How Car Shipping Works — 3 Simple Steps
How Car Shipping Works
Ship your car anywhere in the USA in 3 simple steps
Get Your Free Quote
Fill out our quick quote form or call us at (855) 238-6683. Tell us your pickup city, delivery city, vehicle type, and preferred shipping date. You’ll receive an instant estimate in under 60 seconds.
- Open carrier — most affordable, fits 7-10 vehicles
- Enclosed carrier — premium protection for luxury, classic, or exotic cars
- Door-to-door — picked up and delivered at your addresses
- Terminal-to-terminal — drop off and pick up at carrier terminals (saves $50-$150)
Book & Schedule Pickup
Once you accept the quote, we assign a licensed, insured carrier from our vetted network. You’ll receive:
- Carrier details — company name, USDOT number, insurance info
- Pickup window — typically 1-5 business days after booking
- Bill of Lading — legal document noting your vehicle’s condition at pickup
- Tracking updates — know where your vehicle is at all times
Pro tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for the best rates. Last-minute shipments cost 15-25% more.
Delivery & Inspection
Your vehicle arrives at the destination within the estimated timeframe:
- 0-500 miles: 1-3 days
- 500-1,000 miles: 3-5 days
- 1,000-1,500 miles: 5-7 days
- Coast-to-coast: 7-10 days
At delivery, inspect your vehicle against the Bill of Lading. Note any new damage before signing the delivery receipt. All carriers in our network carry minimum $750,000 cargo insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Average costs range from $500 for short distances (under 500 miles) to $1,500-$2,200 for coast-to-coast transport. Factors include distance, vehicle size, transport type (open vs enclosed), and season.
Is my car insured during transport?
Yes. All carriers in our network are required to carry minimum $750,000 cargo insurance as mandated by the FMCSA. You can request a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup.
Can I put personal items in my car?
Most carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk. However, these items are NOT covered by the carrier’s insurance. We recommend removing all valuables.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Someone over 18 must be present to sign the Bill of Lading at both pickup and delivery. This can be you or an authorized representative (friend, family member, dealership).
What’s the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport uses multi-car carriers exposed to weather — it’s the most common (85% of shipments) and most affordable option. Enclosed transport uses fully covered trailers, ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. Enclosed costs about 40-60% more.