Car Transport Services
Looking for the right transporter for shipping your Car? Mercury Auto Transport has got you covered.
Car Transport Service
Welcome to our premier car transport service, where we provide reliable and efficient solutions for moving vehicles worldwide. As the best car shipping company in the industry, we offer a comprehensive range of car shipping options that are meticulously tailored to meet your unique needs, whether you’re relocating between islands, purchasing a vehicle from another region, or looking to transport a luxury car.
As one of the highest-rated car transport services, we prioritize your vehicle’s safety and security. Mercury Auto Transport is committed to transparent pricing and affordable rates, ensuring you find the cheapest options without compromising on the quality of our services.
To make your experience even smoother, we offer an online calculator and a dedicated team that can assist you in obtaining an accurate cost estimate based on your specific transport requirements. Whether you need car delivery on the same day or tracking services to monitor your vehicle’s journey at every stage, we make it easy.
We take pride in our outstanding customer reviews, including those of military personnel who frequently relocate and require reliable shipping options. Whether you need SUV shipping across the country, overseas transport in a secure container, or inter-island delivery with guaranteed pickup, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage for peace of mind throughout the entire process.
How To Ship Domestically Or Internationally
The automobile is a symbol of freedom and expression, one that really sticks in the heart of the average American, and whether you have a small two-door coupe, A sports car, A sedan, or whatever it may be, it’s important to you because it’s your car. We know when you’re looking for car transport services, you want your vehicle to be well taken care of. We compiled this handy article to explain to you some of the more important aspects of transporting regular cars and how they will affect your auto transport prices and experience.
Cars have changed the face of transportation forever, going from the horse and buggy to the modern face of transportation that takes us everywhere from family reunions to the grocery store. In addition to utilizing vehicles for our everyday driving there is also a special class of vehicles that are known as collectors cars, and when it comes to moving across the country you probably wouldn’t want to drive a rare car for thousands of miles would you. Car shipping is a service that we are all going to need at one point or another, and choosing the right company to transport your prized possession will take some research.
The car transport business is not a one size fits all glove, and there is a good deal of prep work that should go into the process. There is more to transport your vehicle then just throwing it on top of a tow truck, especially if the vehicle is going to be transported a far distance. Let us examine a few of the things that go into shipping a vehicle the right way, and what you’ll need to plan to get this job done right. The car transport business is full of professional companies who have been doing this for a long time, and you shouldn’t have to lose sleep at night when you ship your car.
Car Shipping
Affordable Car Shipping
A standard car is anything that is a coupe or a sedan, from the smallest subcompact cars all the way to the huge full-size sedans that seem like you’re driving a boat. But all of these vehicles are considered “standard” in the auto shipping industry, which means that all prices and quotes that you receive for transporting a standard car will be the bare-bones price you’ll need to pay. Many larger vehicles are priced by taking the price of a standard vehicle on the same route and adding additional money to the order to compensate for the larger size or additional weight.
The most important aspect of your auto transport price, when shipping a standard car, is where the vehicle is coming from and where it’s going to – in other words, the specific route that your vehicle is traveling on. There are thousands of carriers running thousands of routes through thousands of different areas, regions and cities.
Why Some Carriers Won’t Pick Up
Some Carriers won’t pick up loads for a variety of reasons – it’s too far off the route, the delivery city is too far, the route isn’t busy enough, they’re going the opposite direction – there’s a lot more than that too, but carrier availability is based primarily on where you’re moving from and to.
Reliable Car Shipping
With a standard car, it’s a lot easier to find a carrier, which is always nice. If you’re transporting a vehicle into or out of a rural area, and you aren’t having luck finding a carrier, moving the pickup or delivery city (or both) to a larger metropolitan area could help the cause. Carriers don’t like traveling too far off their routes to pickup or deliver vehicles without additional incentive, and moving to and from major metro areas can also help save you money on your car transport services.
Enclosed Car Shipping
For those seeking the utmost protection for their valuable or luxury vehicles, our enclosed car shipping service offers a secure and well-shielded option for transport. With your car secured in a fully enclosed trailer, it will be safeguarded from harsh weather conditions, flying road debris, and the risk of potential damage throughout its journey.
This transport method is strongly recommended for classic cars, sports cars, high-end vehicles, and other automobiles where maximum protection is essential. Although the cost of enclosed car shipping may be higher than that of open transport, its enhanced security and safety are undoubtedly worth the investment for many discerning vehicle owners.
Mercury Auto Transport team collaborates with specialized carriers who possess extensive experience in handling luxury car shipping and fully understand the unique requirements of these high-value automobiles. By obtaining a personalized quote for our enclosed car shipping service, you can rest assured that your precious asset will arrive at its destination in pristine condition, thanks to our reputation as a trusted provider of advanced vehicle transport solutions.
Open Transport Car Shipping
Open-transport car shipping is an increasingly popular choice for those looking to move their vehicles across long distances efficiently and cost-effectively. Utilizing an open-air trailer, the same method often employed by car dealerships to transport their new inventory, this service provides a reliable means of reaching your destination without breaking the bank.
While your vehicle will be exposed to various weather conditions during the open transport process, we want to assure you that all of our carriers are fully insured for your peace of mind. This approach is commonly recognized as the most economical option for shipping cars across state lines and for long-distance relocations, making it accessible to many customers.
To cater to your needs, we collaborate with an extensive network of transport carriers, which allows us to provide competitive pricing and ensure the timely delivery of your vehicle. If you’re interested, we invite you to request free quotes for our open transport car shipping service and discover how our dependable and affordable solutions can make your vehicle move hassle-free.
Ship Car to Another State
If you want to ship your car to another state, Mercury Auto Transport specialized interstate car shipping service offers a convenient and highly efficient solution tailored to your needs. Whether you are relocating, purchasing or selling a vehicle across state lines, or transporting a car to a family member, we take care of all the logistics to ensure that your car arrives safely and on time.
We recognize that shipping a car out of state can feel overwhelming and complicated, but our dedicated and experienced team is here to simplify the process, making it easy and stress-free. Our commitment to transparency means you will receive clear pricing and detailed quotes, and our advanced tracking system allows you to stay informed at every journey stage.
Whether you opt for open or enclosed transport, you can rest assured that we prioritize the care and protection of your vehicle throughout the shipping process. By choosing us as your trusted partner for all your interstate car shipping needs, you can experience peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in safe hands as it travels across the country.
Terminal to Terminal Car Shipping
Mercury Auto Transport terminal-to-terminal car shipping service presents a more economically friendly option for anyone transporting their vehicle across the country. Customers are required to drop off their cars at one of our strategically located terminals and will subsequently pick them up at another terminal that is closest to their destination.
Although utilizing terminal-to-terminal car shipping means that you must manage the pickup and delivery of your vehicle at the specified locations, it can lead to considerable savings, especially for those making long-distance moves. Our terminals are secure and meticulously maintained, ensuring that your vehicle remains safe and in excellent condition while it is under our care.
This service is a reliable and cost-effective method for shipping cars nationwide. To find out more about our terminal locations near you and get an estimate for this budget-friendly transport solution, be sure to check our offerings today.
Door to Door Car Shipping
Our door-to-door car shipping service provides the ultimate convenience for individuals looking to transport their vehicles without any hassle. This service ensures that we will arrange for a designated carrier to pick up your vehicle directly from the location you specify and deliver it straight to your chosen destination.
Although door-to-door car shipping may incur a slightly higher fee than terminal-to-terminal services, many customers find that the exceptional convenience justifies the added cost. This is especially true for those with demanding schedules or individuals who may find driving their vehicle to a terminal difficult.
We pride ourselves on collaborating with a network of dependable carriers who are dedicated to ensuring the safe and timely pickup and delivery of your vehicle. Experience the unparalleled ease and stress-free process of our highly rated door-to-door car shipping service today.
Car Shipping Cross Country
If you’re planning a move across the country or have just purchased a vehicle from a distant location, our car shipping cross-country service offers a reliable and efficient solution for transporting your vehicle over long distances. With years of experience and a well-established network, we are equipped to handle even the most complex cross-country relocations, ensuring that your car arrives safely and on time.
We provide both open and enclosed transport options for car shipping across the country, allowing you to select the level of protection and pricing that best fits your requirements. Supported by a nationwide network of specialized carriers in long-distance vehicle transport, we guarantee that your car is treated with the utmost care throughout its entire journey, and our real-time tracking feature lets you conveniently monitor your vehicle’s progress from coast to coast.
Mercury Auto Transport also provides advanced car shipping solutions tailored for state-to-state moves, ensuring a seamless experience no matter the distance. Our team of experts is dedicated to customizing your transportation plan, using the latest technology to enhance your vehicle’s journey’s efficiency and safety.
Expedited Car Shipping
When you need fast vehicle transportation, our expedited car shipping service is a quick and highly efficient solution. Recognizing that time can be a crucial factor in such situations, we collaborate with a dedicated network of carriers who prioritize your shipment, ensuring that you experience the fastest possible pickup and delivery of your vehicle.
Our team, specialized in expedited car shipping, works tirelessly to optimize the entire transport process, ultimately reducing transit times to meet your needs. By carefully selecting carriers equipped to handle your urgent deadlines, we guarantee reliable and prompt service; therefore, if you require urgent vehicle shipment, please don’t hesitate to ask for a quote on our expedited shipping options.
Covered Car Shipping
Our covered car shipping service provides excellent protection for your vehicle during transport, similar to what you would experience with enclosed car shipping. While it does not completely shield your car from the outside, it is transported on a trailer with a protective covering, effectively safeguarding it from many environmental elements and road debris.
Choosing Mercury Auto Transport covered car shipping means you can enjoy an outstanding balance between affordability and added protection compared to standard open transport options. Although this service may cost slightly more than open transport, it ensures a more secure environment for your vehicle throughout its journey, making it a wise choice for many vehicle owners seeking reliable transport solutions that align with their budget.
Car Moving Service
Mercury Auto Transport’s car moving service is designed to cover every aspect of vehicle transportation, whether you are planning a local move, long-distance relocation, or international car shipping. We take care of everything from the initial pickup arrangement to the actual transport and final delivery, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
Whether you need to transport a single vehicle or multiple cars, our service provides a dependable and cost-effective solution tailored to your needs. We collaborate with a nationwide network of trusted carriers to guarantee efficient and secure transport, allowing you to concentrate on other essential elements of your move or vehicle transport requirements.
Other Factors To Consider When Shipping A Car
How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car?
The cost of shipping a vehicle has several factors. For instance, supply and demand. If there are many people shipping a vehicle on the same route and there are few carriers, the cost could be higher than average.
On the other hand, if your route has few vehicles moving but, many carriers with spots open, you can get a great deal. This sort of thing happens all the time. For example, most people ship their car south for the winter, so if you’re shipping your vehicle north during that same time period you can get a great price.
There are other elements such as weather and fuel prices that can affect your rate as well, however, nothing so much as supply and demand. Rates do fluctuate month to month, however, these are some basic pricing indexes.
| Vehicle Shipping Cost per mile index | |||
| Directional Pricing Index | Regional Distance | Cross Regional Distance | Cross Country Distance |
| North to South | $0.91 | $0.73 | $0.58 |
| South to North | $0.61 | $0.49 | $0.39 |
| East to West | $0.47 | $0.38 | $0.30 |
| West to East | $0.53 | $0.43 | $0.34 |
| Vehicle Shipping Cost per mile index | |||
| Original Region Pricing Index | Regional Distance | Cross Regional Distance | Cross Country Distance |
| West | $1.05 | $0.84 | $0.67 |
| Midwest | $1.14 | $0.91 | $0.73 |
| Northeast | $1.63 | $1.30 | $1.04 |
| South | $1.39 | $1.11 | $0.89 |
| Southeast | $0.83 | $0.66 | $0.53 |
Understanding The Distance
Vehicle Condition
Location is Key
The Season Makes A Difference
Understanding The Distance
If you are planning to ship your car, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If we are right, it’s the distance. Is the car going to be shipped domestically or internationally? Yes, that’s right, you can ship a car internationally, but it will cost a little more than the domestic route.
Shipping companies will calculate their quote by distance. Thus, providing an accurate address and distance is going to be key to getting a fair and balanced quote. Tools like the auto transport calculator also help to take the guesswork out of getting a quote. You should also expect that most companies will offer a similar quote for the same amount of miles.
Vehicle Condition
Another factor that goes into car shipping is the make and model, because not every car is the same. The price to transport a Dodge Ram dually pickup truck is not going to be the same as the price to transport a tiny Mitsubishi Mirage. The bigger the car the more complicated of a trailer is going to be needed and vice versa, and there are also specific needs such as a covered trailer for collectors cars. These are aspects that you’ll want to consider and express to the auto transport company before you settle on a deal because every car is different and has a different need when it comes to auto transport.
Be Upfront and Honest About Your Vehicle Condition
So here’s the thing, you want to be upfront and honest about the vehicle condition before the car transport company gets there. If the vehicle is inoperable the company will need to know because this will require more dedicated equipment to get the car where it needs to be, and depending on how complicated the situation might be the entire process could be delayed. A good rule of thumb is that a vehicle will at least have the ability to steer and roll, as well as the shift into neutral gear.
Learn more about our car shipping process here.
If you are shipping a vehicle, there is a good chance that it doesn’t run, but you at least want the process to go as smooth as possible. Shipping a vehicle is an intensive process, and if a vehicle is in poor condition, it might not make the trip. If you are opting for an open-air variation of transport, you’ll want to visually inspect the vehicle. In addition, make sure that there are no loose or dangling parts that could potentially be a hazard on the freeway. The issue could be a hazard for other drivers as well as a potential ticket for the transport company. Thus, this will only slow down your vehicle getting to its destination.
Location is Key
The location is an important part of the transport process because the more rural an area that you live in, the less auto transport companies there will be. Living in or near a major metropolitan area will make the process of acquiring an auto transport company a little easier, as you are going to be dealing with smaller operations in the smaller parts of the country.
The bigger the city will also mean a better rate because if an automotive transport company is doing a lot of business they can afford to charge more economical rates. You’ll want to go with a company that has experience transporting vehicles in all weather conditions, that way you’ll know that your vehicle is going to make it back on time.
The Season Makes A Difference
The auto transport industry is ever-changing, and the season will make a difference in how much you can expect to pay for auto transport as well. The summer months are the peak season for auto transport, and if this is the time that you have decided to move, you can expect to pay a little more. The wintertime months are ripe with more road hazards because of the ice and rain in certain parts of the country, so you’ll want to pay attention to the weather in the area that you are moving to.
If you are moving to an area that is prone to icing, you can expect to either pay a premium or have a delay when it comes to getting your vehicle where it needs to be. The season can play a major role in the vehicle transport business, and research in the key to getting the job done right. You don’t want to make a mistake when it comes to transporting your vehicle, so taking the time to research where your car is going to be shipped to and the elements is an essential part of understanding the process.
Car Transport Types and Methods
Type 1: Open Transport Car Shipping
You’ve probably seen the auto transport trucks on the highway, the big open trailers that can house up to eight vehicles. But, that is not the only type of auto transport, as there are quite a few options. You can choose from the enclosed trailer form of auto transport. This is ideal for protecting rare vehicles that you might not want to be exposed to the elements. Similarly, the closed transport is also great for recreational vehicles and motorcycles. Although the enclosed form of auto transport can cost a little more, the added benefit of the protection is definitely worth the price when your vehicle makes it to its destination.
Type 1: Open Transport Car Shipping
If you’re dealing with an exotic or classic car you might want to opt in for a closed car transport which will be a lot more safe for your vehicle. Closed car transports are what you generally see transporting super cars and race cars!
Car Transport Methods
Car Transport Methods
When it comes to auto transport, there are several methods of transporting your vehicle. We’re not talking about auto transport carriers here – that’s an entirely different subject. No, in this section, we talk more about the method of transportation that will be used to move your vehicle. This is not the carrier itself, but what particular transport service they are providing. For the reason that, there are a few different ways that people can go about transporting their vehicle.
By far the most common method of auto transport is door to door auto transport. Door-to-door is what most carriers prefer as it allows them much more control over where they are driving their truck, the routes they use, and they can avoid some harder places to ship in and out of which they cannot do via other methods.
Terminal To Terminal
Terminal to terminal auto transport is not nearly as popular as door-to-door transport, but it is still a valued part of the industry today. Some companies will not provide terminal-to-terminal shipping, as there are not as many carriers that provide terminal-to-terminal shipping than door-to-door, but it is still available out of most major cities in the U.S.
Standby Auto Transport
Standby auto transport services are when you pay a lower price on purpose and essentially wait for a carrier to be willing to pick up your vehicle up at a lower price. Because of how long they take to arrange, we don’t usually advise these services, yet they are available. Interested in more? Request a quote today.
Standby Auto Transport
Auto transport by rail is the last method of auto transport that we will break down for you. It is only available on select routes, and we don’t really work with any rail transportation companies. However, it is a method of auto transport that is still quite popular despite its slow disappearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I insure my vehicle for shipping?
You can insure your vehicle up to $100,000 from the FMCSA licensed carrier that is shipping your vehicle. Similarly, you can request the insurance certificate from any licensed carrier and will provide you a copy.
With Mercury, all carriers have their insurance verified with every shipment.
How do I prepare my vehicle?
Keys:
You must provide the selected carrier with keys to the ignition, trunk, gas cap and any locked compartment. Please have copies of your keys made and leave only the copies. Keep your original set of keys after you have checked. This is to ensure that the copies fit all devices/compartments.
Don’t Fill Your Gas Tank:
Due to DOT weight regulations, we recommend that your gas tank be less than a ¼ tank.
Do not Over-pack:
Light and soft personal items. Luggage or small boxes may be shipped inside the trunk only (100 lbs max). An infant car seat and spare tire with a jack are integral parts of the vehicle, so they may be included. You will/may be asked for additional compensation if your vehicle is over-packed. You may also be required removing anything that is not permanently mounted or bolted to the vehicle.NOTHING obstructing views out of the windows. This is mandatory and is for the safety of our crew. Our crew often must load these vehicles on to the trailer with the mirrors folded in, using only the windows. If their view is obstructed the potential for damage and injury increases greatly.
Don’t Pack Firearms or Fire Extinguishers
No firearms, ammunition of any type, or fire extinguishers may be shipped in a vehicle.
Alarm Systems:
If there is an alarm system, it must be disconnected. This is prior to dropping off or the alarm remote must be provided.
Disabled / Inoperable Vehicles:
If your vehicle is inoperable it must be in a safe location. In addition, it must have easy access with inflated tires, fully operational brakes, and steering.
Oversized / Modified Vehicles:
Unless otherwise previously noted to our dispatch department, Vehicles that are Factory Stock cannot exceed certain height or clearance. All vehicles must have at least 6½ inches of ground clearance and/or maximum 6’4” high. Otherwise, we may be unable to accept your vehicle for a regular auto trailer which may increase your estimated rate.
The vehicle should be clean:
To ensure an accurate vehicle inspection report can be completed, please clean your vehicle. This will assist you and the driver to speed up the walk around the vehicle at pick up and destination.
Ready to Transport Your Car?
Now that you understand the ins and outs of the auto transport process, you can rest assured that your vehicle will make it to its destination on time and intact. Researching is key when it comes to a positive process.
Thus, take the time to gather information on where you are moving to and the characteristics of your vehicle. This will help in providing you with an accurate quote. The automotive transport process doesn’t have to be an intimidating one.
Similarly, the process can go quite smoothly once you have everything in order. Take the time to do your due diligence and compare the various auto transport quotes. This will help you to make an informed decision. You’ll also have your vehicle safe and sound at your new destination in no time.
Get a Quote Today
The more you know about the auto transport process and how we work, the fewer surprises will be waiting for you. You can fill out our free online quote request form right here on our website.
For assistance, you can give us a call toll-free at 800-553-1828. The free auto transport quote is calculated by one of our friendly and experienced staff members. We work hard to make sure your transportation experience is the best we can make it, bar none, or Request a Quote online.