Prime Auto Movers has been shipping vehicles for years, and we know the ins and outs of the auto transport process inside and out. That’s why our website is packed with information about our services. Still, a few questions come up again and again — so we’ve answered the most common ones here to make the process easier for you. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, give us a call at (425) 671-7303 , and our team will walk you through the entire shipping process from start to finish.
General Car Shipping Questions
What is auto transport?
Is shipping a car safe?
Yes. Professional car shipping is one of the safest ways to move a vehicle long-distance. Every carrier we work with is vetted for experience, safety record, and quality of service before being assigned to a shipment.
Your car is secured and strapped down on an open or enclosed trailer, remaining stationary throughout the trip. That eliminates the road wear and mechanical stress of driving it yourself, and helps preserve its current value.
How does car shipping work?
We’ve broken car shipping down into a few simple steps:
- Request a free auto transport quote from Prime Auto Movers with your pickup/delivery zip codes, vehicle size, and desired shipping window.
- Choose between open and enclosed transport.
- Let us know about any special circumstances, like an inoperable vehicle, before finalizing your order.
- We match your shipment with a qualified carrier for the correct route and timeline.
- Your carrier picks up your vehicle, secures it on the transport trailer, and delivers it to your chosen destination.
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
Booking one to two weeks in advance gives us more flexibility to secure the right carrier at the best available rate. If you’re on a tighter timeline, ask about expedited options when requesting your quote.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Most shipments are matched with a carrier within one to three days of your first available pickup date; pickup and delivery time frames are estimates, not guarantees. Actual transit time depends on distance, route conditions, weather, traffic, and carrier availability.
We’ll keep you updated on your shipment’s status as information becomes available, from pickup through delivery.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
What information do I need to get a car shipping quote?
To get an instant quote from our car shipping cost calculator, you’ll need:
- Pickup and delivery ZIP codes
- Vehicle size and type
- Desired pickup date
- A valid email and phone number
That’s it. We’ll provide a quote you can personalize based on your needs, including enclosed transport, non-running vehicle transport, and expedited shipping — with no hidden fees.
Is door-to-door auto transport available?
Can I choose between open and enclosed transport?
Yes. Open transport is the most common choice for its affordability and quicker scheduling. For luxury, classic, or higher-value vehicles, enclosed transport offers added protection from weather, road debris, and prying eyes.
If you’re not sure which option fits your vehicle, call our team at (425) 671-7303 — we’re happy to help you decide.
Why should I use a professional auto transport company instead of driving myself?
Driving long-distance adds unnecessary mileage, wear, and fuel costs, plus the stress of a multi-day road trip and potential lost work time. Prime Auto Movers takes that off your plate by matching your shipment with licensed, vetted carriers.
How does Prime Auto Movers select carriers?
We vet every carrier for proper licensing, equipment, and reputation before assigning them to a shipment. Rather than limiting you to whoever happens to be nearby, we work to match your vehicle with a carrier suited to your specific route and needs — with safety and customer care as the deciding factors.
Can I ship multiple vehicles at once?
Yes. We coordinate multi-vehicle shipments for individuals, dealerships, and businesses alike, and multi-vehicle discounts may be available. Contact us for details on your next multi-car shipment.
How do I contact Prime Auto Movers?
You can reach our team by phone at (425) 671-7303 , Monday through Friday, 8am–8pm. You can also reach us anytime through our contact form.
Scheduling & Pickup
When will I hear from my carrier?
Can I track my shipment?
Yes. Once a carrier is confirmed, we’ll share their contact information with you directly. Carriers can’t always respond immediately while on the road, but they’ll get back to you as soon as they safely can.
After I place my order, when is a carrier assigned?
Carriers typically accept orders 24–48 hours from your first available pickup date, though this can vary based on your route and current carrier demand. We’ll notify you as soon as a carrier is confirmed.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
You, or someone you designate who is over 18, needs to release the vehicle to the carrier at pickup and sign the bill of lading — and do the same at delivery to accept the vehicle and sign off on its condition. If you can’t be there yourself, let us know and provide the contact details for your designated representative.
What if my exact address isn’t ready when I book?
No problem — you can start your booking with just a pickup and delivery ZIP code. Exact addresses can be confirmed with dispatch closer to your shipping date.
How much gas should be in my car?
Does my car need to be empty?
Personal items should generally be removed from the vehicle unless otherwise approved by your carrier. Extra weight can mean added charges or, in some cases, a carrier declining the shipment. Call us with any special circumstances and we’ll help find a carrier that fits your needs.
Can I ship a modified or oversized vehicle?
What if my pickup location is hard to access?
If your location can’t safely accommodate a large carrier — due to narrow streets, low overhangs, or tight turns — your driver will contact you to arrange a nearby alternative, such as a large parking lot, for pickup or delivery.
Could my vehicle be routed through a terminal?
In rare cases, yes — typically if your pickup or delivery location is inaccessible, your schedule requires brief storage before final delivery, or your carrier is unable to reach you to arrange an alternative. We’ll communicate any changes with you ahead of time.
What is a bill of lading, and why does it matter?
A bill of lading documents your vehicle’s condition at pickup and serves as the official shipping agreement between you and your carrier. Inspect your car carefully before shipment and note any existing damage — this record is what supports any future insurance claim.
Can I ship my car on short notice?
For most shipments, we recommend 1–3 weeks of advance notice from your first available pickup date. If you need something faster, ask about expedited shipping when you request your quote — it places your vehicle higher in the scheduling queue for an added fee.
Can I cancel or reschedule my shipment?
Yes. Contact us at (425) 671-7303 to cancel before a carrier is assigned; a cancellation fee may apply — Prime’s cancellation fee/policy. Once a vehicle has been picked up, cancellations and refunds are no longer available. If you have questions about your order status, reach out as soon as possible and we’ll help find a solution.
Does my first available date guarantee pickup?
No — it’s the earliest your vehicle could be picked up based on current carrier availability along your route. Actual pickup timing can shift based on carrier proximity, scheduling, weather, and other factors.
Cost of Shipping a Car
How is my car shipping cost calculated?
Your rate depends on several factors, including:
- Distance between pickup and delivery locations
- Vehicle make, model, size, and weight
- Vehicle condition (running or non-running)
- Carrier type (open or enclosed)
- Time of year and seasonal demand
- Optional add-ons like enclosed transport
For a precise, up-to-date estimate, use our instant car shipping cost calculator above.
Does my vehicle’s value affect the cost?
It can, indirectly. A higher-value vehicle may call for added cargo insurance coverage or a switch to enclosed transport for extra protection — value alone doesn’t drive the price the way distance or vehicle size does, but it can factor into which options make sense for you.
Why do rates change with the season?
Car transport rates respond to shifting supply and demand. Peak seasons like spring and summer can mean higher demand and tighter carrier availability, which nudges prices up. Off-peak periods — late winter or fall, typically — tend to bring better pricing.
How do I pay for my shipment?
Direct payment to the driver via certified funds, cash, or apps like Zelle/Venmo/CashApp.
Do I still have to pay if I’m not satisfied with the service?
Federal regulations require payment for auto transport services once they’ve been rendered. If something about your shipment didn’t go as expected, contact us — we’re here to help resolve concerns between you and your assigned carrier.
How do refunds work?
Can I save money on car shipping?
Yes — a few ways to keep your cost down:
- Ship during off-peak seasons.
- Choose easy-to-access pickup and delivery locations.
- Select open transport for the most affordable option.
- Stay flexible with your scheduling window.
What affects the cost of shipping larger vehicles
Can I get a quote before I commit to booking?
Yes. You can get a free, no-obligation quote anytime through our car shipping cost calculator. There’s no commitment required, and you’re free to compare before deciding
If you’re not sure which option fits your vehicle, call our team at (425) 671-7303 — we’re happy to help you decide.
Vehicle Preparation & Special Cases
Does my car need to be empty for shipping?
Most carriers ask that cabs and trunks be cleared of personal belongings, though exceptions may be possible with certain carriers for an added fee. Items left inside typically aren’t covered by cargo insurance, so it’s best to remove them. Also: secure loose parts, remove any external racks, disable toll passes, disarm the alarm system, and don’t leave anything hazardous or illegal inside the vehicle.
Does my vehicle’s weight matter?
Yes. Heavier vehicles increase fuel use and cut into a carrier’s overall load capacity. Unaccounted-for excess weight can lead to additional charges, including potential weigh-station fines.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes. Carriers equipped with winches can load non-running vehicles safely — additional fees may apply due to the extra handling and equipment involved. Just specify your vehicle’s condition when booking so we can assign the right carrier.
Does my vehicle need current license plates?
No. You can ship a vehicle without current registration or license plates.
Do you ship exotic or classic cars?
Yes. We work with carriers experienced in protecting the paint and bodywork of classic and exotic vehicles. For high-value cars, we recommend enclosed transport — it can take a bit longer to schedule, but it’s well suited to classics, exotics, muscle cars, and other hard-to-replace vehicles.
What type of trailer will my vehicle be transported on?
How should I prepare my car for transport?
A few simple steps before your driver arrives:
- Remove personal items (unless otherwise arranged).
- Bring the fuel tank down to about a quarter full.
- Make sure the vehicle is in operating condition, unless you’ve booked non-running transport.
- Note any pre-existing damage so it can be recorded on the bill of lading.
- Give it a quick clean, inside and out, for an easier inspection.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Third-Party Carrier Interaction
When will I hear from my carrier?
Once we’ve matched your shipment with a carrier, we’ll share their dispatcher’s direct contact information with you. Expect a call at least an hour before both pickup and delivery. You’re welcome to reach out to your carrier directly, or call us at [insert current support number] for support from our team.
After I place my order, when will I hear from you?
Carriers typically confirm scheduling 24–48 hours before pickup, though this can shift slightly depending on your route and carrier availability. We’ll notify you as soon as a carrier is confirmed for your shipment.
I placed my order a while ago and haven’t heard back — what should I do?
We work to match carriers to your requested shipping window based on proximity and availability, and we’ll reach out as soon as one is assigned. If you’d like a status update in the meantime, call us at (425) 671-7303 for immediate assistance.
Can you guarantee a specific pickup or delivery time?
Pickup and delivery dates are estimates rather than guarantees, since road conditions, traffic, and route changes can all affect timing. If you have a specific need, call us to discuss a customized plan.
What should I do if my car arrives with damage?
- Document and note any pre-existing versus newly incurred damage on the bill of lading at both pickup and delivery.
- Contact your carrier immediately.
- Gather estimates and documentation to support an insurance claim.
Keep your carrier’s contact information on hand until any claim is fully resolved.
Are the carriers you work with experienced?
Will I pay the driver directly at pickup or delivery?
Yes, You can pay the driver directly by cash, or apps like Zelle at the time of delivery.