Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I ship my car?

A: To ship your car, you request a quote, confirm your price, and we assign a verified carrier with a guaranteed price and pickup window to pick up and deliver your vehicle safely. The process includes scheduling pickup, inspecting the car, and confirming delivery.

For a full step-by-step guide, visit our How Auto Transport Works page.

Q: What is the Mercury Shield Network?

A: The Mercury Shield Network is our exclusive group of fully insured, FMCSA-verified carriers. Each carrier is pre-vetted for safety, reliability, and service quality before being approved to move your vehicle. This gives you guaranteed protection and peace of mind every time.

Q: What makes Mercury better than other car shipping companies?

A: Mercury offers guaranteed pricing and verified carriers through our MVP and White Glove services — no bait-and-switch quotes or cash-on-delivery risks. We handle your shipment end-to-end, monitor the carrier, and guarantee your pickup window.

Q: Does insurance cover my car while it’s being shipped?

A: Yes. Every carrier we assign is licensed and insured through the FMCSA. Your car is covered for damage while in transit, typically up to $100,000–$1,000,000 depending on the trailer. Acts of God and undisclosed vehicle conditions are the only exclusions.

Q: How do I get a quote?

A: You can get a quote instantly on our website by entering your pickup and delivery details, vehicle type, and condition. All quotes are based on real market data and come with guaranteed MVP and White Glove pricing.

Q: Can I ship a car that isn’t running?

A: Yes, we can ship inoperable vehicles. Just let us know in advance so we can assign a carrier equipped with a winch or lift gate. A small fee applies since special equipment is required for loading and unloading.

Q: How much does it cost to ship a car?

A: The cost depends on distance, vehicle size, and service level. Most cross-country shipments range from $900–$1,500 for open carriers. All Mercury quotes are guaranteed — no hidden fees, no rate changes later.

Q: When do I pay for my shipment?

A: Your card is charged in full once your vehicle is assigned to a carrier, usually 24–72 hours before your first pickup date. You never pay drivers directly — everything is handled securely through Mercury.

Q: Is there a deposit required to book my shipment?

A: No deposit is charged when you book. Your card is only billed once your carrier is confirmed. If you cancel before dispatch, you’re never charged.

Q: Are there any hidden fees?

A: No. The price you see for our MVP and White Glove options is 100% guaranteed, provided the vehicle details are accurate. You’ll never pay a penny more than your quoted price.

Q: How can I pay for my car shipment?

A: We only accept credit or debit cards for secure processing. Paying by card protects you from scams — avoid anyone asking for Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, or cash at delivery.

Q: What’s your refund or cancellation policy?

A: You can cancel anytime before your carrier is assigned and you won’t be charged. Once the carrier is dispatched, the payment becomes non-refundable since the carrier has been booked for your vehicle.

Q: How long does it take to ship my car?

A: Most vehicle shipments in 2025 take 3–7 days for standard routes within the continental U.S. Shorter routes (under 500 miles) often arrive within 1–2 days, while coast-to-coast deliveries can take up to 10 days, depending on carrier availability and weather.

Q: How is pickup and delivery scheduled?

A: When you book your shipment, you’ll select a three-business-day pickup window. Your vehicle can be picked up on any of those days. The exact pickup date and time are confirmed 24–72 hours in advance, once your carrier is assigned and the order is dispatched.

Delivery is then coordinated directly with the carrier based on their route and your availability, so you’ll always know when to expect your vehicle.

Q: Do I have to be present when the car is picked up?

A: You don’t have to be there in person, but someone you trust should be available to sign the Bill of Lading and inspect the vehicle at pickup and delivery. A friend, family member, or authorized representative works perfectly.

If no one is available, contactless pickup or delivery can be arranged. You can leave the vehicle in a safe location and provide instructions for where to leave the key — our verified carrier will handle the rest securely.

Q: Can I choose my pickup and drop-off dates?

A: You select your preferred pickup window when booking. With our MVP and White Glove services, we guarantee pickup within that 3-business-day window.

Q: What happens if I’m not available at delivery time?

A: You don’t have to be there in person, but it’s best if someone you trust can inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading at delivery. A friend, family member, or authorized contact can do this on your behalf.

If no one is available, contactless delivery can be arranged. The driver can leave the car in a safe location and follow your instructions for where to secure the keys. We’ll make sure the carrier confirms delivery with you once it’s complete.

Q: Do you offer door-to-door service?

A: Yes, most shipments are door-to-door. If the truck can’t access your street safely, the driver will meet you nearby in a large, open area such as a parking lot.

Q: Is my vehicle insured while it’s being shipped?

A: Yes. Every carrier Mercury assigns is fully insured through the FMCSA. Coverage usually ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000, depending on trailer type. Acts of God and undisclosed vehicle issues are excluded.

Your car is protected against almost any transport-related damage. The main exceptions are “acts of God” (like hail or flooding) and windshield/glass cracks or mechanical issues, though additional coverage options are available if you’d like extra protection.

When you choose our MVP or White Glove service, our operations team assists you every step of the way — including helping you handle any potential claim directly with the carrier.

We also provide a Condition Report & Procedure Checklist that explains what to do at pickup and delivery and how to file a claim if needed.

Q: What happens if my car is damaged in transit?

A: First, note any damage on the Bill of Lading upon delivery and take photos. Then contact our operations team — we’ll guide you through the claim directly with the carrier’s insurance.

Q: Can I leave personal items in my car?

A: Yes, up to 100 pounds in the trunk is fine. If you plan to include more, let us know so we can add it to your booking. Heavier items may add a small per-pound fee.

Q: How do you vet your carriers?

A: Every carrier goes through Mercury’s Shield Network vetting — we verify FMCSA licensing, insurance, safety ratings, and performance history before approval.

Q: What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

A: Open transport is the most common and cost-effective option. Enclosed transport offers extra protection for luxury, exotic, or classic cars against weather and road debris.

Choosing between open and enclosed carriers affects price, protection, and delivery time.

Q: Do you ship cars nationwide?

A: Yes, we ship vehicles to and from all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, through our trusted carrier network.

Q: Can you ship to Alaska or Hawaii?

A: Yes, we coordinate land and sea transport for vehicles going to or from Alaska and Hawaii. Contact us for exact timing and pricing.

Q: Do you offer international transport?

A: Yes. We offer export and import services through our logistics partners. We handle customs documentation and port coordination.

Q: How do I ship a car from Florida to California?

A: It’s simple: get your quote, confirm your order, and we’ll assign a carrier from our network. Florida to California shipments usually take 7–10 days.

Q: What areas does Mercury Auto Transport serve?

A: Mercury serves every state in the U.S. and major international routes. Whether it’s local, cross-country, or overseas, our carrier network covers it.

Q: How can I track my vehicle during transport?

A: Yes. Once dispatched, you’ll receive carrier details and contact info for updates. Our MVP and White Glove customers also get proactive updates from our operations team.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions about my order?

A: You can contact your assigned Mercury agent or our operations support team by phone, text, or email at any time during your shipment.

Q: What should I do to prepare my car for pickup?

Clean your car, remove personal items, leave only about a quarter tank of gas, and take photos before pickup. The driver will inspect and sign off on its condition.

We also provide a Condition Report & Procedure Checklist that explains what to do at pickup and delivery and how to file a claim if needed.

Q: How do I update or change my order?

A: Simple, contact your Mercury agent as soon as possible. We’ll adjust your booking and communicate any changes to the carrier for you.

Q: What if my shipment is delayed?

A: Delays are rare but can occur due to weather or logistics. If that happens, our operations team will update you immediately and work to minimize any delay.

Q: What’s the difference between a carrier and a broker?

A carrier is the company that physically transports your vehicle on a truck. A broker arranges the shipment by matching you with a licensed and insured carrier.

Mercury is a licensed broker that works only with pre-vetted carriers in our Shield Network — ensuring every shipment is fully insured, compliant, and guaranteed.

Q: How do I know if a quote is real or fake?

A: A real quote comes from a licensed broker with an active USDOT and MC number you can verify on the FMCSA website. Fake or “bait” quotes are often unrealistically low and used just to win your business — the price usually goes up later.

Mercury’s quotes are guaranteed upfront through our MVP and White Glove pricing system, so what you see is what you pay.

Q: Why do prices change so much between brokers?

A: Prices vary because many brokers post loads publicly and hope carriers accept them at lower bids — a risky, outdated method.

Mercury doesn’t use public boards for our guaranteed quotes. We work directly with a vetted carrier network, locking in your rate in advance so it won’t change even if market prices rise.

Q: Are all brokers licensed and insured?

A: No — not all brokers meet federal requirements. Always verify a broker’s USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA site before booking. Mercury is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and every carrier we assign meets those same federal standards for coverage and compliance.