Auto transport is one of the most useful services available to anyone who needs to move a vehicle without driving it. This complete guide from Nedrow Enterprises explains exactly how vehicle shipping works, what it costs, the options available, and how to choose the right service for your situation — whether you are in Peoria, anywhere in the Phoenix metro, or shipping coast to coast.
By the time you finish reading, you will understand the entire process from quote to delivery and feel confident booking your shipment with a trusted vehicle shipping agent.
What Is Auto Transport?
Auto transport is the professional pickup, loading, hauling and delivery of a vehicle by a licensed and insured carrier. Instead of driving the vehicle yourself, you hand the logistics to professionals who move cars every day.
- Saves wear, mileage and fuel on your vehicle
- Eliminates long, tiring road trips
- Reduces the risk of accidents and breakdowns
- Works for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and more
Most shipments use one of two carrier types — open or enclosed — combined with door-to-door or terminal service. We will break down each below.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
The first major decision is whether to ship on an open or enclosed carrier. Both are safe; the right choice depends on your vehicle and budget.
- Open carrier: most affordable, exposed to weather, ideal for everyday vehicles
- Enclosed carrier: premium covered protection, ideal for luxury, exotic and classic cars
- Open carriers are far more common, so availability is faster
- Enclosed carriers carry fewer vehicles and higher insurance limits
For most standard vehicles, open carrier shipping offers the best value. For high-value vehicles, enclosed transport is worth the premium.
How Much Does Auto Transport Cost?
Auto transport pricing is based on several factors. There is no flat rate because every shipment is different.
- Distance and route popularity
- Vehicle size, weight and condition
- Open vs enclosed transport
- Season and how flexible your dates are
- Door-to-door vs terminal service
Read our dedicated guide on how vehicle shipping pricing works for a deeper breakdown.
The Auto Transport Process Step By Step
Booking a shipment is simpler than most people expect. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
- Request a free quote with your vehicle and route details
- We match you with a vetted, insured carrier
- The carrier picks up your vehicle and completes a condition report
- Your vehicle is transported safely with status updates
- Delivery and a final inspection at your destination
Throughout the process, Nedrow Enterprises serves as your single accountable point of contact.
How To Prepare Your Vehicle
A little preparation makes pickup smooth and protects you during inspection.
- Wash the vehicle so existing scratches are visible
- Remove personal items and toll tags
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel
- Note and photograph any existing damage
- Disable alarms and provide a spare key if possible
See our full checklist on how to prepare your vehicle for shipping.
Choosing The Right Auto Transport Company
Not all transport providers are equal. Choosing a reputable agent protects your vehicle and your wallet.
- Verify licensing and insurance
- Look for transparent, all-in pricing
- Choose a company with real, responsive communication
- Read reviews and ask for references
- Avoid quotes that seem too good to be true
Our guide to questions to ask before hiring a vehicle shipping company will help you choose wisely.
Vehicle Shipping Tips For A Smooth Complete Guide To Auto Transport Services Experience
Over thousands of coordinated shipments, Nedrow Enterprises has learned what separates a smooth move from a stressful one. The single most important factor is preparation and clear communication up front. When you share accurate vehicle details, realistic timing and the right pickup and delivery information, we can match you with the ideal carrier the first time and lock in honest pricing with no surprises later. Whether this is your first time shipping a vehicle or your fiftieth, a few simple habits make every complete guide to auto transport services easier.
Start by gathering the basics: the year, make, model and condition of your vehicle, the exact pickup and delivery cities, and your preferred dates. Knowing whether the vehicle runs and drives, has any modifications, or sits unusually low or high helps us assign a carrier with the correct equipment. A vehicle that is washed and free of personal belongings is faster to inspect and load, which keeps your pickup window short and your driver on schedule. These small steps protect you during the condition inspection and help your shipment arrive exactly as it left.
Understanding The Bill Of Lading
At pickup, the driver completes a condition report known as the Bill of Lading. This document records the vehicle's existing condition and serves as both your transport contract and your protection. Walk around the vehicle with the driver, note any pre-existing chips, dents or scratches, and keep your copy. At delivery, you compare the vehicle's condition to that same report before signing off. It is a simple process, but it is the foundation of a transparent, accountable shipment — and it is why Nedrow Enterprises insists on thorough documentation on every job.
Why A Dedicated Agent Matters
Booking transport directly with a random carrier can mean limited routes, inconsistent availability and little accountability if plans change. As a dedicated vehicle shipping agent, Nedrow Enterprises gives you access to a broad, vetted carrier network and a single point of contact who manages the entire shipment. If a date shifts, weather intervenes, or you have a question at any hour, you have one knowledgeable person to call. That accountability — combined with verified insurance and transparent, all-in pricing — is the real value of working with a professional agent rather than rolling the dice on your own.
Open, Enclosed Or Expedited?
Most customers ship successfully on standard open carriers, which offer the best balance of cost, availability and safety. If your vehicle is a luxury, exotic or classic model, enclosed transport adds full protection from weather and road debris. And when timing is critical — a job start date, a closing, a military report date — expedited service shortens both the pickup window and the transit time. There is no single right answer; the best choice depends on your vehicle, budget and schedule. When you call Nedrow Enterprises at (719) 752-4289, we will walk through the options and recommend exactly what fits, with no pressure and no upselling.
Ready to move forward? A quick phone call or online quote request is all it takes to get started. Our specialists respond fast, answer every question, and turn what feels like a complicated logistics problem into a simple, predictable experience from pickup to delivery.
Ship With Nedrow Enterprises
Nedrow Enterprises makes vehicle shipping simple, transparent and stress-free. As a dedicated vehicle shipping agent based in Peoria, Arizona, we pair a vetted, fully insured carrier network with hands-on local service across the Phoenix metro and nationwide. Whether you need open carrier shipping, enclosed transport or door-to-door delivery, call (719) 752-4289 for a free quote today.