Find the Best Auto Transporters in Madison, WI

What to look for in an auto transport company in Madison

Auto transport companies in Madison may be either brokers or carriers. Carriers do the actual transporting of vehicles. Brokers work with a network of carriers to find ones that are available at the time you request and offer the right services.

It’s important to verify that the interstate auto transport company you work with in Madison — whether it’s a broker or a carrier — is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Check reviews to learn about previous customers’ experiences. Look for a company that offers a guaranteed quote and doesn’t require significant upfront payment. Also, consider whether it provides real-time tracking of your vehicle. Finally, ask about discounts for first-time customers and other groups.

Shipping a car in Madison

Plan ahead when shipping a car in Madison. Though some companies may have availability at short notice, it is a good idea to schedule a couple of weeks in advance to avoid extra costs. Here are steps to take as you are setting up auto transport in Madison:

1. Get multiple quotes. Choose a trustworthy company that offers the highest overall value.
2. Ask for specific instructions to prepare for shipping day. Get a car wash and note any dents, scratches or paint chips by taking pictures.
3. Don’t fill your gas tank all the way. Most companies say a quarter-tank of gas is fine. Check your tire pressure.
4. Remove valuables and personal belongings unless they are permitted to travel with the car. Take out any automatic toll transponders, like an I-PASS you use when driving through Illinois.
5. When your carrier arrives for pickup, look over the bill of lading to make sure all information is correct.
6. Be present for drop-off to inspect the car before signing for delivery.

Madison car shipping costs

Most vehicle shipments from Madison to elsewhere in the U.S. cost between $330 and $2,000. Factors that affect the cost of auto transport include the following:

• The distance of the shipment and exact pickup and drop-off locations
• Open versus enclosed transport
• The size and weight of your vehicle
• The time of year
• Whether you require expedited shipping
• Whether the vehicle is operable

To save money, use open transport, and consider terminal-to-terminal shipping instead of door-to-door shipping. Some companies offer door-to-door service as a standard option. Also, make sure to ask that any discounts be included in your car shipping quote. Brokers and carriers in Madison offer free estimates. Ask if yours is guaranteed, and avoid any company that asks for a large payment upfront.

Madison auto transport FAQ

How long does it take to ship a car from Madison?

It depends mainly on the distance from origin to destination. Most transports in the U.S. are completed within one to nine days. Bad weather and traffic congestion can slow down shipping times. When you sign up for auto transport, your broker or carrier can give you an estimate, and you should be able to track your vehicle’s progress while it’s in transit.

Can you put stuff in your car when shipping?

Most auto transport companies prohibit customers from putting personal belongings inside their cars during shipping. Some permit up to a certain weight of items in the trunk. Verify the policy with each transporter you speak with.

What is open transport?

Open transport refers to a method of car shipping on open-air trailers. This is the least expensive option and the most popular choice for auto transport.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Madison?

The cheapest way to ship a car from Madison is to choose an open carrier. It is considerably more expensive (sometimes up to 50% more) to choose an enclosed carrier. You can also choose to ship from terminal to terminal instead of from door to door to save on costs.

How long does it take to ship a car overseas from Madison?

Shipping overseas from Madison generally takes from 15 to 50 days, depending on factors such as sail time. An auto transport company can give you an estimate of total transit time.