How Shelby Auto Transport Works, Start to Finish

Shipping a car involves two companies. One is the company you book with, which quotes the price, finds the truck and keeps you posted. The other is the carrier: the truck and driver that actually move your car. Shelby Auto Transport is the first kind. Here’s exactly how we handle a shipment, and what we put in writing along the way.

What We Do, and What the Carrier Does

We quote your shipment, book it, match it with a vetted, licensed carrier that runs your route, and stay your contact until the car is delivered. The carrier loads the car, inspects it with you, drives it and hands it over at the other end. We don’t own trucks, and we don’t pretend to. Our job is picking the right carrier for your car and your route, and being the people you call until it’s delivered.

Step by Step

1. The quote

Use the quote form or call (424) 453-1800. We need the pickup and delivery locations, the vehicle, whether it runs, open or enclosed, and your dates. We quote a price a carrier will actually take, not a low number that sits unclaimed.

2. The price in writing

Your price is agreed in writing before pickup. The price we quote is the price you pay. It’s good for 30 days, as long as your vehicle, route and dates stay the same.

3. The carrier match

We match your car with a carrier that already runs your route and has the right equipment: open or enclosed, a winch for a car that doesn’t run, a liftgate for a low car. If your date is tight, we tell you up front instead of hoping it works out.

4. Pickup

The driver calls ahead with a pickup window. You walk around the car together, mark any existing chips or dents on the inspection report, sign it and keep a copy.

5. Delivery

The driver calls ahead again. You inspect the car before you sign, note anything new on the report, and pay any balance as stated in your booking confirmation.

Open or Enclosed

Most everyday cars ship on open carriers, the two-level trucks you see on the interstate. Enclosed transport costs more and protects classics, exotics and fresh paint from weather and road grit. We’ll tell you honestly which one your car needs.

What We Won’t Promise

Carriers work in windows, not appointments. Traffic, weather and the other cars on the truck can move a pickup by a day. Anyone who promises an exact hour for a cross-country delivery is guessing. We’d rather give you a realistic window and keep you posted than make a promise the road won’t keep.

How to Spot the Companies to Avoid

Three tricks cause most bad car shipping stories: the lowball quote that turns into a higher price, the last-minute cancellation, and the cash demand at delivery. Our guide to choosing a car transport company shows how to check anyone out, including us.

Questions