How to Get an Auto Transport Quote You Can Trust

A quote you can trust is based on your actual car, route and dates, says in writing what it includes, and comes from a company you can check. Send complete details, ask what could change the price, and be wary of any number far below the others. An instant price from a website calculator is a guess until a real person looks at the move.

What to send for an accurate quote

The more complete the request, the fewer surprises later. Include:

The year, make and model, and any changes like a lift kit or oversized tires
Whether the car runs, steers and brakes
The pickup and delivery addresses, or at least the towns
When the car will be ready, and any date you need it by
Open or enclosed transport
For dealers: every VIN, and a contact at each end. Our dealer trade checklist lists what to send.

What changes the price

Route. The distance, and how easy it is to find a truck going that way.
Vehicle. Bigger and heavier vehicles take more room on the trailer.
Condition. A car that doesn't run needs a winch or other equipment.
Trailer type. Enclosed transport costs more than open transport.
Timing. Busy seasons and tight dates are harder to fill than a flexible window.

Our breakdown of what influences the cost of shipping a car covers each one in more detail.

Red flags in a quote

A price far below the rest. Carriers take the loads that pay. A quote too low to attract a truck may sit unassigned or get raised later.
No company details. If you can't find a USDOT or MC number to check on the FMCSA website, keep looking.
Vague terms. No word on insurance, cancellation or what happens if the date moves.
Pressure to decide now. A good quote can wait a day while you check it.

Our guide on avoiding auto transport scams covers more warning signs.

Questions to ask before you accept

Is this the full price, and what could change it?
Who is the carrier, and when are the driver and truck confirmed?
What insurance covers the car on the truck?
What is the pickup window, and the expected delivery window?
Who do I call while the car is on the road?

How FCT quotes

A real person quotes every move. There are no price tables and no instant quote, because the right price depends on the car, the route and the dates. Once you approve, FCT vets the carrier and confirms the driver, the truck, the pickup window and the expected delivery window before the truck rolls. You keep one point of contact from quote to drop-off.

Frequently asked questions

What affects the cost of a car shipping quote?

The route, the size and condition of the vehicle, open or enclosed transport, and the timing, including the season and how flexible your dates are.

Are instant online car shipping quotes accurate?

They are an estimate. A price set by a calculator can change once a real person looks at the car, the route and the dates.

What should a car shipping quote include?

The price and what it covers, the insurance, the pickup window, the cancellation terms and how payment works, all in writing.

Why is one quote so much lower than the others?

Carriers take the loads that pay. A price far below the rest may not attract a truck, so the car sits or the price is raised later.

Get a quote from a real person

Send the car, the addresses and your dates. Request a quote or call (980) 552-1101, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM Eastern.