How to Ship a Car

Shipping a Vehicle is simpler than you may think

How to Ship a Car: Our Auto Transport Process

How to ship a Vehicle is a straight forward process: you request a quote, book your order, we pickup and deliver your vehicle. The process of shipping a car remains the same, regardless of your reason for shipping — relocating, buying or selling online, or transporting for a special event.

How to Ship A Car (Step by Step)

Understanding how to ship a car doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The car shipping process is straightforward

Find a reputable car shipping company

Understanding how to ship a car starts with comparing reputable companies. Read customer reviews, check how long they’ve been in business, and check for proper licensing and insurance.

Get a quote

Start the process by requesting a car shipping quote. Most companies will ask for all the details of your move. This includes the vehicle type, pickup and delivery locations, and preferred service type.

Choose service type

For a standard car shipment, two common car shipping methods are enclosed transport for maximum protection or open transport for affordability. Door to door service offers convenience, especially when shipping your car across the country.

Schedule the transport

Once you’ve selected a car shipping company, confirm the shipping date, pickup date, and estimated delivery dates to ensure a smooth transport process. Clear communication about timelines will help avoid any scheduling conflicts.

Prepare your car for shipping

Before pick up, make sure your vehicle is clean and free of personal items. Proper preparation ensures your car arrives safely, even more so when transporting your car across the country.

Pre-delivery inspection/Inspect vehicle with carrier

At pick up, do an inspection of your vehicle with the carrier and note any existing damage on the bill of lading. This is to record your car’s condition before transport. Ask for a copy of the bill of lading.

Post-delivery inspection/review the bill of lading

When the carrier arrives for drop off, do another careful inspection of your vehicle with the transport driver. Compare its condition to the bill of lading and confirm everything is good before signing.

How Much Does It Cost?

Knowing how to ship a car includes knowing what impacts shipping costs. Distance, vehicle type, and transport type influence the price, whether you move your car across the country or locally. Requesting a car shipping quote will help you determine if you’re getting a fair pricing.

Factors impacting car shipping cost

These are the factors to consider when you ship a car:

Distance: This the most significant factor that determines the cost.
Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger vehicles will cost more to ship than smaller cars.
Transport Type: The type of transport you choose will also affect the cost. Choosing enclosed transport is more expensive than open transport.
Preferred Pickup Dates: Flexible dates can lower costs, while specific timelines might increase them.
Seasonality: Shipping cars during peak times, like summer, can affect pricing.
Delivery Location: Remote or hard-to-reach areas may increase cost.

How to ship a car for less money

There are various ways to save money when you ship a car. You can consider options like open car transport for cross country moves, flexibility on your schedule for pickup and delivery and convenient pickup and drop off locations. Here are some other ways to keep car transport affordable:

Choose open car shipping: This is the industry’s standard and most economic way of shipping cars.
Ship an operable car: Make sure your vehicle runs and drives. Carriers will add to the total costs if they’re handling inoperable cars.
Book in advance: Booking and reserving ahead of time will help you save the costs of expedite or last minute requests.
Be flexible with schedule: Having an open schedule will almost surely get you an affordable quote.
Transport during low-season: Shipping a car is typically cheaper in winter than in summer.
Ship to and from major cities: If you live in a rural area, arrange for your car pickup and delivery near a major city.
Transport multiple cars: Shipping more than (1) vehicle on the same truck will save you money.
Ask for discount: Are you an active military member, seasonal traveler, or repeat client? Ask for a discount.

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Choose the Right Vehicle Shipping Method

It’s important to understand the different car shipping options available. How to ship a car will depend on your budget, vehicle type, and transport needs. Two of the most common car shipping services are open and enclosed transport:

Open transport

Open car transport is the standard method for shipping vehicles. 90% of car transports are done on an open carrier. This is also the cheapest way to transport a car.

Enclosed transport

Enclosed shipping is the best method for transporting luxury vehicles or a classic car. An enclosed carrier protects your vehicle while in transport from weather and road debris.

What to Know About Cross Country Car Shipping

Cross country car shipping refers to the transport of vehicles across the country. By using a cross country car transport service, you avoid having to drive during long-distance moves which can be time consuming, tiring, and expensive. Driving your car across the country may seem like a cheaper option, but when you add the unexpected costs of lodging, food and fuel, the expenses can add up quickly. In addition, driving your car across the country increases the chances of mechanical issues, wear and tear, and costly repairs. A cross country vehicle shipping can help avoid these risks and provide you a with a better option.

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

How to prepare your car is an important step in car shipping. Preparing for your car’s journey makes car shipping smooth and hassle-free. It helps to protect your vehicle during transport and avoid any potential issues.

Clean your car inside and out

When you ship a car, cleaning your vehicle before pick up is recommended. A clean car makes inspecting for any pre-existing damage before transport easier.

Remove personal items

Remove all personal belongings from your vehicle, as auto carriers do not allow you to ship personal items inside the car. This helps ensure a safe and DOT compliant transport process.

Perform mechanical inspection

Check your car for any mechanical issues. It is recommended to inspect your car’s battery, breaks, tires and check for any leaking fluids prior to shipping.

Document your car’s condition (photos and notes)

Perform a thorough inspection. Take note of the vehicle’s mileage, car’s exterior, and any existing damage. Also, take photos to accurately record your vehicle’s condition before transport.

Leave only quarter tank of gas

Keep the gas tank no more than a quarter full. This helps reduce the weight of vehicles on carriers and potential safety risks when you ship a car.

How to Choose an Auto Transport Company

Choosing the right company will ensure you have a smooth car shipping process and a stress free experience. A reliable auto transport company will guide you through the entire process of how to ship a car, from getting a quote to when your vehicle is delivered. Here are some things to look for:

Proper Licensing: Ensure the company is licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Insurance Coverage: Verify that they offer sufficient insurance for your vehicle during transport.
Check Customer Reviews: Read testimonials and online reviews from previous clients. This is a good way to gauge a company’s reputation and the way they operate.
Transparent Pricing: Look for companies that offer all inclusive quotes. Always confirm your quotes have no hidden fees or additional costs.
Experience and Expertise: Choose a company with proven experience in the industry and handling various types of vehicles.

Difference Between Brokers and Carriers in the Auto Transport Industry

Most auto transport companies operate as either brokers, who connect customers with carriers, or as direct carriers, who handle the transport themselves. A car shipping company that acts as a broker may offer more options, while a carrier provides direct service. Knowing the difference between both will help you decide which type of company works best for you.

Auto transport broker

An auto transport broker works between you and a shipping company to help you ship a Vehicle. Brokers have access to a large network of carriers, which gives you more options for pricing and availability.

Auto transport carrier

An auto transport carrier is the shipping company that physically transports your vehicle. Unlike brokers, carriers own the trucks and are responsible for shipping cars safely to their destination. When you ship a car with a carrier, you work directly with the transport company.

Check Your Auto Shipper’s Insurance Coverage

Before you ship a car, verify that the transport company has the proper insurance. Ask for proof of coverage and clarify what damages are covered. If your vehicle sustains damage while being shipped, ask what is their process to file an insurance claim. Understanding your carrier’s policy is crucial to learning how to ship a car safely.

Why Ship a Car Instead of Driving It?

Using an auto transport service is often more convenient than driving, this is even more true if its a long distance move. Cross country car shipping saves time, reduces stress, and preserves your vehicle’s condition. Hiring an auto transport company will help handle all the logistics of your move, from pick up to delivery, ensuring you have a seamless process. Whether you need to ship a car across the country or across town, this option is a better alternative to driving your car cross country. Some reasons to ship a car instead of driving:

Save Time: Avoid spending days on the road.
Avoid Wear and Tear: Prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your car.
Safety: Reduce the risks of accidents or breakdowns during a long drive.
Convenience: An auto transport company manages the pick up and delivery process.
Cost Efficiency: Save on fuel, lodging, and meal expenses during the trip.

How to Ship a Car FAQs

How to ship a car safely?

First and foremost, the safest way to ship a car is by using a reputable and trusted auto transport company. As far as services, shipping your car in an enclosed trailer will help keep it safe from weather and external road conditions.

How long does it take to ship a car?

The time it takes to ship a car will depend on where its being picked up and where its being delivered. For example, a cross-country move will take approximately 7-12 days with fair weather and road conditions, or 2-4 days if it moves to a neighboring state.

How to ship a car that doesn’t run?

You can ship an inoperable car by using an inoperable car shipping service. Many carriers offer inoperable car transport to handle non-running cars. Make sure you discuss the condition of your vehicle at the time of requesting a quote.

What types of vehicles can be shipped?

Some commonly shipped vehicles include standard sedans, SUVs, trucks, vans, and motorcycles. However, few companies can handle not-so-common vehicles such as RVs, trailers, boats, oversized vehicles, and even heavy equipment.

Is expedited shipping available?

Yes, expedited shipping is available. An expedited transport allows you to get your car on the road in the fastest time possible.