How a Car Shipping Quote Calculator Works

Posted on 03/17/2021

Jump to section:
What do I need to do to get my free quote?
How are car shipping rates determined?
Tips for using auto transport quotes properly
Conclusion

how-a-car-shipping-quote-works

What do I need to do to get my free quote?

In order to get a free car shipping quote, you will need:

The make and model of your car

The dates that you want to ship your car

Your phone number and e-mail address

When you are getting a quote, you will not need the address that the car is being picked up or dropped off at yet, just a general location (town and state). However, when you decide to book your order later on, then you will need the exact pickup and drop-off locations ready.

A free car shipping quote is a very useful tool that can help you gauge which auto transport company to use for your shipment. A free quote is quite easy to come by and should be offered instantly when you are on a car shipping company’s website.

These quotes are subject to change based on variables that we will discuss below. So, feel free to get a quote whenever you please, but doing so as you are ready to book your shipment is the best way to go about the process.

How are car shipping rates determined?

Car shipping rates are determined by the distance of the shipment, the type of the vehicle that you are shipping, what fuel prices are at the time of the shipment, what time of the year that you are shipping, and the method of shipping that you chose.

Generally, the further you ship your vehicle the more it will cost. The more your car weighs, the more shipping it will cost. If you ship your car during a busier time of the year, such as during the summer when demand for car shipping is at its highest, it will cost a bit more to ship.

Other variables such as the cost of fuel have a smaller impact unless there is a large spike in fuel prices such as there was in 2008.

That is the beauty of getting a free quote though, you can always check and see what your shipment might cost whenever you want.

Tips for using auto transport quotes properly

Getting a car shipping quote is extremely easy, but there are a few things that you should know first:

Know the details before you sit down to get your quote – Getting one of these quotes really is a fast and easy process with an instant quote from a company like RoadRunner. However, it will be even easier to get your quote if you have the details of your shipment (make, model, desired shipping date, etc.) ready when you are sitting down to get your quote.

Quotes aren’t just online – You can always talk to an actual representative over the phone if that is your preference. One upside to getting a quote this way is that you can instantly have all of your questions answered.

Weigh your options – When you ship your car, you will have multiple options such as enclosed transport, top loading and more. Take some time to consider which option will be best for you. When you get a free quote, you can even factor in variables such as the car being inoperable.

Feel free to check multiple dates – You can easily check and see the availability, price and transit times for whichever dates you want, so feel free!

If you have questions, they will be answered – At some point after getting your instant quote, you will have a chance to talk with an auto transport specialist who will be able to answer any questions that you have.

Conclusion

The first step in shipping your car anywhere should always be getting a free quote from any company that you might be considering using. Getting a quote is easy and instant from any reputable shipping company. These quotes will give you the best idea of what your shipment will end up costing you. If a company takes your information and says they will “contact you later” with the result of your quote, they likely are not a trustworthy auto transport company.

1Shipment Details

2Vehicle DetailsMultiple Vehicles?

3Shipper Details

Posted on 03/17/2021

Jump to section:
What do I need to do to get my free quote?
How are car shipping rates determined?
Tips for using auto transport quotes properly
Conclusion

how-a-car-shipping-quote-works

What do I need to do to get my free quote?

In order to get a free car shipping quote, you will need:

The make and model of your car

The dates that you want to ship your car

Your phone number and e-mail address

How are car shipping rates determined?

Tips for using auto transport quotes properly

Getting a car shipping quote is extremely easy, but there are a few things that you should know first:

Know the details before you sit down to get your quote – Getting one of these quotes really is a fast and easy process with an instant quote from a company like RoadRunner. However, it will be even easier to get your quote if you have the details of your shipment (make, model, desired shipping date, etc.) ready when you are sitting down to get your quote.

Quotes aren’t just online – You can always talk to an actual representative over the phone if that is your preference. One upside to getting a quote this way is that you can instantly have all of your questions answered.

Weigh your options – When you ship your car, you will have multiple options such as enclosed transport, top loading and more. Take some time to consider which option will be best for you. When you get a free quote, you can even factor in variables such as the car being inoperable.

Feel free to check multiple dates – You can easily check and see the availability, price and transit times for whichever dates you want, so feel free!

If you have questions, they will be answered – At some point after getting your instant quote, you will have a chance to talk with an auto transport specialist who will be able to answer any questions that you have.

Conclusion

Calculate your instant car shipping cost and view carrier availability in your area.

RoadRunner Auto Transport Reviews

“RoadRunner Auto Transport did an excellent job shipping a car that I bought online. I spoke with multiple car shipping companies, but the folks at RoadRunner were the most helpful.”

Henry DNew Orleans, LA

“RoadRunner is the best auto transport company that we've used so far. The agent that we spoke with was very friendly and helpful. Our car was delivered on time and in perfect condition.”

Bruce YKansas City, KS

“When I needed to ship my car, I wanted to find the most reliable auto transport company possible. After calling around, I chose RoadRunner and couldn't be happier with the service they provided.”

Daniel AWhittier, CA

“I'm very happy with the service I received from RoadRunner Auto Transport. They picked up my car right from my home and I was able to track my automobile transport online very easily.”

Luis CSyracuse, NY

“I was looking for cheap car shipping quotes and RoadRunner provided me with a very fair price. The driver was friendly and my car delivery was on time with no issues. 5 star auto shipping service!”

Tara KPhiladelphia, PA

"5 star service! I would recommend RoadRunner to anyone looking for professional shipping service at a fair price."

Ian C.

Jacksonville, FL

"This is our 3rd time shipping with RoadRunner and we've had nothing but good experiences - Thank you RoadRunner!"

Charles K.

San Antonio, TX

"The RoadRunner agent we spoke with answered all of our questions and kept us in the loop throughout the shipment."

Christopher G.

Cincinnati, OH

"We have used RoadRunner Auto Transport two times. Both times, the experience was nothing less than stellar."

Kate K.

San Diego, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.

How do I get a quote for car moving?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. To calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

When will my vehicle be delivered?

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Can I track the progress of my shipment online?

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

How do I pay for my auto shipping?

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Does someone have to be present for pick up and delivery?

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

Can I put personal items in my vehicle?

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

How do I get a quote for shipping my vehicle?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

How far in advance should I schedule my transport?

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

Where will my car be picked up and delivered?

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly to your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter, local car moving. There is a broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed car shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed vehicle transportation guarantees maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since carrier availability is limited. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport

What types of vehicles do you ship?

RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in shipping all types of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.

How much gas should I have in my car during transport?

You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.

What is the Bill of Lading and what exactly does it have to do with my shipment?

The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.

What is top load service?

Top load service is when your car is placed on the higher deck or level of an open auto transport trailer. This is considered to be preferable to the bottom load because the cars on the lower deck are at risk of possibly having fluid from the cars above leak on them.

How do I get my car ready for shipment?

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.

Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running?

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inoperable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accommodate a non-running vehicle.

What methods of car shipping services do you offer?

We offer open car shipping and enclosed transport services services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on two decks that are exposed. Enclosed transport services are when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is recommended for luxury, exotic or classic cars.

What is Door-to-Door transport?

Door-to-door car transport is the full-service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to reach your door safely. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low-lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.

View all frequently asked questions

View all frequently asked questions.