Straight answers, before you hand over the keys.
The questions every first-time shipper asks — answered the way we’d want them answered.
Frequently asked
How does the quote work?
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes and your vehicle, then add a couple of contact details. We price it from current carrier market rates for your route and vehicle and show you a real number. Your price is held for 7 days, and once you sign your agreement it’s locked by Price Lock. Price Lock applies whether you pay by card or on delivery.
Why isn’t your quote the cheapest number I’ve seen?
Because it’s a real one. The lowest quotes in this industry are hooks — the price climbs once no carrier will take the load. Your ShiftHaul price is built from what carriers are actually paid on your route right now, and once you sign, Price Lock protects it: if the carrier’s rate rises before pickup, we cover up to $200 per vehicle.
Can the price go up after I book?
Not after you sign — that’s our Price Lock. Once you sign your agreement, your Total Price is locked, whether you pay by card or on delivery. If the carrier’s rate rises before pickup, we cover the difference up to $200 per vehicle. Anything larger needs your written approval first; if you don’t approve, you can cancel and get your deposit back in full. Price Lock doesn’t apply if the details you gave were inaccurate or incomplete, you change the order after signing, or the car is listed with another company. See our Terms for the full Price Lock language.
When do I pay?
Nothing upfront. You don’t pay to get a quote or to book. Once a carrier is assigned, we charge a small $150 deposit to your card — it’s part of your total, not an extra fee. The rest is paid at pickup on the same card, or to the driver at delivery (cash, Zelle, Venmo or cashier’s check) if you choose pay on delivery. Your signed price is locked by Price Lock: if the carrier’s rate goes up, we cover up to $200 per vehicle.
What does “verified carrier” mean?
On every load we confirm the assigned carrier by SMS to their FMCSA-registered phone, pull their insurance certificate directly from the agent, capture the driver’s location at pickup, and check a photo of the truck’s VIN plate against the carrier’s insured vehicles. It’s included — never an upsell.
Is ShiftHaul a broker or a carrier?
ShiftHaul is a licensed property broker (MC 1786043, USDOT 4511175). We don’t own trucks — we source, vet, and assign the carrier for your move, then verify them before pickup. That verification is exactly what many brokers skip.
Is my car insured during transport?
Your car is covered by the assigned carrier’s cargo insurance. Before pickup we get the carrier’s insurance certificate straight from their agent and confirm the policy is active. ShiftHaul itself doesn’t insure vehicles. Carriers must carry at least $100,000 in cargo coverage — if your car is worth more, tell us before booking so we can look for a carrier with higher limits.
How do I know the truck that shows up is the right one?
At pickup we capture the driver’s location and check a photo of the truck’s VIN plate against the vehicles on the assigned carrier’s insurance. It’s kept in our file — ask us any time.
How long will shipping take?
It depends on distance and route, so your dispatcher gives you an honest window rather than a date we can’t keep. Call or email us any time for an update — once your car is picked up, we can share the driver’s name and phone number.
Open or enclosed — which should I choose?
Open transport moves most cars safely and affordably. Choose enclosed for a classic, exotic, or high-value vehicle you want shielded from weather and the road; enclosed is priced instantly in our calculator too.
Which states do you cover?
All 48 contiguous states, door to door.
Do you have a phone number?
Yes — call us at (260) 800-6747. You can also start a quote online, which is the fastest way to get your price and have us reach out.