Shipping a Car You Bought on Facebook Marketplace? Here’s How to Do It Right

Whether you’re about to pull the trigger on a deal 700 miles away, or you already sent the payment and now you’re staring at your phone wondering how the car gets to you — you’re in the right place. Shipping a car from a private seller is completely normal, straightforward, and happens every day. The catch is that most guides assume you’re dealing with a dealership. You’re not. You’re dealing with a real person who has no obligation to make this easy for you.

This guide answers exactly what happens when you use an auto transport company to pick up a car from a stranger’s home — including the stuff that can go sideways.

How Facebook Marketplace Car Shipping Actually Works

Here’s the short version: you book the shipment, give your carrier the seller’s address and contact info, and the carrier handles coordination with the seller directly. You don’t need to be in two places at once, and the seller doesn’t need to do much.

1. You get a quote and book the shipment with a transport broker (like Navi).
2. You provide the seller’s address, phone number, and an availability window (“they’re available weekday mornings” is fine).
3. The carrier contacts the seller 24–48 hours before pickup to confirm a time.
4. The carrier picks up the vehicle, completes a condition inspection, and loads it on the trailer.
5. The car is delivered to your address — or a nearby accessible lot if your street doesn’t fit a transport truck.
6. You inspect on delivery, sign the Bill of Lading, and pay the remaining balance if applicable.

What Does the Seller Have to Do?

Almost nothing. This is worth saying clearly because it’s the #1 concern buyers have: what if the seller doesn’t cooperate?

• Be available during the pickup window (or arrange for someone else to release the vehicle)
• Have the keys ready
• Leave a reasonable amount of fuel in the tank (typically ¼ tank)
• Not park it somewhere that blocks a 75-foot transport truck

That’s it. They don’t sign transfer paperwork at pickup. They don’t need to be on the title. They don’t need to meet you.

What Information Does the Shipper Need From You?

• Seller’s full address (street, city, state, zip)
• Seller’s name and phone number
• Seller’s general availability window (“weekdays after noon” is fine)
• Vehicle year, make, model, and whether it runs and drives
• Your delivery address and your contact info

You do not need the title in hand to book. You do not need to provide the VIN upfront — the carrier records it at pickup. You do not need to be physically present at either end unless you choose to be.

Can You Ship a Car That Isn’t in Your Name Yet?

Yes — and this is the question almost nobody answers clearly. The car does not need to be in your name at the time of transport.

The Bill of Lading is tied to the vehicle’s VIN, not to ownership. The carrier doesn’t care whose name is on the title. Title transfer is a separate process between you and the seller — it can happen before, during, or after transport. Many buyers ship the car first and complete the title transfer after it arrives.

How Long Does It Take?

• Booking to carrier assignment: 1–3 business days
• Pickup window: within 1–5 days of carrier assignment
• Transit time: roughly 1 day per 500 miles (2–7 days depending on route)

A cross-country move (California to New York) typically takes 7–10 days door to door. A mid-range move (Texas to Ohio) is usually 3–5 days once picked up. If you have a hard deadline, tell your broker upfront — expedited shipment is available at a higher rate.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car From Facebook Marketplace?

Cost is driven by distance, vehicle size, transport type, and carrier availability on your route. Rough ranges for standard open transport:

• Under 500 miles: $300–$600
• 500–1,000 miles: $550–$900
• 1,000–2,000 miles: $800–$1,100
• Cross-country (2,000+ miles): $1,000–$1,400+

There is no price difference between picking up from a private seller versus a dealership. The main decision you’ll make is open vs. enclosed transport:

Not sure which is right? Get a quote for both options in 30 seconds →

What If the Seller Doesn’t Cooperate or Is Unavailable?

If the seller is temporarily unavailable: The carrier will reschedule within a 24–48 hour window, usually with no penalty. Communicate any changes to your broker immediately.

If the seller is unreachable: The carrier cannot pick up without someone present to hand over keys. You’ll need to resolve access before transport can proceed.

If the deal falls through entirely: Most reputable brokers offer full or partial refunds if pickup never occurs due to seller non-cooperation, as long as you contact them before the carrier is dispatched. Read the cancellation policy before you book.

The best protection: confirm with the seller before you book transport, not after. One text takes 60 seconds and eliminates most of the risk.

Do I Need to Be Present at Pickup or Delivery?

At pickup: No. The seller — or anyone they designate — can hand over the keys. Carriers handle this routinely.

At delivery: You or someone you trust should be present to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading. If there is any damage, you must note it at delivery — you cannot file a damage claim after signing a clean one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ship a car I bought from a private seller?

Book with an auto transport broker, provide the seller’s address and contact info, and the carrier coordinates directly with the seller. You don’t need to be present at pickup. The seller just needs to be available with the keys.

Can a car shipping company pick up from someone else’s address?

Yes. Carriers pick up from private residences, parking lots, and any accessible address. The person at pickup just needs to hand over the keys — they don’t need to be the buyer or registered owner.

How much does it cost to ship a car from Facebook Marketplace?

Expect $300–$600 for under 500 miles, $550–$900 for mid-range distances, and $1,000–$1,400+ for cross-country. See your exact rate here.

How long does it take to ship a car bought online?

Most shipments take 1–3 days for pickup after booking, then 2–7 days in transit depending on distance. Cross-country moves typically run 7–10 days total.

Do I need to be present when the car is picked up?

No. The seller can hand over the keys, or they can designate someone else. You only need to be present at delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading.

Is it safe to buy a car on Facebook Marketplace out of state?

The transport itself is fully insured and safe. The risk is in the purchase. Use video calls to verify the vehicle, get a VIN history report, and don’t wire full payment without independent verification.

What information does the shipper need from the seller?

The carrier needs the seller’s name, address, phone number, and availability window. The carrier calls 24–48 hours before arrival to confirm. That’s the full extent of what the seller has to do.

Can you ship a car that isn’t in your name yet?

Yes. Title ownership and transport are completely independent. Many buyers ship the car first and complete title transfer after it arrives. Some states require transfer within 10–30 days of purchase — check your DMV — but this doesn’t affect your ability to book shipping immediately.