The complete car shipping guide
Everything you need to know before shipping your car. Get expert insights, avoid costly mistakes, and make informed decisions with 13+ years of industry experience.
Step-by-step guidance, cost breakdowns, and insider tips to ensure a smooth shipping experience
15 min read
Complete guide
Your complete shipping guide
Everything you need to know, explained simply
Preparing your vehicle
Get your car ready for safe transport
- Clean inside and out to identify existing damage
- Remove all personal items (not covered by insurance)
- Keep gas tank at 1/4 full or less
- Disable car alarms and secure loose parts
💡 Pro Tip: Take photos from all angles before pickup - this is crucial for insurance claims.
Understanding costs
Know what affects your shipping price
- Distance: Longer routes cost more, but cost per mile decreases
- Vehicle type: SUVs/trucks add $100-300, luxury cars $200-500
- Transport type: Enclosed adds $300-600 for premium protection
- Timing: Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best rates
💡 Pro Tip: Popular routes like CA to NY are often cheaper than rural pickups.
Timeline & scheduling
What to expect and when
- Booking to pickup: 1-7 days standard, up to 14 in peak season
- Coast to coast: 7-10 days transit time
- Regional shipping: 2-4 days for under 1,000 miles
- Delivery notice: 24-48 hours advance warning
💡 Pro Tip: Summer months (May-September) are busiest. Expect longer wait times.
Insurance & protection
Understanding your coverage
- All carriers have cargo insurance
- Covers damage during loading, transport, and delivery
- Personal items in car are NOT covered
- Pre-existing damage is excluded from coverage
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for the carrier's insurance certificate before pickup.
Red flags to avoid
How to spot bad brokers and carriers
- Quotes significantly below market rate
- No DOT/MC numbers provided
- Pressure to sign immediately
💡 Pro Tip: If someone asks for cash before delivery, it's likely a scam.
Expert tips
Pro insights for best results
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better rates and availability
- Be flexible with pickup dates to save money
- Get everything in writing before signing
- Don't sign if you disagree with damage assessment
💡 Pro Tip: The best experience comes from choosing quality service over just the cheapest price.
Step-by-Step guides
Complete walkthroughs for every part of the car shipping process. Follow along to ensure a smooth experience.
Getting our quote
Visit our quote calculator
Go to our homepage and enter your pickup and delivery locations
Our instant calculator provides real-time pricing based on current market conditions and carrier availability.
💡 Pro tips:
- Use exact cities for most accurate pricing
- Consider flexible dates for better rates
Interactive car shipping checklist
Follow this comprehensive checklist to ensure a smooth shipping experience. Complete all items to be fully prepared for your car shipment!
Finish the checklist to ensure you're completely ready for your car shipment
Preparation(0/4)
Wash and clean your vehicle inside and out
Remove all personal items from the car
Ensure gas tank is 1/4 full or less
Turn off car alarm or provide detailed instructions
Documentation(0/2)
Take photos of your car from all angles
Verify carrier insurance certificate
Research(0/2)
Get quotes from at least 3 different companies
Verify company DOT/MC numbers and reviews
Booking(0/2)
Read and understand the transport contract
Confirm your availability for pickup and delivery