Everything You Need to Know About Car Shipping
Learn how to ship your vehicle in just 3 simple steps
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to ship a vehicle, whether it's bringing your newly purchased dream vehicle home from overseas, relocating for a job, or setting off on a cross-country adventure, understanding the process of shipping.
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You need to know how to ship a vehicle in the United States. We have all the details you need. Continue reading to discover everything you should know about the shipping service .
Three easy and simple steps: Firstly, you have to get a quote from a shipping company and book your shipment. Secondly, your vehicle will be picked up from the desired location. Lastly your it will be delivered to you.
Whatever the reason, understanding the shipping process will bring peacefulness. This is the reason why we have created this page to provide you with necessary information. We’re going to share all the details, so you’ll appreciate how easy, stress-free, and smooth the process is.
1. Get a quote and book an order
If you want to know how to ship a automobile across the country, the initial step is to get a quote. Reach out to us today and receive your free instant quote. Use our instant online quote calculator, all it takes is just a couple of minutes of your time. Alternatively, you can directly speak with our shipping advisors.
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When you contact us to find out how to move a car, we will request a few simple details. You will be asked to provide the pickup location (city and state) as well as the desired delivery location (city and state) for your vehicle. Additionally, we will need the make, model, and year of the vehicle. We also need to know if the vehicle is in a running condition, along with your preferred to ship your car, and when it will be ready for pick-up. In the auto transport industry, this is known as the First Available Pick-up Date.
When you’re choosing how to ship a car to another state and beyond, you have the option to choose between open car transport and enclosed auto transport. The most common and economical way to ship your car is open car transport. While this option exposes the car to the elements, rest assured that it is highly safe and secure. In fact, approximately 80% of our customers choose this option without any concerns.
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Choose enclosed trailer, and your vehicle will get the maximum protection possible as it will be transported in a covered trailer that protects your vehicle from dirt, debris, moisture, salt, and the weather. However, it is important to note that this extra level of protection comes at a higher cost. On average, the price for enclosed trailer is approximately 30% to 40% higher than that of open trailer. Owners of luxury, antique, custom, classic, and vintage vehicles often prefer enclosed trailer when considering how to move their vehicles due to the added security and care it provides.
The quote provided by our company is all-all-inclusive. This means that the price you receive covers all taxes, fees, and includes full insurance coverage. We prioritize transparency and make sure that there are no additional obligations to take the process any further. With us, you won’t need to make any upfront payments, and all our services are designed to be door-to-door.
Another important aspect to consider when figuring out how to ship it. Here’s how it works: If the price you receive doesn’t meet your expectations, we are committed to making every effort to meet your needs. If you happen to receive a better price from one of our direct competitors, we encourage you to reach out to us. We sincerely value the opportunity to match or even beat their offer.
Once you have received a price, you can proceed to the next step in the car transportation process, which involves making a booking. You do this in one of several ways. The simplest method is to click on the link provided in the email we sent to you. Additionally, you can schedule your booking by directly calling us.
When you’re working out how to move a car, another important aspect to consider is the payment method for the auto transport service. To provide flexibility, we offer two payment options for you to choose from.
Discounted Price
We collect a small partial payment from your credit or debit card when we confirm your booking. The remaining balance is paid upon the successful delivery. For your convenience, the final payment can be made to the driver using cash, a money order, or a cashier’s check.
Regular Price
We collect the total amount when we confirm your booking. You can pay with credit or debit card, or via PayPal. Rest assured that once the payment is made, there will be no further charges upon the delivery.
Once your booking is confirmed, it’s time for us to work our magic. Through our extensive network, we have established connections with reputable and thoroughly screened carriers. We’ll soon be able to find one that meets your requirements. We’ll contact you to let you know when we’ve found a suitable carrier so that we can confirm the details, we will let you know more about how to ship it, and finalize your pick-up date. You will receive an email containing the contact details of the assigned carrier.
2. We pick up your vehicle
The carrier assigned to your shipment will contact you a few hours in advance to let you know they’re on their way. It is important for you to confirm whether commercial trucks can access the designated pick-up location. Before the carrier contacts you, we recommend conducting a quick inspection to identify any potential obstacles such as restrictions, overhead power cables, or low-hanging branches that could hinder the truck and trailer from safely accessing the area.
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If any complications arise, there is no need to worry as alternative arrangements can be easily made. For instance, you might be aware of a nearby street with ample space where you can meet the carrier. Alternatively, a pick-up at your workplace or a nearby parking lot could be a more convenient solution.
Upon the carrier’s arrival, both parties inspect your vehicle together to identify any pre-existing damage such as dents, scratches, or dings. These findings are recorded on the Bill of Lading and then sign it to confirm you’re happy with the information. A copy of this document will be provided to you for your records. When your vehicle is delivered, you will need this document to compare and verify its condition.
All the necessary documentation is now complete, you are just one step away from moving to the third step of car shipping. However, before we move forward, you will have the opportunity to watch the carrier as they load your vehicle onto the auto transport trailer. Once the loading process is complete, they will promptly begin their journey to the designated destination.
Throughout your car's journey, you will have the convenience of monitoring its progress at any time. We will provide you with regular updates via email, Live Chat, or phone, making sure you stay well-informed. You can also directly communicate with the driver to check on the status of your vehicle.
How can I properly prepare my vehicle for transportation?
It is recommended that you wash your vehicle before it is shipped. This allows you to an accurate evaluation of your vehicle’s condition at the time of the pick-up. Additionally, we suggest removing your toll transponder and any personal items from the vehicle.
What is a Bill of Lading (BOL)?
The Bill of Lading holds significant value as it serves multiple purposes. Apart from functioning as a receipt for freight services, it also serves as a record of your vehicle’s condition. The Bill of Lading includes essential details such as the pick-up and delivery locations, the type of automobile being shipped, and the freight amount paid for the rendered services.
Can I change my First Available Pick-up Date?
Certainly! You have the flexibility to change your First Available Pick-up Date either before or after booking. Reach out to us via phone, Live Chat, or email, and our team will assist you in making the adjustments.
3. We deliver your vehicle
The process of shipping is not overly time-consuming, and before you realize it, the carrier will be contacting you to inform you that they are just a few hours away from the delivery location. This courtesy call serves the purpose of ensuring you are available to receive the vehicle. However, if you aren't available during that time, there is no need to worry. Arrangements can be made by assigning a third party to receive it on your behalf. The only requirement is that the designated individual must be 18 years of age or older. This third party can be a colleague, neighbor, relative, or friend
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Upon unloading your vehicle, the driver will request you to carefully inspect its condition and compare it with the details mentioned in the Bill of Lading.
If you have chosen the Discounted Price payment option, this is the moment when you provide the final payment to the driver. Payment can be made in cash, through a money order, or via a cashier’s check.
Can I track my vehicle while it’s in transit?
You have the option to track your vehicle’s shipping progress through various communication channels such as phone, email, or Live Chat.
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