Frequently Asked Questions

SAKAEM Logistics is a fully licensed and insured auto transport company headquartered in Tucker, Georgia. We've shipped over 300,000 vehicles across all 50 states since 2017. Our FMCSA credentials are DOT #2985098 and MC #18237, and we hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

SAKAEM is a licensed auto transport broker. That means we coordinate your shipment through a nationwide network of vetted, insured carriers — we don't own trucks ourselves. Instead, we match your vehicle with the best available carrier based on your route, vehicle type, timeline, and budget. We handle quoting, scheduling, tracking, and customer support from start to finish, while a professional carrier physically transports your vehicle. This model gives you access to thousands of carriers nationwide, which means faster pickup times and more competitive pricing than working with a single fleet.

Yes. Every carrier in our network is FMCSA-registered, fully insured, and regularly vetted before we assign them to any shipment. We verify active cargo insurance, operating authority, safety ratings, and compliance history. If a carrier's credentials lapse or their safety record declines, they're removed from our network. This vetting process is one of the biggest advantages of booking through SAKAEM — we've already done the due diligence so you don't have to.

We ship sedans, SUVs, trucks, vans, motorcycles, golf carts, UTVs, ATVs, and specialty vehicles including luxury, classic, and electric cars. If your vehicle has modifications (lift kits, oversized tires, lowered suspension), let us know when you request your quote so we can match the right carrier.

Yes — we serve all 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska. For popular corridors like Florida ↔ Northeast or California ↔ Texas, we have carrier availability year-round.

Our shipping advisors are available Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 7 PM EST, and Saturday, 9 AM – 6 PM EST. You can also request a quote online 24/7.

Use our online quote form — enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, select your vehicle year, make, and model, and choose your transport type. You'll receive a price instantly. You can also call us at (470) 410-6364 to speak with an advisor.

You'll need your pickup city or ZIP code, delivery city or ZIP code, vehicle year/make/model, whether your vehicle runs, your first available date for pickup, and your preferred transport type — open or enclosed. That's it — we calculate the rest.

Your price is based on several factors: the distance between pickup and delivery locations, your vehicle's size and weight, the transport type (open is more affordable, enclosed costs more but offers premium protection), the time of year, and current carrier availability on your route. For example, shipping a sedan from New York to Florida typically costs less than shipping a full-size SUV the same distance, because the sedan takes up less space on the trailer. Our AI pricing engine factors in real-time market conditions so your quote reflects what carriers are actually charging today — not an outdated estimate. Visit our cost to ship a car page for detailed pricing breakdowns by distance and vehicle type.

Our quotes are market-validated — meaning they're based on what carriers are actually charging on your route right now, not inflated estimates. There are no hidden fees, booking fees, or fuel surcharges added after you book. In most cases, the quoted price is what you'll pay. However, carrier availability and market conditions can shift between the time you book and when a carrier is assigned. If we're unable to secure a carrier at the original quoted amount, your advisor will reach out to discuss an adjusted price before anything changes — you're always in the loop and in control. If you modify your shipment details (different vehicle, switching transport type, or changing locations), the price is recalculated to reflect the new requirements.

Auto transport pricing is driven by supply and demand, and both shift throughout the year. In fall and winter, snowbird season creates a surge of vehicles heading south to Florida, Arizona, and Texas — prices on those routes rise because carrier capacity fills up fast. In spring, the reverse happens as vehicles head back north. Summer is the busiest season overall due to relocations, military PCS moves, and college students shipping cars. January and February are typically the slowest (and most affordable) months for most routes. The best way to get competitive pricing year-round is to book 1–2 weeks ahead of your preferred date, which gives us more flexibility in carrier matching.

For distances over 500 miles, shipping is often comparable or cheaper than driving when you add up the true costs: gas ($150–$300 for a cross-country trip), meals and lodging ($100–$200/night), wear and tear on your vehicle (tires, oil, mileage depreciation), potential time off work, and the physical toll of a multi-day drive. For a coast-to-coast move, driving can easily cost $800–$1,200 out of pocket before you factor in your time. Shipping removes all of that — your car arrives without adding miles to the odometer, and you can fly to your destination in hours instead of days. Our cost to ship a car page has a detailed side-by-side comparison.

Yes — multi-vehicle shipments often qualify for a lower per-vehicle rate since they can be loaded on the same carrier. Add all your vehicles to a single quote for the best price.

Absolutely. Getting a quote is free, takes under a minute, and comes with no obligation. Get your free quote here or call us at (470) 410-6364 to get a quote over the phone. We'll never pressure you to book.

After you receive your quote, click "Book Now" to enter your contact details and schedule your preferred pickup date. You can also call one of our shipping advisors at (470) 410-6364 to schedule your shipment over the phone. Either way, an advisor will confirm your booking and begin matching you with a carrier.

No. We require $0 upfront to reserve your shipment. Here's how the payment timeline works: when you book, no charge is made to your card. Once we've secured a carrier and confirmed your pickup date, a deposit is charged. The remaining balance is paid at delivery directly to the carrier driver. Alternatively, we can process the full payment by credit card at the time of carrier assignment — that way you owe nothing at delivery and the transaction is done. This structure means you're never paying for a service that hasn't been arranged yet — your money is only collected once a real carrier is committed to moving your vehicle.

When you book, nothing is charged — we only collect your card information to have on file. No payment is processed until a carrier is actually secured. From there, you have two options. The first is to pay the full amount by credit card once a carrier is confirmed — one charge, done, nothing owed at delivery. The second is our split payment option: a deposit is charged to your credit card at the time a carrier is assigned, and the remaining balance is paid at delivery directly to the driver via cash, cashier's check, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle. The split payment option is the most popular because you only pay the larger portion once your vehicle is physically delivered. Your advisor will walk you through both options when you book.

Yes. If you need to change your pickup date or cancel entirely before a carrier has been assigned, there's no charge — full flexibility. Once a carrier has been secured and is en route or scheduled, cancellation terms may apply because the carrier has already committed resources to your shipment. Your advisor will clearly explain any applicable terms when you book, so you'll know exactly where you stand. Rescheduling to a different date is usually straightforward and free if done before carrier assignment.

The deposit reserves your spot with the carrier and covers the coordination, scheduling, and support that SAKAEM provides throughout your shipment — from carrier matching and dispatch to tracking updates and delivery confirmation. Think of it as the service fee for managing your entire transport from start to finish. The remaining balance (the larger portion) is paid at delivery directly to the carrier and covers the physical transportation of your vehicle.

There are no booking fees, administrative fees, fuel surcharges, insurance fees, or surprise charges added after you book. The only way your price changes is if you request a change to the shipment itself (different vehicle, different route, or switching transport type). We believe in straightforward pricing because trust is what keeps customers coming back.

We recommend booking 1–2 weeks before your preferred pickup date for the best rates and carrier availability. Expedited shipping is available if you need pickup within 24–48 hours.

Yes. You can book on behalf of a family member, friend, or employee. Just provide their contact information for pickup and delivery coordination.

Remove all personal items, disable aftermarket alarms, fold in side mirrors, retract antennas, and leave about a quarter tank of gas. Our vehicle shipping tips page has a full preparation checklist.

You can leave up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk, as long as they're not visible through the windows. This is a common request from customers who are relocating or moving to college. However, there are important limitations: personal belongings are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance (which only covers the vehicle itself), and items left in the car are at your own risk. We strongly recommend removing electronics, jewelry, important documents, and anything irreplaceable. If you plan on putting more than 100 lbs of personal items in your vehicle, call us at (470) 410-6364 to discuss your situation with a representative — we can often work out a solution depending on your vehicle type and route.

Yes — a clean vehicle makes it easier to document its condition during the pre-transport inspection. Existing scratches, dents, and chips are noted on the Bill of Lading at pickup, and they're much easier to spot on a clean car.

Yes. Any removable external accessories (roof racks, bike racks, cargo boxes, antenna toppers) should be taken off before pickup. These can shift during transit and potentially damage your vehicle or the carrier.

We ship inoperable vehicles regularly — whether the engine won't start, the transmission is out, or the battery is dead. Just select "inoperable" when you request your quote so we can match you with a carrier equipped with a winch or forklift for loading. Non-running vehicles typically cost 15–20% more than operable ones because they require specialized equipment and take longer to load. The key requirement is that the vehicle's wheels must still roll and steer so it can be winched onto the trailer. If the wheels are locked or the vehicle can't be steered at all, let your advisor know — we can still arrange transport, but it may require a flatbed or additional equipment.

About a quarter tank. The carrier needs enough fuel to drive your vehicle on and off the trailer, but a full tank adds unnecessary weight and is a safety consideration.

It's not required, but highly recommended. Having a spare key available for the driver ensures smooth loading and unloading, especially if your vehicle has a push-to-start system.

After booking, your advisor will confirm a pickup window — typically 1–3 days around your preferred date. Once a carrier is assigned, the driver will contact you the day before or morning of pickup with an estimated arrival time (usually a 2–4 hour window). When the driver arrives, you'll walk around the vehicle together and document its current condition on the Bill of Lading — every existing scratch, dent, and chip gets noted. You'll hand over the keys, both parties sign the Bill of Lading, and the driver loads your vehicle onto the trailer. The whole process usually takes about 15–20 minutes. From that point forward, your advisor will keep you updated on transit progress.

It's the official document that records your vehicle's condition at pickup. The driver and you will note any existing scratches, dents, or damage on the form. This same document is used at delivery to confirm the vehicle arrived in the same condition.

Someone over 18 must be present to hand over the keys, walk through the inspection, and sign the Bill of Lading. It doesn't have to be you — a friend, family member, or building manager can handle it on your behalf.

Car-hauler trailers are typically 75 feet long. If your street is too narrow, has low-hanging trees, or has HOA restrictions, the driver may ask to meet at a nearby open area like a parking lot or wide intersection. Your advisor will coordinate this ahead of time. Learn more about how door-to-door shipping works.

You'll select a preferred first-available date when you book. Carrier schedules depend on route and availability, so pickup is confirmed within a 1–3 day window around your date. Expedited service narrows this to 24–48 hours.

If a carrier delay occurs, your advisor will notify you immediately and provide an updated window. Delays are uncommon but can happen due to weather, mechanical issues, or route changes. The delay won't affect your quoted price.

Yes. Military members, relocating professionals, and online car buyers frequently have a friend, family member, dealership contact, or auction rep handle the pickup on their behalf. Just let your advisor know who to expect.

Your shipping advisor is your single point of contact throughout the entire move. You can call or email them anytime for a real-time status update on your vehicle's location and estimated delivery time. Your advisor has direct communication with the carrier driver, so they can give you specific details — not just generic "in transit" updates. You'll also receive proactive check-ins at key milestones: when the carrier picks up your vehicle, when they're making progress on the route, and when they're 12–24 hours from delivery.

Transit times depend primarily on distance, but also on route popularity, time of year, and carrier scheduling. Here's a general guide: local moves under 500 miles typically take 1–3 days, regional moves of 500–1,000 miles take 3–5 days, long-distance moves of 1,000–1,500 miles take 4–6 days, and coast-to-coast shipments (2,500+ miles) take 5–8 days. These are transit times after pickup — the carrier assignment and pickup scheduling window (typically 1–3 days from booking) is separate. Your advisor will provide a specific estimated delivery window once your carrier is assigned. For a deeper look at timelines and what affects them, see our how to ship a car page or our cross-country car shipping guide.

Yes. Your advisor will check in with updates, and the carrier driver will call you approximately 12–24 hours before delivery to confirm the drop-off time and location.

Weather, road closures, or mechanical issues can occasionally cause delays. If this happens, your advisor will contact you with an updated delivery estimate. Delays don't affect your quoted price.

No. Your vehicle is loaded onto a trailer and secured for the entire trip. The only time it's driven is a few feet onto and off the trailer at pickup and delivery.

Absolutely — this is one of the most common scenarios. Many customers ship their vehicle ahead of a move, military PCS relocation, or seasonal trip and fly to meet it. Your advisor will coordinate delivery timing around your travel schedule. Learn more about our car relocation services.

The carrier driver will call you approximately 12–24 hours before arrival with an estimated delivery window. When they arrive, the driver will unload your vehicle from the trailer and you'll do a walk-around inspection together — comparing the vehicle's condition against the Bill of Lading from pickup. Check for any new scratches, dents, or damage. If everything looks good, sign the delivery copy of the Bill of Lading. If you chose the split payment option, you'll pay the remaining balance to the driver at this point via cash, cashier's check, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle. The whole delivery process typically takes about 15–20 minutes. Once you sign off, the shipment is complete.

Someone over 18 must be there to inspect the vehicle, accept delivery, and sign the Bill of Lading. It can be anyone you authorize — not necessarily the person who booked the shipment.

Do a thorough walk-around inspection, comparing your vehicle's current condition against the pickup Bill of Lading point by point. Check the roof, hood, trunk, all four fenders, bumpers, mirrors, wheels, and windshield for any new scratches, dents, chips, or cracks. Open and close the doors to check for alignment issues. If it's dark outside, use your phone flashlight — poor lighting is the most common reason damage goes unnoticed at delivery. If everything matches the pickup condition report, sign the Bill of Lading and you're all set. If you find anything new, note it on the document and take photos before signing.

Damage during transport is rare — the vast majority of vehicles arrive in the same condition they were picked up in. But if it does happen, you're covered by the carrier's cargo insurance. Here's what to do: at delivery, carefully compare your vehicle against the Bill of Lading from pickup. If you spot any new damage (scratches, dents, chips, or mechanical issues), note it directly on the Bill of Lading before you sign, and take detailed photos from multiple angles. Then contact your shipping advisor immediately. We'll help you file a claim with the carrier's insurance company, provide the documentation they need, and follow up until the claim is resolved. The carrier's insurance covers damage that occurs during transport — this is why the pickup inspection and Bill of Lading are so important.

Report any damage at the time of delivery by noting it on the Bill of Lading — this is your strongest documentation for a successful claim. If you discover hidden damage after the driver has already left (for example, under the vehicle, inside the engine bay, or mechanical issues you couldn't see during the visual inspection), email us at [email protected] within 24 hours with photos and a written description of the damage. The sooner you report, the stronger your claim. Insurance companies may deny claims reported days or weeks later because it becomes difficult to prove the damage occurred during transport rather than after delivery.

If you chose the split payment option, the remaining balance is due at delivery, paid directly to the carrier driver. You can pay via cash, cashier's check, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle. Alternatively, if you paid in full by credit card at the time of carrier assignment, there's nothing owed at delivery — just sign the Bill of Lading and you're done. Your advisor will confirm your payment arrangement before delivery day so both you and the driver know exactly what to expect.

Contact your advisor as soon as possible if the delivery address changes. Minor adjustments within the same metro area can usually be accommodated. Significant route changes may require an updated quote.

We'd love your feedback! After delivery, you can leave a review on Google, the BBB, or Trustpilot. Upon delivery, you'll also receive a satisfaction survey where you can share your experience. See what other customers are saying on our reviews page.

Yes. We provide dedicated account management and volume pricing for auto dealerships, rental car companies, auction houses, and fleet managers. Contact us to set up a business account.

Absolutely. Our platform is built for businesses that ship regularly. We offer batch booking, priority carrier matching, and a dedicated account manager for fleet and enterprise customers.

Yes — we serve independent resellers, online car buyers, and marketplace sellers who need reliable pickup from auctions and delivery to buyers or retail lots. See our car resellers page for details.

If you're an FMCSA-registered carrier interested in joining our network, contact us or call (470) 410-6364. We vet all carriers for insurance, safety rating, and active operating authority before onboarding.

We work with moving companies, real estate agents, and relocation firms that refer vehicle shipping to their clients. Contact us to discuss partnership options and referral programs.