Before you book, ask me Anything

Your rate is based on four factors: route distance, vehicle type and size, transport method (open vs. enclosed), and current carrier availability on your lane. Seasonality affects pricing, which is why I lock your rate at booking — the number you confirm is the number you pay. No post-booking surcharges.

Most rate differences come down to carrier quality and broker practices. Lower-priced quotes often reflect lower-tier carriers or rates that shift after you book. I price to match you with carriers I've personally vetted, at your confirmed rate. I'd rather lose a price comparison than put your vehicle on a carrier I wouldn't trust with my own.

A deposit is collected at booking to secure your carrier slot. The remaining balance is paid to the carrier at delivery — cash or certified check, directly to the driver. I don't charge anything at delivery myself; I'll walk you through the full payment structure when you book.

Yes. The quote form gives you a real-time rate estimate based on your route and vehicle in under two minutes. No phone call required to see a number. If your quote needs carrier-specific adjustments, I'll reach out — but you always see a number first.

Transit times depend on route distance. Cross-country (1,800–2,500 miles): typically 6–9 transit days. Mid-range (800–1,800 miles): 3–5 days. Regional (under 800 miles): 1–3 days. These are transit times, not total time from booking — allow 1–5 business days for carrier dispatch depending on your route's demand.

Remove personal items (carriers aren't licensed to transport personal property inside vehicles), disable toll transponders, leave approximately ¼ tank of fuel, and note any existing damage. I'll send a preparation checklist as soon as your shipment is confirmed.

You or a designated representative must be present at both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of Lading. This document is your legal protection — it records the vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery. I strongly advise against authorizing pickup or delivery without a physical inspection.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a legal document that records your vehicle's condition — existing damage, mileage, and any notable details — at the point of pickup. At delivery, the same form is referenced. Any new damage must be noted on the BOL before signing. Once signed without notation, claims become significantly harder to process. I walk you through this at both ends.

Transit delays happen — weather, mechanical, regulatory. I monitor your shipment's status and reach out proactively if a delay affects your scheduled window. You're never left wondering; I contact you before you have to call me.

Yes. Non-running vehicles require a carrier with a winch — a specialty service that may carry a small surcharge. Note the vehicle's condition in your quote form and I'll match you with an appropriately equipped carrier.

Motorcycles and ATVs ship on enclosed or open specialty carriers with proper crating or wheel chocks. Oversized vehicles (lifted trucks, RVs, oversized SUVs) may require specialty flatbed or low-clearance carriers. Note dimensions and clearance in your quote and I'll take it from there.

Yes. I coordinate heavy haul for construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment. Depending on weight and dimensions, this may involve lowboys, step-decks, RGNs, or overdimensional permits. Request a heavy equipment quote and I'll handle the logistics directly.

Open transport loads your vehicle on an open carrier alongside other vehicles — industry standard, used for the majority of shipments, cost-effective and reliable. Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a covered trailer — limited load sizes, higher protection, required for exotic, classic, or high-value vehicles. If your vehicle's value exceeds your comfort level with exposure to road debris and elements, enclosed is the right choice.

7–14 days before your desired pickup window gives the best carrier selection and pricing. Last-minute bookings (under 5 days) are possible but may carry a premium for expedited dispatch. If you have a hard delivery date, tell me at booking — I work backward from it.

Auto transport operates on pickup and delivery windows, not exact times, due to route variables and driver hours-of-service regulations. Standard windows are 1–3 days. Expedited service narrows the window and is available at a premium. I'll confirm your specific window at booking.

Expedited service prioritizes your load in carrier dispatch — a faster pickup window, often same-day or next-day, with pre-screened route availability. Use it when you have a hard deadline, a vehicle needed for an event, or a same-week relocation. Request it in your quote form.

Every carrier in my network maintains a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance — required before I'll work with them. This covers your vehicle while it's in the carrier's custody. For vehicles valued above standard coverage limits, I can discuss supplemental options with you directly.

Note all damage on the Bill of Lading at delivery before signing. Photograph everything. Contact me within 24 hours. I'll help you file a claim with the carrier's insurance directly — you're not navigating it alone. This is exactly why the BOL exists, and why I emphasize it at both ends of every shipment.

Standard personal auto policies typically don't cover transport damage — that falls under the carrier's cargo coverage. Verify with your insurer, but don't assume coverage. I require every carrier I work with to carry minimum cargo insurance precisely so there's always a policy in place.

Pivot Auto Transports is a licensed broker — I coordinate your shipment, vet and dispatch carriers, and advocate for you throughout the process. Direct cargo liability rests with the carrier. But I don't disappear after dispatch. I remain your advocate in the event of damage, delay, or dispute, and I personally help facilitate resolution from start to finish.