Auto Transport Questions Answered

We've shipped over 50,000 vehicles since 2015, and these are the questions we hear most. Real answers from our team - no marketing fluff.

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How Much Does Car Shipping Actually Cost? — Liberty Car Shipping

How Much Does Car Shipping Actually Cost?

Open carrier transport typically runs $500-$1,200 for most routes, while enclosed shipping costs $800-$2,000. But here's what actually drives your price.

Distance matters, but it's not linear. A 500-mile trip from Los Angeles to Phoenix might cost $650, while a 2,800-mile haul from LA to Miami runs around $1,100. That's because longer routes have better economies of scale.

Season and route popularity make huge differences too. Shipping from Chicago to Florida in winter? You'll pay 20-30% more because everyone's heading south. Summer moves to college towns? Same story.

What's the Real Timeline for Auto Transport? — Liberty Car Shipping

What's the Real Timeline for Auto Transport?

Most shipments take 7-14 days for pickup and delivery, but that's just the average. Your actual timeline depends on three factors our competitors won't mention upfront.

Route density is everything. Popular corridors like California to Texas move fast - sometimes 5-7 days total. But shipping from Charleston, WV to a smaller city? Add 3-5 days for carrier availability.

Here's the insider truth: we can't control carrier schedules 100%. Weather, DOT inspections, and other customer delays happen. That's why we give realistic windows, not pipe dreams.

How Does Insurance Coverage Actually Work? — Liberty Car Shipping

How Does Insurance Coverage Actually Work?

Every shipment includes basic carrier insurance (typically $750,000-$1,000,000 total), but per-vehicle limits vary. Our carriers provide coverage up to $250,000 per vehicle - higher than most brokers offer.

But here's what's important: document everything before pickup. Take photos of existing damage, note scratches, and make sure the driver marks everything on the inspection report. No documentation means no claim.

Your personal auto insurance might cover transport damage too, but don't assume it. Call your agent before shipping. Some policies exclude damage during commercial transport.

Open vs Enclosed Transport - Which Should You Choose? — Liberty Car Shipping

Open vs Enclosed Transport - Which Should You Choose?

Open transport handles 90% of vehicles just fine and costs 30-40% less than enclosed. We use it for daily drivers, SUVs, and trucks without issues. Your car rides the same highways you would drive.

Enclosed makes sense for vehicles worth $75,000+, classics, or anything with custom paint. But don't let salespeople scare you into enclosed for a regular sedan. We've shipped thousands of luxury vehicles on open carriers safely.

The real difference? Enclosed protects from weather and road debris completely. Open carriers occasionally get stone chips or dirt - rare, but it happens.

What Happens During Pickup and Delivery? — Liberty Car Shipping

What Happens During Pickup and Delivery?

Our driver calls 24-48 hours before pickup to schedule a 2-4 hour window. You'll need to be present with the keys, registration, and a photo ID. The whole process takes 15-20 minutes.

First, we do a thorough inspection together. Every scratch, dent, or paint issue gets documented with photos. Don't rush this part - it's your protection. Then you sign the Bill of Lading and hand over one set of keys.

Delivery works the same way in reverse. Inspect everything before signing, and don't accept the vehicle in the dark. If you spot new damage, note it immediately. Contact us right away if there are any issues.

How to Avoid Auto Transport Scams — Liberty Car Shipping

How to Avoid Auto Transport Scams

Red flags are everywhere in this industry, but they're easy to spot once you know what to look for. Quotes significantly below market rate? That's bait and switch waiting to happen.

Legitimate companies like Liberty have visible USDOT numbers, real addresses, and proper licensing. We're based at 3470 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles - you can visit us. Scammers use fake addresses and won't give you their MC number.

Never pay large deposits upfront. We collect a small booking fee, then the balance on delivery. Anyone demanding 50% down is running a scam. Our team has been doing this since 2015 - we don't need your money to find carriers.

50,000+Vehicles Shipped
9+Years Experience
$250KInsurance Coverage
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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.

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