Car shipping FAQ

Most domestic car shipments run between $500 and $1,800. Short regional moves (under 500 miles) usually start around $450–$700, while coast-to-coast open transport typically lands in the $1,100–$1,800 range. Enclosed transport adds roughly 40–60%. Your exact all-in price is calculated instantly in the quote tool above — no hidden fees, ever.

Transit time depends on distance: 1–3 days for trips under 500 miles, 3–5 days for 1,000–1,500 miles, and 5–9 days for cross-country routes. Pickup is usually scheduled within 1–5 days of booking, and expedited pickup is available when you need it faster.

Yes. Every carrier in the Horizon network carries active cargo insurance (typically $100,000–$250,000 for open carriers and up to $1M+ for enclosed), verified before dispatch. Your vehicle is covered from the moment it's loaded until it's signed for at delivery, at no extra charge.

Open transport is the industry standard: it's how 90%+ of vehicles ship (including new cars to dealerships) and the most affordable. Enclosed transport fully shields your car from weather and road debris and is the right call for luxury, exotic, classic, or freshly restored vehicles.

No upfront payment is required to get a quote or reserve your spot. A small deposit is collected once a carrier is assigned to your order, and the balance is paid to the driver at delivery (cash, cashier's check, or card options depending on carrier).

Absolutely. Just let us know the vehicle is inoperable when you quote. We'll match you with a carrier that has a winch or liftgate. A modest non-running fee (typically $100–$200) applies to cover the extra loading equipment.

Horizon is a licensed and bonded auto transport broker. That means we match your shipment with the best-fit carrier from a network of 3,200+ screened trucks, instead of being limited to a handful of our own. You get more capacity, faster pickup and better rates, with Horizon managing the entire process and standing behind the result.

One to two weeks is ideal. We can often move cars within 24–48 hours, but advance booking gives you the best price and pickup dates, especially during summer and snowbird season.

Up to about 100 lbs of items in the trunk or below the window line is generally acceptable. Items aren't covered by carrier insurance, and nothing hazardous, illegal or valuable should be left in the vehicle.

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the inspection report and contract signed at pickup and delivery. It documents the vehicle's condition and is essential for any damage claim, so review it carefully and keep your copy.

Yes, through port-to-port partners. We handle the ground leg to the port and coordinate the ocean transfer. Quote times are a bit longer for these routes — call us for details.

Note the damage on the delivery BOL before signing, photograph it, and call us. Our claims team files with the carrier's cargo insurer on your behalf and follows it through to resolution — you pay no deductible.

Every carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (MC/USDOT), maintain verified cargo and liability insurance, and pass our safety and performance screening before receiving a single load.

Yes. Cancel any time before a carrier is assigned at no charge. After assignment, a cancellation fee may apply to cover the carrier's commitment — your coordinator will explain the specifics.