How to ship a car

Get a quote and book your order
When you want to know how to ship a car, getting a quote is the first step in the process. Contact us today to get your free instant quote. Use our instant online quote calculator, and all it takes is just a couple of seconds of your time. Or, you can speak directly with our shipping advisors at 800-716-1623 or use Live Chat.
When you contact us to find out how to move a car, we’ll ask for some simple info. You’ll need to provide the city and state where you want your vehicle to be picked up, the city and state where you want us to deliver your vehicle, the make, model, and year of the vehicle. You also need to let us know whether it is running or not, however you prefer to ship your car, and when it will be ready for pick-up.1

When you’re choosing or picking how to ship a car, you get to pick from open car transport and enclosed auto transport. The most common and economical way to ship your car is open car transport. The carrier uses an open trailer to transport your car, but this does leave it exposed to the elements (aka) weather conditions. Don’t worry about this because it’s a very safe and secure method that  85% of our customers use.

Choose enclosed auto transport, and your vehicle will get the maximum protection possible as it will be transported in a covered trailer that protects your vehicle from dirt, debris, moisture, salt, and the weather. Such extra protection does come at a higher price. On average, it costs between 30% and 40% more than open car transport.

We pick up your vehicle

How to ship your car step #2 is the pick up of your vehicle. The carrier assigned to your shipment will contact you a few hours ahead of time to let you know they’re on their way. You will need to confirm that commercial vehicles can access the pick-up location. Before they contact you, check whether there are any restrictions, overhead power cables, or low-hanging branches that will impede the carrier’s truck and trailer.

Upon the carrier’s arrival, you both check your vehicle for any existing damages, such as dents, scratches, or dings. You record these on the Bill of Lading and then sign it to confirm you’re all good before the carrier drives away. You’ll be given a copy of this vital document for you to keep. When you receive your vehicle, you’ll need it to compare the condition of your vehicle.

You receive your vehicle

How to ship a car is not a long or a  drawn-out process, and before you know it, the carrier will be getting in touch to let you know they’re just a few hours away from the delivery location. This is merely a courtesy call. However, they’re also informing you so you can make sure you’re available to receive your car. Don’t worry if you know you’re going to be busy because it is possible to make alternative arrangements to receive your call. You can nominate a third party to act on your behalf. The only thing is that they have to be 18 years of age or older. When your vehicle is unloaded, the driver will ask you to check the condition of your vehicle and compare it with the Bill of Lading. Once you chose the Discounted Price payment option, now is when you hand over the final payment to the driver. You can pay in cash, zelle, cash app with a money order or cashier’s check.