Question 1

Are you a broker or a carrier?

Accepted Answer

Both — and that's the point. EXADOT holds carrier and brokerage authority. We own trucks and haul cars ourselves, and when a partner carrier can serve your route better, we dispatch one we've vetted to our own operating standard. You can verify both authorities yourself on the FMCSA SAFER system.

Question 2

Is my car insured during transport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The carrier's cargo insurance covers your vehicle the entire time it's on the truck — we verify a minimum of $100K cargo and $1M liability coverage before any carrier is dispatched, and you pay no deductible on a transport claim.

Question 3

What if my car is damaged?

Accepted Answer

Damage is rare, and the process protects you: the driver documents your car's condition on a Bill of Lading at pickup. At delivery, you inspect against that report before signing. Any new damage noted there goes straight to the carrier's insurance — and we manage the claim with you.

Question 4

Do I pay a deposit?

Accepted Answer

No. You pay nothing until a carrier is assigned to your vehicle. Most customers pay a small portion at dispatch and the balance directly to the driver at delivery (cash or certified funds). Anyone demanding a deposit just to 'hold your spot' is showing you a red flag.

Question 5

Will the price change after I book?

Accepted Answer

Not with us. That's the Price Lock: the quoted price is final. The industry's classic move is quoting low, then calling two days before pickup demanding more. We price your route at real market rates from day one, so carriers actually accept it — and the number never moves.

Question 6

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

5–7 days ahead is ideal. We can usually arrange pickup within 1–3 business days of your first available date — and expedited, guaranteed windows are available when you're in a pinch.

Question 7

How exact is the pickup and delivery timing?

Accepted Answer

We give honest windows, not fake precision: a 1–3 day pickup window, transit of 1–3 days regional to 5–7 coast-to-coast. Your driver calls about an hour before pickup, and you get an update as delivery approaches.

Question 8

Can I put personal items in the car?

Accepted Answer

Up to about 100 lbs in the trunk or cargo area is generally fine. Keep in mind personal items aren't covered by the carrier's cargo insurance, so no valuables — and an overloaded car can be refused at pickup.

Question 9

Open or enclosed — which should I pick?

Accepted Answer

Open is the right answer for most vehicles: it's what dealerships use, it's fully insured, and it costs 45–60% less. Choose enclosed for classics, exotics, low-clearance, or freshly restored cars where road debris and weather exposure matter.

Question 10

My car doesn't run. Can you still ship it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — as long as it rolls, steers, and brakes, we'll assign a carrier with a winch. Non-running vehicles add $150–200 to the price. Tell us in the quote form so we dispatch the right equipment the first time.

Question 11

Can I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Anytime before a carrier is assigned, free. After dispatch, a cancellation fee may apply since the carrier has reserved deck space for your vehicle — we'll always tell you exactly where you stand before you decide.

Question 12

Will my information get sold to other brokers?

Accepted Answer

Never. Quote-aggregator sites resell your contact info to ten brokers who all start calling. Your quote stays inside EXADOT, you deal with one coordinator, and your phone stays quiet.

Phoenix to Chicago car shipping.

What moving a car on this lane actually costs.

What moves your price

Phoenix → Chicago, asked straight.

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