Personal Auto Transport
Ship Your Car Anywhere in the US
Moving across the country? Bought a car out of state? We connect you with professional carriers for safe, on-time delivery with status updates at every stage.
How It Works
Tell Us About Your Car
Enter your VIN or vehicle details and where it needs to go.
Get Your Quote
Create your account (a one-time email confirmation) and an estimate for your route arrives automatically; a dispatcher then confirms the exact price within 2 business hours (Mon–Fri, 9:00–18:00 ET), with the carrier rate and the Y7 dispatch fee shown as two separate lines.
We Pick It Up
A carrier checked before dispatch picks up your vehicle at the scheduled time.
Track & Receive
Get status updates via portal, Telegram, text, or email — choose what works best.
What Determines Your Shipping Cost
Your shipping cost comes down to five things: distance, vehicle size, transport type, season, and vehicle condition. Distance is the biggest factor, but it does not scale linearly — a 300-mile haul costs more per mile than a 2,000-mile run because the carrier still has the same loading and unloading overhead regardless of distance. Vehicle size matters because a full-size truck takes up nearly twice the trailer space of a sedan, meaning fewer vehicles per load and higher cost per slot. Open transport is the standard; enclosed transport typically costs 40–60% more than open on the same lane. Season shifts which lanes are busiest, but Y7's own data shows no winter premium. A non-running vehicle adds $100–300 to the carrier rate for winch loading; a vehicle that cannot roll needs forklift or roll-back loading, which is quoted separately. This is part of the carrier rate, not a Y7 fee. Carrier prices move with fuel prices, season and driver availability, so treat these figures as a guide, not a quote.
PRICING BY DISTANCE
What it costs to ship a standard vehicle
| Distance | Open | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 mi | $400-$700 | $650-$1,100 | typically 1–4 days |
| 500-1,500 mi | $650-$1,100 | $1,050-$1,700 | typically 2–7 days |
| 1,500-3,000 mi | $1,100-$1,600 | $1,700-$2,600 | typically 7–12 days |
Ranges are for open-trailer transport on a standard sedan or SUV. Enclosed adds 40-60%. Non-running adds $100–300 to the carrier rate for winch loading; forklift or roll-back loading is quoted separately. Carrier prices are not fixed: they spike and dip with fuel prices, season and driver availability, so treat these figures as a guide, not a quote. Transit times are typical, counted after dispatch, not a promised window.
Seasonal Pricing Patterns
Auto transport follows predictable demand cycles. Snowbird traffic runs south toward Florida and Arizona in the colder months and back north in spring, so carriers on those lanes fill up at different times of year. Summer (June through August) is relocation season: military PCS moves, college relocations, and family moves drive high nationwide volume. From September through December, early snowbirds start moving and dealers ship end-of-year inventory. Demand is not the same as price. Y7's own data shows no winter premium: on Y7's dispatches into the New Jersey export warehouses from 27 August 2025 to 23 July 2026, December 2025 was among the cheapest months. Carrier prices move with fuel prices and driver availability, so treat any figure as a guide, not a quote.
SEASONAL PRICING
Prices move with the calendar
- Oct-Jan (snowbird south)Snowbird traffic runs Northeast→Florida; open carrier capacity tightens
- Apr-May (snowbird return)Return traffic runs Florida→Northeast, busier in April than in May
- Jun-Aug (summer family move)Family moves add volume on West-coast and cross-country lanes
- Winter, in Y7's dataNo winter premium: December 2025 was among the cheapest months on Y7's dispatches into the New Jersey export warehouses (27 August 2025 to 23 July 2026)
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
- Wash the exterior so the driver can accurately note existing scratches on the BOL
- Take dated photos of every panel plus close-ups of any existing damage
- Remove personal items from the cabin — carrier insurance does not cover them
- Leave approximately 1/4 tank of fuel (not full — adds weight; not empty — driver may need to reposition)
- Disable alarms, toll transponders, parking passes, and aftermarket anti-theft devices
- Secure or remove loose exterior items — antennas, luggage racks, car bras
- Check battery charge — a dead battery at delivery means the driver cannot move the vehicle off the trailer
- Provide the driver with a working spare key; keep your primary set
What to Expect at Pickup
Once the carrier is assigned, you receive the driver's contact details and can reach the driver directly to arrange pickup and delivery. At pickup, you and the driver walk around the vehicle together to inspect and document its current condition on the Bill of Lading (BOL). This includes every scratch, dent, and mark — both of you note these on the form. The driver takes photos as well. You sign the BOL at pickup, confirming the vehicle's condition. The driver then loads the vehicle onto the trailer, secures it with wheel straps and tie-downs, and you receive a copy of the signed BOL. Keep this document — it is your proof of the vehicle's condition at the time the carrier took possession.
What to Expect at Delivery
At delivery, the process mirrors pickup. Arrange the delivery time directly with the driver, using the contact details you received when the carrier was assigned. You (or your designated representative) meet the driver and do a second walk-around inspection comparing the vehicle's condition against the pickup BOL. Check every panel, the roof, bumpers, wheels, and glass. If everything matches, sign the delivery BOL. If you spot new damage, note it clearly on the BOL before signing — this notation is critical for filing a claim. If payment is COD (cash on delivery), have the exact amount ready in cash or certified funds as specified in your contract. Once you sign off, the delivery is complete.
Insurance Coverage During Transport
Every carrier in our network carries at least $100,000 in cargo insurance, and at least $150,000 for higher-value vehicles; most carry $250,000 or more. We verify active insurance certificates before dispatching any load. This coverage protects your vehicle against damage during transport — not pre-existing conditions. If damage occurs, the process starts with the BOL: your pickup and delivery condition reports are the evidence. Notify the carrier as soon as possible after delivery, then file the claim in writing; for shipments covered by federal law, a carrier may not set a filing period shorter than nine months. We assist with documentation and follow-up, but the claim is between you and the carrier's insurer. For high-value vehicles, you can purchase supplemental coverage through a third-party provider before shipping.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Open Transport
- Standard multi-car carrier
- 7-10 vehicle capacity
- Weather exposed during transit
- Most popular option
- Best for daily drivers and standard vehicles
Enclosed Transport
- Fully enclosed trailer
- 2-6 vehicle capacity
- Complete protection from elements
- Premium white-glove service
- Best for luxury, classic, and sports cars
Actual pricing varies by route, vehicle size, and season.
Important: Bill of Lading (BOL) Inspection
Upon delivery, you or your representative MUST inspect the vehicle together with the carrier driver and sign the Bill of Lading (BOL). By signing the BOL, you confirm the vehicle's condition at delivery. Any damage claims filed after signing the BOL without notation are the recipient's responsibility.
Get Your Free Quote
No obligation. We reply within 2 business hours.
From Quote to Delivery
No surprises. No hidden steps. Here's exactly what to expect from request to delivery.
Submit Your Request
InstantEnter vehicle details and route. VIN decode fills make and model automatically.
Receive a Quote
Within 2 business hoursAn estimate for your route arrives automatically; a real dispatcher then confirms the exact price for your route, not a generic range.
Confirm Your Price
When readyConfirm with one click. The quoted range is fixed, and Y7 finds a carrier within it. Y7's fee is due only after the carrier is assigned.
Carrier Assigned
Typically 1–2 days on active lanesWe find a carrier through Central Dispatch and check its FMCSA authority, insurance and history before assigning it. You get the driver's name and truck details.
Pickup & Delivery
Varies by routeBOL at pickup. Status updates throughout. Photo documentation at delivery.
Frequently Asked
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping take?
Once a carrier is dispatched: under 500 miles typically 1–4 days; 500–1,200 miles typically 2–7 days; coast to coast typically 7–12 days. Route, season, weather and driver hours change these times; they are typical, not a promised window.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. Every carrier we work with carries cargo insurance. We verify active coverage before assigning any load.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes. Let us know in the quote form. A non-running vehicle adds $100–300 to the carrier rate for winch loading; a vehicle that cannot roll needs forklift or roll-back loading, which is quoted separately. This is part of the carrier rate, not a Y7 fee. Carrier prices move with fuel prices, season and driver availability, so treat this as a guide, not a quote.
Open or enclosed — what should I choose?
Open transport is the most common and affordable option. Enclosed is recommended for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
What happens after I submit a quote?
An estimate for your route arrives automatically, and a dispatcher confirms the exact price within 2 business hours, with the carrier rate and the Y7 dispatch fee shown as two separate lines. Once you confirm, we post the shipment to our carrier network. Carriers bid on the load, and we assign the best match based on price, route, timing, and carrier rating. A carrier is typically assigned within 1–2 days on active lanes; you then arrange the pickup time directly with the driver. You will receive carrier details and contact information once assigned.
How do I prepare my car for shipping?
Remove all personal belongings from the interior and trunk. Leave about a quarter tank of gas. Disable aftermarket alarms. Provide a working key set to the driver. Document existing damage with photos before pickup. Retract the antenna and remove any loose exterior accessories like bike racks or cargo boxes.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the legal transport document that records your vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery. You and the driver inspect the car together and note every existing mark, scratch, or dent on the BOL at pickup. At delivery, you compare the vehicle against that record. If there is new damage, you note it on the delivery BOL before signing. This document is the foundation of any insurance claim — without proper notation, proving transport damage becomes very difficult.
How does insurance work?
Every carrier carries cargo insurance (at least $100K, and $150K for higher-value vehicles; most carry $250K+). This covers damage that occurs during transport. The Bill of Lading serves as the condition record — your pickup and delivery inspections are the evidence. If damage happens, report it as soon as possible and file a written claim with the carrier's insurer; early reporting does not replace the legal claim deadlines. We help with documentation but the claim is between you and the carrier's insurance provider.
What if my car is damaged during transport?
First, note the damage on the delivery Bill of Lading before signing — this is non-negotiable. Take photos immediately. Contact us as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, and we will help you initiate a claim with the carrier's insurance company; this early report does not replace the contractual and legal claim deadlines. You will need the signed BOL with damage notation, your pre-shipping photos, and photos of the new damage. Each case has an owner, a next step and status updates; the timing depends on the documents, the carrier and any insurance review. Do not sign the BOL without noting damage, and do not let the driver pressure you into signing clean — once you sign a clean BOL, proving the damage happened during transport becomes extremely difficult.