The process
How Car Shipping Works
Shipping a vehicle across the country does not have to be complicated. Here is exactly what happens from the moment you request a quote to the day your car arrives.
Step by step
Six straightforward steps
from quote to delivery.
Get a quote
Tell us your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and preferred timeline. You will receive an honest, all-inclusive price within minutes. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch.
Book your order
Once you approve the quote, we lock in your price and assign a dedicated transport coordinator. A small deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance is due at delivery.
Vehicle pickup
A vetted carrier arrives at your specified pickup location within the agreed window. The driver performs a thorough condition inspection with you and loads the vehicle onto the trailer.
In transit
Your vehicle is transported on a fully insured carrier. Your coordinator monitors progress and provides updates. Most shipments cover 400-500 miles per day depending on the route.
Delivery
The driver contacts you before arrival to confirm timing. Upon delivery, you perform a final condition inspection together and sign the Bill of Lading. The remaining balance is collected.
Post-delivery
You receive a delivery confirmation and your file is kept on record. If anything needs attention, your coordinator remains available. We follow up to make sure everything went smoothly.
What to expect
Estimated transit times
by distance.
These are typical transit windows. Your coordinator will provide a more precise estimate based on your specific route, season, and transport type.
Transport methods
Open vs. enclosed
transport explained.
Open Transport
The most common and cost-effective method. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open multi-car carrier, the same type used to deliver new cars from factories to dealerships. It is exposed to weather and road debris but is perfectly safe for everyday vehicles.
- Best for sedans, SUVs, trucks, and minivans
- Lower cost, faster carrier availability
- Approximately 85% of vehicles ship this way
Enclosed Transport
A fully enclosed trailer shields your vehicle from all weather, road debris, and UV exposure. This is the preferred method for high-value, classic, exotic, or recently restored vehicles where cosmetic condition is paramount.
- Ideal for luxury, exotic, and classic cars
- Full protection from elements and road debris
- Typically 30-50% more than open transport
Before pickup
How to prepare
your vehicle for shipping.
- Remove all personal belongings and aftermarket accessories that could detach
- Wash your vehicle so existing damage is visible during the condition inspection
- Document the current condition with dated photos from all angles
- Ensure the battery is charged and tires are properly inflated
- Keep the fuel tank at about a quarter full to reduce weight
- Disable or deactivate any aftermarket alarms
- Provide one set of keys to the driver (a spare is recommended)
- Note any mechanical issues and inform your coordinator in advance
Want a printable checklist? Visit our blog for a complete vehicle preparation guide.
Common questions
Process FAQ
Transit times depend on distance. Local moves under 500 miles typically take 1-3 days. Cross-country shipments of 2,500+ miles usually take 7-10 days. Your coordinator provides a realistic window at booking.
Yes. Every carrier in our network carries cargo insurance that covers your vehicle from pickup to delivery. We verify active coverage before dispatching any shipment.
Someone over 18 must be present to sign the Bill of Lading and participate in the condition inspection at both ends. You can designate a trusted representative if you cannot be there personally.
Carriers generally allow a small amount of personal belongings in the trunk, but items are not covered by carrier insurance. We recommend keeping the vehicle empty to avoid complications.
Weather, mechanical issues, and traffic can occasionally affect timing. Your coordinator will notify you of any changes as soon as they occur and work to minimize the impact on your schedule.
Ready to ship?
Start with an honest quote.
Tell us where your vehicle needs to go. We will handle the rest with the same precision described above.