Shipping a vehicle across the country can feel like a gamble. You need a partner who handles your property with care and stays honest about the price.
Royal Auto Ship works as a bridge between you and the truckers moving your car. They aim to simplify the logistics of nationwide transport. Many people worry about hidden fees or late arrivals when booking a move.
This review looks at how this Philadelphia company operates and what customers really think of their service. Whether you have a standard sedan or a classic car, understanding the broker process helps you avoid stress. We check their credentials and pricing structure to see if they fit your needs. Knowing your options makes the entire process smoother for everyone involved.
Ready to move your vehicle? You can get a quote from top-rated providers to find the most reliable and affordable shipping options for your upcoming relocation today.
Royal Auto Ship Company Overview: Brokerage Model, Licensing And Nationwide Reach
Royal Auto Ship functions as a professional intermediary in the vehicle transport industry. They do not own a fleet of trucks. Instead, they manage the logistics for your move.
How Royal Auto Ship Operates as a Licensed Auto Transport Broker
Royal Auto Ship acts as a broker rather than a direct carrier. A carrier owns the trucks and employs the drivers. A broker focuses on finding the right truck for your specific route and schedule.
This model provides you with more flexibility. If one truck breaks down or falls behind schedule, a broker can quickly pivot to another driver in their network.
They use their industry connections to find licensed and insured carriers that match your needs. This saves you from calling dozens of individual trucking companies yourself.
Using a broker like Royal Auto Ship simplifies the process. They handle the vetting, paperwork, and communication.
-
Broad Options: You get access to thousands of drivers across the country.
-
Vetted Drivers: The broker checks the carrier safety records before booking.
-
Negotiation: Brokers often get better rates because they provide consistent work to carriers.
However, since the broker does not drive the truck, you must rely on their ability to vet partners effectively. You can learn more about how this works in our guide on how car shipping works.
Licensing, DOT Registration And Insurance Compliance
Safety starts with proper legal credentials. Royal Auto Ship holds the necessary authority to operate in the United States.
You can verify their status using their official identifiers. Their USDOT number is 4094097 and their MC number is 1560299.
Before hiring any company, you should check DOT and an MC number on the official government database. This confirms they have the legal right to broker your vehicle move.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates these businesses. You can find more details on the FMCSA website.
Royal Auto Ship must ensure every carrier in their network carries valid insurance. Most standard carriers provide between $100,000 and $250,000 in cargo insurance for open trailers.
Enclosed carriers often carry much higher limits, sometimes up to $1,000,000. The broker reviews these policies to make sure your car is protected during transit.
Always ask for a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate at the time of pickup. This protects you in case of any accidental damage during the journey.
Service Coverage Across All 50 U.S. States
You can ship your vehicle to almost any location in the country with Royal Auto Ship. They focus on long-distance and interstate moves.
They offer two main types of transport:
-
Open Transport is the standard method where your car sits on a multi-car trailer.
-
Enclosed Transport keeps your vehicle inside a sealed trailer to protect it from weather and dirt.
Their door-to-door service means the driver picks up and drops off the car as close to your home as possible. Some residential streets are too narrow for large trailers, so you might meet the driver at a nearby parking lot.
They serve a wide range of clients:
-
Individuals: People moving for a new job or relocating their family.
-
Dealerships: Businesses moving inventory between locations.
-
Auctions: Buyers needing to transport a car won at a sale.
Whether you are shipping a daily driver or a rare classic, they have the reach to handle the job across state lines.
Royal Auto Ship Services: Tailored Solutions for Every Vehicle
You have different needs depending on what you drive. Royal Auto Ship offers a variety of transport options to match your budget and the value of your vehicle.
Individual Shipping Solutions for Personal Moves
If you are moving to a new home or relocating for a job, you need a service that handles the heavy lifting. Royal Auto Ship specializes in personal vehicle relocation for people across the country.
They offer door-to-door delivery to make your move as easy as possible. The driver picks up your car at your current address and drops it off at your new one.
For standard daily drivers, their open transport service is the most popular choice. It is the same method dealerships use to move new inventory. It keeps costs low while ensuring your car reaches its destination safely.
If you own a classic or high-value car, you should consider their luxury car transport service. This service uses enclosed trailers to protect your vehicle from road salt, rain, and wind.
-
Students: They provide reliable shipping for college students moving to campus.
-
Military: They offer dedicated support for military vehicle shipping services for PCS moves.
-
Snowbirds: They handle seasonal moves for those heading south for the winter.
Business and Commercial Transport Services
Businesses require a partner that can handle high volumes and strict schedules. Royal Auto Ship provides logistics support for various commercial needs.
Dealerships use their services for dealer trades or to fulfill online sales to out-of-state buyers. They also help businesses manage fleet relocations when a company moves its offices.
Buying from an auction? They specialize in auto auction car transport from sites like Copart or IAAI. They know the specific gate codes and paperwork needed to get your car out of the yard quickly.
-
Heavy Equipment: They can arrange transport for larger commercial trucks or vans.
-
Auction Support: Fast pickup prevents you from paying extra storage fees at the yard.
-
Fleet Services: They coordinate the move of multiple units simultaneously to save you time.
Whether you are a private owner or a fleet manager, they provide the network and the expertise to move your vehicles efficiently.
Specialty Vehicle Transportation
Some vehicles require more than just a standard trailer. Royal Auto Ship handles specialized shipments for items that do not fit in a typical sedan category.
They offer motorcycle shipping options open air vs enclosed to protect your bike during the trip. This ensures your motorcycle arrives without scratches or weather damage.
If you have a boat or a jet ski, they can arrange trailers designed for marine transport. They also handle non-running or inoperable vehicles that require a winch to load.
Their network includes drivers with specialized equipment like lift gates for low-clearance sports cars. This attention to detail ensures that even the most unique vehicles are handled with professional care.
Royal Auto Ship Pricing Structure: Service Charges And Deposits
You need to know how the bill adds up when you ship your car. Royal Auto Ship bases your quote on the specific details of your trip and the current market.
Car Shipping Costs Calculation
Many variables determine your final price. The distance of your move is the biggest factor. You pay more for a 2,500-mile cross-country trip than a 500-mile regional haul.
The size of your vehicle also changes the rate. Large SUVs and trucks take up more space on the trailer and weigh more. This adds roughly $150 to $300 to the base price of a sedan.
Your choice of trailer makes a difference too. Open transport is the standard and most affordable way to move a car. If you want more protection, enclosed transport typically costs 40 percent to 50 percent more.
Other factors that influence your car shipping cost 2025 include:
-
Route Popularity: Shipping between major cities is cheaper than going to rural areas.
-
Seasonality: Prices often rise during the summer and "snowbird" seasons.
-
Condition: If your car does not run, you pay a surcharge of $100 to $200 for winching.
-
Speed: Expedited shipping can add hundreds of dollars to your quote for a faster pickup.
Deposit Requirements and Payment Breakdown
You do not pay the full amount upfront. Royal Auto Ship uses a two-step payment process common in the brokerage industry.
First, you pay a broker deposit once they assign a carrier to your order. This fee covers the work they did to vet the driver and manage the logistics.
You pay the remaining balance directly to the driver at the time of delivery. This is often called "Carrier Pay." Drivers usually accept cash, a cashier's check, or a money order.
Make sure you have the funds ready when the truck arrives. Most drivers do not accept personal checks or credit cards at the delivery point.
Understanding this breakdown helps you avoid surprises. For more details on budgeting, check out our guide on how broker vs carrier pricing differs and why.
Choosing the right payment plan ensures a smooth handoff. You should always verify the total amount on your contract before the driver picks up your vehicle.
Cancellation & Refund Policies Explained
You must understand the fine print before signing any transport contract. Royal Auto Ship typically allows you to cancel your order before they assign a carrier to your route.
Once a driver is locked in, your broker deposit often becomes non-refundable. This is because the company has already spent time and resources securing a spot on a trailer for your move.
Rate fluctuations can happen if the initial quote was based on outdated carrier data. If no drivers accept the original price, the broker might suggest a higher rate to attract a carrier.
You should watch out for hidden costs like fuel surcharges or unexpected add-ons for oversized tires. These items can inflate your final bill if they were not disclosed during the quoting process.
-
Booking Cancellation: Cancel early to avoid losing your deposit.
-
Rate Changes: Market demand can drive prices up at the last minute.
-
Price-Lock: Always ask if your quote is guaranteed or just an estimate.
You can learn more about protecting your money in our guide on hidden car shipping fees. Being proactive prevents the stress of your rights if a car shipping company cancels last minute.
Always get your agreement in writing. This ensures you have proof of the agreed-upon price and terms if a dispute arises during the shipping process.
Service Quality And Shipping Experience
You need a transport partner that respects your time and your property. Royal Auto Ship works to maintain high standards across their nationwide network of drivers.
Quote Process and Booking Experience
Your journey starts with a simple inquiry. You can use their online quote system for a quick estimate or call for a phone consultation. Speaking with an agent often provides more clarity.
The agents at Royal Auto Ship aim for transparency with their initial estimates. They break down the costs so you see exactly where your money goes.
Customers often mention specific agents like Oscar or Nelson for their responsiveness. They stay in touch to answer your questions and guide you through the paperwork.
Quick communication helps you feel secure during the booking phase. You can check out our 5 online car shipping quotes mistakes to avoid to ensure you get the most accurate price from the start.
Most people find the booking process straightforward and professional. The company focuses on making the logistics feel less like a chore and more like a managed service.
Carrier Assignment & Dispatch Timeline
Once you book, the company starts the search for a driver. They typically match vehicles with carriers within a few days, depending on your route.
Typical pickup windows range from one to five business days. If you live in a major city, you might see a truck much faster than if you are in a rural area.
Market-driven delays can happen due to weather or heavy traffic on popular routes. Royal Auto Ship handles these by keeping you updated and finding backup drivers if needed.
They vet every carrier to ensure they meet safety standards. You can verify this by looking at FMCSA Company Data for the carriers in their network.
A smooth dispatch timeline is vital for a stress-free move. Their goal is to get your car on the road without unnecessary waiting or confusing schedule changes.
Delivery Accuracy & On-Time Performance
You want to know exactly when your car will arrive. Royal Auto Ship provides realistic delivery windows based on the total mileage of your trip.
Cross-country transport usually takes seven to ten days. Shorter regional moves might only take two or three days from the time of pickup.
The company encourages drivers to maintain constant communication during transit. You can often track your vehicle's progress through direct updates from the trucker.
-
Realistic Timelines: They avoid promising impossible speeds just to get your business.
-
Proactive Updates: You should receive a call from the driver about 24 hours before delivery.
-
Safe Arrival: Their network focuses on damage-free delivery at your front door.
If you are moving for school, our ultimate guide to college student car shipping offers more tips on timing. Reliable performance ensures your car is ready when you reach your new destination.
Royal Auto Ship Reputation And Trustworthiness
You can measure the reliability of Royal Auto Ship by looking at their strong presence on major review platforms. They hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and maintain high scores on Trustpilot.
Customers frequently praise agents like Oscar and Nelson for their constant communication and honest pricing. Most users report a smooth process where the final price matches the initial estimate provided during the booking phase.
-
Common Praise: Quick scheduling, professional agents, and on-time deliveries.
-
Common Complaints: Occasional dispatch delays or schedule shifts due to carrier availability.
-
Response Style: The company actively replies to feedback and works to resolve disputes regarding deposit refunds or timing.
Their carrier network remains a core strength. They use a strict screening process to verify that every driver has active insurance and a solid safety record.
You should check FMCSA Company Data to see the safety metrics of any carrier assigned to your move. This ensures your vehicle is in the hands of a compliant professional.
Comparing user experiences across BBB, Trustpilot, and Transportvibe helps you get a full picture of their service quality.
Inside the Auto Transport Process: Your Most Common Queries
Navigating the world of car shipping involves more than just getting a price. These are the specific details savvy shippers ask about when coordinating with Royal Auto Ship.
What is the best way to ship a non-running vehicle across the country?
You should choose a carrier equipped with a winch or forklift. Royal Auto Ship identifies these specialized drivers to ensure your inoperable car is safely loaded without causing further mechanical damage.
How do I track my vehicle during the car shipping process?
You can receive direct updates from your assigned driver or contact your broker agent. Royal Auto Ship facilitates communication so you know exactly where your car is during its interstate journey.
Can you ship a car with personal items inside the trunk?
Most carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal goods secured in the trunk. However, these items are not covered by the auto transport insurance guide if they are damaged or stolen.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport for luxury cars?
Open transport is budget-friendly, while enclosed shipping offers a shield against weather and road debris. For high-value assets, check out our guide to shipping classic cars for extra protection.
What documentation do I need to supply to ship my car?
You generally only need to provide the keys and sign the Bill of Lading. Unlike international moves, most domestic shipments do not require the original title or registration at the time of pickup.
Is Royal Auto Ship a Safe and Cost-Effective Choice for Auto Transport?
Royal Auto Ship serves as a reliable broker for those needing a wide network and professional logistics support. Their strength lies in their massive carrier database and highly responsive agents like Oscar and Nelson, who guide you through every step. While the broker model means they don't own the trucks, they excel at vetting drivers and managing timelines.
Choosing Royal Auto Ship is a solid move if you value pricing transparency and a proven track record. Just remember to verify the specific carrier's insurance before the tires hit the pavement. Comparing multiple options ensures you get the best deal for your specific route.
Ready to get your vehicle on the road with a trusted partner? You can get a quote today to secure a competitive rate and experience a professional, stress-free shipping process for your next relocation.
