You get a quote, and one advisor stays with you from there. We assign a carrier from our network of vetted, licensed and insured carriers. Every shipment is approved and dispatched by the owner. The driver inspects your car at pickup and you inspect it again at delivery.
- Before pickup: wash the car, take your personal items out, and keep the gas tank at a quarter full or less.
- At pickup: be there. The driver walks the car with you, notes any damage that’s already on it, and takes photos. That goes on the paperwork.
- Open or enclosed: open is the common choice. Enclosed shields the car from rain, dirt and road debris.
- At delivery: check the car for new damage before you sign off.
- Your info: goes to one advisor. We never sell it or share it with other brokers.
What should I expect during car shipping, step by step?
You start with the details: the make, model and condition of your car, whether it runs, and the pickup and drop-off locations. That tells us what kind of transport fits and lets us give you a quote that matches your car and route.
Once the details are in, you schedule a pickup date. On that day the driver arrives at your location and inspects your car. Photograph any damage that’s already there so there’s no dispute later. Then the car is loaded and secured for transit.
When your car arrives, there’s a second inspection before you take it back.
How do I get my car ready for shipping?
Before you hand over the keys, wash the inside and outside of the car. A clean car makes it easy to see damage that’s already there, and easy to spot new scratches or dents at delivery. It also helps the driver document the car’s condition accurately, which matters if you ever need to file a claim.
Take all personal items out of the car. They can shift in transit and damage the interior, or get lost. Many carriers have strict rules about what can be left inside because of liability.
Check fluid levels and tire pressure. Keep the gas tank at a quarter full or less. That cuts weight and lowers the risk of spillage. Make sure there are no leaks or mechanical problems that could complicate pickup.
Last, photograph the car from several angles. Those photos are your record of its condition before shipping if a dispute comes up about damage in transit.
How do I choose a car shipping company?
Start with the license and the insurance. Ask any company for proof of both before you commit.
Allied is an FMCSA licensed broker, and we’re fully insured. We assign a carrier from our network of vetted, licensed and insured carriers, and the owner approves and dispatches every shipment.
Check how they communicate. You want updates from pickup to delivery and a person you can reach with questions. At Allied, one advisor handles your shipment from quote to driveway.
Read the quote closely. A trustworthy company gives you a detailed quote based on distance, vehicle size and transport type, with no hidden fees and no last-minute surprises.
What’s the difference between open and enclosed car shipping?
There are two main ways to ship a car: open transport and enclosed transport.
Open transport is the most common because it costs less. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside other cars. It’s exposed to rain, dirt and road debris on the way. Open transport suits standard vehicles that aren’t sensitive to weather.
Enclosed transport gives the car more protection. It travels inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielded from the elements. Owners of luxury cars, classics and anything that needs extra care often choose it. It costs more than open transport, and many owners find that worth it.
Door-to-door is how we ship: the carrier picks up your car at your location and delivers it to your destination, which saves you time and hassle. Enclosed shipping is available too: see enclosed carrier auto transport.
What happens at pickup and delivery?
At pickup, the driver arrives at the location you gave. Before loading, the driver inspects the car, documents any damage that’s already there, takes photos and records it on the paperwork. Be there, so you can raise any concerns or questions on the spot.
Once the inspection and paperwork are done, your car is loaded onto the carrier. On open transport, you may see other vehicles loaded alongside yours. On enclosed transport, your car goes into a closed trailer. Loading usually takes less than an hour.
Delivery usually happens within a timeframe you’re given when you book. The driver calls you with an arrival time at your drop-off location. As at pickup, there’s an inspection. Check the car for any new damage from the trip.
If the car arrives in its original condition, you sign off on the paperwork.
How do I know where my car is during shipping?
Your advisor keeps you posted while the car is in transit.
Before delivery, the driver calls you with an arrival time.
What should I check when my car arrives?
As the car comes off the carrier, look it over. Check for scratches, dents or anything else that wasn’t there before shipping. If you made notes or took photos before pickup, compare them to how the car looks now.
Then check under the hood and inside the cabin. Look at the fluid levels and battery connections, and check the interior for damage.
If you find a problem, photograph it right away and write down the details. That record is what you’ll need to file a claim.
When you’re satisfied the car arrived without issue, sign off on the paperwork.
Questions people ask
How does car shipping work?
You get a quote and one advisor from start to finish. We assign a carrier from our network of vetted, licensed and insured carriers, and the owner approves and dispatches every shipment. The driver inspects your car at pickup and records any damage on the paperwork. You inspect the car again at delivery.
What are the steps to schedule a car transport?
Call (800) 997-4181 or get a quote. Give your advisor the make, model and condition of the car, whether it runs, and the pickup and drop-off locations. Then you set a pickup date.
How long does car shipping take?
You’re given a timeframe when you book. Before delivery, the driver calls you with an arrival time.
Do I need to clean my car before shipping?
Yes, wash it inside and out. A clean car makes damage easy to see at pickup and at delivery. Take out your personal items too, and keep the gas tank at a quarter full or less.
What’s the difference between open and closed car shipping?
Open transport puts your car on an open trailer with other cars. It costs less and exposes the car to weather and road debris. Enclosed (closed) transport keeps your car inside a fully enclosed trailer. It protects the car more and costs more. We offer enclosed shipping: see enclosed carrier auto transport.
What happens when my car is delivered?
The driver calls with an arrival time. When the car comes off the carrier, you check it for new damage, then sign off on the paperwork. If you find damage, photograph it right away.
Call (800) 997-4181 or get a quote. No deposit. No upfront fees. No payment until pickup.
