The short answer
For a cross-country move, book 2 to 3 weeks out, prepare the vehicle two days before pickup, and plan for 1 to 7 business days to pickup plus 7 to 10 days in transit. The two things that derail long moves are an unreachable phone and a delivery address a 75-foot trailer cannot reach — solve both before pickup day and the rest is routine.
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead for the best rate; 3–4 weeks in peak summer.
- Total door-to-door time coast to coast: typically 10–16 days from booking.
- You or a designated adult must be present at both ends.
- Nothing is owed at delivery — the card is charged at pickup.
3 weeks out
- Price the exact lane and book. $0 is charged today.
- Set a first available date with two or three days of slack on either side.
- Confirm whether your new address can take a full-size transport truck; if not, pick a nearby lot.
- Arrange your own travel so you are not depending on the car for the first 48 hours after landing.
1 week out
- Check registration and insurance dates against your travel window.
- Line up someone at each end who can hand over or receive keys if your plans shift.
- Note any modification — lift, lowering, oversized tires, roof rack — with us in writing.
- Download the tracking link and save the support number.
2 days out
- Wash the car so the inspection is accurate.
- Empty the cabin; remove toll tags, remotes and valuables.
- Drop fuel to about a quarter tank.
- Photograph every panel, wheel, glass surface and the odometer.
- Disable the alarm and locate the spare key.
Pickup and transit
- Walk the Bill of Lading inspection with the driver and photograph the signed copy.
- Save the driver's direct number.
- Expect GPS status updates rather than minute-by-minute movement.
- Keep your phone on — dispatch calls before any schedule change.
Delivery day
- Inspect in daylight against your pickup photos.
- Note anything new on the delivery BOL before signing, and photograph the page.
- Check fluid levels and start the car before the driver leaves.
- Nothing is due — payment was taken at pickup.
Frequently asked questions
- How far in advance should I book cross-country car shipping?
- Two to three weeks is the sweet spot, and three to four in peak summer. Booking earlier buys you a wider pickup window, which is what lowers the price.
- Can the truck deliver to my house?
- Usually yes. Where streets are narrow, gated or have low branches, the driver will meet you at a nearby lot — that is normal door-to-door practice, not an extra charge.
- What if my dates change mid-move?
- Call us as soon as you know. Before dispatch, changes are simple; after a carrier is assigned, we work the reschedule directly with the driver.