Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Cost / Payment

How do you get a shipment quote?

On our website, we have a quote form that clients can fill out for a quote estimate. To make it easy, fill in all the details. Once all the details are filled out and submitted, you will get our instant quote, and our representative will contact you ASAP. Or call +1 (833) 233-4447 to speak with one of our car transport pricing specialists. To compute your estimate, we need to know the origin and destination locations, the type of vehicle you wish to ship, and the date your car will be available.

How Much Should I Expect to Spend on Shipping My Car?

Car shipping cost typically ranges from 40 cents to $2.00 per mile. Compared to long-distance and cross-country shipping, short-distance moves utilizing open transit have lower total costs but higher average expenses per mile. You might obtain lower charges if you are more flexible with your drop-off and pickup dates.

How is the cost of shipping calculated?

Factors influencing cost include the distance, type of transport chosen (open vs. enclosed), and the size and weight of the vehicle.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

For car shipments, Rapid Auto Shipping takes all major credit cards and any sort of certified payment. We take 10-15% of the amount on the day of the pickup, and the balance is due at drop-off, which can be paid to the driver in the form of Cash, Zelle, Venmo, or Certified Check.

Questions about Booking Process

What Details Do You Need to Place an Order?

In order to place a car shipping order, you will need to provide your contact information, addresses for pickup and delivery, and vehicle details such as year, make, model, and condition. Also, mention whether it is running or inoperable, transport preferences in the form of open or enclosed shipping, and desired dates.

How Far in Advance Should I Book Car Shipping?

Booking the service should be made two weeks before to accommodate the requested pick-up dates and ensure that there are enough carriers. Summer, holiday season, and others usually call for a booking to be made at least three or four weeks before the service date. Last-minute shipments are also accepted and incur an expedited charge, but they could get pretty expensive. Early booking may ensure a reasonable price rate and avoid confusion when planning to arrange things.

What Kind of Documents Will I Receive While Shipping a Car?

When shipping your car, you will generally receive the following crucial documents:

These documents ensure easy, safe movement of your goods while also safeguarding your interests.

Can I Place an Order If I Don’t Know the Exact Address?

Yes, you can place an order even if the exact address isn't known, by providing both pickup and delivery cities, ZIP codes, or general areas for pickup and delivery. You could update the details of the final locations closer to the transport date. Please keep in mind that changes may also affect the final cost or schedule.

Can I Track My Shipment?

Yes! We offer a standard monitoring device to monitor your car in transit. You can monitor your shipment 24/7 using the online tracking function. To monitor your vehicle shipment, please provide us with your tracking information, name, email address, and/or phone number.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

We have a very flexible cancellation policy. You can cancel anytime before a driver is assigned to your car and before the driver comes to pick up your vehicle, but it comes with a small fee. However, you cannot cancel when your vehicle is shipped and halfway to your location.

What Kind of Paperwork Will I Need to Ship My Car?

To ship a vehicle, we generally require the following documents:

Sometimes, we may request additional paperwork depending on the state or shipment requirements. For more information, consult with our executives.

Questions about Pick Up / Delivery

Does Someone Need to Be Present at the Pickup and Drop-off Location to Meet the Carrier Driver?

The vehicle's pick-up and delivery will require the presence of someone. This is where you sign the pick-up and delivery inspection paperwork. The person must be over 18, have your permission, and preferably be a licensed driver.

If you cannot be at the pickup and delivery locations, you can contact the carrier driver for help. Just let him know where the keys are or how to access your car, especially if it can be operated remotely. He will take care of everything on your behalf to ensure everything goes smoothly. Important documents, such as the inspection report and the bill of lading, will be sent to you via email for your convenience.

How Long Will It Take to Ship My Car?

The typical time to ship a car is 3 to 5 business days. However, car shipping depends on factors like transport truck bandwidth, traffic, weather, and other factors that will influence your specific timings.

Where Will My Car Be Picked Up/Dropped Off?

At Rapid Auto Shipping, we strive to ensure an exact pickup and drop-off time. However, circumstances such as heavy traffic or even mechanical problems could cause some small delays. Rest assured, our team will maintain communication with you to stay right on schedule.

We will deliver door-to-door whenever possible. If your location is inaccessible to a large transport truck, we will work with you to find a convenient meeting spot nearby, such as a parking lot. If you cannot be present, you can designate a trusted representative to handle the handoff on your behalf.

What Happens If the Trailer Can't Access My Location?

If a large transport truck can't access your pickup or delivery address, we will arrange for a nearby location with easier access, such as a parking lot.

Questions about Vehicle

Can I Put Personal Items in the Car for Shipping?

For safety reasons, we generally do not allow personal items inside the vehicle. If you need to ship items, consider using a separate shipping service. However, small, non-valuable items up to 100 pounds are allowed at your peril, so it’s best to discuss your specific needs with our shipping coordinator.

Is My Car Insured During Transport?

Yes, all vehicles are covered by Damage-Free Carrier Insurance while in transit. We also require our carriers to provide supplemental insurance, which means you’ll have added protection in the unlikely event of damage or an accident.

Is There Any Preparation Required to Ship My Vehicle?

Ensure the car's interior and exterior are clean so the driver can easily see if there is prior damage. If you are not carrying anything else, remove all your personal belongings. Inform the driver of any problems with your vehicle. Ensure that the car has a quarter tank of gas at pickup.

Can We Transport a Vehicle That Isn't Running?

Yes! We transport non-running vehicles with a winch-equipped trailer. There is an upcharge for the additional gear and labor. When making reservations online or with our representative on our phone reservation lines, please mark your vehicle as a breakdown or not running.

Can I Transport a Customized or Oversized Vehicle?

Yes, we can accommodate oversized vehicles of any size because we have a wide range of specialized carriers all over the country. For oversized or modified vehicles, however, you will need to contact us for a customized quote. Our online quote calculator is designed for standard, unmodified vehicles. It may not be able to give the most accurate price for non-standard dimensions. Give us a call, and let's provide a customized quotation for your transport requirements.

Questions about Service

What Else Can We Ship with Your Company?

Automobiles, trucks, and SUVs comprise a modest percentage of our transport. We also move vans, motorcycles, limousines, yachts, RVs, and other vehicles. We transport all sorts of vehicles, such as heavy machinery, military vehicles, and even boats.

Why Should I Use a Car Shipping Service Instead of Cross-Country Driving?

Car shipping services save you time, wear and tear on your vehicle, and potential travel expenses, making it a convenient choice for longer distances.

How Does Open Auto Transport Differ from Enclosed Transport?

Open auto transport is a budget-friendly option, but vehicles are exposed to natural elements. Meanwhile, enclosed auto transport is a premium option that provides added protection against weather and debris, and it is ideal for luxury or classic cars.

What Types of Discounts Are Available?

The discount helps lower the cost of shipping a car. Rapid Auto Shipping offers discounts to active military personnel, senior citizens on social security income, return customers, early bird bookings, and college students.

What Is the Bill of Lading (BOL), and Why Is It Important?

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is essentially a contract, as well as a receipt in auto transport for your shipment of your vehicle. It contains valuable information on its pickup and delivery details, as well as the car's condition when picked up and delivered. The BOL also includes information about the agreed-upon transportation contract.

The BOL is the most important tool in protecting both you and the carrier because it documents the vehicle's condition at the time of pickup and delivery, which would help resolve any potential disputes over damages. Make sure to read and sign the BOL carefully at both stages and keep a copy for your records.

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