Frequently Asked Questions
Simple, straightforward answers to help you plan your vehicle shipment with confidence.
Answers to Your Most Common Vehicle Transport Questions
There are tons of questions that arise when considering transporting a vehicle across the country or across state lines. ATC Driveaway aims to make the vehicle shipping process smooth, open, and trustworthy. Listed are answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding driveaway and transport services to help with preparing your shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you offer?
ATC Driveaway specializes in nationwide vehicle transport for businesses. Our services include driveaway and transport for commercial fleets, buses, construction vehicles, utility trucks, and specialty vehicles. We handle scheduling, pickup, delivery, and all logistics to ensure vehicles arrive safely and on time.
Do you do transport for individuals?
No, ATC Driveaway works exclusively with businesses. Our focus is on commercial clients, fleet operators, and organizations that require reliable, large-scale vehicle transport solutions.
Can you guarantee a pickup or delivery date and time?
Because vehicle transport depends on logistics such as weather, traffic, driver availability, and route scheduling, exact pickup and delivery times cannot always be guaranteed. However, ATC works hard to provide realistic pickup windows and estimated delivery dates. Our dispatch team communicates with drivers throughout the process to keep shipments on schedule whenever possible.
How do I pay for my transport service?
ATC offers flexible payment options to make the process easy for customers. Most transport services can be paid using major credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers. Depending on the shipment, a deposit may be required when the order is booked, with the remaining balance due upon delivery. Our team will clearly explain the payment structure before confirming your transport.
How long will I be without my vehicle?
The amount of time depends on distance, route availability, and scheduling. Local or regional shipments may take just a few days, while cross-country transport can take one to two weeks. ATC will provide estimated pickup and delivery windows so you know how long your vehicle will be in transit.
What is the First Available Shipping Date?
The First Available Shipping Date is the earliest date your vehicle is ready to be picked up for transport. When booking your shipment, you will provide this date so our dispatch team can begin coordinating driver schedules and routes. Earlier availability can help speed up the scheduling process.
Is my car fully insured during transport?
Yes. Vehicles transported through ATC are covered by carrier insurance during transit. Drivers maintain active cargo insurance policies that protect vehicles in the unlikely event of damage during shipment. Documentation and inspection reports are also completed at pickup and delivery for added protection.
What is Door-to-Door auto transport?
Door-to-door transport means your vehicle is picked up and delivered as close as possible to the specified addresses. In most cases, the carrier will collect the vehicle from your home, office, or another convenient location and deliver it to the destination address. If access is limited for large transport trucks, the driver may arrange a nearby meeting point.
How do you file a damage claim?
Damage during transport is rare, but if it occurs the process is straightforward. When the vehicle is delivered, it should be inspected carefully before signing the delivery paperwork. If damage is noticed, it must be noted on the Bill of Lading. Once documented, our team will guide you through filing a claim with the carrier’s insurance provider.
Is it safe to ship my vehicle?
Vehicle shipping is considered very safe and is used by dealerships, manufacturers, relocation companies, and individuals every day. Professional drivers are experienced in handling many types of vehicles, and each shipment includes inspections and insurance coverage to ensure your vehicle is protected throughout the journey.
Can you ship personal items with your car?
While small personal items are sometimes allowed, most carriers discourage shipping personal belongings inside vehicles. Items inside the car are generally not covered by the carrier’s insurance policy and can increase weight limits. If you plan to leave anything inside the vehicle, speak with our dispatch team first.
Is advanced notice required to ship my car?
While last-minute shipments can sometimes be arranged, providing advance notice improves scheduling options and pricing. Ideally, booking one to two weeks before the desired shipping date allows the dispatch team to secure the best route and driver availability.
What information is required to ship a car?
To schedule a vehicle shipment, ATC typically needs the pickup and delivery locations, vehicle year, make, and model, desired shipping date, and contact information for both pickup and delivery. Additional details such as vehicle condition and special handling requirements may also be requested.
How long does car shipping take?
Transit time depends largely on distance. Regional shipments may take a few days, while coast-to-coast transport can take seven to ten days or more. Weather, road conditions, and carrier schedules can also affect travel time. ATC provides estimated delivery windows based on the specific route.
How are vehicles shipped?
Vehicles are typically shipped using either open carriers or enclosed transport trucks. We also offer Driveaway service. Open carriers are the most common and cost-effective method and are often used by dealerships. Enclosed carriers provide additional protection and are commonly chosen for luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles.
Can you ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes. ATC can arrange transport for non-operational vehicles. Special equipment such as winches or lift gates may be required to load the vehicle onto the transport truck. When booking, it is important to inform our team if the vehicle cannot start, steer, or brake.
How should I prepare my vehicle for shipping?
Preparing your vehicle properly helps ensure a smooth shipment. Wash the vehicle so its condition can be documented clearly, remove personal belongings, disable alarms, and ensure the gas tank is about one quarter full. You should also check tire pressure and battery condition before pickup.
Do I need to be present when the vehicle is picked up or delivered?
Either you or a designated representative must be present during pickup and delivery. This person will help complete the vehicle inspection and sign the Bill of Lading confirming the condition of the vehicle before and after transport.
How much gas should be in the vehicle during transport?
A quarter tank of fuel is usually recommended. This amount allows the driver to move the vehicle on and off the carrier if necessary without adding unnecessary weight to the transport load.
How is the car shipping cost calculated?
Vehicle shipping prices depend on several factors including distance, vehicle size, transport method, pickup and delivery locations, time of year, and current market demand. Larger vehicles or specialty transport equipment may increase the overall price.
Can you transport luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles?
Yes. ATC regularly transports luxury, exotic, antique, and collector vehicles. For these shipments, enclosed transport is typically recommended to provide additional protection from weather and road conditions.
Can I track my vehicle for a status update?
Yes. Our team provides shipment updates throughout the transport process. Customers can contact our dispatch team for real-time updates, estimated delivery windows, and driver communication when needed.
How far in advance should I book auto transport?
Booking one to two weeks ahead is recommended for most shipments. During peak seasons such as summer or holidays, booking earlier can help ensure better availability and scheduling flexibility.
What type of truck will transport my car?
Most vehicles are transported using multi-vehicle open carriers that can hold several vehicles at once. For specialty shipments, enclosed carriers or single-vehicle trailers may be used depending on the vehicle type and customer preference.
Can I ship a vehicle from an auto auction?
Yes. ATC frequently coordinates pickups from auto auctions, dealerships, ports, and commercial locations. Our dispatch team works directly with auction facilities to ensure proper documentation and scheduling.
How long have you been in the vehicle transport business?
ATC Driveaway has been open since 2001 and has more than two decades of experience in vehicle transportation and logistics. Our team has successfully moved thousands of vehicles nationwide for businesses and individuals.
What are your hours of operation?
Our support and dispatch teams are available during standard business hours (Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm) to assist with bookings, quotes, and shipment updates. After-hours communication may still occur between drivers and dispatch when vehicles are actively in transit.
