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Frequently Asked Questions
Car Shipping FAQs
Straight answers about shipping your vehicle with Vice Auto Transport.
Whether you're moving across the country, buying a car online, shipping a vehicle to Florida, or arranging transport for a classic or non-running car, it's normal to have a few questions before booking.
At Vice Auto Transport, operated by Vice One Logistics LLC, we help customers arrange nationwide vehicle shipping with licensed and insured motor carriers. We coordinate open and enclosed auto transport, door-to-door service where accessible, auction and dealership pickups, and specialized vehicle shipments.
We believe customers deserve straightforward answers about pricing, timing, insurance, and what actually happens when their vehicle is picked up and delivered.
Have a question that isn't covered here? Give us a call at 1-800-541-0696, text 754-800-4112, or request your free car shipping quote.
Getting Started With Auto Transport
1. How do I get a quote for shipping my vehicle?
Getting a quote is easy. Visit our online car shipping quote page, call us at 1-800-541-0696, or text 754-800-4112.
We'll need your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the year, make, and model of your vehicle, whether it runs and drives, and your preferred shipping dates.
We can send your quote by email or text and answer any questions before you decide to book. There's no obligation just for requesting a quote.
2. How is my car shipping cost calculated?
Car shipping prices depend on several factors, including the distance between pickup and delivery, vehicle size and weight, open or enclosed transport, whether the vehicle runs, and how many trucks are available along the route.
Timing matters too. Certain routes are busier at different times of year, including Florida snowbird shipments and cross-country moves.
A regular sedan moving between larger cities will often cost less than an oversized truck, non-running vehicle, or specialized shipment going somewhere remote.
At Vice Auto Transport, we price each shipment based on the actual vehicle, route, and schedule rather than promising one nationwide flat rate.
Get a free quote based on your vehicle and route.
3. How do I pay for my auto shipping?
Vice Auto Transport accepts major credit and debit cards, electronic payments, and bank transfers, including supported payment services such as Zelle, Cash App, and Venmo.
You may have the option to pay your shipment in full in advance or pay the applicable broker fee separately, with the remaining carrier balance due at delivery, depending on the arrangements made for your shipment.
When a carrier balance is due at delivery, accepted methods generally include cash, Zelle, money order, or cashier's check. Confirm the exact payment instructions with us before pickup.
Full credit-card prepayments typically incur an additional processing fee of approximately 4%, when applicable.
We'll explain the amount due, when it's due, and which payment methods apply to your shipment before you finalize your booking.
4. How far in advance should I schedule my transport?
We generally recommend arranging your vehicle shipment about 1–2 weeks in advance when possible.
That gives us more time to coordinate a carrier around your preferred pickup window, especially for longer routes, seasonal moves, and enclosed transport.
If you need a car shipped sooner, don't worry. Short-notice and expedited options may be available depending on the route and truck availability.
If you have a flight, closing date, auction deadline, or other important commitment, let us know early so we can discuss realistic options.
5. What details do you need to place an order?
To arrange your shipment, we'll need the pickup and delivery addresses, contact names and phone numbers at both locations, and the date your vehicle will be ready.
We'll also need the vehicle's year, make, model, and operating condition.
Let us know about oversized tires, lift kits, lowered suspension, mechanical issues, missing keys, personal belongings, or anything else that could affect loading or trailer space.
Accurate information upfront helps prevent unexpected delays and additional charges.
6. Can I place an order if I don't know the exact address?
Yes. We can usually start with the pickup and delivery cities and ZIP codes, then update the exact addresses once they're available.
This is common when customers are relocating, buying a vehicle from a private seller, or waiting for dealership paperwork.
We'll need the actual pickup and delivery details before coordinating the final carrier arrangements. If either location has limited truck access, we can discuss a nearby meeting point.
Pickup, Delivery and Scheduling
7. Does someone have to be present for pickup and delivery?
In most cases, yes. Someone should be available to hand over or receive the keys, inspect the vehicle, and sign the pickup or delivery paperwork.
It doesn't have to be the vehicle owner. You can designate a trusted adult, such as a family member, neighbor, friend, dealership employee, or other authorized contact.
Occasionally, arrangements can be made for unattended pickup or delivery, but that must be discussed and approved in advance. We strongly recommend having someone present whenever possible.
8. Where will my car be picked up and delivered?
We arrange door-to-door auto transport whenever the pickup and delivery locations are accessible to the assigned truck.
Most commercial car carriers are large vehicles, so narrow streets, low trees, tight turns, weight restrictions, or residential parking rules can sometimes prevent the driver from reaching the exact address.
When that happens, the driver may ask to meet at a nearby shopping center, large parking lot, or another safe location with enough room to load or unload.
Our goal is to get as close to your requested addresses as safely and legally possible.
9. What is a Bill of Lading, and why is it important?
The Bill of Lading, often called the BOL, is one of the most important documents involved in shipping your car.
It records the vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery, along with information about the shipment. Many carriers use electronic inspection reports with photos.
Before your vehicle is loaded, review the inspection and make sure any existing dents, scratches, or damage are documented.
At delivery, inspect the vehicle again before signing the final report. If you notice new damage, document it on the delivery paperwork and take clear photos.
Keep copies of the reports and photos for your records. They're especially important if a damage claim becomes necessary.
10. When will my vehicle be delivered?
Delivery time depends on the distance, the route, weather, traffic, driver schedules, and the carrier's other scheduled pickups and deliveries.
A shorter shipment between nearby states may take a day or two after pickup, while a coast-to-coast shipment commonly takes around 7–10 days in transit, sometimes longer.
The time spent waiting for pickup is separate from the actual time the car spends on the truck.
We can help estimate a realistic timeframe for your specific move and coordinate updates as your vehicle gets closer to delivery.
For more information, read our coast-to-coast car shipping guide.
11. Do you guarantee pickup or delivery dates?
Standard auto transport pickup and delivery dates are estimates rather than guarantees.
Even after a truck is assigned, unexpected weather, traffic, mechanical issues, earlier customer delays, or road restrictions can affect the schedule.
We do our best to coordinate around your preferred dates and communicate changes as they become known.
If you have particularly tight scheduling requirements, tell us before booking. Expedited or specialized arrangements may be available at an additional cost, depending on the shipment.
Vehicle Preparation and Special Requirements
12. Can I put personal items in my vehicle?
We generally allow up to 100 pounds of non-valuable personal belongings inside a vehicle when approved for the shipment.
Items should be secured in the trunk or rear cargo area, kept below the window line, and must not interfere with safe loading, visibility, or operation.
Some enclosed carriers may allow more flexibility with personal belongings, within reason, but that needs to be approved beforehand.
Excessive weight, bulky items, or belongings taking up additional trailer space can result in additional charges. The carrier may also refuse items that interfere with safe transportation.
Personal belongings are generally not covered under the carrier's vehicle cargo insurance, so we recommend removing valuables, electronics, important documents, and anything irreplaceable.
When in doubt, ask us before loading the car.
13. How do I get my car ready for shipment?
We recommend cleaning the vehicle enough for the driver to inspect its condition properly and taking clear photos before pickup.
Remove valuables, loose accessories, and unnecessary personal items. Secure or remove detachable spoilers, roof racks, antennas, and other accessories that could be damaged in transit.
Make sure the battery is sufficiently charged, the tires are properly inflated, and the vehicle has enough fuel for loading and unloading, typically around a quarter tank is recommended but NOT required for domestic ground transport. Ocean transport generally requires 1/4 tank or less.
Let us know about starting procedures, modifications, leaks, mechanical problems, low ground clearance, or anything unusual about the vehicle.
Also, remove or deactivate toll transponders where practical so you don't receive unexpected charges while the vehicle is being transported.
14. Can I ship a modified or oversized vehicle?
Yes. Vice Auto Transport can arrange shipping for many modified or oversized vehicles, including lifted trucks, lowered cars, custom builds, and specialty vehicles.
The important part is knowing the actual dimensions and condition ahead of time.
Lift kits, oversized tires, roof accessories, extra weight, and unusually low ground clearance can affect which trailers can safely accommodate your vehicle.
Depending on the modifications, specialized equipment or additional trailer space may be needed, which can increase the price.
Send us the vehicle details and any relevant photos so we can find a suitable transport option.
15. Can I ship a vehicle with low ground clearance?
Yes. We regularly help arrange transport for lowered vehicles, sports cars, classics, and other vehicles with limited ground clearance.
The right equipment depends on the vehicle's actual clearance, wheelbase, approach angle, and modifications.
Some low-clearance cars can be loaded using longer ramps or other specialized loading equipment. Extremely low vehicles may require an enclosed trailer with a hydraulic liftgate.
Tell us how low the vehicle sits and whether it has an aftermarket body kit, front splitter, or other modifications before booking.
For valuable or particularly low vehicles, enclosed transport may be the better option.
Learn more about choosing enclosed auto transport.
16. Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running?
Yes. We can arrange shipping for many non-running or inoperable vehicles.
The first things we'll want to know are whether the vehicle rolls, steers, brakes, and has usable tires. If it does, a winch-equipped carrier can often load it safely.
If the wheels are locked, the tires are missing, or the vehicle cannot roll, we may need wheel dollies, a flatbed, a tow truck for loading assistance, or other specialized equipment.
Non-running vehicles generally cost more to ship because of the additional equipment and work required.
Please describe the vehicle's condition accurately. If a car is booked as running but can't be driven onto the trailer at pickup, additional charges or rescheduling may be necessary.
17. Do I need license plates on a vehicle to ship it?
No. A vehicle generally does not need current registration plates just to be transported on a carrier.
This is especially common with newly purchased vehicles, auction purchases, project cars, and vehicles being moved between dealerships.
We will still need the required vehicle details, keys when applicable, and any necessary release paperwork or pickup authorization.
If you're buying a car out of state, let us know whether the seller or dealership has completed the paperwork needed to release it.
Transport Options and Vehicle Purchases
18. What type of truck will transport my car?
That depends on the vehicle and the shipping service you choose.
Most everyday vehicles travel on open car carriers, similar to the multi-car trailers you regularly see on interstate highways. Depending on the route and shipment, we may use smaller two- or three-car trailers or larger multi-vehicle haulers.
Enclosed carriers use covered trailers that protect vehicles from direct exposure to weather and road debris.
Specialized vehicles may require different equipment, including winches, liftgates, or trailers designed for oversized or low-clearance cars.
We'll discuss the appropriate equipment when arranging your shipment.
19. What methods of car shipping do you offer?
Vice Auto Transport arranges open and enclosed auto transport nationwide, with additional port and ocean shipping coordination available for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Open transport is generally the most affordable and widely available option. It's suitable for most everyday cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, dealership vehicles, and online purchases.
Enclosed transport adds protection from weather, road debris, and outside exposure. It's often preferred for luxury, exotic, classic, collector, restored, and high-value vehicles.
We can also arrange transportation for many non-running vehicles and certain specialty shipments.
Not sure which option you need? Tell us about your vehicle and we'll help you compare the choices.
20. Can I ship a car from an auto auction?
Absolutely. We arrange pickups from Copart, IAA, Manheim, ADESA, and other wholesale, salvage, and dealer auctions throughout the country.
We also help customers arrange transportation for vehicles purchased from dealerships, private sellers, and online marketplaces.
Before pickup, the vehicle must be paid for and properly released. We'll need the auction location, lot or stock number, release information, and any applicable gate pass or buyer authorization.
Tell us whether the vehicle runs and drives, has collision damage, or requires special loading equipment.
Accurate vehicle information is especially important for salvage purchases because a vehicle listed as running may still have mechanical issues that prevent it from being driven onto a trailer.
Read our dealership car shipping guide.
Insurance, Pricing and Trust
21. Is my vehicle insured during transport?
The motor carrier assigned to transport your vehicle is responsible for maintaining applicable insurance, including cargo coverage for vehicles under its care.
Vice Auto Transport works to verify carrier credentials and insurance information before arranging your shipment.
Cargo insurance is not the same as full comprehensive auto insurance. Coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and claims requirements can vary by carrier and policy. Personal belongings, certain road hazards, pre-existing damage, and other circumstances may not be covered.
For especially valuable vehicles, we can discuss enclosed transport and available options for additional coverage.
We strongly recommend photographing your vehicle before pickup, checking the Bill of Lading carefully, and inspecting the vehicle at delivery.
22. Is Vice Auto Transport a broker or a carrier?
Vice Auto Transport, operated by Vice One Logistics LLC, is a federally licensed and bonded auto transport broker.
That means we arrange vehicle shipping with licensed motor carriers rather than operating the trucks ourselves.
Our job is to help coordinate your shipment, identify appropriate carriers, verify their credentials and insurance information, and communicate with you through the transport process.
Working with a broker gives you access to multiple carriers and transport options instead of relying on a single trucking company's schedule.
Shawn has been helping customers arrange vehicle transportation since 2014, and started his own company in 2018, with direct phone and text support from our team.
23. Can my car shipping price change after booking?
Auto transport prices are based on the vehicle, route, pickup and delivery locations, timing, and the rates drivers are willing to accept.
We aim to provide realistic quotes rather than advertise an unusually low number just to get an order booked.
A rate may need to be revisited if the shipment details change, the vehicle is larger or in worse condition than originally described, special equipment is required, or a suitable carrier cannot be secured at the original proposed rate.
We will discuss any proposed pricing change with you before proceeding with the revised arrangement. Applicable cancellation and payment terms are governed by your booking agreement.
Before booking with any company, ask what the quoted amount includes and what happens if no carrier accepts the shipment at that price.
24. How do I know Vice Auto Transport is legitimate?
Vice Auto Transport operates under Vice One Logistics LLC, a licensed auto transport brokerage.
We encourage customers to verify our business information, check independent reviews, and contact us directly with any questions before booking.
Our company has been recommended by Reddit users for more than five years, and customers regularly share their experiences with our team, pricing, communication, and transportation arrangements. Our DOT # is 3151512.
You can read independent Reddit reviews and customer experiences or view our Google Business reviews.
We believe you should be able to speak with a real person and understand exactly who you're working with before trusting a company with your vehicle.
25. Do you ship cars from Florida to other states?
Yes. Vice Auto Transport arranges vehicle shipping both to and from Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Naples, Jacksonville, and surrounding areas.
We help with year-round relocations, snowbird moves, dealership purchases, auction pickups, and long-distance transportation.
Popular routes include Florida to Texas, Florida to California, Florida to the Northeast, and return shipments from those regions back to Florida.
Florida shipping prices and schedules can change throughout the year, especially during busy seasonal migration periods.
If you're moving between Florida and the West Coast, check out our Florida to California car shipping page.
26. Can you ship a car across the country?
Yes. We coordinate cross-country and coast-to-coast vehicle shipping throughout the continental United States. We arrange car shipping to/from ALL states.
Whether you're relocating from California to Florida, shipping a car from Texas to New York, or buying a vehicle thousands of miles away, we can help arrange the transportation.
Open transport is usually the most cost-effective option for a regular vehicle. Enclosed transport may be preferable for classics, luxury vehicles, exotics, or cars requiring additional protection.
For long-distance moves, realistic pickup scheduling and delivery expectations are especially important.
Learn more about coast-to-coast auto transport with Vice Auto Transport.
27. What happens if my vehicle is damaged during shipping?
Vehicle damage during transport is uncommon, but it's important to know what to do if something happens.
At pickup, make sure the driver documents the vehicle's existing condition on the Bill of Lading. Take your own photos as well.
At delivery, carefully inspect the vehicle before signing. If you notice new damage, record it on the delivery inspection report, take clear photos, and notify Vice Auto Transport promptly.
Our transportation terms call for notifying us by phone within 24 hours and submitting supporting documentation, including photographs and repair estimates, according to the applicable claims process.
Damage claims are generally handled through the assigned motor carrier and its cargo insurance provider. We can help you obtain the carrier's insurance information and support communication during the process.
Keep your pickup and delivery paperwork, photographs, and correspondence until the matter is resolved.
28. Can Vice Auto Transport Ship Between All 50 States?
Yes! Vice Auto Transport arranges vehicle shipping throughout all 50 U.S. states, including Alaska and Hawaii. We provide nationwide open and enclosed auto transport services, helping customers move cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, classic vehicles, and more.
For shipments within the continental United States, we arrange transportation using licensed and insured motor carriers, with door-to-door service wherever safely accessible.
Shipping to or from Alaska and Hawaii requires additional coordination and may involve ocean transportation, port handling, and specialized documentation. Depending on your location, we can help arrange door-to-port, port-to-door, or coordinated shipping services.
We also help coordinate vehicle transportation to and from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Whether you're moving from one state to another, buying a vehicle out of state, or relocating to Hawaii, our team can help you understand your options, pricing, and expected timelines.
Learn more about shipping vehicles through ports.
Get your free nationwide car shipping quote.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Whether you need a car shipped across the country, a pickup from an online seller, enclosed transport for a classic, or help moving a non-running vehicle, we're here to make the process easier.
Vice Auto Transport — operated by Vice One Logistics LLC
Nationwide open and enclosed car shipping, arranged with licensed and insured motor carriers.
DOT # 3151512
Get Your Free Car Shipping Quote
Call: 1-800-541-0696
Text: 754-800-4112
Email: Shawn@ViceAutoTransport.com
Real Reviews, Real people answering the phones. We're here to help, no worries.
Before booking, please review the applicable Auto Transport Terms and Conditions.