How to Ship Multiple Vehicles During a Move: Expert Tips from Montway Auto Transport

Moving a household is complicated enough — but for the millions of families relocating with two or more cars, coordinating vehicle transport adds another layer of logistics. We spoke with Chris Velazquez, Vice President of Retail Sales at Montway Auto Transport, one of the country's leading auto transport brokers, to get practical guidance on how to plan a smooth multi-vehicle move — especially during the busy summer season.

If you're moving this summer and wondering whether to ship your cars rather than drive them, you're not alone. Multi-car households have become the norm across the U.S., and so has the decision to ship those vehicles rather than coordinate multiple long-distance road trips.

Montway saw a 9% increase in multi-vehicle orders last year compared to 2024, a figure that reflects a broader shift in how families approach relocation. "We're seeing more families relocating with two or more vehicles," says Velazquez. "Whether it's a short move or long-distance, shipping multiple vehicles helps avoid the time and cost of coordinating multiple road trips."

With more families projected to relocate in 2026 and beyond, demand for auto transport — particularly for multi-vehicle households — is expected to keep climbing.

Summer is the busiest time of year for both moving companies and auto transport providers. Families take advantage of school breaks and better weather, which drives a significant surge in demand from May through August.

The practical upshot: availability gets tighter and pricing can shift quickly. Velazquez recommends booking at least two to three weeks in advance for a peak-season move — and even earlier if you're shipping more than one vehicle.

"Booking ahead gives you more flexibility, better pricing options, and a smoother overall experience," he says. "With that in mind, we understand that many customers are arranging their vehicle shipment as one of the final steps of their move. Our extensive carrier network makes it possible for us to accommodate everyone's timeline."

The takeaway: the earlier you book, the more options you'll have — on price, timing, and carrier selection.

One of the first decisions you'll face when booking auto transport is choosing between open and enclosed carriers. Here's what you need to know:

Open transport is the most widely used option. Vehicles are loaded onto an open trailer — the same type you've likely seen hauling new cars on the highway. It's cost-effective and reliable for the vast majority of everyday vehicles.

Enclosed transport offers additional protection from weather and road conditions, making it a better fit for luxury cars, classics, antiques, or high-value vehicles. It's also worth considering whether your move falls during a period of severe weather.

"For most standard vehicles, open transport is a safe and practical choice," Velazquez says. "Enclosed transport is better suited for luxury, classic, or high-value cars, or when transport must occur during periods of inclement weather."

If you're not sure which option fits your situation, a reputable transport broker can walk you through the trade-offs based on your specific vehicles and route.

Auto transport pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence what you'll pay and how quickly a carrier can be assigned:

Seasonality is the biggest driver. Summer demand pushes prices up and availability down — another reason to book early.

Route popularity also plays a role. High-traffic routes between major metros tend to have more carrier options and competitive pricing. Less common routes may require more flexibility on timing.

Vehicle size and condition matter too. Larger vehicles take up more carrier space, and inoperable vehicles require special equipment.

Flexibility with timing can work in your favor. Customers who can accommodate a pickup or delivery window rather than a fixed date often have more options and may see better pricing.

"Seasonality is the biggest factor," says Velazquez. "Beyond that, route popularity, vehicle size and condition, fuel costs, and how flexible a customer is with timing all play a role in pricing and how quickly a carrier can be assigned."

For customers shipping multiple vehicles for the first time, the process can seem daunting. The good news: from the customer's perspective, shipping two cars isn't dramatically different from shipping one.

"The trucker may need to plan a bit more to accommodate the additional vehicle, so a little flexibility in your schedule can be helpful," Velazquez explains. "As a bonus, Montway offers discounts for multi-car shipments."

The key is being upfront with your transport provider from the start about how many vehicles you're shipping, so they can coordinate space on a carrier accordingly.

Even well-organized movers can run into trouble with auto transport. These are the most common — and costly — mistakes to watch out for:

Waiting too long to book. During peak season, last-minute bookings mean limited carrier options, higher prices, and more stress. Build vehicle transport into your moving plan from the beginning.

Choosing based on price alone. The cheapest quote isn't always the best deal. Vetting a carrier's credentials, insurance coverage, and reputation is essential.

Not understanding pickup and delivery windows. Auto transport operates within time windows, not exact scheduled times. Planning around a specific hour on a specific day is a recipe for frustration.

Failing to prep your vehicle. Vehicles should be clean, free of personal items, and properly documented before pickup — both for safety and to protect you in the event of a damage claim.

The auto transport industry has its share of brokers and carriers that don't meet basic standards. Knowing how to vet a company protects both your vehicle and your finances.

Velazquez recommends confirming that any company you work with is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and holds a valid Motor Carrier (MC) number. Beyond that, verify their insurance coverage, read customer reviews across multiple platforms, and make sure the company has clear contact information and a transparent process.

"Customers will want to make sure their auto transport company has a vetted carrier network and strong security protocols in place," he says. "This goes a long way in protecting their vehicles and their peace of mind."

You can verify a company's DOT and MC number for free through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) online database.

If you're coordinating the transport of two or more vehicles this summer, Velazquez's advice comes down to a few key principles:

Start planning early. Don't leave vehicle transport as an afterthought. Build it into your moving timeline from the start.

Be upfront about your vehicles. Tell your transport provider exactly how many cars you're shipping so they can plan carrier space accordingly.

Stay flexible on dates. Flexibility with pickup and delivery windows can mean better availability and potentially better pricing.

Prepare each vehicle properly. Clean your cars before pickup, remove all personal belongings, and document the condition of each vehicle with photos before it's loaded.

Choose a reputable provider. Credentials, insurance, carrier network quality, and customer reviews all matter — not just the price on the quote.

Shipping multiple vehicles during a move doesn't have to be stressful. With the right planning, a reputable transport provider, and a little flexibility on timing, it can be one of the smoother parts of an otherwise hectic process.

The key is starting early — especially during the busy summer months when demand peaks and availability tightens. Book ahead, do your homework on providers, and prep your vehicles properly. The rest has a way of falling into place.

Related: Expert Interview Series: 2025 Car Shipping Trends with Mark Scholl from Montway Auto Transport