Most car shipments cost $600–$1,400, with national averages around $1.00–$1.96 per mile for short routes and $0.40–$0.58 per mile for cross-country moves. Short regional moves run $300–$700; cross-country shipments typically run $900–$1,500+. Non-running vehicles add $100–$300, and enclosed transport runs 40–60% more than open.

Use our instant quote calculator for an exact price on your route.

Six factors drive every quote:

• Distance & route demand — popular lanes are cheaper per mile than rural pickups.
• Vehicle size and weight — sedans are cheapest; SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more.
• Running condition — non-running vehicles add $100–$300 for winch or forklift loading.
• Transport type — open is most affordable; enclosed costs 40–60% more.
• Season — summer and snowbird months (Oct–Dec, Mar–Apr) raise rates 10–30%.
• Pickup & delivery accessibility — narrow streets, gated communities, and rural areas can add fees.

Yes. Shipping two or more vehicles on the same truck from the same origin to the same destination unlocks a multi-vehicle discount. The exact savings depend on vehicle count, route, and trailer space.

See our dedicated multi-vehicle car shipping page or call for a customized quote.

Yes. We offer dedicated rates for:

• Active-duty & retired military — see military car shipping.
• College students — see student auto transport.
• Snowbirds — seasonal rates for Oct–Dec and Mar–Apr migration months. See snowbird car transport.

Mention your eligibility when requesting a quote so we can apply the right rate.

Yes. Carriers typically offer better rates when paid in cash or certified funds (cashier's check or money order) at delivery, because it eliminates processing fees and payment delays. Paying entirely by credit card may involve a small processing fee.

Personal checks are not accepted by most carriers.

Transit time depends on distance:

• Regional (under 500 miles): 1–3 days
• Mid-distance (500–1,500 miles): 3–6 days
• Cross-country (1,500+ miles): 7–10 days

Expedited service can shorten the window. Weather, traffic, and driver hours of service can shift estimates by 1–2 days.

For standard routes, book 5–7 days in advance to lock in the best rates and carrier availability. For peak seasons (summer, holidays, snowbird months) or rural pickups, 1–2 weeks ahead is ideal. Need it sooner? Expedited and same-day pickup are available on most metro routes.

Yes, on most metro routes. Same-day pickup uses real-time carrier matching across our network of 30,000+ vetted drivers to find trucks already in motion near your location. Pickup typically happens within 4–8 hours on high-density routes.

Same-day premium runs 30–50% above standard rates. See same-day auto transport for details.

For pickup — yes. Our guaranteed pickup service assigns expedited carriers to a specific date or time window for an added premium.

For delivery — we provide estimated windows but cannot guarantee exact delivery dates, because weather, traffic, and driver-required rest stops affect transit times. We track every shipment and update you proactively.

It's the earliest date your vehicle is ready for pickup, not necessarily the exact pickup date. The actual pickup is typically within 1–5 business days of that date, based on carrier availability for your specific lane. You can change this date at any time before a driver is assigned.

Six steps from quote to delivery:

• 1. Get an instant quote via the calculator (pickup ZIP, delivery ZIP, vehicle, condition).
• 2. Book with no upfront payment.
• 3. Carrier assignment — we match you with a vetted, licensed, insured carrier on your lane.
• 4. Pickup — driver inspects the vehicle and signs the Bill of Lading documenting its condition.
• 5. Transit & tracking — you receive driver contact info and live updates.
• 6. Delivery — inspect the vehicle on arrival, note any new damage on the BOL before signing, then pay the carrier directly.

To start an order, you need:

• Pickup and delivery ZIP codes (precise addresses not required at quote stage)
• Vehicle year, make, model and running condition
• First available shipping date
• Contact phone number for driver coordination

If you only have city info, we can still generate an accurate quote using a major nearby city.

Once a carrier is assigned (typically within 24–48 hours of your first available shipping date), we send you the carrier company's name, the driver's contact, and dispatch info. The driver typically calls a few hours before arrival at both pickup and delivery to confirm timing and location.

Someone must be present at both ends — either you or an authorized representative who is at least 18 years old. Their job is to:

• Inspect the vehicle with the driver
• Sign the Bill of Lading documenting condition
• Hand over keys at pickup / accept keys at delivery

Provide us their name and phone number ahead of time so the driver can coordinate.

The driver picks up and delivers as close to your front door as legally and safely possible. If your street has narrow access, low-hanging trees, HOA restrictions, or a low clearance bridge, the driver will arrange to meet you at a nearby accessible location (parking lot, intersection, or major road) — at no extra cost.

See door-to-door car transport for full details.

Yes. You can authorize any trusted person aged 18 or older to be present for pickup or delivery on your behalf. They'll inspect the vehicle, sign the Bill of Lading, and handle keys. Just provide us their name and phone number when booking.

Yes. Every carrier in our network is legally required to carry active cargo insurance, typically $100,000–$250,000 depending on the truck and vehicle type. Coverage applies to transport-related external damage only — not personal items inside the vehicle.

Claims require a signed Bill of Lading documenting condition at pickup and delivery.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the most important document in auto transport. It's a legal contract between the carrier and the vehicle owner that:

• Identifies the vehicle being moved and the responsible parties
• Documents the vehicle's condition at pickup (inspected by the driver)
• Documents the vehicle's condition at delivery
• Serves as proof of the transaction and the basis for any insurance claim

Always inspect carefully and note any damage before signing at delivery.

Take these steps before signing anything:

• Note all damage on the Bill of Lading with the driver present
• Photograph everything — multiple angles, with timestamps
• Have the driver sign acknowledging the damage notation
• Contact us within 24–48 hours at (302) 278-4298 to open the claim

We coordinate directly with the carrier's insurance to file and process your claim. See our claims handling process for full details.

No. Cargo insurance covers the vehicle's exterior and structural condition during transit. It does not cover personal belongings stored inside the vehicle. Carriers also generally limit personal items to 100 lbs max, stored below window level.

For valuable items, ship them separately.

Standard cargo insurance does not cover hail, storms, floods, or other "Acts of God" on open carriers. If you're shipping during severe weather season or moving a high-value vehicle, choose enclosed transport, which protects against weather, debris, and road conditions.

For the booking deposit (only charged after a carrier is assigned): all major credit and debit cards and electronic transfers.

For the carrier balance paid at delivery: cash, cashier's check, money order, or Zelle (depending on the driver). Personal checks are typically not accepted.

No. You pay zero upfront. The booking deposit is only charged once a carrier is assigned and dispatched to your shipment. This protects you from paying for service that doesn't materialize.

One of the most lenient in the industry:

• Before a carrier is assigned: cancel anytime, full refund, no fee.
• After a carrier is assigned and dispatched: a $149 non-refundable service fee applies to cover routing and scheduling work already performed.

All cancellation requests must be sent in writing to support@naviautotransport.com.

Yes — per Federal Law, payment is required for services rendered. If you withhold payment, the carrier has the legal right to retain your vehicle until fees are settled.

If you're not satisfied or there's a dispute, call us at (302) 278-4298. We mediate between you and the carrier and help resolve any issues — but always pay first, then dispute.

Yes. Inoperable and non-running vehicles are shipped with specialized carriers equipped with winches (for vehicles that roll and steer) or forklifts (for vehicles that don't move at all).

Disclose non-running condition at booking — non-running ships typically cost $100–$300 more, and arriving with the wrong equipment causes pickup delays.

Yes — and we strongly recommend enclosed transport for any high-value vehicle. Enclosed trailers shield your car from weather, road debris, and visibility. Most enclosed carriers use soft straps and lift gates for low-clearance and rare vehicles.

See our specialty pages for classic car, luxury and exotic car, and platinum enclosed transport.

Yes. We handle vehicles with lift kits, oversized tires, roof racks, spoilers, lowered suspensions, and other modifications. Disclose all modifications at booking — they affect equipment selection and pricing. An undisclosed mod can cause a failed pickup if the carrier shows up without the right equipment.

See oversized vehicle shipping for details.

Yes — auction shipping is a specialty. We ship from Copart, IAAI, Manheim, ACV, ADESA, and regional dealer auctions nationwide. Our carriers know yard-specific access requirements, release procedures, and pickup deadlines to help you avoid storage fees.

See our full auction car shipping page.

Yes. We ship motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, and other small recreational vehicles. Pricing and equipment vary — call (302) 278-4298 for a customized quote.

Yes. Vehicles with clearance under 4 inches typically require an enclosed trailer with a lift gate — open trailer ramps can cause bottoming-out damage. See our low-clearance car shipping page for full details.

Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal belongings, stored below window level. Items must be secured to prevent shifting damage. Important notes:

• Personal items are not covered by cargo insurance
• Carriers may refuse overweight or unsecured items
• Items that shift in transit can damage your vehicle's interior — also not covered
• Never include valuables, electronics, firearms, or hazardous materials

A quarter tank or less. Enough fuel for loading and unloading without adding unnecessary weight that affects fuel efficiency and DOT weight regulations for the carrier.

Six-step prep checklist:

• Wash the car so the driver can clearly document existing damage on the BOL
• Remove personal items, valuables, and electronics
• Disable alarms and toll transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass)
• Remove removable external mods (roof racks, antennas, spoilers)
• Leave a quarter tank of gas or less
• Check fluids, battery, and tire pressure

No. License plates are not required for transport — we only need the vehicle and the keys. The carrier transports the vehicle on a truck (not driven on public roads), so registration and plates aren't necessary.

Yes — fully licensed by FMCSA and the DOT, BBB Accredited, and Forbes Advisor ranked #2 Best Car Shipping Company. Every carrier in our network is required to carry active cargo insurance ($100,000–$250,000) and an active operating authority.

Verify our license at FMCSA SAFER.

MC: 1646663
USDOT: 4248916

Both are active and verifiable through the FMCSA SAFER database.

Navi is a licensed auto transport broker. We coordinate transport between you and a network of 30,000+ vetted, licensed, insured carriers nationwide. This is the same model used by every major auto transport company in the U.S. — it gives us access to far more capacity and route coverage than any single-fleet carrier could offer.

Once your vehicle is dispatched, you receive:

• The carrier company name and dispatch contact
• The driver's direct phone number
• Status updates from our dispatch team as the shipment progresses

Drivers can't take calls while driving, but the dispatch team provides updates anytime. Track your shipment.

Three things set us apart:

• Forbes Advisor #2 Best Car Shipping Company — third-party validated quality
• No upfront payment — you only pay once a carrier is dispatched, eliminating booking risk
• Auction-first & specialty expertise — non-running, classic, luxury, military, and auction transport workflows built in, not bolted on

Read more on why customers choose Navi.