Car Shipping Glossary

Accessories: Additional features for an automobile, usually detachable but sometimes permanently affixed. These can be internal or external, and may be purchased with the car or separately. Examples are sound systems, speakers, mats, door trim, rims, spoilers, and body kits. These may be shipped with the car or separately, depending on the type of accessory, FMCSA rules, and company policies.

Auto or car alarm: An electronic security measure to protect cars (and other vehicles) from break-ins and theft. These should usually be disabled (turned off) during shipping.

Auto, car, or vehicle shipping or transport: The movement of a car or other automobile from one place to another by carrying it on a second vehicle (the motor carrier), rather than by driving it.

Car shipper: A company or individual who transports cars or other vehicles from one destination to another using a second vehicle (the motor carrier). Also known as an auto mover, vehicle shipper, or vehicle (auto, car) transporter.

Car shipping covering: A protective material used to prevent damage to the car during shipping.

Car shipping delivery time: The time it takes to complete the transport of a vehicle, from pick-up through delivery.

Car shipping enclosed carrier: A covered transport vehicle that protects the vehicle being moved from wind, rain, snow, sun, and other climatic elements, as well as dirt, dust, and road debris. This is generally a more expensive option but may be ideal for certain vehicles, at certain times of year, or on certain terrain/routes.

Car shipping hauler: A vehicle or trailer used to transport automobiles.

Car shipping insurance: Coverage held by the car shipper in case the vehicle sustains damage during transport. This usually includes both liability insurance and cargo insurance, which means that the vehicle is covered for virtually any damage sustained, though limits and exceptions may apply.

Car shipping lift: A device used to elevate cars or other vehicles onto a car shipping hauler or other transport vehicle.

Car shipping open carrier: An uncovered transport vehicle that does not protect the vehicle being moved from wind, rain, snow, sun, and other climatic elements, or from dirt, dust, and road debris. This is generally a cheaper option but may not be appropriate for certain cars, seasons, or terrain/routes.

Car shipping zip cover: A protective sheet that fastens with a zipper and shields the car from damage during transport.

FMCSA: Acronym for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation (DOT) dedicated to reducing the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.

Gear shifter: The device used to change gears in an automobile, usually found on the steering column or center console.

Odometer: The gauge that counts the miles as the vehicle travels.

Seat covers: Protective sheets designed to fit over the seats of a car in order to protect them from rips, stains, and other damage. Most auto shipping companies will use these during transport at the owner's request.

Shipping mileage: The distance between the pickup and delivery locations and a determining factor in the cost of auto transport.