How Does Car Transport Work?
Getting started is easy, just tell us the pickup and delivery locations, vehicle info and preferred shipping dates. You will get a quote and decide if you want open or enclosed transport.
Once booked, the transport company will assign a carrier and schedule a pickup. The driver checks the vehicle and records its condition on the Bill of Lading. At the end of the process, the car is shipped to the delivery location for a final inspection before you accept it.
What Happens at Pickup and Delivery?
At Pickup
The driver will meet you at the pickup location. If the truck cannot safely enter your street, you may meet at a nearby parking lot or another open area.
Before loading, you and the driver will check the car and note any existing damage on the Bill of Lading. Take a few photos for your records, remove any remaining personal items, and give the driver the keys.
At Delivery
The driver will contact you before arriving. Check the car carefully before signing the Bill of Lading. Compare its condition with your pickup photos and inspection report.
If you notice new damage, write it on the Bill of Lading, take photos, and contact the auto transport company as soon as possible.
Procedures To Follow When Shipping
Everything to have ready before your car is picked up.
1 Clean the car before pickup
2 Remove personal belongings
3 Leave quarter tank of gas
4 Get keys and papers ready
1 Clean the car before pickup
2 Remove personal belongings
3 Leave quarter tank of gas
4 Get keys and papers ready
About the Bill of Lading: it's the contract between you and the driver and works as your receipt, as well as listing any pre-existing damage. Review it carefully at pickup and again at delivery.
Estimated Car Shipping Times by Distance
Shipping a car to another state or across the US takes planning, from getting a quote to setting up pickup and delivery. This quick auto transport guide shows what delivery windows to expect.
Before pickup, remove loose items like chargers, coins, and air fresheners so nothing moves around during transport.
NOTE: Car carriers follow federal Hours of Service rules, not a fixed mileage limit. Because of driving and rest-time rules, most long-distance carriers cover about 500 to 600 miles per day when traffic, weather, and loading time allow.
Estimated Car Shipping Times by Distance
Shipping a car to another state or across the US takes planning, from getting a quote to setting up pickup and delivery. This quick auto transport guide shows what delivery windows to expect.
Before pickup, remove loose items like chargers, coins, and air fresheners so nothing moves around during transport.
NOTE: Car carriers follow federal Hours of Service rules, not a fixed mileage limit. Because of driving and rest-time rules, most long-distance carriers cover about 500 to 600 miles per day when traffic, weather, and loading time allow.
Choose Between Open and Enclosed Transport
Open Car Transport
Open transport is usually the cheaper option since one carrier can take a number of vehicles on the same trip. Suitable for everyday cars, sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and standard dealership vehicles.
Enclosed Car Transport
Enclosed transport costs more, but gives your vehicle added cover from weather and road exposure. Suitable for classic, luxury, exotic, custom, restored and other high-value vehicles needing specialized transport.
What Affects Car Shipping Cost?
No two shipments cost exactly the same. Your price mainly depends on
Where your car is going: Longer distances and remote locations may cost more.
What you’re shipping: Larger, heavier, or modified vehicles need more carrier space.
How you ship it: Open transport usually costs less than enclosed transport.
Whether the car runs: Inoperable vehicles may need special loading equipment.
Review Your Car Shipping Insurance
Before pickup, ask the transport company to explain what car shipping insurance applies to your vehicle during loading, transit, and delivery.
Confirm that the assigned carrier has active insurance coverage.
Ask what the coverage includes and whether any limits apply.
Understand how your vehicle’s condition will be inspected and recorded.
Know who to contact and what steps to follow if damage occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare my car before shipping?
How long will it take to ship my car?
What is the difference between open and enclosed car transport?
What affects the cost of shipping my car?
Have another question? See all FAQs or contact us