Best way to ship a car

Understanding your transport options

• Open transport: Your vehicle rides on an open-air carrier with other vehicles, exposed to weather but well-secured. This is the most economical option and provides excellent protection for standard vehicles.
• Enclosed transport: Your vehicle ships in a covered trailer, protected from weather and road debris. This premium option costs 50-80% more and is ideal for high-value, classic, or luxury vehicles.
• Door-to-door service: The carrier picks up and delivers directly at your specified addresses when truck access permits. This is the standard service most carriers provide.
• Terminal-to-terminal: You drop off and pick up your vehicle at the carrier's terminal locations. This can save money but adds inconvenience and requires your time for both trips.
• Expedited shipping: Guaranteed pickup within 24-48 hours for an additional fee (typically $200-$400). Standard shipping usually picks up within 1-5 days, which works fine for most people.

How to choose the right method for your situation

Start by evaluating your vehicle's value and condition. Standard vehicles worth under $50,000 ship safely and economically with open transport. High-value cars, classics, exotics, or vehicles with sentimental value benefit from enclosed transport's extra protection. Consider your timeline—standard shipping with 1-5 day pickup windows costs less than expedited service. Factor in accessibility at your pickup and delivery locations. If large trucks can easily access both addresses, door-to-door service is straightforward. Difficult access areas may require meeting the carrier at a nearby location or using terminal service.

Best practices for any shipping method

• Book 2-4 weeks in advance for the best carrier selection and pricing
• Choose a licensed and insured carrier—verify their USDOT and MC numbers
• Read and understand the insurance coverage and what it actually covers
• Document your vehicle's condition thoroughly with photos before shipping
• Remove all personal items from the vehicle (they're not covered by insurance)
• Keep fuel tank at 1/4 full or less to reduce weight
• Disable alarms and toll transponders to avoid issues during transport
• Maintain communication with your carrier and be flexible with timing

When to choose open transport

Open transport is the right choice for most situations and vehicles. It's ideal for standard sedans, SUVs, and trucks in normal operating condition. The method works well when you're relocating, buying or selling a vehicle, or need cost-effective transport. Your car rides on the same type of carriers that deliver new vehicles from factories to dealerships. The savings compared to enclosed transport—often $500-$800 on cross-country shipments—can be significant without sacrificing safety or reliability.

When to choose enclosed transport

Enclosed transport makes sense for high-value vehicles typically worth over $50,000, classic or antique cars, exotic or luxury vehicles, show cars, or any vehicle with significant sentimental value. The enclosed trailer provides protection from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. While it costs more, the peace of mind for irreplaceable or very expensive vehicles often justifies the premium. If you'd be uncomfortable with your car exposed to the elements during a 1,000+ mile journey, enclosed transport is worth considering.

The complete shipping process

• Research and book: Get quotes from multiple companies, verify credentials, and book 2-4 weeks ahead when possible
• Prepare your vehicle: Clean it thoroughly, document condition with photos, remove personal items, check tire pressure and fluid levels
• Pickup: Meet the carrier at the scheduled time, do a walk-around inspection together, sign the Bill of Lading noting any existing damage
• Transit: Your vehicle travels to its destination—stay in contact with the carrier for updates
• Delivery: Do another thorough inspection before signing, document any new damage immediately, pay the remaining balance
• Follow-up: Report any damage claims within 24 hours and keep all documentation

Common mistakes to avoid

• Choosing a carrier solely based on the lowest price without checking credentials and reviews
• Booking too close to your move date, limiting your options and increasing costs
• Not documenting vehicle condition properly before shipping
• Leaving personal items in the car that aren't covered by insurance
• Accepting the first quote without comparing multiple reputable carriers
• Failing to read the contract and understand the insurance coverage
• Not asking about the carrier's experience with your specific route
• Rushing through the pickup or delivery inspection