How Does Car Shipping Work
How Does Car Shipping Work? A Step-by-Step Guide
Shipping a car doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle online, or sending a car to a family member, understanding how auto transport works helps you avoid delays, unexpected costs, and unnecessary stress.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the car shipping process from start to finish—what happens after you request a quote, how carriers are assigned, what to expect on pickup day, and how delivery works. By the end, you’ll know exactly how vehicle shipping works and how to prepare.
Step 1: Requesting a Car Shipping Quote
The process begins with a quote. You’ll provide basic information such as pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, preferred transport method (open or enclosed), and your desired pickup timeframe.
Pricing is based on distance, route demand, vehicle size, seasonality, and how flexible your pickup window is. A wider window usually results in better pricing.
Step 2: Scheduling & Carrier Assignment
Once you’re ready to move forward, your order is scheduled and a licensed carrier is assigned. Carriers are selected based on route availability, timing, and vehicle requirements.
Most car shipments are door-to-door. This means the carrier will get as close as legally and safely possible to your pickup and delivery locations.
Step 3: Vehicle Pickup
On pickup day, the driver will inspect your vehicle and document its condition on a Bill of Lading. This includes noting any existing cosmetic damage before transport begins.
Before pickup, you should:
- Remove personal items from the vehicle
- Disable alarms and toll tags
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel
- Take photos for your records
Step 4: Transit & Tracking
Once loaded, your vehicle is transported along the scheduled route. Transit time depends on distance, weather, traffic, and carrier schedules.
Cross-country shipments typically take longer than regional routes, and delays can occasionally occur due to road conditions or safety regulations.
Step 5: Vehicle Delivery
At delivery, you’ll inspect the vehicle again before signing off. Compare the vehicle’s condition to the original Bill of Lading.
If you notice new damage, note it on the delivery paperwork before signing and take photos immediately.
Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport
Most vehicles ship using open auto transport, which is cost-effective and reliable. Enclosed transport offers added protection and is commonly used for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
Is Car Shipping Safe?
Yes. Professional auto transport is a widely used and regulated service. Carriers are required to carry insurance, and inspections at pickup and delivery help protect your vehicle throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how car shipping works makes the experience smoother and more predictable. From quoting and scheduling to pickup and delivery, each step is designed to safely move your vehicle with minimal effort on your part.
If you’re planning to ship a car soon, learning the process ahead of time helps you choose the right service and avoid surprises along the way.