Top Methods of Domestic Car Shipping

Top Methods of Domestic Car Shipping

If you’re searching for an auto carrier, you may feel overwhelmed by the countless options you may have. We’re here to make it easy and walk you through the top domestic car shipping methods, so you’ll be well informed when you’re ready to schedule your car to be picked up. 

There are two common types of domestic car shipping with the United States: enclosed carrier transport and open carrier transport. Both serve an important purpose, and your specific auto shipping needs will determine which one is best for you.

Open Carrier Transport

With this shipping method, your car will be loaded onto an open trailer with around seven other cars and will be on it’s way to your new location. Although there are several cars on one trailer, this is the most common type of domestic auto transport so scheduling this method is extremely quick and simple.

One of the biggest benefits of this type of transport is that open carriers are the most affordable way to ship your car domestically. The biggest negative to using this type of transportation is that your car won’t be protected from the elements, including rain, wind, or debris from the road. If you are looking for an affordable option and you’re not concerned about your vehicle being exposed to wind, rain and highway, this method will be a good option for you.

Enclosed Carrier Transport 

If you have a luxury or classic vehicle that you need to ship across the country, using an enclosed carrier transport is an excellent option. Your vehicle will be loaded into a covered trailer that will offer added protection with the weather, road debris, and other unforeseen elements. The drivers of these vehicles are trained very well and take utmost caution when handling your car.

Using an enclosed carrier typically costs about 50% more than an open carrier transport, so keep the cost increase in mind when deciding what is best for you. If you have a vintage car, luxury vehicle, show car or limited edition vehicle, this will likely be a good option for your transport needs.

Book Your Auto Shipment with Metti International

Metti International makes it easy to book both types of domestic car shipping options and will help you schedule a pickup and drop off date that work best for your schedule. When you schedule your domestic car transport with us, your car will only be shipped with carriers that have a 95% or above safety rating. 

As a finalist for the “Torch Award Finalist” by the Better Business Bureau for Ethics (BBB), we do everything by the book and provide our customers with exceptional customer service. We can’t wait to serve you and make it a great experience! 

We look forward to serving you! Call Metti International today for a free quote at 866.620.1776 or request one online!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.