Customer Reviews

Tips for Shipping Multiple Cars: Save Time and Money

Posted on 04/24/2025

When relocating several vehicles simultaneously, having a solid plan makes the experience smooth and cost-effective. Shipping more than one vehicle requires specialized knowledge and preparation to coordinate pickup times, select the right transport method, and manage documentation. Proper tips for shipping multiple cars can simplify the transport process and potentially reduce costs through volume discounts.

Multi-Car Transport Options

Before shipping multiple cars, it’s important to understand the various transport methods available. Different vehicle types may require specific handling, and your timeline and budget will influence which option best meets your needs:

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport

Open transport carriers are the standard option for shipping multiple cars across the United States. These carriers typically accommodate 8-10 vehicles at once, making them perfect for transporting multiple vehicles simultaneously. Open carriers expose vehicles to the elements but provide reliable service at competitive rates.

Enclosed transport offers premium protection for high-value vehicles such as classic car collections or luxury automobiles. While more expensive than open transport, enclosed carriers shield vehicles from weather conditions and road debris. For mixed collections with both standard and premium vehicles, some auto transport services can arrange a combination of open and enclosed options.

Cost Factors for Multiple Vehicle Shipments

Multiple factors affect the total cost when shipping multiple cars. Distance remains the primary cost determinant, with cross-country auto transport naturally costing more than shorter routes. Vehicle dimensions and weight impact pricing, as larger vehicles occupy more space on carriers. Additional details that influence your multi-vehicle shipping rates include:

  • Carrier availability and route popularity
  • Expedited vs. standard shipping timeframes
  • Urban vs. rural delivery locations
  • Multi-car discount tier eligibility
  • Special vehicle requirements (inoperable, modified)
  • Fuel prices at the time of transport
  • Weekend vs. weekday pickup preferences

Ship with confidence today using our reliable cross country auto transport service and enjoy hassle-free vehicle delivery to your destination.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Service

Door-to-door service provides maximum convenience when shipping multiple cars. A transport carrier picks up each vehicle from your specified location and delivers directly to the destination address. This option eliminates the need to drive vehicles to a central location and is especially valuable when coordinating multiple vehicles.

Terminal-to-terminal service requires dropping off and picking up vehicles at designated facilities. While this may offer some cost savings, coordinating multiple vehicles at terminals can be logistically challenging and may offset any financial benefits when shipping multiple vehicles.

Planning Your Multi-Car Shipment

Proper planning is important when transporting multiple vehicles. Organizing logistics in advance helps avoid delays and ensures a coordinated shipping experience:

Coordinating Pickup and Delivery Times

When shipping multiple cars, synchronized scheduling creates a more efficient auto transport process. Contact your auto transport company at least 2-3 weeks before your desired pickup date to allow time for proper planning. This advance notice is particularly important for bulk shipments requiring specialized equipment or multiple carriers.

Work with your transport coordinator to determine whether simultaneous pickup is possible or if a staggered schedule would be more practical. Flexible pickup windows often result in faster carrier assignment and may help you save money on your shipment.

Preparing Vehicles for Transport

Proper preparation ensures all vehicles arrive safely at their destination. Follow these steps for each car being transported:

  1. Clean each vehicle thoroughly for accurate inspection documentation
  2. Remove personal belongings and aftermarket accessories
  3. Maintain a quarter tank of fuel in each vehicle
  4. Check tire pressure and ensure batteries are charged
  5. Disable alarm systems that might activate during transit
  6. Document existing damage with clear photographs
  7. Remove or secure loose components

Taking these steps helps prevent complications during loading and transit while establishing clear vehicle condition records.

Required Documentation for Multiple Vehicles

Proper documentation streamlines the auto transport process when shipping multiple cars. Prepare a vehicle inspection report for each car, documenting existing condition with date-stamped photographs. These records establish a baseline for each vehicle’s pre-transport condition.

For each vehicle, gather all necessary ownership documents including titles or authorization letters if you’re not the registered owner. Having complete documentation ready for each vehicle prevents delays during pickup and ensures a smooth shipping process.

Selecting a Professional Transport Provider

Choosing the right auto transport company significantly impacts your experience when shipping multiple cars:

Evaluating Transport Service Credentials

Qualified transport companies maintain proper licensing and equipment to handle multiple vehicle shipments. Verify that any car shipping company you consider holds active Department of Transportation registration and Motor Carrier authority. Professional transport companies willingly provide these credentials upon request.

Look for transport companies with specific experience handling multiple vehicle shipments. Companies with established bulk shipping programs understand the logistics of coordinating several vehicles and can provide specialized solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Understanding Multi-Vehicle Discount Options

Shipping multiple cars simultaneously often qualifies for volume-based cost savings. Professional auto transport services typically offer tiered pricing structures with rates that decrease as vehicle quantity increases. When researching ways to save money on multi-vehicle shipping, consider these discount opportunities:

  • Volume discounts starting with as few as 2-3 vehicles
  • Tiered pricing with increasing savings for 5+ vehicles
  • Family relocation packages for households with multiple cars
  • Fleet shipping rates for businesses moving multiple vehicles
  • Consolidated pickup and delivery discounts
  • Seasonal promotions for multi-vehicle shipments
  • Return customer loyalty discounts for repeat shipments

Reviewing Client Experiences

Customer feedback provides valuable insights into a company’s ability to handle multiple vehicle shipments. Look for reviews specifically mentioning multiple car transport experiences or bulk shipping services. Pay attention to feedback regarding communication quality, pickup/delivery coordination, and problem resolution.

Testimonials from businesses that regularly ship multiple cars, such as dealerships or fleet managers, are particularly valuable indicators of a transport company’s capabilities. These professional clients often have stringent requirements and valuable perspective on the auto transport company’s ability to handle complex shipping scenarios.

The RoadRunner Advantage for Multiple Car Shipping

With over three decades of experience in nationwide auto transport, our team specializes in moving multiple vehicles simultaneously. Our dedicated cross country auto transport service coordinators work directly with clients to develop tips for shipping multiple cars and customized transport plans that address specific timelines, budgets, and handling requirements for multiple vehicle shipments.

Door-to-door service is available nationwide, with both open and enclosed transport options to accommodate various vehicle types. Our online shipment tracking system provides real-time updates on all your vehicles throughout transit. Ready to ship multiple cars with confidence? Calculate your instant quote today using our convenient online shipping calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to ship multiple cars?

Shipping multiple cars together typically results in lower per-vehicle rates through volume discounts offered by professional auto transport services. The cost savings come from consolidated logistics, more efficient carrier utilization, and reduced administrative overhead when handling multiple vehicle transports as a single shipment.

How many cars can be transported at once?

Standard open transport carriers can accommodate between 8 and 10 vehicles at once, depending on the size and weight of each automobile. Specialized equipment is available for larger shipments, with dedicated fleet transport options capable of moving dozens of vehicles through coordinated multi-carrier scheduling.

Can you have a car shipped from one dealership to another?

Dealership-to-dealership auto transport is a common service offered by professional vehicle shipping providers nationwide. The process includes coordinated pickup from the origin dealership, safe transport on specialized carriers, and direct delivery to the destination dealership with full documentation throughout the shipping process.

 

Instant Car Shipping Quote

Calculate your car shipping rate in 3 easy steps!

1Shipment Details

Tips for Shipping Multiple Cars: Save Time and Money

Posted on 04/24/2025

When relocating several vehicles simultaneously, having a solid plan makes the experience smooth and cost-effective. Shipping more than one vehicle requires specialized knowledge and preparation to coordinate pickup times, select the right transport method, and manage documentation. Proper tips for shipping multiple cars can simplify the transport process and potentially reduce costs through volume discounts.

Multi-Car Transport Options

Before shipping multiple cars, it’s important to understand the various transport methods available. Different vehicle types may require specific handling, and your timeline and budget will influence which option best meets your needs:

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport

Open transport carriers are the standard option for shipping multiple cars across the United States. These carriers typically accommodate 8-10 vehicles at once, making them perfect for transporting multiple vehicles simultaneously. Open carriers expose vehicles to the elements but provide reliable service at competitive rates.

Enclosed transport offers premium protection for high-value vehicles such as classic car collections or luxury automobiles. While more expensive than open transport, enclosed carriers shield vehicles from weather conditions and road debris. For mixed collections with both standard and premium vehicles, some auto transport services can arrange a combination of open and enclosed options.

Cost Factors for Multiple Vehicle Shipments

Multiple factors affect the total cost when shipping multiple cars. Distance remains the primary cost determinant, with cross-country auto transport naturally costing more than shorter routes. Vehicle dimensions and weight impact pricing, as larger vehicles occupy more space on carriers. Additional details that influence your multi-vehicle shipping rates include:

  • Carrier availability and route popularity
  • Expedited vs. standard shipping timeframes
  • Urban vs. rural delivery locations
  • Multi-car discount tier eligibility
  • Special vehicle requirements (inoperable, modified)
  • Fuel prices at the time of transport
  • Weekend vs. weekday pickup preferences

Ship with confidence today using our reliable cross country auto transport service and enjoy hassle-free vehicle delivery to your destination.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Service

Door-to-door service provides maximum convenience when shipping multiple cars. A transport carrier picks up each vehicle from your specified location and delivers directly to the destination address. This option eliminates the need to drive vehicles to a central location and is especially valuable when coordinating multiple vehicles.

Terminal-to-terminal service requires dropping off and picking up vehicles at designated facilities. While this may offer some cost savings, coordinating multiple vehicles at terminals can be logistically challenging and may offset any financial benefits when shipping multiple vehicles.

Planning Your Multi-Car Shipment

Proper planning is important when transporting multiple vehicles. Organizing logistics in advance helps avoid delays and ensures a coordinated shipping experience:

Coordinating Pickup and Delivery Times

When shipping multiple cars, synchronized scheduling creates a more efficient auto transport process. Contact your auto transport company at least 2-3 weeks before your desired pickup date to allow time for proper planning. This advance notice is particularly important for bulk shipments requiring specialized equipment or multiple carriers.

Work with your transport coordinator to determine whether simultaneous pickup is possible or if a staggered schedule would be more practical. Flexible pickup windows often result in faster carrier assignment and may help you save money on your shipment.

Preparing Vehicles for Transport

Proper preparation ensures all vehicles arrive safely at their destination. Follow these steps for each car being transported:

  1. Clean each vehicle thoroughly for accurate inspection documentation
  2. Remove personal belongings and aftermarket accessories
  3. Maintain a quarter tank of fuel in each vehicle
  4. Check tire pressure and ensure batteries are charged
  5. Disable alarm systems that might activate during transit
  6. Document existing damage with clear photographs
  7. Remove or secure loose components

Taking these steps helps prevent complications during loading and transit while establishing clear vehicle condition records.

Required Documentation for Multiple Vehicles

Proper documentation streamlines the auto transport process when shipping multiple cars. Prepare a vehicle inspection report for each car, documenting existing condition with date-stamped photographs. These records establish a baseline for each vehicle’s pre-transport condition.

For each vehicle, gather all necessary ownership documents including titles or authorization letters if you’re not the registered owner. Having complete documentation ready for each vehicle prevents delays during pickup and ensures a smooth shipping process.

Selecting a Professional Transport Provider

Choosing the right auto transport company significantly impacts your experience when shipping multiple cars:

Evaluating Transport Service Credentials

Qualified transport companies maintain proper licensing and equipment to handle multiple vehicle shipments. Verify that any car shipping company you consider holds active Department of Transportation registration and Motor Carrier authority. Professional transport companies willingly provide these credentials upon request.

Look for transport companies with specific experience handling multiple vehicle shipments. Companies with established bulk shipping programs understand the logistics of coordinating several vehicles and can provide specialized solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Understanding Multi-Vehicle Discount Options

Shipping multiple cars simultaneously often qualifies for volume-based cost savings. Professional auto transport services typically offer tiered pricing structures with rates that decrease as vehicle quantity increases. When researching ways to save money on multi-vehicle shipping, consider these discount opportunities:

  • Volume discounts starting with as few as 2-3 vehicles
  • Tiered pricing with increasing savings for 5+ vehicles
  • Family relocation packages for households with multiple cars
  • Fleet shipping rates for businesses moving multiple vehicles
  • Consolidated pickup and delivery discounts
  • Seasonal promotions for multi-vehicle shipments
  • Return customer loyalty discounts for repeat shipments

Reviewing Client Experiences

Customer feedback provides valuable insights into a company’s ability to handle multiple vehicle shipments. Look for reviews specifically mentioning multiple car transport experiences or bulk shipping services. Pay attention to feedback regarding communication quality, pickup/delivery coordination, and problem resolution.

Testimonials from businesses that regularly ship multiple cars, such as dealerships or fleet managers, are particularly valuable indicators of a transport company’s capabilities. These professional clients often have stringent requirements and valuable perspective on the auto transport company’s ability to handle complex shipping scenarios.

The RoadRunner Advantage for Multiple Car Shipping

With over three decades of experience in nationwide auto transport, our team specializes in moving multiple vehicles simultaneously. Our dedicated cross country auto transport service coordinators work directly with clients to develop tips for shipping multiple cars and customized transport plans that address specific timelines, budgets, and handling requirements for multiple vehicle shipments.

Door-to-door service is available nationwide, with both open and enclosed transport options to accommodate various vehicle types. Our online shipment tracking system provides real-time updates on all your vehicles throughout transit. Ready to ship multiple cars with confidence? Calculate your instant quote today using our convenient online shipping calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to ship multiple cars?

Shipping multiple cars together typically results in lower per-vehicle rates through volume discounts offered by professional auto transport services. The cost savings come from consolidated logistics, more efficient carrier utilization, and reduced administrative overhead when handling multiple vehicle transports as a single shipment.

How many cars can be transported at once?

Standard open transport carriers can accommodate between 8 and 10 vehicles at once, depending on the size and weight of each automobile. Specialized equipment is available for larger shipments, with dedicated fleet transport options capable of moving dozens of vehicles through coordinated multi-carrier scheduling.

Can you have a car shipped from one dealership to another?

Dealership-to-dealership auto transport is a common service offered by professional vehicle shipping providers nationwide. The process includes coordinated pickup from the origin dealership, safe transport on specialized carriers, and direct delivery to the destination dealership with full documentation throughout the shipping process.

 

ready to ship

Ready to Get Started?

Calculate your instant car shipping cost and view carrier availability in your area.

"Save time looking and just call Roadrunner Auto Transport - they truly helped make my move easier!"

Trish A.

Miami, FL

5 stars
google reviews

"Super professional and helpful from the very first call. Easy to book online and the rate was better than I expected."

Steven F.

Austin, TX

5 stars
shopper approved reviews

"The RoadRunner agent we spoke with answered all of our questions and kept us in the loop throughout the shipment."

Christopher G.

Cincinnati, OH

5 stars
transport reviews

"We have used RoadRunner Auto Transport two times. Both times, the experience was nothing less than stellar."

Kate K.

San Diego, CA

5 stars
better business bureau reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.


When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. To calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly to your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.

Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter, local car moving. There is a broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed car shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed vehicle transportation guarantees maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since carrier availability is limited. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport

RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in shipping all types of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.

You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.

The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.

Top load service is when your car is placed on the higher deck or level of an open auto transport trailer. This is considered to be preferable to the bottom load because the cars on the lower deck are at risk of possibly having fluid from the cars above leak on them.

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inoperable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accommodate a non-running vehicle.

We offer open car shipping and enclosed transport services services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on two decks that are exposed. Enclosed transport services are when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is recommended for luxury, exotic or classic cars.

Door-to-door car transport is the full-service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to reach your door safely. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low-lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.