Choosing a Professional Auto Transport provider is the only way to ensure your vehicle survives a cross-country trek without unexpected damage or hidden fees. Did you know that West Coast routes face some of the highest congestion and steepest price swings in the entire country?
This guide helps dealerships, fleet managers, and individual owners navigate those challenges. We evaluate service quality, pricing transparency, and driver reliability to give you the facts. You need a partner that understands regional logistics and keeps their promises.
Ready to move your vehicle without the stress? Get a free quote and see how our network simplifies your next big move today.
Company Background and Operational Focus
Professional Auto Transport is an asset-based powerhouse headquartered in Jurupa Valley, California. Founded in 2003 by Dave Floyd, the company has grown from a modest fleet of 13 to over 240 company-owned car carriers today.
Operating as a direct carrier rather than just a broker, they own the trucks that move your vehicle. This distinction gives you a direct line to the drivers and more control over the safety of your shipment.
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Primary Service Areas: They focus heavily on the western United States, with a major presence in California, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington.
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Target Audience: Their services are built for high-volume clients like dealerships, rental fleets, and auctions, but they also handle single-unit moves for individual owners.
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Equipment Standards: You can expect top-tier equipment that is well-maintained to prevent mechanical delays.
This regional specialization means they know the West Coast routes better than national brokers. Because they own their rigs, you often get faster transit times and more predictable pickup windows.
Before hiring any team, you should always check their DOT and MC number to verify their safety record. You can also look up official FMCSA Company Data to see if their insurance is active.
Working with a carrier that specializes in your region helps you avoid 10 car shipping mistakes that often plague long-distance moves. Their deep understanding of western geography leads to a more reliable experience for shipping a car to another state.
Auto Shipping Services and Transport Capabilities
Professional Auto Transport provides various options to match your specific vehicle needs. Open carrier transport remains the most popular choice for standard sedans, SUVs, and light trucks. This method is the industry standard for daily drivers because it balances cost and efficiency.
For vehicles that require extra care, you can choose enclosed transport. This service makes sense for high-value or classic cars that need protection from weather and road debris. Their enclosed units feature lift gates to handle low-clearance vehicles safely.
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Business Logistics: They manage dealer-to-dealer trades and auction moves for cars and light trucks.
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Volume Shipping: The company delivers over 600,000 new units annually from railheads, ports, and distribution centers.
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Fleet Management: You can schedule relocations for rental fleets, lease returns, and corporate remarketing units.
Preventing damage starts with a strict inspection process. Drivers use a mobile app to perform pre-trip inspections, scanning NFC tags and recording any existing defects before loading. You should always inspect your vehicle before and after transport to verify its condition.
Scheduling is handled with a focus on your timeline. Because they operate a large fleet, they can coordinate deliveries between rental locations or to auto auctions with high flexibility. This specialized approach ensures your inventory moves quickly through the western United States.
Before you book, verify the carrier's safety record on the FMCSA website. You can also check DOT and an MC number to confirm their authority to operate. For more tips, read our guide on choosing the best auto transport service.
Pricing Structure, Rates, and Cost Transparency
Understanding how a Professional Auto Transport provider builds your quote helps you avoid overpaying for your move. Most carriers in the western United States use a mix of mileage and regional volume to set their rates.
You should know that while long-distance hauls have a higher total price, the cost per mile usually drops the further you go. This happens because fixed costs like loading and paperwork are spread over more miles.
How Professional Auto Transport Pricing Is Calculated
Your final bill depends on several logistical factors that go beyond just the map distance. For instance, shipping between major hubs like Los Angeles and Seattle is often cheaper than moving a car to a remote rural town.
The physical attributes of your vehicle play a massive role in the math. Heavier trucks and larger SUVs consume more fuel and take up more "real estate" on the trailer, which increases your rate.
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Vehicle Condition: Non-running cars require a winch or forklift, adding an extra fee for the labor.
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Transport Mode: You can expect to pay 30% to 50% more for enclosed shipping compared to an open trailer.
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Seasonal Swings: Rates often spike in the summer when demand for seasonal car shipping is at its peak across the country.
Fuel costs are another variable you can't ignore. Carriers adjust their prices based on national diesel averages to keep their trucks moving without losing money on the trip.
Hidden Fees, Payment Terms, and Quotes
A transparent Professional Auto Transport quote should include the base haulage, insurance coverage, and any standard fuel surcharges. You need to verify if the price is a "guaranteed rate" or just an estimate that could change.
Some companies might add extra charges for door-to-door service if your street is too narrow for a large rig. Always ask about "terminal fees" if you plan to drop off or pick up your car at a storage lot instead.
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Payment Methods: Most reputable carriers accept credit cards for deposits and cash or certified checks for the balance at delivery.
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Billing Cycles: High-volume dealers often have net-30 terms, while individuals usually pay at the time of service.
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Rate Comparison: In the West Coast market, asset-based carriers often beat broker prices because they cut out the middleman's markup.
Before you sign any contract, use a car shipping cost calculator to see if the quote matches the current market. This helps you spot low-ball offers that often lead to common car shipping mistakes.
Licensing, Insurance Coverage, and Company Credibility
You must verify that your Professional Auto Transport provider is fully legal before handing over your keys. Professional Auto Transport Inc. holds active authority under USDOT# 1130314 and MC# 458828. You can use the FMCSA Company Data portal to confirm their current standing.
Legitimate carriers always carry primary liability and cargo insurance to protect your investment. Standard cargo limits for major car haulers typically range from $100,000 to $250,000 per load. This coverage protects against theft, fire, and collision during the trip.
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Safety Standards: They maintain a large fleet of over 240 trucks, which requires strict adherence to federal safety audits.
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Driver Vetting: Professional drivers must pass background checks and maintain clean commercial driving records.
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Claims Process: If you find new damage at delivery, you must note it on the Bill of Lading immediately.
Taking photos before and after the move is your best defense during a claim. You should also check DOT and an MC number on the SAFER website to spot any recent safety violations.
A green flag for any company is a long history of regional service and transparent car shipping insurance policies. Avoid companies that refuse to provide a Certificate of Insurance or have an inactive USDOT status.
For more peace of mind, read our guide on how to avoid auto transport scams before booking. You can also visit the official FMCSA website for general consumer protection tips.
Customer Experience, Reviews, and Overall Reliability
Customer feedback for Professional Auto Transport highlights their strength as an asset-based carrier in the western United States. You will find that repeat customers frequently praise the company for its consistent on-time delivery and professional communication. Because they own their trucks, their dispatchers often provide more accurate updates than typical brokers.
Many testimonials mention the ease of scheduling and the courtesy of the drivers. High-volume users, such as dealerships and rental agencies, value the reliability of their regional routes. However, like any large-scale operation, some users report occasional delays due to heavy traffic or weather in the Pacific Northwest.
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Positive Themes: Drivers are often described as knowledgeable, and the office staff is responsive during the booking process.
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Recurring Complaints: Most negative reviews center on rigid scheduling windows and limited coverage outside their primary western service area.
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Support Quality: Their support team maintains a professional tone, though response times can vary during peak summer seasons.
This company is best suited for you if you are moving a vehicle within California, Arizona, or the surrounding states. You should consider alternatives if you need to ship to the East Coast or require a highly specialized international move.
Before you book, compare these experiences with our guide for choosing the best vehicle shipper. You can also check DOT and an MC number to see their official safety rating. For a wider view, read our 10 best car shipping companies review to see how they rank.
Insider Logistics Insights
Moving a vehicle involves more than just a truck and a driver. You likely have specific concerns about how a Professional Auto Transport provider handles unique scenarios. Here are the details you need.
Can I leave personal items in my car when using Professional Auto Transport?
Most carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items secured in the trunk. However, these items are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance, so you ship them at your own risk.
How do I track my vehicle's location during the shipping process?
You can track your move through the carrier’s mobile dispatch app or by contacting the driver directly. Asset-based carriers often provide more accurate GPS updates than brokers who lack direct truck access.
Is same-day pickup available for urgent West Coast vehicle relocations?
Expedited shipping is possible in major hubs like Los Angeles or Seattle if a truck is nearby. Because they own their fleet, they can often rearrange routes more quickly than a traditional broker.
Does the carrier offer specialized transport for non-running auction vehicles?
Yes, they utilize specialized winching equipment to load inoperable vehicles from auctions or private residences. You must disclose the vehicle's condition upfront to ensure the driver arrives with the correct loading gear.
What happens if my delivery location is inaccessible to a large car hauler?
If your street is too narrow for a 75-foot rig, you will coordinate with the driver to meet at a nearby large parking lot. This ensures a safe loading environment for your vehicle.
Is Professional Auto Transport the Right Choice for Your Move?
Professional Auto Transport stands out as a reliable asset-based carrier for those moving vehicles within the Western United States. Their primary strengths are a massive company-owned fleet and deep regional expertise, which leads to better communication and fewer delays than national brokers.
While their service area is geographically concentrated, their pricing is competitive for high-volume dealer and auction moves. You will find they are the best fit if you prioritize direct driver contact and specialized West Coast routes. Compared to national giants, they offer more hands-on reliability at the cost of a smaller footprint.
I recommend them for any individual or business needing a veteran team with a proven safety record in the Pacific and Mountain regions.
Ready to book with a trusted carrier? Get a Quote now to secure your delivery date and save on your next shipment.
