How Auto Transport Works

Shipping a car isn’t complicated — but it works differently than most people expect. Here’s exactly what happens from the moment you request a quote to the moment your vehicle arrives.

Your Quote and Options

Every route has different timing, demand, and availability. To give you flexibility, you’ll see three pricing options:

• Standby: Our lowest starting price, best if your schedule is flexible.
• Priority: This week’s standard rate on your exact route, confirmed by your agent, with a pickup window your agent commits to. This is our most popular option.
• Rush: Fastest scheduling for urgent or time-sensitive moves.

If you’re not sure which option fits your situation, your agent can help you choose based on your route and your timing needs.

The Pickup Window

Auto transport doesn’t work like parcel delivery with an exact pickup time the moment you book. Carriers build routes based on geography, weather, other pickups and drop-offs, and the type of truck they’re running.

Your pickup will happen inside a window that varies by service tier, so the carrier can schedule your stop safely and efficiently.

As your window approaches, we’ll keep you updated and confirm the exact pickup time once the driver sets the route.

Assigning Your Carrier

Mercury sources carriers through Central Dispatch and other national dispatch tools, then screens every carrier through Mercury Shield, our internal carrier-screening and shipment-oversight process, checking for:

• Active cargo insurance
• Proper authority
• Safety records
• Performance history

Once your carrier is assigned, you will receive their name, contact information, and pickup details. If anything changes, we will let you know right away.

Every Order Includes:

• Mercury Shield Screening: access to carriers sourced through Central Dispatch and national dispatch tools, vetted before assignment.
• Carrier Cargo Coverage: your assigned carrier provides cargo insurance under its policy, verified by Mercury before dispatch.
• Claims Assistance: Priority and Rush include managed claims assistance from our support team; Standby includes guidance and the information you need to file directly.

Your Payment

We keep payment simple and secure:

• You don’t pay anything upfront
• We only charge you once a carrier is assigned
• Payment is made by card or secure bank transfer, directly to Mercury
• There’s no cash at delivery, no split payments, and no extra fees
• You can cancel without charge any time before your carrier is assigned

This protects you and removes the stress of carrying cash or dealing with last-minute payment issues at the truck.

Pickup Day

When the driver arrives, they’ll introduce themselves and verify the order. Make sure the carrier name matches what we sent you — it’s an easy extra layer of safety.

The driver will complete a condition report and take photos before loading your vehicle. If the car isn’t running, special equipment may be needed, and we’ll plan for that ahead of time.

Once loaded, the driver secures your vehicle and begins the route.

Transit and Updates

During transit, your carrier may be driving through different regions with varying cell coverage, weather, or scheduling stops. That’s normal in auto transport.

Many carriers are independent small businesses, and not every driver uses the same tracking technology. When possible, Mercury invites your assigned carrier to share GPS tracking through MacroPoint. Carrier participation and device availability vary.

Whether or not GPS tracking is active, your Mercury team can contact the driver for a status update during support hours. If you ever want an update, just reach out — we can check your carrier’s latest status, confirm their route, and let you know what to expect next.

Delivery Day

As the truck approaches your destination, the driver will reach out to schedule the drop-off. Just like pickup, they’ll walk you through a quick inspection and update the condition report.

Once everything looks good, the job is complete and your agent remains available if anything needs attention afterward.

Why Auto Transport Works This Way

Unlike parcel services or moving companies, vehicle carriers run on highly dynamic routes. Each carrier may be moving 5–10 vehicles at once, across long distances, adjusting for weather, traffic, equipment, and timing windows.

This is why auto transport is built around pickup windows, route planning, and carrier assignment rather than exact appointment times the moment you book.

The key is choosing a company that keeps you informed from start to finish — and that’s the heart of Mercury’s approach.

Why People Choose Mercury

We keep it simple and safe:

• Straightforward pricing: No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch quotes, no games.
• Agent-confirmed pricing: Priority and Rush prices are confirmed by a Mercury agent so you know exactly what to expect.
• Vetted carriers only: Mercury Shield protects you from unsafe or unverified carriers. There’s no cash at delivery, no split payments, and no extra fees.
• Real agents, real communication: Your agent stays with you from the moment you request a quote until your vehicle is delivered.

Shipping a vehicle doesn’t need to be complicated. With clear communication, protected payment, and verified carriers, the process is smooth and predictable.

If you ever have questions about timing, pricing, or what to expect next, your agent is here to help every step of the way.