Cost & Payment
How do I pay for my car transport services?
Global Auto Transportation does not require complete payment upon confirming your shipping reservation. Instead, we require a deposit of a partial amount of the shipping total to be made up front via a credit card. Any remaining balance that you have will be due to your driver upon delivery completion. This payment can be made with cash, a cashier check, or a money order.
How much does it cost to ship a car with Global Auto Transportation?
At Global Auto Transportation, your shipping cost depends on a number of different factors. These include, but are not limited to, the size of your vehicle, the make and model of your vehicle, the condition of your vehicle (i.e., if it is working vs not working), the length of the shipping journey, and the type of shipping you select.
Our free price quote is created based on the above information that you give us. However, we do follow a price-beat guarantee formula, so if you find a less expensive cost elsewhere, bring it to us and we will match the quote!
What is the cheapest way to transport a car with Global Auto Transportation?
While the price is still determined on a case by case basis based on a number of factors of your shipment, such as vehicle size and shipping distance, our open auto transport service is our least expensive shipping option.
How long is my quote valid?
Any quote you receive from us (either by phone, email, or through our website) is valid for the up to 14 days.
Insurance & Personal Items
Can I ship personal items with my car?
Yes, you can ship personal items in your vehicle. Up to 100 pounds is allowed to be shipped within your vehicle. If you wish to ship more than 100 pounds worth of items in your vehicle, you may be subject to additional shipping fees. Additionally, while we accept liability of your vehicle while it is within our care, our insurance coverage does not protect any personal items inside of your vehicle.
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes, we provide full insurance coverage of your vehicle when it is in our hands.
Are personal items in the car insured?
No. Our insurance policy only covers your vehicle. This means that our drivers are not responsible for any damage that may occur to personal items held within the vehicle.
Is my insurance or the driver’s insurance responsible for any damage?
Because we provide full vehicle insurance coverage while your vehicle is in our hands, your personal vehicle insurance is not responsible for any damage that may occur while in transit.
What happens if my vehicle is damaged in transit?
All vehicles are inspected by the driver at pick-up and at delivery. Any visual damage is reported on the Bill of Lading/Vehicle Condition Report. If any new damage has occurred and is reported at the delivery site, then the vehicle will be submitted for repairs.
What type of insurance is my vehicle covered with during transport?
Global Auto Transportation’s carrier insurance covers $1,000,000 liability and $250,000 cargo.
Pickup & Delivery
What do I do before shipping my vehicle with Global Auto Transportation?
Before shipping, inspect the vehicle with your driver. Note any damage or marks on the vehicle and confirm it is reported on the Bill of Lading/Vehicle Condition Report. Check out our Step-By-Step Guide to see more about the shipping process.
What is the process of shipping a car out of state?
The shipping process is quite simple, the vehicle is picked up at the agreed upon location, then the driver drives your vehicle to your drop-off location. The driver will be a point of contact for any shipping updates. Then, the vehicle is dropped off at the agreed upon location. The out of state shipping process looks the same as shipping a vehicle within the same state, it may just take longer.
Can there be a guaranteed pickup or delivery date/time?
We can do our absolute best to have a guaranteed pickup and delivery date. A delivery date is always subject to change due to weather and traffic conditions, but if you need your vehicle delivered by a specific date, we will do our best to arrange a pickup date that will guarantee delivery by that date no matter what.
How long does it take to ship a vehicle?
The delivery time of your vehicle depends on the distance being traveled and the weather/road conditions during the shipping service. Our average delivery times are as follows:
- In-State Delivery: 1-3 Days
- Up to 1000 Miles: 3-5 Days
- 1000-1250 Miles: 4-5 Days
- 1250-2000 Miles: 6-8 Days
- 2000-3000 Miles: 7-9 Days
- 3000 Miles and Above: 9-11 Days
Do I have to be at the pickup or delivery?
At both pickup and delivery, you or a trusted representative must be present. Someone must be present and able to inspect the vehicle with the driver and update the Bill of Lading.
What is the Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading (or BOL) is a legal document that contains important information about the shipment. It lists the year, make, model, and condition of the vehicle being shipped. It also serves as the contract between the truck driver and the vehicle owner. Additionally, any and all damage noted in the pick-up and drop-off inspections must be reported on the Bill of Lading. Lastly, the Bill of Lading serves as the receipt of the transaction.
Car Shipping Services
What is Door-to-Door Auto Transport?
Door-to-Door Auto Transport is a service practice we offer that allows our drivers to pick up your vehicle right from your home. From there, they can ship it right to your preferred destination. This saves you time and money! Depending on the requested address, our trucks may not fit on the street to have the vehicle picked up or dropped off right at the door, but we will work to make sure the vehicle is as close to your requested location as possible.
How do I track my vehicle while it is in transport?
The best way to track your vehicle while it is on the move is to contact your driver directly. However, you can also contact your dispatch agent, and they can get a shipping update for you.
What does top load mean?
A typical auto transport trailer has two decks. If you wish, you can top load your vehicle, meaning your vehicle will be on the upper deck. This can help prevent potential damage to your vehicle since it is further off the road.
What type of transport will ship my car?
The type of transport used to ship your car is up to you. You can request open or enclosed car transport and add on door-to-door and/or expedited shipping as well.
What is the difference between Open and Enclosed Car Transport?
Open Car Transport is the most common form of vehicle transportation, as well as the least expensive. While it is cheaper, the car will also be exposed to rain, sun, dust, and other natural weather conditions, as your vehicle is shipped on a truck and trailer that has no solid walls. It is most often used for average cars. Our Enclosed Car Transport method provides extra protection, but it is a bit more expensive. In it, your vehicle will be shipped inside of a trailer that does have walls surrounding the vehicle. It is most often used for luxury vehicles.
Other Common Questions
Is Global Auto Transportation a Carrier or a Broker?
Global Auto Transportation is both a licensed carrier and a licensed, bonded, and insured broker.
What is the difference between a carrier and a broker?
A carrier operates trucks and is an owner-operator. Licensed carriers handle the scheduling and dispatching of shipments.
A broker owns a network of car carriers, often serving the entire country. Brokers verify USDOT authority, federal licenses, and cargo insurance on the carrier company.
Will I receive a shipping contract?
Yes. Upon signing with Global Auto Transportation, you will receive an order stating all your legal obligations, rights, and conditions. We will only begin the shipping process once the contract has been signed and returned.
What do I do if I need to cancel my order? Will I receive a refund?
You may cancel any order within 24 hours of placing your reservation. If you do so, you will receive a full refund. If the order is cancelled outside of those parameters, you will lose the deposit that was paid.
Can I ship an inoperable car?
Yes, you can. Let us know when you are booking your shipment that your vehicle is inoperable so we can inform the driver. Please note this may affect the cost of your shipping.
Is it cheaper to ship or drive my car?
Depending on the distance of the journey, driving a car may be less expensive based on gas prices; however, there are a number of other factors to consider. In addition to gas, if the trip is multiple days, you will have to factor in hotel and food costs as well. Furthermore, shipping a car saves you on time and time is money.