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The Ultimate Guide to How to Ship a Car

Shipping a car might seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and a reliable partner, the process can be simple and stress-free. Whether you’re relocating across the country, buying a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer, or sending a car to a family member, knowing how to ship a car properly is the first step.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the process, from getting a quote to preparing your vehicle for pickup and final delivery. Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to make an informed decision and ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping Your Car

Step 1: Research and Get Quotes

Before you can ship a car, you need to find a reputable company. Begin your search by looking for companies with positive customer reviews and a strong industry reputation. Pay attention to feedback regarding transparency, communication, and on-time delivery. Once you have a shortlist of potential providers, request a free, no-obligation quote. A good quote should be detailed and transparent, breaking down the costs and explaining what is included, such as insurance coverage.

Step 2: Choose Your Service Type

When you ship a car, you’ll typically have two main options: open or enclosed transport.

Open Transport: This is the most common and cost-effective method. Your vehicle is transported on an open-air carrier, similar to the ones you see on highways. It’s an excellent choice for standard, everyday vehicles and for those looking to save money.

Enclosed Transport: This option provides added protection for your vehicle by transporting it in a fully enclosed trailer. It’s ideal for luxury cars, classic cars, and custom vehicles that require protection from road debris, weather, and other elements. While it costs more, the peace of mind is invaluable for high-value automobiles.

Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

Proper preparation is crucial to ensure a seamless process when you ship a car.

Clean and Inspect: Wash your car and take detailed photos of its exterior and interior. This serves as documentation of the vehicle’s pre-existing condition and can be helpful for the Bill of Lading (BOL).

Remove Personal Items: All personal belongings must be removed from the vehicle. Transport companies are not liable for personal items, and leaving them can lead to delays or issues with the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Check Fluids and Tires: Ensure your vehicle has a quarter tank of gas or less, as this reduces weight. Check all fluid levels and tire pressure.

Disable Alarms: Turn off any car alarms or anti-theft devices to prevent them from accidentally activating during transport.

Provide Key: A working set of keys must be provided to the driver for loading and unloading.

Step 4: The Pickup and Delivery Process

On the scheduled day, the transport driver will arrive to pick up your vehicle. You will both perform a final inspection and sign the BOL, which documents the car’s condition. The driver will then load the car and begin the journey. You will be provided with tracking information to monitor your vehicle’s progress. Upon delivery, you will perform a final inspection, compare it to the original BOL, and sign to accept the vehicle.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Ship a Car

Distance:

The longer the route, the higher the overall total vehicle shipping cost.

Vehicle Type:

Larger or heavier vehicles (like SUVs and trucks) require more space and cost more to transport than smaller cars.

Transport Type:

Open carriers are a more common and cost-effective option, while enclosed carriers offer premium protection for a higher price.

Location:

Shipping to and from major metropolitan areas is often more affordable due to higher driver availability.

Time of Year:

Prices can fluctuate with seasonal demand, particularly during summer and holiday months.

Why Choose Payless Auto Shipping Services to Ship a Car?

Nationwide Coverage

Our extensive network of over 10,000 certified carriers ensures that we can provide reliable, door-to-door service to nearly any location in the country.

Transparent Pricing

We believe in honest, upfront pricing. Our quotes are all-inclusive, with no hidden fees, so you can rest assured that the price you are quoted is the price you pay.

Exceptional Customer Service

Our dedicated team is available to answer your questions and provide support at every stage of the process, from your initial quote to final delivery.

Safety and Security

We work only with fully licensed and insured carriers, and our rigorous vetting process ensures your vehicle is handled with the utmost care.

Get a Transparent Car Shipping Quote

Ready to find out your exact cost? We’ve made it incredibly easy to get the information you need. Our simple, user-friendly online tool will ask you for a few key details about your shipment and, in just a few minutes, provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. There’s no need to call multiple companies or wait for a sales representative to get back to you—your transparent and accurate car shipping cost is just a few clicks away.

FAQs

Once the Customer reserves the transport, the Usual Turn Around Time is 1-5 Business days, however ideally the Job can be done sooner once the Driver/ Truck-space is available.

The drivers are constantly picking up and delivering 8-9 vehicles at a time and can only travel 400 to 500 miles per day according to US Department of Transportation guidelines. Cross country transit time is usually 5 to 8 days. 

Auto Carrier Companies we work with are the ‘Top A Rated’ have a up to $250,000 in cargo insurance. There will be thorough Inspection of the vehicle before/after transit and noted on the Bill of Lading. 
**Please note Insurance companies will not cover any damage that is not noted during Inspections as mentioned on the BOL (Bill of Lading). **

Get free car shipping quotes for estimated rate to transport your car in the 48 states Nationwide or call us at 877 786 1789. Quotes are mere estimates and are subject to change as per availability of Truck Space and Trailers on the route.

To reserve your spot on the Trailer, 1/4th Advance amount paid via credit /debit card, Zelle, Venmo, or Secure payment link. the remaining 3/4th balance is paid to the carrier upon delivery. Payment methods on delivery include Cash, Zelle, Venmo Cash-app and Cashier’s check are accepted.

Yes, you are allowed to put under 100 LBS of belongings in the trunk of the vehicle during transport.

Open auto transport is the most economic shipping method as they are more frequent. They carry between 8-10 cars and usually do Cross Country. In the Open Trailer Both the Sides and Top of the trailers are open and can vary in size from a 1-car flat Bed to an 11-car dual-level car carrier. 

It is considered as Premium service which is the Safest and Quickest when opted by the Customer. The Enclosed auto transport involves transporting vehicles in Box trailers. Enclosed carriers are typically used for high-end/ Luxury cars or showcase vehicles, classic cars, hot rods or Customized cars. They have climate control inside the trailer so that the vehicle is safe not subjected weather changes or outside influence to cause damage.  

After Customer confirms the details, the Dispatcher will Instruct the Driver about vehicle condition and carry the necessary equipment required to Load it on the Trailer.

We are a 5 Star Rated Company having 100 % ratings on the Centralized system and Google. We do 48 states Nation Wide and take Loads of Cars, SUVs, Bikes, Trikes, Boats, Pick-up trucks and do specific Heavy Loads too.

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