accurate quote, please provide as much detail as possible about your shipping needs.