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:

• Saver Rate: Lowest cost if your schedule is flexible.
• Priority Rate: Guaranteed price with a standard three business day pickup window. This is our most popular option.
• Rush Service: 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, usually three business days, 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 only works with fully verified carriers through our Mercury Shield Network, a network of professional drivers and companies checked 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:

• Exclusive Mercury Network: access to our nationwide network of dedicated, top-rated carriers.
• Full Insurance Coverage: every shipment is fully insured for your vehicle’s safety and peace of mind.
• Priority Claims Support: guided claims assistance with our dedicated support team for fast resolutions.

Your Payment

We keep payment simple and secure:

• You don’t pay anything upfront
• We only charge your card once a carrier is assigned
• The entire transport is paid on your credit card
• There’s no cash at delivery, no split payments, and no extra fees
• You stay fully protected through your card’s fraud and dispute safeguards

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.

The good news is that our system includes Track & Trace, which gives us ongoing location updates from your carrier throughout the trip. Even if the driver is on the road or temporarily out of range, we still receive regular pings that show where your vehicle is and how the route is progressing.

If you ever want an update, just reach out. We can check your carrier’s latest location, 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.
• Guaranteed pricing options: Priority and Rush come with guaranteed prices so you know exactly what to expect.
• Vetted carriers only: Our Mercury Shield Network 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.