Auto transport: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering auto transport

You move vehicles on carrier trucks or enclosed trailers, so customers judge you on the insurance, the inspection records and a clear delivery window. Documented pickups and deliveries protect you and the customer.

What customers ask

Is my car insured during the trip?
When will my car arrive?
Do you ship open or enclosed?
How do you inspect the car?
Why do you need a deposit?

How to win the job

On the first call, ask the pickup and delivery addresses, the vehicle, whether it runs, and the date window
Explain the open and enclosed options and their trade offs in plain words
Show your registration, authority and insurance before taking a deposit
Inspect the car at pickup with photos and a signed condition report
Give a delivery window and tell the customer when it changes
Explain the balance and when it is due in writing

What to put on your profile

Photos of your carrier trucks and enclosed trailers
Your routes and the regions you serve
Your registration, authority and insurance details
Your inspection process explained in plain words

Follow-up that helps the customer

Send the customer a delivery confirmation with the condition report
Offer storage or a return shipment when the customer needs it
Share a checklist for preparing the car before pickup

Licenses and permits

Commercial cargo transport commonly needs state or federal registration and insurance. A carrier moving vehicles for pay across state lines commonly needs federal registration, so check with the state or federal authority that oversees motor carriers before taking paid shipments.

Questions

What do I do when a delivery date slips?

Tell the customer as soon as you know, give a new window, and explain the reason in writing.

How do I handle a customer who wants to ship a car that does not run?

Confirm the car can be loaded safely, explain any extra equipment or fees, and record the condition at pickup.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.

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About this guide

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