Car Shipping FAQ

Open auto transport typically costs $299–$1,200 depending on distance. Enclosed transport costs $699–$2,500. Key factors include vehicle size, pickup and delivery locations, current fuel prices, and carrier availability. Short routes under 500 miles start around $299, while coast-to-coast shipments range $900–$1,400 for open transport. Use our free instant quote calculator for an exact price.

Your quote is based on four main variables: (1) distance — longer routes cost more but the per-mile rate decreases; (2) vehicle size and weight — trucks, SUVs, and vans cost more than sedans; (3) transport type — enclosed is 40–60% more than open; (4) timing and demand — peak moving season (May–September) and last-minute bookings raise prices 15–30%. Fuel surcharges also apply when diesel prices spike.

No upfront deposit is required at booking. Payment is collected at the time of pickup or delivery depending on the carrier assigned to your shipment. We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash, personal checks, and ACH bank transfers. The balance due is always confirmed in writing before your pickup date.

Yes. Credit card payments are accepted for the full shipping amount. Some carriers on longer routes prefer cash or certified check at delivery — if that applies to your order, we will notify you at booking. There are no hidden fees: the price in your confirmation is the price you pay.

Yes. We offer special pricing for active duty military members, veterans, and their families. Military PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves qualify for reduced rates. Contact our team at (216) 412-4411 or mention your military status when requesting a quote — our dispatch team will apply the discount automatically.

For standard vehicles there are no hidden fees beyond your quoted price. Surcharges that may apply include: inoperable vehicle fee ($100–$200 for winch or forklift loading), oversize fee for vehicles wider than 80 inches or taller than 72 inches, and expedited booking fee for same-day or next-day dispatch. All applicable fees are disclosed in your written quote before you confirm.

Auto transport is used by a wide range of people. The most common customers are: (1) families and individuals relocating to another state for work or personal reasons; (2) college students moving away for school; (3) snowbirds — retirees and vacationers who temporarily relocate to warmer states in winter and need their vehicle transported without driving it; (4) classic car collectors who purchase vehicles online or at auctions across the country; (5) military members on PCS orders; (6) online vehicle buyers and sellers (eBay Motors, Bring a Trailer, etc.); and (7) businesses managing fleet vehicles or dealership inventory. If you need a vehicle moved more than a few hundred miles, auto transport is almost always more cost-effective than driving it.

We recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance for the best carrier selection and pricing. For peak season travel (May through September) or holiday weekends, 2–3 weeks is better. That said, we handle expedited shipments regularly — most routes can be dispatched within 24–72 hours of booking. The earlier you book, the more competitive your rate.

To confirm your booking we need: (1) pickup and delivery zip codes or cities; (2) year, make, model, and trim of the vehicle; (3) whether the vehicle is running; (4) your preferred first available pickup date; (5) your contact name, phone, and email; and (6) contact information for the person releasing the vehicle if it is not you. We do not require a physical address until closer to your pickup date.

Yes. You can book with a city or zip code as the destination. Carriers plan routes by region and will confirm the exact address with you a few days before pickup. Just update the delivery address as soon as you have it — your coordinator can accept address updates up until a carrier is dispatched.

Yes. Every shipment booked through Uwon Carriers includes a tracking number and real-time GPS updates accessible through our Track Shipment page. You can also call or text your assigned coordinator at any time for an instant status update. We send proactive notifications at pickup, transit milestones, and estimated delivery.

You can cancel or modify your order at any time before a carrier is assigned with no cancellation fee. Once a carrier is assigned and dispatched, a cancellation fee may apply. To cancel or make changes, contact your dispatch coordinator directly or call (216) 412-4411. We work with you to accommodate schedule changes whenever possible.

An auto transport broker (like Uwon Carriers) arranges shipments by connecting customers with licensed carriers in the FMCSA network. Brokers do not own trucks — they negotiate pricing, handle paperwork, verify insurance, and manage the customer relationship. A carrier is the company that physically drives the truck and transports your vehicle. Working with a reputable broker gives you access to a large network of vetted carriers and competitive pricing.

Yes. Someone must be present at both pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle, provide keys to the driver, and sign the Bill of Lading (inspection report). This person must be 18 or older and can be a trusted friend, family member, neighbor, or dealer representative — it does not have to be you personally.

Uwon Carriers offers door-to-door service, meaning our drivers get as close as legally and physically possible to your exact pickup and delivery addresses. In narrow streets, low-clearance areas, or neighborhoods with weight restrictions, the driver may ask to meet at a nearby safe loading point such as a parking lot or main road. This is normal for large multi-car carriers and will be coordinated with you by phone.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the official condition report for your vehicle — it functions as the contract between you and the carrier. At pickup, the driver inspects the vehicle and notes any pre-existing damage. At delivery, the driver does another inspection and you compare the two. Do not sign a clean Bill of Lading if you notice new damage — document any issues on the form before signing. The BOL is your proof for any insurance claim.

Transit times depend on route distance: under 500 miles typically takes 1–3 business days; 500–1,500 miles takes 3–5 days; cross-country shipments over 2,000 miles take 7–9 days. These are standard estimates — weather, traffic, and carrier routing can affect timing. Your coordinator will provide an estimated delivery window and update you as the driver approaches.

Specific guaranteed dates are not offered by standard carriers as transport logistics involve too many variables (weather, traffic, mechanical issues, co-loading schedules). We provide estimated pickup windows and estimated delivery windows. Expedited service is available for an additional fee and comes with a much tighter guaranteed window — contact us at (216) 412-4411 for expedited options.

Yes. Your assigned driver will contact you by phone 12–24 hours before the scheduled pickup and again before delivery to confirm timing. If the driver encounters any issues — traffic, a delay on a prior stop, or difficulty accessing your street — they will call you immediately to coordinate. You will also receive status notifications from your Uwon Carriers coordinator at key milestones throughout the shipment.

At pickup: (1) the driver arrives and inspects the vehicle with you, noting any pre-existing scratches, dents, or damage on the Bill of Lading; (2) you hand over one set of keys and sign the condition report; (3) the vehicle is loaded and secured on the trailer. During transit, you receive GPS tracking updates and can call your coordinator at any time. At delivery: (1) the driver calls ahead to confirm your availability; (2) the vehicle is unloaded and a final inspection is conducted side-by-side with the pickup report; (3) if no new damage is found, you sign the final Bill of Lading and the shipment is complete. If you notice any new damage, note it on the BOL before signing and contact us immediately to start the claims process.

Door-to-door transport means the driver picks up your vehicle from your designated address and delivers it directly to the destination address — you do not drop off or pick up from a terminal. Our drivers get as close as legally possible to your door. In rare cases where access is restricted (very narrow streets, low branches, or local ordinances), the driver will coordinate a nearby meeting point with you.

Carriers are not insured for personal belongings, and most carrier contracts specifically exclude personal items from coverage. If you must leave something, keep it under 100 lbs total, stored in the trunk, and not visible through the windows. Remove all valuables, electronics, important documents, loose items, and anything on the seats or in the cabin. Items left in the vehicle are entirely at your own risk.

Keep the fuel tank between 1/4 and 1/2 full. A full tank adds unnecessary weight and creates a minor fire risk during loading and unloading. A near-empty tank may cause problems if the driver needs to move the vehicle on or off the trailer. The 1/4–1/2 range is the industry-standard recommendation.

Before your driver arrives: (1) remove all personal items and valuables; (2) wash the car so any existing scratches or dents are clearly visible during the inspection; (3) document pre-existing damage with dated photographs; (4) disable any toll transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass) to avoid charges during transit; (5) retract or fold in any custom spoilers or wide mirrors; (6) ensure the battery is fully charged; (7) leave a 1/4–1/2 tank of fuel; and (8) note any operational quirks (sensitive alarm, stiff parking brake) for the driver.

Yes. We ship inoperable vehicles regularly using specialized equipment including winches and forklifts. An inoperable vehicle surcharge of $100–$200 applies because extra equipment and labor are required. Please disclose the vehicle's exact condition (won't start, won't roll, missing wheels) when getting your quote so we can match you with a carrier equipped for non-running loads.

Yes. We ship lifted trucks, modified cars, wide-body kits, and custom builds. Vehicles over 80 inches wide or 72 inches tall may require a specialized trailer and will be quoted at an oversize rate. Enclosed transport is recommended for highly modified vehicles. Let us know the exact dimensions and any modifications at the time of booking.

Yes, but it requires special care. Low vehicles (under 4 inches ground clearance) may not safely navigate standard open-carrier ramps. Enclosed transport with lift gate or flatbed service is recommended for supercars, slammed builds, and ultra-low sports cars. Mention the ground clearance when booking so we can match you with an appropriately equipped carrier.

License plates are not legally required for transport — carriers can haul unplated vehicles. However, if the vehicle will be driven at all during the pickup or delivery process, active registration is required. Keep your registration documents accessible and inform the driver of any plate or registration issues at pickup.

Yes, leased vehicles can be transported. However, check your lease agreement before booking — some lease contracts prohibit out-of-state transport or require written approval from the lessor. Provide your leasing company's contact information when booking if approval documentation is required. You are responsible for ensuring your lease terms permit transport.

Open transport uses a multi-car open-air trailer (typically 7–10 vehicles) — the same method dealerships use to deliver new cars from the factory. It is the most affordable option at $299–$1,200 per vehicle. Enclosed transport places your vehicle in a fully covered, weatherproof trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. Enclosed costs $699–$2,500 and is ideal for luxury, exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles.

We ship standard cars, SUVs, trucks, minivans, motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, classic cars, exotic and luxury vehicles, boats on trailers, RVs, and heavy equipment. Any vehicle that can be legally transported on a public road can be shipped through Uwon Carriers. Oversized vehicles are quoted individually based on dimensions and weight.

Yes. Every carrier in the Uwon Carriers network carries a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance per load. We verify active insurance certificates before dispatching any carrier. Your vehicle is documented with a Bill of Lading at pickup to establish a pre-transport condition baseline. Any damage that occurs in transit is covered by the carrier's cargo insurance policy.

If you notice new damage at delivery, document it on the Bill of Lading before signing — do not sign a clean report if damage is present. Photograph the damage immediately with timestamps. Contact Uwon Carriers at (216) 412-4411 to initiate a claim against the carrier's cargo insurance. Provide your photos, the Bill of Lading, and your original condition photos as supporting documentation. Most claims are resolved within 30–60 days.

Yes. Hawaii shipping requires ocean freight — vehicles are transported by container or roll-on/roll-off vessel from a West Coast port (typically Los Angeles or Long Beach). Alaska shipments are trucked to the Pacific Northwest, then shipped via ocean freight to Anchorage or Fairbanks. Both routes require additional transit time and cost. Contact us at (216) 412-4411 for a custom quote.

Yes. We regularly transport vehicles purchased at Copart, IAAI, Manheim, and private dealer auctions. Provide the auction lot number, pickup address, release contact, and whether the vehicle is running or inoperable. Auction vehicles are often non-running or have damage — disclose the condition accurately so we can assign the right carrier equipment.

Top-load service places your vehicle on the upper deck of an open carrier trailer. Upper deck positions are generally cleaner (less road grime from vehicles below) and are preferred for nicer vehicles that don't require full enclosed protection. Top-load is an upgrade from standard open transport and is available for an additional fee on most routes.

Yes. Most auto transport carriers operate 7 days a week including weekends. Saturday and Sunday pickups and deliveries are available on most routes, though holiday weekends may have reduced carrier availability. Specify weekend service when booking and our dispatch team will match you with carriers that run weekend schedules on your route.

Yes. Auto transport operates year-round in all weather conditions. Winter shipping in northern states may add 1–2 days to transit time due to slower driving in snow and ice. Enclosed transport is recommended during harsh winter months to protect your vehicle from road salt, slush, and freezing temperatures. Budget for a possible weather delay on longer northern routes from November through March.