Auto Transport FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Moving and Vehicle Transport

Q: Who is the largest auto transport company in the US?
Q: What types of vehicles can I ship with DAS?
Q: How far in advance should I schedule the transport of my vehicle?
Q: How long does it take to ship a vehicle?
Q: How do I prepare my vehicle for transport?
Q: Where are the DAS terminal locations?
Q. What is an oversize fee?
Q: Can I ship personal items in my vehicle?
Q: What is the difference between a carrier and a broker?
Q: How can I make payment?
Q: How do I track the shipment of my vehicle?
Q: How do I know when pickup and delivery will occur?
Q. What is the difference between an UTV and an ATV?
Q: How does auto shipping allow for a greener planet?

Q: Who is the largest auto transport company in the US?

A: Dependable Auto Shippers has been shipping vehicles since 1954 and our five decades of experience have made us the largest car shipping company in the U.S. Based in Mesquite, TX, DAS operates four regional terminals in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New Jersey. Trust the company that is shipping over 100,000 vehicles annually in the U.S. and thousands more around the globe.

Q: What types of vehicles can I ship with DAS?

A: DAS provides a variety of auto transport services for a complete range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. The DAS Motorcycle and Power Sports Shipping division can handle the movement of your motorcycles, ATV's, personal watercraft, snowmobiles and more.
The DAS Specialized Shipping division can handle the movement of everything else! Oversized vehicles, inoperable vehicles, heavy equipment, boats, UTVs, classic or antique cars, and RVs we ship it all.
If you are moving overseas our dedicated partner DAS Global Services provides overseas car shipping services and international shipping of almost any commodity. Learn more about International Shipping
Call us today and let us help you plan your move.

Q. How far in advance should I schedule the transport of my vehicle?

A: We request that you schedule your move as soon as possible to insure that your car is moved within the time frame which best meets your schedule. However, if an immediate pick up is necessary, we can arrange for your vehicle to be picked up within 24 hours.

Q: How long does it take to ship a vehicle?

A: Transit times depend a lot on the miles between your pickup location and your destination. Transit times are estimates of how long your move may take. Several factors affect your actual transit time including, but not limited to weather, traffic, road construction, truck breakdowns, and the priority of vehicles accompanying yours during transit. Read more about our expedite service to ensure your vehicle has priority.

Q: How do I prepare my vehicle for transport?

A: Here are the basics:

• Your vehicle should be clean for inspection at the beginning of your move
• You or your designated representative must be present at the time of pickup and delivery and are responsible for signing the inspection report at both pickup and delivery
• Advise DAS of any modifications made to your vehicle.
• Make sure you have a phone number where you may be reached throughout the duration of your vehicle relocation.
• Remove all personal belonging from your vehicle
• Your vehicle can't have any obvious fluid leaks
• Alarm systems must be disconnected, disabled, or turned off
• Items that should be removed: wide mirrors, antenna (if possible), any loose parts or specialty items, your toll tag or E-Z pass, all exterior spare tire covers, grill covers, and non-permanent luggage, bike, or ski racks.
• Repair or seal any tears or open seams on convertible tops to prevent fast-moving air from causing further damage

Q: Where are the DAS terminal locations?

A: DAS maintains the largest network of terminals, including four regional terminals and over 95 partner terminals. View a map of our car shipping terminal locations.

Q. What is an oversize fee?

A: Some vehicles are much larger than traditional passenger vehicles. Most full size SUVs fit in to this category. Because of the extraordinary dimensions, these vehicles take up the amount of space normally used for two vehicles, thus resulting in an "oversize" fee.

Q: Can I ship personal items in my vehicle?

A: No. All personal items must be removed from the vehicle before shipping. We recommend that you ship your personal items via FedEx, UPS, or USPS. Under NO circumstances can the car contain firearms, hazardous materials, illegal substances, or contraband. DAS is not responsible for any personal items accidentally or intentionally left in your vehicle or for damage these items cause to your vehicle.

Q: What is the difference between a 'carrier' and a 'broker'?

A: DAS is a carrier that owns and operates our own fleet of vehicle transport trucks and manages an elite group of drivers, partner terminals, and partner carriers all of which are required to pass a rigorous selection process and monitoring program.
A broker does not own or operate any trucks or employ any drivers. A broker may partner with carriers but they are motivated to find the cheapest carrier to perform your move. A broker will act as a liaison between you and the actual carrier and will be unlikely to get involved in the event your vehicle was damaged during transport.

Q: How can I make payment?>

A: Payment for auto transport service must be made in advance by using a credit card, money order, cashier's check, or PayPal. Credit card information will be collected at booking but payment can be deferred untill three days prior to your scheduled pickup or drop-off date.

Q: How do I track the shipment of my vehicle?

A: You can track your vehicle anytime from the home page of our website – all you need is your DAS#!

Q: How do I know when pickup and delivery will occur?

A: When you book your move with DAS you will request a specific pickup date. The origin terminal assigned to your move will contact you before that date to schedule a time slot to pickup your vehicle. If you are bringing your vehicle to our terminal you simply drop-off your vehicle during the terminal's business hours.
When your vehicle arrives at the destination the terminal will contact you to arrange the delivery of your vehicle or to advise you of their business hours to allow you to schedule a time to pickup your vehicle.

Q. What is the difference between an UTV and an ATV?

A: The best way to tell the difference between an UTV and an ATV is that a UTV has a steering wheel whether an ATV has handlebars.

Q: How does auto shipping allow for a greener planet?

A: Car shipping aids in the fight against global warming when compared to the alternative of consumers driving their vehicles from origin to destination. Transportation is the biggest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S., more than factories or homes. By shipping rather than driving an average of 90,000 vehicles per year, DAS is able to save 2,926,000 gallons of fuel and create a 38,216,000 pound reduction of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere annually*.
* Based on emission data from the U.S. Department of Energy (www.DOE.gov)