Auto Transport Guides
Practical, specialist-written guides covering the questions our customers ask most. Built from working operator data — not industry estimates — and updated as pricing and practices evolve.
Comparison
Enclosed vs. Open Auto Transport: A 2026 Buyer's Guide
When the cheaper option is fine, and when paying for enclosed pays for itself.
6 min read
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Auto Transport
Why door-to-door is now the default — and the rare cases where terminal pickup still makes sense.
5 min read
Preparation
How to Prepare an Exotic Car for Enclosed Shipping
Twelve-step pre-pickup checklist used by Citadel specialists for every exotic shipment.
5 min read
Auction Transport Prep Checklist: From Bid to Delivery
Don't lose 25% on rushed transport — plan logistics before you raise your paddle.
5 min read
First-Time Auto Transport Buyer: Everything You Need to Know
The 20-minute primer that prevents the rookie mistakes most first-time shippers make.
9 min read
Technical
Soft vs. Hard Tie-Downs: Which Method Protects Your Vehicle?
Why every Citadel enclosed carrier uses soft tie-downs — and when hard chains are still appropriate.
4 min read
Liftgate vs. Ramp Loading: Which Does Your Car Need?
Ground-clearance thresholds, equipment differences, and a quick reference for common makes.
4 min read
Top-Load vs. Bottom-Load Enclosed Transport
When position in the trailer matters — and when carriers charge a top-load premium.
4 min read
Insurance
Enclosed Auto Transport Insurance: What's Covered, What Isn't
Cargo coverage tiers, gap insurance, and when to add supplemental policies for high-value vehicles.
7 min read
Auto Transport Insurance Claims: How They Actually Work
Step-by-step claims walkthrough, with example timelines and the documentation that matters.
7 min read
Logistics
How Long Does Enclosed Auto Transport Take?
Transit-time expectations from booking to delivery, with examples on common routes.
4 min read
Concours-Grade Auto Transport: What It Means and Why It Costs More
What separates concours-grade transport from standard enclosed — and when it's worth the premium.
5 min read
How to Ship a Non-Running Car
Winch loading, condition disclosure, insurance, and pricing for inoperable vehicles.
5 min read
International Auto Transport: A 2026 Guide
Step-by-step international shipping process, typical costs to UK/EU/Asia, and when to choose RoRo vs. container.
8 min read
Military Auto Transport (PCS Move) — A Complete Guide
POV shipping for active-duty service members: PCS reimbursement, port staging, and timeline expectations.
7 min read
Seasonal
Have a question we haven't covered?
Call a Citadel specialist — they've almost certainly answered it before.