Shipping a car sounds complicated the first time, but the process is straightforward once you see the whole path. Here's how it actually works, start to finish.
The process, step by step
- Get an estimate. Start with a realistic price range for your route, vehicle and transport type — so you can spot lowball bait quotes later.
- Book with a carrier or broker. Most people book through a broker, who posts your shipment to a national load board where vetted carriers bid on it.
- Carrier assignment & pickup window. A carrier accepts the job and you get a pickup window (usually a 1–3 day range, not an exact hour).
- Pickup & inspection. The driver inspects the car with you, notes any existing damage on a Bill of Lading, and you both sign it. Photograph everything.
- In transit. Your car rides with several others. Transit time depends mostly on distance — roughly 1–2 days per 500 miles.
- Delivery & final inspection. At drop-off you inspect again against that same Bill of Lading. If anything changed, note it before you sign.
Pickup prep checklist
Fifteen minutes of prep prevents almost every dispute. Before the driver arrives:
- Wash the car so existing scratches and dings are visible for the inspection.
- Photograph all four sides, the roof and any existing damage, with timestamps.
- Remove all personal items and toll transponders (carriers aren't licensed to haul household goods).
- Leave about a quarter tank of gas — enough to load and unload, not so much it adds weight.
- Disable the alarm and note any quirks (kill switch, manual, low clearance) for the driver.
- Fold in mirrors, retract the antenna, and secure or remove loose exterior parts.
- Check for leaks — a leaking car can't ship on the bottom deck.
What it costs
Distance is the biggest price factor, then vehicle size, open vs. enclosed transport, and season. Get a route-specific range from the calculator before you book.