http://www.liteautotransport.comWhen considering whether to use an auto transportation company to ship your car, your first question naturally turns to cost? After all, you could drive it yourself.

Focus What will speed up auto transport service? The answer is the carrier fee. The highest paying vehicles ship first.

Which is why we uniquely offer three tiers of auto transport quotes to compare on every route.

How long it takes to ship a car depends upon the tier you select.

With Over TEN years of experience in the auto transport industry, and having introduced the very first instant quote calculator online.

Lite Auto Transport scores highest in customer satisfaction.

We are experts and can tell you what to expect from start to finish, and how much it will cost to ship a car from your town to any other.

We were the first to provide instant auto transport quotes online

Long tine Ago A customer could not get an auto transport quote online. It did not exist.

Back then, auto transport broker websites were merely promotional.

Customers who called brokers for a quote to ship a car, would only receive a vehicle shipping estimate if they provided personal information, such as name, address, phone number and email address.

In 2000, the founder of Lite Auto Transport, , launched the very first auto transport quote online request .

We asked for no personal information then, and still do not today. We might be alone in that way.

We are different.

When Do You Need Auto Transport Services?

People turn to auto transport services when they are buying a vehicle hundreds or thousands of miles away, and they need their vehicle transported to their home.

Or they are moving to another city or state and don’t want to drive the vehicle themselves. So they use auto shipping companies instead.

As well, college students and military personnel commonly use auto transport services for the same reason.

Retirees, often called snowbirds, will use car transport companies to save the hassle of driving. Car transport services are usually very affordable because auto shipping carriers use the same type of hauling trucks that also deliver new vehicles to dealerships.

How To Order Auto Transport Service

Answer 5 Car Shipping
Quote Questions
Select From 3 Auto Transport Pricing Tiers
Place Your Vehicle Shipment Order
An Auto Shipping Carrier Gets Assigned
Your Pick Up Contact Is Notified
Your Delivery Contact Is Notified & Drop-Off

1. Answer 5 Quick Car Shipping Quote Questions

Simply enter your origination and destination zip codes.

The city, town or area will usually auto-populate. Then choose the year, make and model of the vehicle(s) you are shipping. Select whether it is running or non-running? And then finally, choose whether you wish to go.

Open or Enclosed transport? That’s it.

You should see your car shipping cost in 5 seconds or less!

Remember, Lite Auto Transport uniquely does not ask for any personal information before providing you with a car shipping quote.

2. Select From Three Auto Transport Pricing Tiers

At Lite Auto Transport, we offer pricing for every route in USA .

That is unique and we hope very helpful.

Our car shipping cost calculator determines the most basic rate, that works well on popular routes given some customer patience.

We recommend selecting the Lite Auto Transport to ship your vehicle faster.

If you are in a bigger hurry, choose the Rush Tier, a very good idea during extreme seasonal fluctuations.

3. Place Your Vehicle Shipment Order

Once you’ve decided upon the best auto transport cost for you, please keep going.

You are on the right track for a successful vehicle shipment.

Our car shipping reviews are stellar! Proceed online to easily place your vehicle shipment order in just minutes.

Or call a Lite Auto Transport customer service representative at 818-813-8194.

No deposit is required to place an order.

4. An Auto Shipping Carrier Gets Assigned

Upon booking, you will instantly receive an order confirmation email.

Look for that in your email inbox. Lite Auto Transport will notify you via email or phone call regarding your auto shipping carrier assignment, which will contain the name of the driver, his phone number, and the estimated dates for pickup and delivery.

The earliest you may see the carrier assignment email is a few days prior to your first available date to ship.

But it also could be a number of days after your first date available, before a car shipping carrier is assigned.

We can guide you on how best to speed your order up.

5. Your Pick Up Contact Is Notified

At the same time that Lite Auto Transport notifies you via email or phone call of the carrier assignment, we also send him your pickup and destination information, including contacts.

Please be sure your contacts make themselves available to speak with the carrier dispatch team. Your pickup contact needs to be vigilant and react quickly.

You don’t want to miss the car transport carrier.

The auto shipping driver will not just show up unannounced. He or she will call your pickup contact first to coordinate time and place to meet, and also verify information. Most times it is necessary to meet the vehicle transporter close by your neighborhood at a place the driver can safely maneuver. That is still in the spirit of door-to-door service.

We make sure the carrier has the proper auto transport insurance coverage.

Keep in mind that no money changes hands at time of vehicle pickup.

Simply fill out a vehicle condition report authorizing the auto shipment and hand over the keys.

No other paperwork is necessary. Vehicle title and registration are not needed. It’s actually very easy.

6. Your Delivery Contact Is Notified & Drop Off Made

The auto shipper carrier is once again not supposed to just show up unannounced.

The car transport dispatcher ideally should call Few Hour’s Before before to alert your destination contact of his pending arrival, and will give a rough estimation of what time of day to expect.

When the car transport carrier does arrive, you should thoroughly inspect your vehicle for any damage, which rarely happens. That is your opportunity to speak up, make proper notes on the vehicle condition report and even take digital photos.

Any issues will be addressed later. Regardless of the condition, industry rules state that you are to pay the carrier the balance owed with Cash or Money Order before receiving your vehicle.

There you have it. Lite Auto Transport usually makes this six-step process a breeze and you can drive off with your vehicle.

Car Shipping Quote Distance

The distance between origination and destination is probably the number one factor determining how much it costs to ship a car.

The farther the car moving distance, the higher the expense for car shipping services in terms of fuel, wear and tear on the truck, and time. The price per mile goes down with longer distance, but the overall car shipping quote is higher.

The rule of thumb is that the average solo driver (no team), will travel roughly 500 miles per day. Our auto transport quotes calculator was not only the first in the industry, it is still the best at determining the right car shipping price for distances short and long

Vehicle Length

A great question is whether the length of the vehicle affects the car delivery service cost?

The average sedan or shipping car is about 189 inches long. Any vehicle less than 189 inches becomes more desirable to a professional car shipping service, because it may allow car movers to also ship a longer vehicle for more money.

In that vein, longer vehicles over 196 inches start to squeeze a car shipping trailer and he needs to carefully consider how to fit it.

Vehicles over 200 inches should certainly have higher pricing to help compensate for the presumed loss in any of the auto transport companies trailer space to accommodate other cars, trucks, vans and SUV’s.

Our original first in the industry instant car shipping quotes calculator adjusts for length.

Vehicle Height

Height matters. Most sedans are about 57 inches high, midsize SUV’s 67 inches and larger SUV’s 73 inches on average.

SUV’s are typically have higher pricing to transport than sedans. And special, taller SUV’s are still more than the regular SUV’s because it forces a lower paying sedan to fit over or under it. To compensate for the loss in revenue, we recommend that car shipping companies need more money from the pricing of the much taller.

SUV’s. And that’s why height matters in car shipping quotes. You can count on our free instant car transport quote calculator to factor height of the vehicle.

Vehicle Ground Clearance

Lite Auto Transport makes sure all vehicles are insured while on the transport carrier. Not everybody is as diligent. The last thing an auto transporter wants is a damage claim.

The lower the vehicle ground clearance, the more prone to damage, especially when shipping Open transport. A good rule of thumb would be that any vehicle with 4 inches ground clearance and lower should ship Enclosed, where it can be treated with kid gloves. Any vehicle over 5 inches ground clearance should be safe to go Open.

It is that middle inch between four and five that vexes brokers and car transportation services. It can go Open, or to be safe Enclosed. The latter is more expensive by about 40-50%, sometimes more.

Vehicle Curb Weight

All car shipping services are cognizant of the weight scale stations they must pass through. Nobody wants to be told to remove freight, in this case a vehicle, because he is overweight. Heavier vehicles are also a drag on fuel consumption. That is why vehicles that approach 4,500 pounds and heavier start commanding higher and higher car shipping quotes.

Vehicle Condition

Is your car operational? Does it run at least well enough to drive it on and off the auto transport carrier? Good. You just saved $100 and maybe more on the non-running fee.

It matters to car movers because it is hard to wrestle non-operational vehicles on and off. Car shipping companies prefer to have the option of repositioning a truckload of transport cars, and non-runners put a damper on that flexibility.

Finally, there are a limited number of vehicle transport services with a wench to handle the non-runners, and that means they don’t ship nearly as fast as running cars.

What is cross country vehicle shipping?

Cross country vehicle shipping is a type of service provided to move cars state to state or city to city.

Auto transport haulers travel about 500-700 miles/day and deliveries take anywhere from 1-9 business days after booking. Certain pickup and/or drop-off locations, like California for example, might take longer. Some companies offer expedited pickup and delivery for an additional cost.

Fast & reliable nationwide auto transport company Lite Auto Transport is the number one rated car transporter in the U.S.A.

5 Reasons To Choose Liteautotransport

Transport your vehicle with limited stress and cost-efficient car hauling. Here’s why liteautotransport is one of the best car transport companies in the United States

Tips for Finding the Best Car Shipping Company in 2023-2024.

Your car is possibly one of your biggest investments and if you ever need to transport it across the country .

Choosing the best car shipping company is critical.

You’ll be entrusting your valuable asset to the auto transport company so you want a reliable and professional service provider.

Pick the right one and it’s more likely you’ll enjoy a secure and smooth experience.

In this post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when you’re looking for the best company to ship a car.

We’ll also share some tips on finding the one for your needs.

Summary

Why choosing the best companies to ship your car is so important
Factors to consider when you’re looking for the best car shipping companies
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Tips for choosing the best car shipping company
Different ways to ship your car
Things you need to know about using auto transport companies
Avoid these mistakes when you ship a car across the country
Tips on saving money when you ship a car

Why choosing the best companies to ship your car is so important

Selecting the best companies for shipping cars is critical for a few reasons.

Firstly, it guarantees the safety of your vehicle throughout the car shipping process. Pick a reliable company and it will have access to all the necessary experience, equipment, and protocols to ensure your car is protected from theft or damage.

In addition, a reputable auto transport provider offers peace of mind. You know your vehicle is in capable hands and delivery will be on time and your car will be delivered in the same condition it was collected.

Factors to consider when you’re looking for the best car shipping companies

There are many reasons why you might want to ship your car. You could be moving out of state or to another country. Perhaps you’re buying a car online from another state. Even dealerships need to move cars from time to time.

Key to your peace of mind will be picking the best car shipping company for your needs. It will also ensure the best car for your vehicle during transit. High standards regarding insurance, customer service, and licensing are also essential elements.

Let’s look at these factors in a little more detail.

Licensing and insurance

You should always verify that a car shipping company possesses all the necessary licenses and insurance coverages. This will ensure compliance with all the US legal requirements. In addition, it offers protection in case of any unforeseen occurrences during transit.

Experience and reputation

Make sure you look for car shipping companies that have a solid reputation and extensive experience in the auto transport industry. A company with a long-standing presence indicates expertise and reliability.

Customer reviews and testimonials

A good way to gauge the reliability of an auto transport company is to check out customer reviews and testimonials online. Feedback from past customers gives a good insight into their experiences.

Look for feedback relating to a company’s professionalism, reliability, and adherence to delivery schedules. Positive reviews are a good indicator of trustworthiness of a company.

Services offered

You should always evaluate the variety of services provided by an auto transport company. For example, do they offer both enclosed and open transport options? Are they able to accommodate specific vehicle types, such as motorcycles or classic cars. A company with a diverse range of services allows you to choose the one that’s most suitable for your vehicle needs.

In addition to these factors, there are also certain qualities the best car shipping companies should possess. The following attributes should be considered as they can set a company apart from the competition.

Competitive pricing

Price should never be a sole determining factor, however, a top car shipping company should offer transparent and competitive pricing. They should also provide detailed quotes that clearly outline all the costs.

You should be looking for a company that provides a good balance between affordability and quality of service.

Reliability and professionalism

The best auto transport company is one that prioritizes professionalism and reliability. They should have a solid track record of on-time deliveries and for delivering vehicles in the same condition as when they were picked up.

The best auto transport company is one that follows industry best practices, handles and concerns and issues promptly and efficiently, and communicates effectively with customers.

Efficient delivery and tracking

Timely delivery is crucial when transporting a vehicle. A good auto transport company will have efficient logistic processes in place to ensure hassle-free and prompt delivery. Tracking options are a good quality because they allow you to monitor the progress of your vehicle during its journey and keep updated on its estimated delivery time.

Safety and security measures

A paramount concern for all the best car shipping companies is to keep your vehicle safe and secure. There should be stringent safety measures in place to protect your vehicle during transit. Such measures should include proper loading and securing techniques, employing experienced and trained drivers, and using state-of-the-art equipment.

Excellent customer service

A quality that always sets the best transportation companies apart is superior customer service. Open and clear communication will be a priority. They will reply promptly to any inquiries and address any issues or concerns that may arise.

When a company values its customers and provides a positive experience, it’s always worth considering.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

The average cost to ship a car from one side of the country to the other is around $1,750. However, only a small number of people ever want to ship a car such distances. In general, you can expect to pay anything from $0.45 to $1.85 per mile, depending on the distance between pick-up and delivery. The amount you pay depends on several other factors, some of which you have no control over.

Distance is the primary factor, but it’s not the only one. Other variables that dictate the final price include:

Location: The distance between two locations is not the only thing that determines the cost. How easy it is for a car shipping company to access a location also makes a difference, as does the popularity of a location. Rural areas that might be challenging to access or slow to reach can cost more. Whereas cities that are popular for car shipping will be more competitive when it comes to cost.
Vehicle size and specifics: You’re probably not surprised to learn that moving a small car will cost less than moving a truck. What might surprise you is that a vehicle’s value and added features are also key in calculating shipping costs.
Shipping duration: If you’re not in a hurry and can be flexible with your shipping time frame, you can save money by letting the shipping company work at a standard pace.
Shipping options: Generally, you have the option of using open car transport or enclosed auto transport. When you ship your vehicle in an open trailer it is the least expensive option. Enclosed car shipping is the other option, however, it costs between 30% and 40% more. The benefit of this option is that your vehicle is completely protected.
Time of the year: The forces of supply and demand can also have an impact on the cost of car shipping. When demand is high, such as the time of year when people are relocating to southern states for the winter or returning home again in spring, shipping prices are higher than during the off-season.

Tips for choosing the best car shipping company

A good place to start when it comes to choosing the best auto transport provider is to decide what factors are most important to you. For example, your vehicle might need extra care and attention, be oversized, or inoperable.

Most car shipping companies can be relied on to transport your car to any location in the US and ensure it gets there in tip-top condition. However, there are some points you need to keep in mind when you’re looking.

Budget

There are hundreds of car shipping companies to choose from and this makes it essential to shop around. You want to be looking for a provider that can do the job at a reasonable price.

Hidden costs

Before you finalize your booking and sign on the dotted line, make sure you understand what you’re paying for. Not all shipping companies are transparent about the cost of their services so look for a company that guarantees their quoted price and fully-inclusive prices.

The lowest quotes are not necessarily the best deals, because you might have to pay hidden costs such as extra fuel charges and delivery fees.

Customer care

If you want to avoid potential hidden fees and have more confidence in the service you’re paying for, finding out about other customers’ experience can be very enlightening. As well as helping you make your decision, customer feedback might also save time and money and give you an easier and more positive experience.

Customer service ratings

The transportation industry is all about customer service and ratings and reviews are good indicators as to its quality. You’ll find a wealth of customer feedback available online and there’s a lot you can learn from other customers’ experiences.

Industry experience

Running a successful auto transport business is not something that happens overnight. It takes time to learn the skill which means experience is important. Look for a car shipping company that’s got a few years under its belt.

Cost clarity

Quotes can change and tend to be merely rough estimates. Ideally, you want to look for a company that guarantees their quoted price or one that’s transparent about possible extra charges.

Insurance coverage

Do your homework and find a reputable auto transport company and the odds of something going wrong are minimal. However, they’re never going to be zero and accidents can happen. If your auto transport company has adequate insurance and an easy claim policy, it will put your mind at ease.

The company might also offer additional insurance, which is something you might want to consider.

Different ways to ship your car

There are a variety of ways you can ship your car across country. The two main options are open and enclosed car shipping.

Open car transport

Open car shipping is the most widely used car transport service. Carriers that offer this type of auto transport service, use an open trailer for hauling cars and other types of vehicles. It’s popular with the general public and also with car dealerships that need to move cars.

These open trailers typically have two levels which allow the carrier to haul up to ten vehicles simultaneously. Vehicles that are transported in this way are exposed to the elements and the surrounding environment, but it’s nevertheless a safe and secure way to ship a car.

The benefits of using open car transport include:

Fast and efficient service
Affordable car shipping service
Suits all kinds of vehicles
More eco-friendly option
Cargo insurance coverage is generally included

Enclosed auto transport

Carriers that offer enclosed auto transport use trailers that are completely enclosed. This means that the vehicle inside is completely protected from the elements and any traffic grime. It’s also a haulage service that protects vehicles from prying eyes.

Enclosed car shipping is popular with owners of vehicles that are a little more expensive, such as luxury, classic, exotic, custom, antique, and unique vehicles. The cost of this service is between 30% and 40% more than open car transport.

The benefits of using enclosed car shipping include:

Increased insurance coverage
Low ground clearance vehicles are catered for
Peace of mind protection
Multiple vehicle shipping is an option
Carriers are experienced in handling high-end or classic vehicles

Things you need to know about using auto transport companies

Shipping a vehicle is not something most people do every day.

Even if you’re familiar with the process, there are variables that can quickly make the process confusing.

For the experienced car shipper and those who have never done it before, here are out top tips.

Timing is approximate

The timing of your shipment is not something that’s typically specified in your contract. The time it takes to ship your car is always an approximation. When dates are given, these are usually the earliest your vehicle will be picked up and the latest it might be delivered.

The bill of lading usually specifies any details including the shipment and timing details. This important shipping document also acts are a contract and receipt.

Check what the insurance covers

Whether you choose to stick with the auto transport company’s standard insurance or opt for additional protection, you can protect yourself by understanding what the insurance policy covers.

Understand what a bill of lading is

A bill of lading plays an important role in the auto transport process. It is used to document any current damage and then as a comparison when a vehicle is delivered. It is also a receipt, contract, and document of title. The bill of lading is issued by the carrier and you’re given a copy of this important document once your vehicle is loaded.

Know when to choose open vs. enclosed shipping

You might be a little skeptical about using open trailer vehicle shipping, but rest assured, it’s a safe way to move your car and it costs less than enclosed shipping.

However, if the value of your vehicle is high, it might be worth paying the extra for added protection and peace of mind.

Avoid these mistakes when you ship a car across the country

If you want to ensure a positive shipping experience, make sure to avoid the following mistakes.

Not doing enough research

If you want the best possible car shipping experience for you and your car, it’s vital that you do some research. Skip this all important step and you run the risk of it being a disaster.

Always use highly rated resources such as the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs. With the help of these, you can avoid the less than savory car shipping companies.

We would also recommend that you look for company reviews, both nationally and locally. Good features to look for include accessible and helpful customer service, a track record of treating vehicles with care, prompt pick-ups and delivery, upfront pricing transparency and not unexpected fees on the final bill.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, verify the credentials of the auto transport companies. Check they are qualified to transport automobiles with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration registration. They should also have a valid US DOT and an MC number.

Not comparing quotes

There are a lot of variables that can affect the cost of shipping your car. It’s a good idea to request several quotes, but there’s little point in doing it if you’re not going to compare them.

To get the most accurate quote you must provide specific details about your vehicle and shipment. These details include the make, model, and year of your vehicle, pick-up and drop-off locations, projected dates, and whether you want an open or enclosed trailer.

Falling for a deal that’s too good to be true

Trust your gut when it comes to an unbelievable deal and never base your choice on price alone. If you seriously can’t believe the price you’ve been given, it might actually be too good to be true. Unfortunately, you might not find out how bad the deal is until it’s too late to back out.

Waiting until the last minute

If you want to ship your vehicle in a rush, be prepared to pay over the odds for the privilege. You’ll save money by being more flexible with your options. Plan in advance and you’re also able to compare and create competition.

Booking during peak season

The start of the new year and summertime are notorious for being popular with movers. They are also busy times for car transport companies. If you can, avoid the busy season. Not only will you save money, you’ll also have more carriers to choose from.

Leaving personal items in your car

It’s not unusual for auto transport companies to charge extra for additional weight in your vehicle. Although, this isn’t the case if you choose SGT Auto Transport for your car shipping provider.

Something else to keep in mind is that carriers are not responsible if anything happens to items inside your car during transportation. It’s always best to remove any valuable items.

Choosing not to have insurance

Typically, your car insurance will not cover many of the things that could happen during the car shipping process. A reputable carrier will have their own coverage and might also offer add-on insurance you can purchase.

Should anything go wrong during the shipping process, such as accidental damage to your vehicle, weather delays, theft, a rock hitting your windshield, and more, it pays to be fully protected from liability.

Not being prepared

When you make a booking with a car shipping company, make sure you get confirmation that includes all the details and keep it close at hand during the shipping process. Make sure your vehicle is clean and ready according to the company’s terms and conditions.

Failing to record damage

Before you hand over your vehicle to the auto transport company, be sure to document its condition in as much detail as possible.

Take pictures, record any known damages on the bill of lading, and then assess your car again when it’s delivered.

Tips on saving money when you ship a car

Time to finish up this post with some tips on how you can save money. It is possible to find discounts without making any sacrifices on service quality.

Be flexible about your shipping dates

If you’re not in a rush and can wait to ship your car, you might be able to secure a better deal because you’ll have more options and companies to choose from.

Be flexible about pick-up and delivery locations

Door-to-door shipping is more common than ever before but it does come at a price. It is possible to significantly reduce your costs by dropping your vehicle at a more convenient location and possibly picking it up at a delivery hub.

Get several estimates

This approach is not going to get you a discount, but shopping around for the best deal can yield lots of savings. You might find a carrier that provides specific services in some locations at a more competitive price.

Try to get at least three quotes from reputable companies and don’t be afraid to let them know you’re checking other prices before committing.

Take advantage of the off-season deals

Autumn and spring are the best times for shipping your car, but if these aren’t an option for you, try to avoid high-demand months and you’ll make a saving.

When searching for the best car shipping companies in 2023, make sure to include Lite Auto Transport. Make sure you speak with our shipping advisors at (818) 813-8194 before making a booking with anyone else.

818-813-8194 Grab a special deal now!

Currently we offer 3 amazing L.A.T deals. Grab yours now!

Attention, students!
Get ready for the semester ahead with our Special STUDENT discount!
Ship your car hassle-free with L.A.T Auto Transport.
Book now and secure your spot!
Alternatively, give us a call at (818) 813-8194, and our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you.
Looking to ship your vehicle? You’re in luck! Every Sunday, we’re offering an exclusive discount on auto transport services that you won’t want to miss.
Book on Sunday and Enjoy:
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🚗 Wide Range of Services: Whether you need open or enclosed transport, we’ve got you covered
💼 Professional Team: Our experienced team will handle your vehicle with care, ensuring a safe journey
🌐 Nationwide Coverage: We provide auto transport services across the country.
Claim Your Sunday Discount every Saturday or Sunday by booking an order online or alternatively, you can reach out to us at (818) 813-8194, and our dedicated team will be there to guide you through the process.
Attention, Military Personnel!!
In honor of your service and to show our appreciation, we now offer an exclusive military and veteran discount for eligible members.
Relocate your vehicle seamlessly with Lite Auto Transport Auto Transport.
Reserve your spot now!
Or, feel free to reach out to us at (818) 813-8194, and our dedicated team will gladly support you through the process.
It is our way of saying thank you.

Who we are............................ We don't just ship cars. We create experiences! Lite Auto Transport is a 5-star rated auto transport management company established in 2018 in New York. We relocated to Tampa Florida in 2020 . Our company is licensed as required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under MC 1079257 and US Department of Transportation (USDOT) 3367464. We are proud to be one of the most trusted service providers on Google and Yelp among one million service providers. We have delivered more than 30k vehicles, served more than 20k happy customers, and currently working with more than 26k vetted carriers.

Fast & reliable nationwide auto transport company Lite Auto Transport is the number one rated car transporter in the U.S.

Welcome to Lite Auto Transport! We arrange to ship Lots vehicles per year so you are in good hands. We have agents standing by to assist you at 818-813-8194 . Call us today?

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