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How to ship a car
How to ship a car: All you need to know about it
Learn how to ship your car in 3 quick, simple, and easy steps
Get a quote and book your order
We pick up your vehicle
You receive your vehicle
There are several reasons why you might be wondering how to transport a car. You might have bought your dream car online and need to know how to ship a car overseas to get it home. Perhaps you’re relocating because of a promotion or a new job and need to know how to ship a car from state to state. There may be some of you who are heading south for the winter and want to know how to ship a car cross country.
Whether you need to know how to ship a car in the US or overseas, we’ve got you covered. Read on for everything you need to know about how to ship a car.
How to ship a car in 3 easy steps
All it takes to ship a car is three easy and simple steps: First, you have to get a quote from an auto transport company and book your shipment. Second, your car will be picked up from the desired location. Third, your car will be transported and delivered to you.
Whatever the reason, knowing the process of how to ship a car will put your mind at ease and is the reason why we’ve created this auto transport information page. We’re going to share all the details, so you’ll appreciate how easy, stress-free, and smooth the process is.
Step 1
Get a quote and book your order
If you want to know how to ship a car across the country or anywhere else, getting a quote is the first step in the process. Contact us today to get 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 speak directly with our shipping advisors at 877-785-4287 or use Live Chat.
When you contact us to find out how to move a car, we’ll ask for some simple details. You’ll need to provide the city and state where you want your vehicle to be picked up, the city and state where you want us to deliver your vehicle, the make, model, and year of the vehicle. You also need to let us know whether it is running or not, how you’d prefer 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 get in touch to find out how to ship a car, your quote will be valid for seven calendar days. You can update your quote or get a new one at any time.
If you’re wondering how to transport a car at the last minute, you’ll be pleased to learn we can guarantee a pick-up date.
This is the day your vehicle is ready to be picked up.
Yes, you can, but we will need to know the correct pick-up and delivery city/ZIP codes.
Yes, all vehicles are covered by the motor carrier’s cargo insurance. There are, however, usually limitations that you’ll need to be aware of. When it comes to how to ship a car to Hawaii, your shipment will be subject to the ocean freight liners’ insurance limitation.
Step 2
We pick up your vehicle
How to ship your car step #2 is the pick up of your vehicle. The carrier assigned to your shipment will contact you a few hours ahead of time to let you know they’re on their way. You will need to confirm that commercial vehicles can access the pick-up location. Before they contact you, check whether there are any restrictions, overhead power cables, or low-hanging branches that will impede the carrier’s truck and trailer.
Don’t be too concerned if there is a problem, because you can easily arrange a more suitable location. You may, for example, know of a nearby street that’s wider where you could meet. A pick-up where you work or at a nearby parking lot might also be more suitable.
It is recommended that you wash your vehicle before it is shipped. This allows you to make an accurate evaluation of your vehicle’s condition at the time of the pick-up. Another recommendation is that you remove your toll transponder and any personal belongings.
Yes, it is possible to change your First Available Pick-up Date. You can do it by phone, Live Chat, or email before or after booking.
A Bill of Lading is an important document because it serves as a receipt for freight services. But that’s not its only role. It acts as a record of the condition of your vehicle. The Bill of Lading is also filled out with the pick-up and delivery locations, the type of car being shipped, and the freight amount being paid for services rendered.
Auto transport trailers typically have two levels. You can request a top load placement, which means your vehicle is loaded on the second level, where it will be better protected.
Step 3
You receive your vehicle
How to ship a car is not a long, drawn-out process, and before you know it, the carrier will be getting in touch to let you know they’re just a few hours away from the delivery location. This is merely a courtesy call. However, they’re also informing you so you can make sure you’re available to receive your car. Don’t worry if you know you’re going to be busy because it is possible to make alternative arrangements. You can nominate a third party to act on your behalf. The only stipulation is that they have to be 18 years of age or older. The third-party could be a work colleague, neighbor, relative, or friend.
When your vehicle is unloaded, the driver will ask you to check the condition of your vehicle and compare it with the Bill of Lading. If you chose the Discounted Price payment option, now is when you hand over the final payment to the driver. You can pay in cash, with a money order or cashier’s check.
You can track your vehicle throughout the shipping process by phone, email, or Live Chat.