First-Time Car Shipping: What to Expect

Shipping a car for the first time can feel intimidating. You are trusting a stranger to put your vehicle on a truck and drive it hundreds or thousands of miles. But auto transport is a mature, well-regulated industry that moves millions of vehicles safely every year. This first-time car shipping guide walks you through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Get Multiple Quotes

Start by requesting quotes from 3-5 licensed auto transport brokers or carriers. You will need to provide:

• Pickup and delivery locations: City and state, or full addresses for door-to-door service
• Vehicle details: Year, make, model, and whether it runs and drives
• Preferred dates: When you want the vehicle picked up and when it needs to arrive
• Transport type: Open (standard) or enclosed (premium)

Quotes should include the total price with no hidden fees. Be cautious of quotes that seem significantly lower than others. Ultra-low quotes often lead to delays, bait-and-switch pricing, or carriers who never show up.

Step 2: Verify the Broker or Carrier

Before booking, verify that the company is legitimate:

• FMCSA registration: Every auto transport broker and carrier must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Check their MC number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
• Insurance verification: Ask for proof of cargo insurance. Legitimate companies provide this willingly.
• Reviews: Check Google, BBB, and Transport Reviews for recent customer feedback. Look for patterns, not individual complaints.
• No large upfront deposits: Reputable brokers charge a small deposit ($50-$200) or no deposit at all. If a company demands $500+ upfront before dispatching a carrier, that is a red flag.

Step 3: Book Your Shipment

Once you have chosen a broker, booking is straightforward:

• Confirm the total price, including any deposit and balance due at delivery
• Provide your pickup and delivery contact information
• Agree on a pickup window (typically a 2-5 day range, not a single date)
• Review and sign the transport agreement or order form

Important: A pickup window is normal. Auto transport is not like a pizza delivery. Carriers run routes across the country, and your vehicle is one of 7-10 on the truck. A 2-5 day window lets the dispatcher optimize the route, which keeps your price competitive.

Step 4: Prepare Your Vehicle

Before the carrier arrives, prepare your vehicle:

• Remove all personal items from the cabin, trunk, and glove box
• Set fuel to about one-quarter tank
• Disable the alarm system or provide the key fob
• Remove or secure loose accessories (antennas, roof racks, bike racks)
• Wash the car so existing damage is visible during inspection
• Take detailed photos and video of the vehicle from every angle

Step 5: Pickup Day

Here is what happens when the carrier arrives:

1. Inspection: The driver will walk around your vehicle and fill out a Bill of Lading (BOL), documenting any existing damage (scratches, dents, dings). Review this carefully and make sure everything is noted.
2. Photos: The driver will typically photograph the vehicle as well. Take your own photos at the same time for your records.
3. Sign the BOL: Your signature confirms the vehicle's condition at pickup. Do not sign until you agree with the documented condition.
4. Hand over keys: Provide one working key to the driver.
5. Loading: The driver will drive your vehicle onto the carrier and secure it.

The entire pickup process takes about 15-30 minutes.

Step 6: In Transit

While your vehicle is in transit:

• Transit times: Local (under 500 miles): 1-3 days. Regional (500-1,500 miles): 3-7 days. Cross-country (2,000+ miles): 7-10 business days.
• Communication: Your broker should provide updates and be reachable by phone or email if you have questions.
• Tracking: Some carriers offer GPS tracking. Ask your broker if this is available for your shipment.
• Driver contact: Once dispatched, you may receive the driver's direct phone number for coordination on pickup and delivery timing.

Step 7: Delivery Day

When the carrier arrives at the delivery location:

1. Inspection: The driver will unload your vehicle. Inspect it immediately, comparing its current condition to the BOL from pickup and your own photos.
2. Document any new damage: If you notice anything that was not on the BOL, note it on the delivery copy of the BOL before signing. Take photos immediately.
3. Sign the delivery BOL: Your signature confirms the vehicle's condition at delivery.
4. Pay the balance: If you have a balance due at delivery (common), pay the driver via the agreed method (cashier's check, money order, or cash is typical for carrier balance).
5. Collect your keys: The driver returns your keys, and you are done.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Damage during auto transport is rare (less than 1% of shipments), but if it happens:

• Document immediately. Note the damage on the BOL and take photos before the driver leaves.
• Contact your broker. They will initiate the claims process with the carrier's insurance company.
• File a claim promptly. Most carriers require claims to be filed within 30 days of delivery.
• Get repair estimates. Obtain written repair estimates from a body shop to support your claim.

Common First-Timer Concerns Addressed

Will my car get damaged?

The vast majority of vehicles are delivered without any damage. Open transport is the same method used to deliver brand-new cars from factories to dealerships.

Can I track my vehicle during shipping?

Many carriers offer GPS tracking. If tracking is important to you, mention it when booking and your broker can prioritize carriers with tracking capabilities.

How do I pay?

Most shipments require a deposit at booking (paid to the broker via credit card) and a balance at delivery (paid to the carrier driver, often via cashier's check, money order, or cash).

Ready to Ship Your First Vehicle?

Now that you know the process, getting started is easy. Get your free instant quote in under 30 seconds, or call 1-833-848-4600 to talk with a coordinator who will answer all your questions and guide you through your first shipment.