Key takeaways
- Car shipping is booked through a broker (like TS Fast Auto Logistics) or directly with a carrier; a broker finds a vetted, insured carrier on your route.
- Your price depends mainly on distance, vehicle size and weight, open or enclosed trailer, and whether the car runs.
- Expect a pickup window of a few days, then roughly 1 to 10 days on the road depending on distance.
- Inspect the car with the driver at pickup and delivery and note any damage on the Bill of Lading (BOL).
How car shipping works, step by step
- Get a quote. Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the vehicle, and your preferred pickup date. With TS Fast Auto Logistics you get an instant online estimate; commercial vehicles and vehicles over 7,000 lbs get a custom quote from an advisor.
- Book. Confirm the price and your pickup window. We do not ask for payment upfront.
- Dispatch. We assign a vetted, insured carrier that runs your route and send you the driver's details.
- Pickup. The driver calls ahead, you inspect the car together, both sign the Bill of Lading (BOL), and the car is loaded.
- Transit. Your car travels on an open or enclosed trailer. You can track your order with your order number and the last 4 digits of your phone.
- Delivery. Inspect the car again with the driver, note anything new on the BOL, sign, and pay as agreed.
What decides the price
Four things move a car shipping price more than anything else:
- Distance. Longer routes cost more in total but less per mile. At TS Fast, routes over 1,500 miles are priced at $1.00 per mile for standard, non-commercial vehicles under 7,000 lbs.
- Vehicle size and weight. Larger vehicles take more space and weight on the trailer.
- Trailer type. Enclosed transport costs more than open transport because each trailer carries fewer cars.
- Condition. A car that does not run needs a winch or forklift, which adds a fee.
Read the full breakdown in How much does it cost to ship a car in 2026?
Open or enclosed?
Open transport is the standard choice for daily drivers and the most affordable. Enclosed transport protects classic, luxury, and low-clearance cars from weather and road debris. See open vs enclosed transport.
How long it takes
Plan for a pickup window of a few business days, then transit time based on distance: about 1 to 3 days for short routes and 7 to 10 days coast to coast. Details in how long it takes to ship a car.
Preparing your car
Wash the car so damage is easy to see, take dated photos, remove personal items and toll tags, and leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Our pickup checklist covers everything.
Choosing a company you can trust
Check that the company is registered with the FMCSA, read the contract, and be wary of very low quotes or large upfront deposits. Our guide to avoiding auto transport scams lists the warning signs. If you are new to the industry, start with broker vs carrier.
Special cases
Frequently asked questions
How do I ship a car to another state?
Get a quote with your pickup and delivery ZIP codes and vehicle details, book a pickup window, have the car inspected and loaded at pickup, then inspect it again and sign the Bill of Lading at delivery. TS Fast Auto Logistics arranges a vetted, insured carrier for the whole trip.
Do I need to pay upfront to ship a car?
Not with TS Fast Auto Logistics. Payment is due at delivery, and your advisor confirms how to pay before pickup.
Do I have to be there at pickup and delivery?
You or someone you trust (18 or older) should be there to inspect the car with the driver and sign the Bill of Lading.
What vehicle transportation problems can the TS Fast Car Shipping Hotline help with?
Our Car Shipping Hotline, (888) 885-0991, is for anyone with a vehicle transportation or logistics problem anywhere in the United States: booking a car, SUV, truck, motorcycle or RV shipment, a carrier that cancelled or never showed up, an urgent or expedited pickup, a vehicle that does not run, a military PCS move, or a delayed delivery. Call and a specialist will help you work out the next step.
Does TS Fast Auto Logistics transport vehicles to every state?
Yes. We arrange door-to-door vehicle transport between any two US states, nationwide. Hawaii, Alaska, and commercial, oversized or very heavy vehicles are quoted individually. We transport vehicles only: we do not ship packages, parcels or household goods, and we are not a local tow or roadside assistance service.