What Happens During Auto Transport? A Step-by-Step Process
Shipping your car can seem like a complex task, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle from out of state, or sending a car to a college student or family member, understanding what happens during the car shipping process can ease your mind and help you prepare. From the moment you request a quote to the final delivery of your vehicle, each phase of auto transport follows a structured timeline designed to ensure safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the vehicle delivery steps and what to expect during each part of the transport timeline.
Step 1: Request a Quote and Book the Service
The process begins by gathering quotes from reputable car transport companies. Most providers allow you to submit your vehicle and route information online to receive an estimated price. Factors like distance, vehicle size, shipping method (open vs. enclosed), and scheduling flexibility will influence the quote.
Once you compare offers and select a company, you’ll confirm the booking. Some companies require a small deposit upfront, while others charge the full fee upon delivery. This stage also involves choosing pickup and delivery options (door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal) and finalizing pickup dates.
Step 2: Vehicle Preparation
Before your car is picked up, you’ll need to prepare it for transport. Clean the interior and exterior so it’s easier to inspect for existing damage. Remove all personal items and valuables from the vehicle, as these are not covered by insurance. Disable alarms and ensure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full to reduce weight. Finally, check fluid levels, tire pressure, and battery charge.
This preparation helps ensure the car is in safe condition for transport and allows for a smooth handoff on pickup day.
Step 3: Vehicle Pickup and Inspection
On the scheduled day, the carrier will arrive to pick up your car. This might be at your home or a designated location, depending on what was agreed upon. The driver will conduct a detailed inspection of your vehicle, documenting its condition on a Bill of Lading (BOL). Both you and the driver will sign this report, which serves as a reference in case of any damage claims upon delivery.
Your car is then carefully loaded onto a transport trailer—either open or enclosed, depending on the service you selected.
Step 4: In-Transit Updates
During the transport timeline, your vehicle is en route to its destination. This period varies depending on the distance—typically 1–2 days for local or regional moves, and up to 7–10 days for cross-country shipments.
Many companies offer GPS tracking or periodic shipment updates so you can monitor your vehicle’s journey. If there are any delays due to traffic, weather, or mechanical issues, your transport provider should keep you informed.
Step 5: Vehicle Delivery and Final Inspection
Once your car reaches its destination, the carrier will contact you (or your designated recipient) to arrange delivery. Just like at pickup, the driver will perform a final inspection of the vehicle. You’ll compare its condition to the original Bill of Lading and note any discrepancies.
If everything is in order, you’ll sign off on the delivery, pay the remaining balance if needed, and receive your keys. If there’s any damage, document it immediately, take photos, and notify the company to begin a claim process using their insurance coverage.
Step 6: Post-Delivery Considerations
After delivery, take some time to check your car’s functions—brakes, lights, battery, and electronics. While issues are rare, it’s wise to ensure your car is operating just as it did before transport. If your car was inoperable before shipping, you may need a mechanic to assist with unloading or servicing once it arrives.
The car shipping process is more straightforward than it may seem at first. By understanding the full transport timeline—from booking to preparation, pickup, transit, and final delivery—you can approach the task with confidence. Each of the vehicle delivery steps is handled with care by professionals whose job is to ensure your car arrives safely and on time.
Whether you’re moving across the country, buying a vehicle online, or sending a car to a loved one, knowing what to expect during auto transport can make the experience smooth, predictable, and stress-free. Don’t forget to take care of your windshields, no matter if you rent a car.
