Are you preparing for a big move cross-country? Maybe even another country? Have you been trying to weigh the pros and cons of taking your vehicle with you?

Maybe you’ve purchased a specialty vehicle from elsewhere in the country and want to save time with door-to-door delivery. Whatever your reason for shipping a car, it pays to do your research so you can get the best price for the services you need.

We’ve made it easy for you to find the best car shipping companies, and now we’ve gone a step further by breaking down each step of the process, so you know exactly how to ship a car and if it’s the right choice for your circumstances.

The car shipping process

These are the steps you can expect as you navigate the car shipping process.

1. Request quotes and compare companies

You can begin the car shipping process by reaching out to various car transport companies and asking for a quote. Free quotes don’t come with any obligation to proceed, and you’ll develop a better idea of how much you’ll need to spend.

At this time, you can decide on your desired type of transport — open or enclosed — and compare those costs.

2. Pay the deposit

Once you’ve zeroed in on the mode of transport and best price, you can book your reservation and pay your initial deposit. You may also need to upload personal documents, such as insurance policy information or other proof of ownership.

3. Pick your delivery location

You can drop your vehicle off at a terminal or have it picked up at your home or job. Terminal-to-terminal delivery can be more affordable, but it can require you to arrange additional transportation to and from that location. Door-to-door delivery is often the more convenient option but it typically comes at an extra cost.

4. Schedule your pickup and shipping dates

You can finalize your booking by scheduling pickup and shipping dates. In many cases, these dates are ranges unless you pay for expedited or guaranteed delivery, so be prepared to be flexible.

5. Hand it off and sign the bill of lading

When your pickup date arrives, your auto shipper will complete a pre-delivery inspection and note any signs of existing damage. These details will be noted on the bill of lading, which you’ll need to sign to confirm you recognize the car’s current condition and other important information about your car’s transport.

6. Inspect your vehicle upon arrival

Once the vehicle arrives in its new location, you will inspect it again and note any new signs of damage.

If there are signs of damage, you can proceed with filing a claim through the carrier’s insurance. Otherwise, the car is yours again.

Car shipping methods

Auto transport companies ship cars in two main ways: open carrier and enclosed trailer.

Open carrier

Open car transport is an economical way to ship your vehicle because multiple cars can fit on the trailer. Car manufacturers often use this method to ship their cars to dealers. Be aware, however, that damage due to road debris or weather is possible because your car is exposed to the elements during transit.

Enclosed trailer

Enclosed car shipping shields your vehicle from all the elements by placing it in an enclosed trailer. It offers more safety from debris, so it’s a good option for rare, vintage, or high-end vehicles. But that extra protection costs more because the trailer can’t carry as many vehicles this way.

Car shipping costs

The average cost to ship a car ranges anywhere from $0.50–$1.70 per mile. The cost of shipping a vehicle isn’t hard and fast, however, and it can change based on seasonal demand, inflation, and various other factors.

Factors affecting car shipping costs

Car shipping costs can range tremendously depending on a variety of factors.

Let’s take a look:

• Time of year: Car shipping costs are the highest during peak moving season and the beginning of the year. If you want to save money, consider holding off until the off-season.
• Distance: Cross-country and international transport costs more than regional or intrastate transport.
• Drivability: Inoperable vehicles can still be shipped, but they’ll require more legwork to move, which will add to your total costs.
• Economy: When fuel and other costs are high, it costs more to ship a car.
• Selected services: Enclosed carriers that deliver door-to-door will cost more than an open carrier that delivers terminal-to-terminal.
• Vehicle size: Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, RVs, and trucks, cost more to ship than a compact car.

Choosing the best car shipping company

There are a lot of car shipping companies, but they’re not all created equally.

Keep these tips in mind before trusting just any auto transport company with one of your more valuable assets.