How to Ship a Car — Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Shipping a car in 2026 is a 60-second online transaction — no phone calls required. This guide walks you through every step: getting an accurate quote, prepping your vehicle, what to expect at pickup, tracking transit, and taking delivery.
The 6-Step Car Shipping Process
From quote to delivery, here's exactly what happens:
- 1. Get an instant AI-powered quote (30 sec)
- 2. Book online with $0 due today
- 3. Prep your vehicle (15 min — see below)
- 4. Meet the driver at pickup, sign BOL
- 5. Track transit via GPS and SMS updates
- 6. Meet the driver at delivery, inspect, sign BOL
How to Prep Your Car for Shipping
15 minutes of prep prevents 99% of transit issues:
- Wash the exterior so pre-existing scratches show clearly
- Photograph all four sides + roof for your records
- Remove toll transponders and parking passes
- Empty personal items above 100 lbs
- Leave 1/4 tank of fuel — enough to load/unload
- Disable alarms and provide a spare key if requested
What Happens at Pickup and Delivery
Driver arrives, walks the vehicle with you, notes any existing damage on the BOL, loads onto the trailer, and provides pickup confirmation. Delivery is the reverse — inspect, note any new damage, sign, done.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a car?
6–14 days door-to-door: 1–7 business days pickup window plus 1–9 days in transit depending on distance.
Do I need to be at pickup and delivery?
You or a designated adult representative must be present to release/accept the vehicle and sign the BOL.
Can I put stuff in my car?
Up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk. High-value items are not covered by cargo insurance.
What if my car is damaged in transit?
The carrier's $200,000 cargo insurance covers transit damage. Note any new damage on the delivery BOL and we handle the claim on your behalf.
Related Resources
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