How Car Shipping Works: From Pickup to Delivery

Shipping a car can feel unfamiliar if you've never done it before - whether you're relocating, buying a vehicle online, or sending a car to a family member. The good news is the process is straightforward once you know what to expect. Here's exactly how car shipping works, from your first quote to the moment the vehicle is back in your hands.

Step 1: Choose a Transport Type

Your first decision is open or enclosed transport.

• Open transport is the most common and affordable method - the same type of carrier used to deliver new cars to dealerships. It's suitable for the vast majority of everyday vehicles.
• Enclosed transport fully shields your vehicle from weather and road debris, at a higher cost. It's typically reserved for classic, exotic, or other high-value vehicles.

For a full breakdown of the trade-offs, see our open vs. enclosed transport guide.

Step 2: Get a Quote and Book

A quote is built from a handful of details: your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle year/make/model, transport type, and preferred pickup window. Pricing is driven mainly by distance, transport type, vehicle size, and how much demand there is on your specific route at the time. A licensed broker - like Star Auto Shipping (FMCSA MC# 1664753, USDOT# 4282092) - can give you an all-inclusive quote and match your shipment to a vetted carrier from their network.

Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle

Before pickup day, a bit of preparation protects you if anything ever needs to be disputed later:

• Wash the vehicle so existing scratches and dents are easy to see and document
• Photograph the exterior, interior, and odometer reading
• Remove all personal items - carrier insurance doesn't cover items left inside
• Check for fluid leaks and confirm the battery holds a charge
• Drop fuel to a quarter tank or less

See our full 13-step pre-shipping checklist for the complete list.

Step 4: Vehicle Pickup

When the carrier arrives, the driver completes a Bill of Lading (BOL) - a condition report documenting the vehicle before it's loaded. Review it carefully against your own photos before signing; this document is your primary evidence if a damage claim is ever needed.

Step 5: In Transit

Transit times depend on distance: typically 1–3 days for routes under 500 miles, 3–5 days for 500–1,500 miles, and 5–8 days for cross-country moves. Weather, carrier routing, and DOT hours-of-service rules can all affect the exact timeline. A good broker will keep you updated on status throughout.

Step 6: Vehicle Delivery

At delivery, inspect the vehicle thoroughly - ideally in daylight - and compare it against your pre-shipping photos before signing the delivery Bill of Lading. If you spot new damage, note it on the BOL, photograph it immediately, and contact the carrier's claims department right away. A signed, undisputed BOL is the carrier's strongest defense against a later claim, so don't sign until you've checked everything.

Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience

1. Book ahead when you can. 1–2 weeks of lead time generally means more carrier options and better pricing than a same-week request.
2. Offer a flexible pickup window. A 2–3 day window instead of one fixed date helps carriers fit your vehicle into an existing route.
3. Verify insurance before booking. Ask for the carrier's certificate and confirm the per-vehicle coverage limit.
4. Work with a licensed broker. See our guide on the benefits of using a car shipping broker for what that gets you over booking a single carrier direct.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does car shipping take?

Typically 1–3 days for routes under 500 miles, 3–5 days for 500–1,500 miles, and 5–8 days for cross-country shipments. Weather and carrier scheduling can affect the exact timeline.

Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

Yes - you or an authorized representative should be present at both, to review and sign the Bill of Lading documenting the vehicle's condition before and after transport.

What documents do I need at pickup?

At minimum: vehicle registration, proof of insurance, a valid photo ID, and your signed shipping agreement. Some carriers also request the vehicle title.

Is my car covered by insurance during shipping?

Licensed carriers are required to carry cargo insurance, though limits and deductibles vary by carrier. Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate before your vehicle is loaded, and check whether your personal auto policy extends any coverage during transit.

Can I ship a car that doesn't run?

Yes. Inoperable vehicles can be shipped, but they require winch or forklift loading equipment and typically cost more. Disclose the vehicle's condition at the time of booking, not at pickup.

Related Reading

• Things to Do Before Shipping a Car - The Complete Checklist
• Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Which Is Best for Your Vehicle?
• Benefits of Using a Car Shipping Broker vs. a Carrier