How Does Car Shipping work? [Updated 2024]

What is car shipping?

Auto transport, also known as car shipping or vehicle transportation, is the most popular method of transporting a vehicle from one place to another.

This is commonly utilized for vine relocations or when your vehicle's driving proves infeasible. Car hauling companies use big trucks with car carriers to transport multiple vehicles simultaneously.

Why choose car shipping over driving?

Driving your car to a faraway location might be the first thought that comes to mind, but shipping an auto has several benefits.

Timesaving to far places is tiring and takes time. Transporting a car gives you one less thing to worry about moving or vacationing.

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  Economical: Depending on how far you travel, the cost of a shipment can be just as cheap as driving, plus gas and potential lodging.
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• Your car's safety: Professional shipping companies ship your vehicle and keep it safe, lowering the chance of accidents or harm.
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  Less stress: Car shipping is easy; you do not have to drive long distances, and it makes your journey relaxed.
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Benefits of car shipping

Besides the obvious benefits of convenience and time-saving, car shipping also has other advantages.

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  Expert treatment: Car shipping agencies have skilled workers and secure carriers that will ship your vehicle securely.
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  Door-to-door auto transport service: Although not all transporters offer it, this delivery will save you the headache and time of taking your car back and forth from a terminal.
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• Insurance policy: Your auto spread insurance policies are necessary; all car carriers protect and defend vehicles underway.
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  Preserve the environment: Allowing your car to be shipped is way more beneficial for nature than driving long distances alone.
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Overview of the car shipping process

Here we are with explanations of how the car shipping process works.

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  Call for a quote: You enter where your car is, the year it was made, and what shape it is in to get).
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  Scheduling the shipment: Select a car shipping company to schedule pickup and delivery dates.
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  Preparing the vehicle: You prepare your car, van, or motorbike by cleaning externally and removing personal goods inside.
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  Open: The car hauler picks up your vehicle at the address you provide.
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  Courier: Tired freighters consist of all sizes, including your vehicle; they load it without delay to a provider and haul it directly to the delivery point.
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• Delivery: The company does all the moving and hands over your car to a location of your choice.
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The following sections provide more details for each step of the car shipping process, and everything left out to help you make daily-based decisions.

Understanding the car shipping industry

Types of car shipping companies

Car shipping companies typically fall into one of two categories:

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  Car carriers: Companies that own and operate trucks, car carriers, etc., and any other vehicle that moves from one place to another. They manage the entire shipping process, from end to finish, including pickup and delivery.
  
  Car brokers: These people are not carriers but work in the intermediate phase. They connect car owners with carriers and arrange all their logistics for you.
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Also, read Auto transport broker vs. carrier

How to choose a car shipping company

Choosing the appropriate car shipper is especially important for a successful process. Here are a few factors to think about when deciding between the two:

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  Reputation and experience: Companies' reputation is essential for home inspection because people often try fraud in different regions.
  
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  Licensing and corporate insurance: Check the insurance licensing of the auto transport company you will use.
  
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  Quotes and pricing: Get quotes from a few companies, compare prices, and, more importantly, services & terms.
  
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  Read online reviews: This will help you understand a company's customer service and reliability.
  
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  Transport type: Determine how you want your car transported (open or enclosed carrier) and additional services offered.
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Getting quotes and comparing prices

Furnished the following information, you can require a quotation:

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  Vehicle make, model, and year.
  
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  Pickup and delivery locations
  
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  Desired shipping dates
  
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  Transport mode (open or enclosed)
  
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  Anything else you require (large vehicle, etc.)
  

Check for Rate, Estimated Delivery Time, Reputation of the company, and Insurance Coverage. If the quote is exceptionally low, that also may be a sign of potential problems.

Licensing and insurance verification

Before finalizing a car shipping agreement, verify the company's licensing and insurance:

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  DOT number: Vanshare helps ensure the company complies with federal regulations.
  
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  The motor carrier (MC) number is the carrier operating authority number.
  
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  Cargo insurance: Ensure the company has enough cargo coverage if anything is damaged.
  

Considering these factors, you will find a reliable auto shipping company more likely.

Click here to learn more about the Difference Between DOT and MC Number

The car shipping process step-by-step

Preparing your vehicle for shipping

Prepare your car properly before turning it over to the shipping company:

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  Cleaning the inside and outside: Clean vehicles are more accessible to inspect personally and reduce liability claims.
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  No personal belongings: Remove valuables, personal items, and loose objects from the inside of the vehicle.
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  Inspecting damages: Take photos of scratches, dents, and other damage. This can help safeguard you in the event of disagreements.
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Choosing a shipping method

Two common ways to deliver a car:

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  Open carrier: This is the most common and cost-effective method of shipping. It leaves your car in the open.
  
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  Enclosed carrier: This provides even more protection from the weather, theft, and other hazards. Perfect for luxury, classic, and new car owners.
  

Budget, vehicle type, and security requirements will affect your decision.

Scheduling pickup and delivery

Click to choose a shipping company and reschedule the pickup and delivery of your vehicle:

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  Details required: The shipping company will want information such as the vehicle's pickup location, delivery address, and contact details.
  
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  Specify locations: Make sure we know the exact pickup and delivery location and anything else that may differ from usual.
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The car shipping Journey

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  Finding the car onto a wrangler: Favorable motorists hurt your vehicle using legitimate hand holds to move it effectively. Now, you will leave all the work to a car carrier to transport your vehicle on those routes and get it there in time.
  
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  De-loading and delivery: Your vehicle has safely arrived and has now been de-loaded (unpacked) from the Carrier to be driven to your desired location.
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Tracking your car

All car transporters provide some tracking so that you can stay apprised as to how close your vehicle is:

Some companies offer online tracking platforms of your car's progress and even have mobile apps for real-time tracking.

Tracking details: Expect regular updates on the estimated delivery time and potential delays associated with your shipment.

Knowing the following essential steps will let you know what to expect in your car shipping process and make it easier!

Common car shipping challenges and solutions

So, car shipping is simple, yet complications can occur. Here is how to navigate them:

Dealing with delays

While delays are inconvenient, they frequently are not the shipping company's fault (i.e., severe weather or traffic/heavy volume in an area). To curb late arrival disturbances:

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  Select a responsible enterprise: Solid carriers tend to be safer.
  
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  Continue communication: Keep communicating the status to a shipping company.
  
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  You can opt for a guaranteed delivery: This is an extra option, and few companies offer it.
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Handling car damage

Car damage (if it happens) To protect yourself:

Photograph your vehicle, take snapshots of all sides, and post them to SDoV.

Before the driver leaves, it is essential to inspect your car for any new damage and report it immediately if necessary.

The insurance you will have: Learn the shipping company's conditions regarding what is insured and how much protection.

Also, read Understanding insurance and liability coverage for auto transport

Resolving disputes with the shipping company

Disagreements may occur, but what is essential in this regard — the ability to communicate efficiently:

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  Save everything: Keep copies of all correspondence, contracts, and photos.
  
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  Know your protection: Learn about consumer rights laws and regulations.
  

If all else fails, third-party mediation/arbitration: Bring in a mediator or arbitrator to alleviate tensions from unresolved disputes.

Tips for a smooth car shipping experience

Research and select a reputable company

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  Communicate well: be honest and transparent about the car you are selling and what a prospective buyer could expect.
  
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  Get your vehicle ready: Organize cleaning and safety netting goods as published.
  
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  Document everything: Snap pictures of your car before and after shipment.
  
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  Read the contract: Before signing, read over all the terms.
  

Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help improve a car shipping experience.

Car shipping costs and factors affecting price

A variety of factors can significantly affect the cost of shipping a car:

Factors influencing car shipping rates

Distance (Further distance will cost you more because of fuel, driver expenses, and time)

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  Vehicle size and weight: Heavier cars with larger dimensions consume fuel because they will take up more space on the Carrier.
  
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  Time of year: Some years see a significant demand for car shipping. Because of the increased demand, the cost is lower during the down seasons and higher during peak times (spring/summer).
  
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  Fuel prices: Changes in fuel prices immediately impact transportation costs passed on to customers.
  
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  Insurance: Enclosed are more expensive than open due to extra protection and transport costs.
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Also, read Impact of seasonal changes on car shipping

Getting accurate quotes

List information about your car for the best quotes (make, model, year, and just how big it is). Provide the pickup and drop-off points, when you want it shipped, and what kind of shipping service you want.

It would be best if you tried to get multiple quotes from different companies to compare prices and services better.

Negotiating the price

But even if you can negotiate car shipping rates, the factors (seasons and seasons) must be realistic.

If your vehicle needs more than those in effect during a time of year or type of terminal selection, part distance will have some accountability with arbitration.

Highlight the process for comparing quotes, learn how to read between the lines on what services are included in a bid or estimate, and learn about your additional fee processes.

It would be best to consider these things and then get multiple car shipping quotes to get the best price possible for your automobile transport needs.

Special considerations for car shipping

Shipping luxury or classic cars

Luxury and classic cars, when transported, call for exceptional care because of their value. Consider the following:

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  The highest form of protection for your vehicle from weather, debris, and potential damage.
  
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  Insurance: Both the shipping company and your car should be adequately insured for the value of your vehicle.
  
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  White glove service: Companies that exclusively handle luxury vehicles and provide additional care.
  

Shipping oversized or heavy vehicles

Trucks, SUVs, and RVs: Chunky one of these types is more challenging to fit into most parking spots:

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  Carriers for specialized vehicles: Some cars need specially designed carriers because ordinary carriers cannot support the weight or size of these vast automobiles.
  
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  Add-on fees: Large vehicle means higher shipping costs
  
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  Route planning: The shipping company can be forced to plan the route carefully to avoid restrictions.
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Military car shipping

Fulfilling a Military Auto Transport request:

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  Military relocation assistance: Look for options from your military branch Government travel office
  
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  Commercial shipping by car: If you go through a commercial company, ensure they have experience with military deliveries.
  
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  Temporary storage: Think about the possibility of temporary storage if needed.
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Shipping a car to an auction

Getting a car auction ready takes time.

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  Timing: Do the shipping close to when it is about to be auctioned off, and do not let them store your details!
  
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  Vehicle preparation: Prepare the vehicle for auction.
  
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  Insurance: Confirm enough transport and auction coverage.
  

Knowing these things would help you make better and wiser car shipping choices.

Conclusion

Shipping your car can be a straightforward and effective method of transport. Nevertheless, it has some pitfalls, such as your autonomy being accused whenever everyone arranges your shipping company.

Recap of the car shipping process

In summary, the car shipping process generally involves the preparation of your vehicle, choosing a carrier type you prefer which carriers available today are usually Open and Enclosed options, scheduling pickup and delivery date/time range that is convenient for both parties with tracking system along the way if offer by service provider up until inspection/survey once it arrived at its destination.

Importance of choosing the right shipping company

You need to choose the best car moving company because this will help you have a successful experience. Whether deciding on expertise, licensing, insurance customer reviews, or pricing.

Tips for a successful car shipping experience

Here are some tips to follow that can help guarantee a smooth car shipping process:

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  Get your vehicle ready to be shipped.
  
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  Select a shipping method that will work best for you.
  
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  Book pickup and delivery should be done at least a week before the event.
  
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  Keep the lines of communication open with your shipping company.
  
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  It is essential to understand the terms of your shipping agreement.
  

Following these pointers could ensure you have a pleasant car shipping experience.