Ever snagged a classic car online that’s too far away to drive—or maybe just too sketchy to trust on the open road? You’re not alone. Thanks to the Internet, long-distance classic car purchases are more common than ever. That’s great for finding deals, but it also means figuring out how to safely ship your collector car across the country.

Whether you’re new to car shipping or just haven’t done it in a while, you’re probably asking the same questions:

• How much does classic car shipping cost?
• Is enclosed car transport really worth it?
• What’s the deal with hotshot haulers?
• Can I ship a car that doesn’t run?

We’ll break it all down—no fluff, no jargon, just what you need to know to make a smart move.

Before You Book: What to Know About Your Vehicle and Pickup Location

Every transport company can get your car from A to B. But what happens in between depends a lot on the details you provide. Ask yourself:

• What are the pickup and drop-off addresses?
• Can a large trailer or truck access both locations easily?
• What are the dimensions of your car (especially width and length)?
• Does it leak? (If so, what leaks?)
• Does it run and drive now—and will it after sitting for a week?
• Is there a special startup process?
• What’s the vehicle worth?
• Do I want it protected from the weather?
• How flexible am I on delivery timing?
• Is the car already insured—and does the policy cover transit?
• Do I have a spare set of keys?

The more you know up front, the fewer surprises later.

Types of Transport Services Explained

1. Enclosed Classic Car Transport (Dedicated Carriers)

Think of companies like Reliable, Montway, Sherpa, and others in the business of moving classic, exotic, or high-end vehicles. They use enclosed trailers that protect your car from weather, road debris, and unwanted attention.

• Pros: Safe, insured, professional, punctual.
• Cons: Not cheap—expect to pay $2,000+ for multi-state hauls.

This is the best option for high-value classic or collector cars.

2. Moving Companies with Vehicle Transport Add-ons

Some national moving companies will transport your car in their empty van space or via trailer.

• Pros: Affordable.
• Cons: Not specialists—may not know how to handle older vehicles or manuals.

Use this option for newer, more replaceable cars or if budget trumps perfection.

3. Hotshot Haulers (Open Transport)

You’ve seen them: big diesel pickups pulling multi-car trailers. These independent drivers haul everything from daily drivers to project cars.

• Pros: More flexible routes, lower prices.
• Cons: No weather protection, higher damage risk, less oversight.

Ideal for running cars you’re willing to take a chance on—not your prized Shelby or Corvette.

How to Book a Car Shipping Service

With a Major Carrier:

You’ll usually get a quote and schedule on the first call.

• Call or book online directly.
• Ask about delivery windows, enclosed vs. open, insurance, and pricing.
• You’ll usually get a quote and schedule on the first call.

With a Hotshot Hauler:

• You’ll go through a broker.
• The broker posts your car and route details to load boards.
• A hauler claims the job, and you pay the broker a fee (usually a couple hundred bucks).
• Then you deal directly with the hauler (and often pay in cash).

Pro Tip: Get the hauler’s info, verify licensing, and take photos. Your broker likely doesn’t know the driver personally.

Can You Ship a Non-Running Car?

Yes—but it’ll cost more, and your options will be limited.

• Major carriers have winches and equipment to load dead vehicles.
• Hotshot haulers usually won’t touch a car that won’t start.

If your car won’t crank or stay running reliably, book it as non-running. It’s better to pay a bit more than have your ride stuck on the street mid-transport.

Real Risks of Car Transport (And How to Avoid Regrets)

Hotshot haulers might look like a solid deal on paper, but when it comes to classic car transport, they come with a tradeoff. Sure, most cars survive the trip just fine—but you’ve got to think beyond just making it from point A to point B. Open trailers mean your car’s exposed the entire time: rain, road debris, curious eyes. Got a leaky window seal or a soft-top? You’re basically inviting weather to ruin your interior. And if you’re shipping something big—like a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado—it’s going to be a tight, maybe even risky, fit. Those trailers just weren’t built for that kind of size and weight.

There’s always a balance to strike between budget and protection, but here’s the truth: if you care enough about the car to ship it, you care enough to protect it. Paying a bit more for enclosed auto shipping isn’t overkill—it’s peace of mind. If you wouldn’t park your classic outside for a week during a storm, you probably shouldn’t send it cross-country on an open trailer.

Pre-Shipping Checklist: Set Yourself Up for Success

When it comes to liability, most car haulers, especially the budget or hotshot kind, aren’t going to have your back if something goes sideways. The big, enclosed carriers will ask you what your car is worth and factor that into the price, which at least puts the value on the table. But a lot of these hotshot outfits? They’ll haul a six-figure classic with about as much coverage as a used couch on Craigslist.

That’s why smart owners line up their own protection ahead of time. Your best move is to make sure the car is insured during the entire trip, and that means working with a classic car insurance company that understands your car, what it’s worth, and the risks involved in shipping it. Don’t assume the hauler or broker has enough coverage—or any at all. By the time you find out, it might already be too late.

Protect your ride the same way you’d protect your family car or your home. If it matters to you, it’s worth doing right.

How to Get a Smooth Classic Car Shipping Experience

There’s no magic trick to a perfect transport—but a little prep can go a long way. Shipping a classic isn’t like sending off a daily driver. You’re trusting someone else with a piece of your history, your pride, or maybe the best deal you’ve ever made on four wheels. So, treat it that way.

Before the hauler shows up, take the time to walk through a few basics. First, always have a second set of keys—not in the glovebox, not under the floor mat—actually with you. Keys get lost, and you don’t want to be stuck chasing replacements mid-transport. If possible, clean the car. A quick wash and wax not only protects the finish but makes it easier to spot any damage later.

Take photos. Lots of them. Inside, outside, every panel, and the odometer. That’s your proof if something happens in transit. And while you’re at it, make sure the driver’s seat is in a usable position so the hauler doesn’t have to wrestle with it just to load or unload your ride.

Skip the valuables—don’t leave tools, parts, or anything sentimental in the car. And before you ship, talk to your classic car insurance provider. Make sure you’ve got proper coverage for the trip. Not all policies automatically cover vehicles in transit, especially for new purchases or collector-grade cars.

Let’s be honest—most of us would love to fly out and drive our new classic home, hitting every scenic route along the way. But life doesn’t always allow for that. That’s why it pays to be smart and careful when you ship. Whether you’re buying sight unseen or just can’t make the road trip happen, knowing your car will arrive safely makes the whole experience a lot more enjoyable.