Intercity Lines Inc Review :  An Unbiased, Expert Look at Costs & Care

Intercity Lines Inc Review : An Unbiased, Expert Look at Costs & Care

Transportvibe
January 27, 2026
12 min read

Intercity Lines Inc provides premium, enclosed vehicle transport for owners who value safety and specialized handling above all else. Most people do not realize that nearly 90% of car shipping damage happens on open trailers, making white-glove service a necessity for high-value assets. 

This review covers how Intercity Lines Inc manages its own fleet to ensure your car stays protected from road debris and weather. You will learn about their pricing, door-to-door process, and why they are a top choice for collectors nationwide.

Looking for a reliable way to move your vehicle safely? Get an instant quote from top-rated carriers today to ensure your car gets the expert care it deserves.

Intercity Lines Inc Company Overview and Transport Specialization

 

Intercity Lines Inc operates as a direct asset-based carrier, meaning they own the trucks and employ the drivers that handle your vehicle. Unlike a broker, they maintain total control over the shipping process from pickup to delivery. This direct model eliminates the middleman and ensures you speak with the people actually moving your car.

They specialize exclusively in enclosed auto transport, providing a sanctuary for high-value assets. Their fleet features 53-foot Kentucky trailers equipped with hydraulic lift-gates. This equipment allows cars to stay level during loading, preventing the undercarriage damage common with standard ramps.

  • Vehicle Types: They transport classic cars, luxury sedans, exotic supercars, and motorcycles.

  • Safety Features: Every trailer uses a nylon wheel tie-down system to secure cars without stressing the frame.

  • Coverage: They provide nationwide door-to-door service across the United States.

Choosing a specialist matters because standard open car shipping exposes your paint to road salt and weather. Intercity Lines Inc uses two layers of protection: the hard-sided trailer and individual plastic seat covers and floor mats.

When you trust them with a luxury car transport service, you get $2 million in cargo insurance and real-time satellite tracking. You can verify their credentials by checking their FMCSA Company Data to ensure they meet federal safety standards. This level of transparency is why they remain a top-tier choice for the best vehicle shipper in the country.

Intercity Lines Inc Pricing Structure and Service Charges Explained

When you plan to ship a high-value vehicle, understanding the Intercity Lines Inc pricing model helps you budget for premium care. Because they operate as a direct carrier rather than a broker, their rates reflect the actual cost of fuel, specialized labor, and high-end equipment. You won't see "teaser" prices that jump up later since you are dealing directly with the fleet owner.

How Intercity Lines Inc Calculates Enclosed Auto Transport Costs

The enclosed car shipping cost to move your car depends heavily on the total distance and the specific route demand. Shipping across popular lanes like New York to Florida or California typically costs less per mile than moving a vehicle to a remote rural area. Long-distance hauls might range from $1,200 to $4,000, depending on the season and current fuel prices.

Your vehicle's physical specs are the next big factor in the quote. Larger SUVs and heavy trucks take up more "real estate" inside a 53-foot trailer, which limits the number of other cars the driver can carry. If your car has very low ground clearance, it requires a hydraulic lift-gate to stay level during loading, a standard feature for Intercity Lines Inc that protects your undercarriage.

Finally, the trailer's technology also affects the price. You are paying for air-ride suspension, which absorbs road shock that a standard spring-ride trailer would pass directly to your car's frame. This specialized equipment, combined with professional drivers who only handle high-end metal, creates a higher car shipping cost than basic open carriers.

Are Intercity Lines Inc Quotes Transparent and All-Inclusive?

One of the biggest advantages you get here is a quote with no hidden fees. Their pricing usually covers everything: door-to-door delivery, expert loading, and a $2,000,000 cargo insurance policy per trailer load. This is much simpler than some car shipping companies that might tack on fuel surcharges or administrative fees after you book.

Unlike many brokers who demand an upfront fee to "secure" a spot, Intercity Lines Inc does not require a deposit. You typically pay when they schedule your pickup or at the time of delivery. This model proves they are a legitimate carrier; they don't need your money to go find a driver because they already own the trucks.

You should also check their FMCSA Company Data to see their active safety ratings. Because they handle everything in-house, they avoid the "middleman markup" often found with brokers. This transparency means the price you see on your auto transport insurance guide and quote is what you actually pay.

Is Intercity Lines Inc Worth the Premium Cost for Enclosed Shipping?

You have to weigh the cost against the potential risk of damage. If you are moving a $100,000 classic or a brand-new exotic, saving a few hundred dollars on an open trailer is often a mistake. One rock chip or a heavy hail storm can cause thousands of dollars in repairs, making the Intercity Lines Inc premium a smart insurance policy.

Their service delivers the best value for classic vehicle shipping or moving cars to high-end auctions and concours events. In these cases, the white-glove treatment and specialized nylon wheel tie-downs are non-negotiable. You get peace of mind knowing the person loading your car is the same person driving it across the country.

However, if you are shipping a standard daily driver that already has a few miles on it, a lower-cost open vs enclosed car shipping option might make more sense. You don't always need $2 million in cargo coverage for a commuter car. Use their service when the car’s condition and value are your top priorities, and you'll find the investment is worth every penny.

Enclosed Auto Transport Equipment, Handling Process, and Vehicle Safety Standards

Intercity Lines Inc uses a fleet of custom-built, 53-foot Kentucky trailers that provide a fortress-like environment for your vehicle. These hard-sided units are far superior to soft-sided curtains because they offer complete insulation from road debris, extreme temperatures, and moisture.

When you trust them with a high-value car, your asset rides on an advanced air-ride suspension system. This technology acts as a cushion against rough American highways, ensuring the car experiences zero structural stress or vibration during transit.

  • Loading: Every trailer features a 10,000-pound hydraulic lift-gate that keeps your car perfectly level. This is vital for low-clearance exotics as it eliminates the steep inclines of traditional ramps.

  • Securing: Drivers use soft nylon wheel tie-downs rather than metal chains. This method secures the car by its tires, preventing any frame damage or paint chips.

  • Unloading: The same professional driver who loaded your car manages the delivery, maintaining a consistent chain of custody.

The risk of car damaged during shipping is significantly lower here compared to open carriers, which leave paint exposed to the elements. For maximum safety, you should verify their credentials via the FMCSA - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to confirm their active status.

Every driver undergoes rigorous training to handle luxury car transport service needs. They even place floor mats and seat covers inside your vehicle to keep the cabin pristine. This level of safeeds auto transport review style care is why enthusiasts choose them for shipping classic cars and supercars.

Insurance Coverage, Licensing, and Company Credibility

When you hire Intercity Lines Inc, you are choosing a company that treats vehicle safety as a legal and professional priority. They maintain high standards for licensing and protection, ensuring your car is covered from the moment it hits the lift-gate until it reaches your driveway. Understanding their credentials gives you the confidence that you are dealing with a legitimate, high-end carrier.

Intercity Lines Inc Insurance Coverage and Damage Protection

Intercity Lines Inc maintains a massive $2,000,000 cargo insurance policy per trailer load. This far exceeds the industry standard for open car shipping, which often caps out at $150,000 per load. With a zero-deductible policy for customers, you won't pay out of pocket if an incident occurs during transit.

The coverage is comprehensive, protecting against transport accidents, theft, and vandalism. However, you are responsible for removing personal items, as these are not covered by the carrier's policy. It is also your duty to ensure the car is clean so the driver can perform a detailed pre-trip inspection.

If you need to file a claim, you must note any damage on the Bill of Lading at the time of delivery. You will need photos and two written estimates to proceed with the settlement. Because they are a direct carrier, you deal with their in-house team rather than a third-party car shipping insurance provider, which typically speeds up the process.

Licensing, DOT Compliance, and Industry Standing

Reliability in the transport world starts with federal compliance and a clean record. You can verify Intercity Lines Inc by checking their FMCSA Company Data using their USDOT number 223672. They hold "Authorized" status for property and motor vehicle transport, which is the gold standard for legal operation.

Their longevity is a major selling point, as they have been setting the "white-glove" standard since 1980. Over four decades, they have built a reputation that makes them the preferred choice for major auctions like Broad Arrow and high-end dealerships. This history of stability means they won't disappear overnight like smaller, fly-by-night operations might.

When you look at their safety stats, their driver out-of-service rate is consistently 0%, which is significantly better than the national average. This standing within the collector community is why they are often featured in a montway auto transport review comparison as the premium alternative. You can trust their Check DOT and an MC number results to prove they are one of the safest fleets on the road today.

Get a free quote from top-tier carriers today to see how affordable premium enclosed transport can be for your vehicle.

Customer Satisfaction, Reviews, and Real-World Service Reliability

When you search for Intercity Lines Inc feedback, you will find a reputation built on over 40 years of specialized care. They maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to resolving issues and maintaining high standards. Most customers praise the company for its professional communication and the pristine condition of vehicles upon arrival.

  • What Customers Love: Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the drivers and the peace of mind provided by the smart ways to track car during shipping via GPS systems.

  • Reliability: They are the official partner for Gooding & Company, making them a top choice for auto auction car transport where timing is everything.

  • Feedback: Most positive notes focus on the "white-glove" experience and the fact that the driver who picks up the car is the one who delivers it.

The primary drawback mentioned in some feedback is the premium price point and potential scheduling delays during peak seasons. Because they are a direct carrier and not a broker, they don't just "find a guy"; they wait for their own high-end equipment to be available. This can lead to longer wait times compared to cheap way to ship a car options that prioritize speed over safety.

If you are shipping a car for a specific event, you must book well in advance. While they handle cross country car shipping with elite precision, their refusal to use terminals means your car stays on one truck, which is safer but requires more careful logistics. You should check their FMCSA Company Data to see their excellent safety record, which proves their reliability for shipping a car to another state.

Common Inquiries Regarding Premium Enclosed Shipping

When you are ready to book with Intercity Lines Inc, you likely have specific questions about how they handle your vehicle and business. Here are the clear details you need to make an informed choice.

Is Intercity Lines Inc a legitimate auto transport company?

Yes, they are a fully licensed asset-based carrier operating since 1980. You can verify their professional standing by reviewing their FMCSA Company Data and DOT number 223672 for total transparency.

Does Intercity Lines Inc offer open car transport or only enclosed shipping?

They focus exclusively on enclosed transport to provide maximum protection. They do not offer open car shipping because their mission is to keep high-value vehicles safe from all outside elements.

How long does Intercity Lines Inc take to ship a vehicle?

Transit times usually range from 7 to 14 days depending on the total distance. Because they are a direct carrier, timelines depend on their specific fleet schedule and your car shipping time reasons.

What types of cars should be shipped with Intercity Lines Inc?

You should use their service for high-value assets like exotics, prototypes, or shipping classic cars. Their equipment is specifically designed for vehicles requiring low-clearance loading and white-glove handling.

How does Intercity Lines Inc compare to auto transport brokers?

Unlike brokers who sell your contract to others, Intercity Lines Inc owns the trucks and employs the drivers. This direct carrier vs broker pricing model ensures better accountability and specialized service control.

Who Should (and Should Not) Choose Intercity Lines Inc for Car Shipping

Intercity Lines Inc is the premier choice for collectors, auction buyers, and luxury owners who view their vehicle as a major investment rather than just a mode of transport. If you need to move a rare classic, a low-clearance supercar, or a showroom-quality exotic, their specialized lift-gate trailers and high cargo insurance limits offer the best peace of mind in the industry. 

However, if you are looking for the absolute lowest price to ship a standard daily driver, or if you are on a very tight, inflexible schedule, a high-volume broker might serve you better. Ultimately, you pay a premium for the certainty that your car stays on one truck with one professional driver from start to finish.

Ready to give your vehicle the white-glove treatment it deserves? Get a Quote today to secure a spot with a carrier that prioritizes safety and professional care.