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Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about vehicle shipping, pricing, pickup and delivery, specialized transport services, and more.

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Browse our most frequently asked auto transport questions below, or select a category to jump directly to the information you need.
General Auto Transport FAQs
Auto Transport
Fleet Vehicle Transport
Classic Car Transport
Work Truck Transport
Military POV Shipping
Auto Dealership Transport
Enclosed Auto Transport
College Student Car Shipping
Family Moving
Commercial Vehicle Transport
Auto Auction Transport
RV Transport
Repossession Vehicle Transport
Car Relocation
Government
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  • GENERAL QUESTIONS

General Auto Transport FAQs

How much does it cost to ship a vehicle?

Shipping costs vary depending on distance, vehicle type, transport method, route, and seasonal demand. Request a free, no-obligation quote for accurate pricing tailored to your shipment.

Transit times depend on the pickup and delivery locations, route, weather, and carrier availability. Your shipping specialist will provide an estimated delivery window before transport begins.

Open transport is the most common and cost-effective option. Enclosed transport provides additional protection and is recommended for classic, luxury, exotic, or specialty vehicles.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

Yes. All vehicles are transported by licensed and insured carriers. Coverage details can be provided prior to your shipment for added peace of mind.

Yes. Inoperable vehicles can often be transported with the proper equipment. Be sure to let us know your vehicle’s condition when requesting a quote.

Yes. Crestline Auto Transport provides vehicle shipping throughout the lower 48 states for consumers, businesses, dealerships, fleets, and government organizations.

Auto Transport FAQs

How much does auto transport cost?

Auto transport pricing depends on factors such as the pickup and delivery locations, distance traveled, vehicle size and condition, transport method, route demand, and time of year. Request an instant quote from Crestline for pricing based on your specific vehicle and route.

Transit time depends primarily on the distance between pickup and delivery, the route, weather, traffic, and carrier scheduling. Shorter routes may take only a few days, while cross-country auto transport generally takes longer. Your Crestline coordinator can provide a more specific timeframe for your shipment.

Vehicles transported by qualified auto carriers are covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance while in transit. Coverage can vary by carrier, so the applicable insurance information should be reviewed as part of the transportation process.

Someone should generally be available at pickup and delivery to release or receive the vehicle and participate in the vehicle inspection. If you cannot personally be there, another authorized adult may typically act on your behalf.

Remove personal belongings and valuables, make sure the vehicle has enough fuel for loading and unloading without filling the tank unnecessarily, check for leaks or mechanical concerns, and document the vehicle’s condition before pickup. Crestline can provide additional preparation instructions before your scheduled transport.

Fleet Vehicle Transport FAQs

Can Crestline transport multiple fleet vehicles at once?

Yes. Crestline can coordinate transportation for multiple fleet vehicles and larger commercial vehicle movements. The best transportation approach will depend on the number and type of vehicles, pickup and delivery locations, timing, and overall project requirements.

Fleet transportation can include passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, service vehicles, vans, work trucks, and other commercial vehicles. Vehicle dimensions, weight, modifications, and operating condition should be provided when requesting transportation so the appropriate carrier and equipment can be arranged.

Yes. Fleet transportation can be coordinated between multiple pickup and delivery locations throughout the lower 48 states. This can be useful for businesses distributing vehicles among branches, dealerships, customers, upfitters, auctions, or other facilities.

Yes. Crestline works with businesses that have ongoing vehicle transportation needs in addition to one-time fleet moves. Recurring transportation can be coordinated around your typical volume, routes, locations, and operational requirements.

Fleet transport pricing depends on factors including the number and type of vehicles, transportation distance, pickup and delivery locations, vehicle condition, scheduling requirements, and the equipment needed for the move. Businesses with recurring or higher-volume transportation needs can speak with Crestline about their specific requirements.

Classic Car Transport FAQs

Should I use enclosed transport for a classic car?

Enclosed transport is often recommended for valuable, restored, rare, or collector vehicles because it provides additional protection from weather, road debris, and exposure during transit. Open transport may still be appropriate for some classic vehicles depending on their condition, value, and the owner’s preferences.

Classic car transport pricing depends on the distance, vehicle size and condition, pickup and delivery locations, carrier availability, and whether you choose open or enclosed transportation. Enclosed transport generally costs more because of the additional protection and more limited carrier capacity.

In many cases, yes. Non-running classic cars can be transported when the appropriate loading equipment is available. Let Crestline know that the vehicle is inoperable when requesting your quote, along with any other mechanical or clearance considerations that could affect loading.
 

Remove loose personal items, check the vehicle for leaks or mechanical concerns, document its condition with photos, and make sure Crestline is aware of modifications, low ground clearance, or special operating instructions. Additional preparation recommendations may be provided based on the vehicle and transportation method.

Yes. Crestline can coordinate classic car transportation from auctions, dealerships, private sellers, restoration facilities, and other pickup locations throughout the lower 48 states. Provide the pickup requirements and vehicle information when arranging transportation so the move can be properly coordinated.

Work Truck Transport FAQs

What types of work trucks can Crestline transport?

Crestline can coordinate transportation for many types of work trucks, including commercial pickups, service-body trucks, utility vehicles, upfitted trucks, and other vocational vehicles. Exact transportation requirements depend on the vehicle’s dimensions, weight, equipment, and modifications.

Yes. Crestline can coordinate transportation for upfitted vehicles, but it is important to provide accurate information about the completed vehicle. Service bodies, racks, equipment, accessories, and other modifications can affect the truck’s dimensions and the type of carrier required.

Yes. Work truck transportation can be coordinated between dealerships, upfitters, fleet locations, businesses, customers, and other approved pickup and delivery points throughout the lower 48 states.

Yes. Crestline can coordinate multi-vehicle work truck transportation for dealerships, fleets, upfitters, and commercial accounts. The transportation plan will depend on the number of vehicles, their specifications, locations, and required delivery schedule.
 
In addition to the pickup and delivery locations, provide the year, make, model, operating condition, and details about any upfits or modifications. Accurate height, length, width, weight, and information about installed equipment may also be needed to determine the appropriate transportation equipment.
 

Military POV Shipping FAQs

Can I ship my car during a military PCS move?
Yes. Service members and military families can use private auto transport to move a personally owned vehicle during a CONUS PCS. This can be especially useful for long-distance relocations, families with multiple vehicles, or situations where driving the vehicle to the next duty station isn’t practical.
 

Yes. Professional auto transport can be coordinated alongside a Personally Procured Move (PPM), commonly called a DITY move. Because reimbursement rules and entitlements depend on your specific orders and circumstances, check your current military transportation guidance before assuming privately arranged POV shipping will be reimbursed.

Crestline can coordinate transportation between locations near military installations throughout the lower 48 states. Actual carrier pickup and delivery locations depend on installation access rules, vehicle carrier restrictions, and whether a large transport truck can safely and legally access the requested location.

Scheduling as early as practical gives you more flexibility around your PCS timeline and desired pickup window. Carrier availability can vary by route, season, and location, so contacting Crestline once your moving dates become reasonably clear can make transportation easier to coordinate.

Yes. Crestline can coordinate transportation for multiple personally owned vehicles. This can be helpful for military families with two or more vehicles when driving every vehicle to the next duty station would complicate the move.

Auto Dealership Transport FAQs

Can Crestline transport vehicles purchased at auto auctions?

Yes. Crestline can coordinate vehicle pickup from auto auctions and transportation to dealerships or other approved destinations throughout the lower 48 states. Provide the auction location, vehicle information, release requirements, and desired destination when arranging transportation.

Yes. Crestline can coordinate dealer-to-dealer and store-to-store vehicle transfers, including transportation between locations in different states. This can be useful for dealer groups balancing inventory across multiple rooftops or completing vehicle swaps and transfers.

Yes. Dealership-to-customer transportation can be coordinated for buyers located outside your dealership’s local market. Pickup and delivery details should be provided in advance so the transportation and customer handoff can be properly coordinated.

Yes. Crestline can coordinate multi-vehicle transportation for dealerships depending on vehicle locations, destinations, scheduling requirements, and available carrier capacity. This can include auction purchases, inventory transfers, acquisitions, and other larger vehicle moves.
 

Yes. Crestline works with dealerships and commercial accounts that need ongoing transportation rather than a single shipment. Recurring transportation can be coordinated around your dealership’s typical routes, inventory volume, locations, and transportation needs.

Enclosed Auto Transport FAQs

What is the difference between open and enclosed auto transport?
Open transport carries vehicles on an exposed multi-car trailer and is the most common and typically more affordable shipping method. Enclosed auto transport carries vehicles inside a covered trailer, providing additional protection from weather, road debris, dust, and other outside exposure during transit.
 

Enclosed auto transport generally costs more than open transportation because enclosed carriers have more limited capacity and provide a more specialized service. The actual price difference depends on your vehicle, route, distance, carrier availability, and scheduling requirements. Crestline can provide quotes based on your specific shipment.

Enclosed transportation is commonly selected for classic cars, antique vehicles, exotic and luxury cars, collector vehicles, restored automobiles, show cars, and other high-value or difficult-to-replace vehicles. It can also be selected for any vehicle whose owner simply prefers additional protection during transportation.

An enclosed trailer provides substantially more protection from weather and road exposure than an open carrier because the vehicle travels inside a covered transport environment. Specific trailer configurations can vary, so discuss any particular transportation or handling concerns with Crestline when arranging your shipment.
 

Yes. Crestline can coordinate enclosed vehicle transportation from dealerships, auctions, private sellers, storage facilities, and other pickup locations throughout the lower 48 states. This is a popular option when purchasing a valuable vehicle that you want transported to you without adding mileage or unnecessary road exposure.

College Student Car Shipping FAQs

Can I ship my car directly to my college campus?

Vehicle delivery can often be arranged near a college or university, but large auto transport carriers may not be able to access certain campuses, dorm areas, or narrow streets. When necessary, the carrier and student can coordinate a safe and accessible nearby location for delivery.

It’s best to arrange transportation as early as practical once your move-in or travel dates are known. College move-in periods can coincide with busy summer transportation demand, and scheduling early generally provides more flexibility around your preferred pickup window.
 
Someone should generally be available to receive the vehicle and participate in the delivery inspection. If the student cannot be present, another authorized adult may typically receive the vehicle on their behalf when properly arranged in advance.
 

Yes. Parents can arrange transportation for a student’s vehicle and coordinate the shipment with Crestline. Pickup and delivery contacts can be established based on who will be available at each location.

The cost depends on the distance between home and school, vehicle type, route, time of year, transport method, and carrier availability. Long-distance and cross-country moves will generally cost more overall than shorter routes. Crestline can provide an instant quote based on the student’s specific vehicle and locations.

Family Moving Car Shipping FAQs

Is it better to ship or drive my car when moving?
It depends on the distance, your moving schedule, number of vehicles, travel preferences, and budget. Driving may make sense for shorter relocations, while shipping can be especially convenient for long-distance moves where you want to avoid additional mileage, travel days, hotels, fuel, and wear on the vehicle.
It’s best to begin arranging transportation once your moving dates and destination are reasonably established. Scheduling early generally provides more flexibility around your preferred pickup window, particularly during busy moving seasons and on high-demand routes.
Yes. Crestline can coordinate transportation for multiple household vehicles. This can be particularly useful when a family owns more vehicles than it has available drivers or when everyone plans to travel together to the new home.
Crestline provides door-to-door auto transport whenever the locations are safely and legally accessible to the carrier. If a residential street, neighborhood, or other location cannot accommodate a large transport truck, pickup or delivery can usually be coordinated at a nearby accessible location.
Auto carriers are primarily transporting your vehicle, not household goods. Personal-item restrictions can vary based on the carrier and transportation requirements, so you should discuss any items you intend to leave inside the vehicle with Crestline before pickup rather than assuming they can be transported.

Commercial Vehicle Transport FAQs

What types of commercial vehicles can Crestline transport?

Crestline can coordinate transportation for many commercial vehicles, including company cars, SUVs, commercial pickups, cargo vans, service vans, fleet vehicles, and certain upfitted or specialized business vehicles. Vehicle dimensions and modifications should be provided in advance so the appropriate transportation equipment can be determined.

Yes. Commercial vehicle transportation can be coordinated between multiple locations throughout the lower 48 states, including dealerships, company branches, upfitters, employees, customers, auctions, and other business facilities.
Yes. Crestline can coordinate multi-vehicle transportation for businesses and commercial accounts. The best approach will depend on the number and type of vehicles, their locations, destinations, timing requirements, and available carrier capacity.
Yes, depending on the vehicle and its specifications. Upfits can change a vehicle’s height, length, width, weight, or ground clearance, so accurate dimensions and information about installed equipment should be provided before transportation is arranged.
Yes. Crestline works with businesses that have recurring and higher-volume transportation needs in addition to one-time shipments. Our team can discuss your typical vehicle volume, routes, locations, and operational requirements to develop an ongoing transportation solution.

Auto Auction Transport FAQs

Can Crestline pick up vehicles from Manheim, Copart, IAA, and other auto auctions?
Yes. Crestline can coordinate transportation from major auto auction locations and other auction facilities throughout the lower 48 states. Pickup requirements vary by auction, so provide the auction location, vehicle information, and any required release details when arranging transportation.
In many cases, yes. Inoperable and salvage vehicles may require specialized loading equipment, such as a winch. Make sure Crestline knows the vehicle’s operating condition before transportation is scheduled so an appropriate carrier can be arranged.
Requirements vary by auction, but Crestline may need the auction location, vehicle information, VIN, lot or stock number, buyer information, release documentation or codes, and confirmation that the vehicle is ready for pickup. Providing accurate information helps prevent delays when the carrier arrives.
Yes. Crestline can coordinate multi-vehicle auction transportation for dealerships, wholesalers, fleet operators, and other commercial buyers. The transportation plan will depend on the number of vehicles, auction location, destination, vehicle condition, and scheduling requirements.
It’s generally best to begin arranging transportation as soon as the vehicle is paid for and the auction’s release requirements are known. Some auctions may charge storage fees after a certain period, so arranging pickup promptly can help reduce unnecessary delays or additional costs.

RV Transport FAQs

What types of RVs can Crestline transport?
Crestline can help coordinate transportation for various recreational vehicles, including Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and other RV configurations. Transportation options depend on the vehicle’s dimensions, weight, condition, and route.
RV transport pricing depends on factors such as distance, RV type, size and weight, pickup and delivery locations, transportation method, route requirements, and carrier availability. Because RV dimensions vary significantly, accurate vehicle information is important when requesting a quote.
Yes. Crestline can coordinate RV transportation from dealerships, private sellers, and other approved pickup locations throughout the lower 48 states. This allows buyers to purchase an RV outside their local market without necessarily having to travel to the seller and drive or tow it home themselves.
Be prepared to provide the pickup and delivery locations along with the RV’s year, make, model, type, operating condition, length, width, height, and weight when available. You should also disclose modifications or attached equipment that could affect its overall dimensions.
Transportation may be possible depending on the RV, its condition, location, and available loading equipment. Inoperable recreational vehicles can require specialized equipment and additional planning, so let Crestline know about any mechanical or mobility issues before transportation is arranged.

Repossession Vehicle Transport FAQs

Does Crestline perform vehicle repossessions?

No. Crestline provides vehicle transportation after a vehicle has already been recovered and is authorized for release. We can coordinate transportation from recovery lots, storage facilities, and other approved locations to auctions, dealerships, remarketing facilities, and additional destinations.

Yes. Crestline can coordinate transportation of recovered vehicles to auto auctions throughout the lower 48 states. Provide the pickup location, auction destination, vehicle information, release requirements, and operating condition when arranging transportation.

In many cases, yes. Inoperable vehicles may require specialized loading equipment or additional coordination. Let Crestline know whether the vehicle starts, rolls, steers, and brakes, along with any known damage or mechanical issues, before transportation is scheduled.

Yes, provided the vehicle has been cleared for release and the facility permits carrier pickup. Any required release documents, lot information, vehicle details, or pickup instructions should be provided before the carrier arrives.

Yes. Crestline can support businesses with recurring repossession and remarketing transportation needs in addition to individual vehicle moves. Our team can discuss typical volume, pickup locations, auction destinations, vehicle conditions, and other requirements to develop an ongoing transportation solution.

Car Relocation FAQs

How does car relocation work?
Provide Crestline with your vehicle information and desired pickup and delivery locations. Once transportation is arranged, a carrier picks up the vehicle, completes the appropriate vehicle inspection, secures it for transportation, and delivers it to the agreed destination. Crestline helps coordinate the process from scheduling through delivery.
Car relocation pricing depends on factors including the distance, route, vehicle type and condition, pickup and delivery locations, transportation method, time of year, and carrier availability. Crestline can provide an instant quote based on your specific vehicle and relocation route.
Yes. Crestline provides state-to-state and cross-country vehicle transportation throughout the lower 48 states. This includes long-distance routes between the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, South, and other regions of the continental United States.
Crestline provides door-to-door transportation whenever both locations can be safely and legally accessed by a large auto carrier. If a residential street or neighborhood cannot accommodate the transport truck, the carrier can typically coordinate pickup or delivery at a nearby accessible location.
It’s best to begin arranging transportation once your relocation dates are reasonably established. Booking ahead generally provides greater flexibility around your preferred pickup window, particularly during busy moving seasons or on high-demand routes.

Government FAQs

Does Crestline provide vehicle transport for government agencies?
Yes. Crestline provides vehicle transportation solutions for federal, state, and local government organizations, municipalities, government contractors, and other organizations involved in public-sector fleet operations throughout the lower 48 states.
Crestline can coordinate transportation for passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, vans, utility vehicles, public works vehicles, emergency vehicles, commercial trucks, and certain specialized or over-dimensional equipment. Transportation requirements are evaluated based on the specific vehicle’s dimensions, weight, equipment, and condition.
Yes. Crestline works with dealerships and automotive organizations that supply vehicles to government agencies and municipalities. We can coordinate transportation from dealerships and upfitters to government destinations as part of the vehicle delivery process.
Yes. Crestline can support individual vehicle shipments as well as multi-vehicle and recurring fleet transportation. The transportation plan can be developed around the number and types of vehicles, pickup and delivery locations, scheduling requirements, and overall scope of the project.
Yes. Crestline can coordinate transportation associated with fleet disposal and remarketing, including moving vehicles to fleet management organizations, dealerships, storage facilities, auto auctions, and other approved destinations.

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