Shipping your vehicle across the country is a daunting process.
You might be moving for a job. Or just purchased a new car from an online dealer in another state. Whatever the case, the idea of getting your car from point A to point B has you asking questions.
“What’s the whole process?” you wonder.
Here’s the good news:
Auto transport is much easier than you might think.
The process is pretty standard when you need to ship your car. Professional auto transport services offer end-to-end solutions from pickup to delivery. Companies like swift auto transport specialize in safely shipping your vehicles long distances, while they handle all the details, keeping you in the loop along the way.
Wait, there’s more…
The auto transport industry is worth $10.1 billion in 2025, which means millions of vehicles are successfully transported every year. This isn’t a “fly-by-night” operation either — auto transport has been around for decades.
The auto transport process includes:
- Auto Transport 101: An Overview
- The Shipping Timeline Demystified
- Pickup Explained: What to Expect
- Transit 101: What Happens In Between
- Delivery Process Revealed
What Is Auto Transport?
Auto transport is how you move your vehicle from Point A to Point B using specialized carriers.
You’ve seen them. The car carriers you’ve seen driving down the highway towing dozens of cars on their trailers. Those carriers are auto transport services.
Why ship your car this way? When you’re moving long distances, buying a vehicle from another state, or simply want to avoid wear and tear on your car during a long journey, auto transport services can provide an affordable solution.
Shipping Timeline Demystified
“What’s the biggest question people ask?” you might be wondering.
“How long will this take?”
It’s natural to want to know the timeline from booking to pickup to delivery.
Carriers usually schedule your pickup 2-7 business days after booking. It takes them a few days to open new appointments and coordinate routes, plus they want to combine vehicles going the same direction to fill their trucks.
Once your car is picked up, actual shipping times vary based on distance. Coast-to-coast shipments usually take 7-10 days. Regional trips to nearby states are often 1-3 days. Drivers and carriers cover about 500 miles per day on average.
Here’s the math:
Shipping 1,500 miles? Divide by 500 and you get 3 days of transit time. Add a day or two for delays due to weather or road congestion and you’re looking at 3-5 days total. It’s not Amazon Prime…but it’s dependable.
Pickup Explained: What To Expect
Pickup day is when things get serious.
Two days before your scheduled pickup date, your carrier should contact you to confirm the appointment. On pickup day:
- The driver will conduct a vehicle inspection with you
- Document any pre-existing damage with photos
- Both parties sign the Bill of Lading (shipping contract)
- You give them one set of keys
And there’s one crucial detail to remember…
The Bill of Lading is the most important document. This records the condition of your vehicle before transport. Both you and the driver sign it to create a legal record of the vehicle’s pre-existing damage.
In-Transit 101: Where’s My Car?
After your car is loaded, it’s the waiting game.
You might be wondering, “But what actually happens?”
Tracking can be hard to come by, but reputable auto transport companies will provide periodic updates during transit. Plus, consider what carriers are up against:
Your vehicle is on the truck. The driver is bound by federal regulations for how long they can drive per day. This is actually a good thing as safety first. Plus, severe weather like thunderstorms will force smart drivers to pull over until the skies clear. Better to be a day late than damage vehicles while they’re in transit.
Delivery Process Revealed
Delivery day is the home stretch.
The driver will call to confirm a time to deliver your car. When the driver arrives:
- Inspect the car’s condition before accepting
- Check condition against the original Bill of Lading
- Note any damage that occurred in transit (rare)
- Sign the delivery receipt
And the most important part:
Inspect the car in good lighting. If you notice damage that wasn’t there before, note it on the delivery receipt immediately before signing. New damage is rare, but if it happens this is how you protect yourself.
Open vs Enclosed Transport: Differences
During the shipping process, you’ll decide what type of carrier to use.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Open transport is by far the most common and affordable way to ship your car. Your vehicle rides on an open-air trailer, like the ones you see driving on the highway. In fact, about 90% of auto transport uses open carriers.
The main con of open transport is that your vehicle is exposed to the elements during transit. Road debris can strike your car. Enclosed trailers protect your vehicle inside.
Enclosed transport costs more but makes sense for luxury or classic cars. Enclosed carriers only haul 1-2 vehicles at a time, so capacity is limited. That’s why it’s pricier.
Open transport is more than fine for the average person’s daily driver.
Car Shipping Preparation
Curious about how to prepare your car for transport?
Before your scheduled pickup date, follow these steps:
- Clean your car inside and out
- Remove all personal belongings
- Leave 1/4 tank of gas
- Disable car alarms
- Take pictures of existing damage
You might think, “Why clean the car?”
Simple. You need to spot any existing damage before the vehicle inspection.
Personal belongings? Carriers aren’t liable for items left inside the vehicle. Things shift around during transit and can damage the interior.
Cost Factors You Need To Know
It costs money to transport your car from one state to the next.
Factors affecting price include the distance, vehicle size, transport type, and demand.
Take distance and size as an example:
Shipping a compact sedan 500 miles is much cheaper than hauling an oversized truck 2,000 miles to a rural location. Shipping during peak season (late spring to early fall) is pricier due to higher demand. Prices are lower in off-peak seasons.
Red Flags To Look Out For
Shipping your car isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.
Not all auto transport companies are reputable. Avoid ones that display the following warning signs:
- Asking for large deposits up front
- No USDOT number or proper licensing
- Prices significantly lower than average
- Reluctant to provide written quotes
Red flag…
Legitimate carriers always have:
A valid USDOT number you can check online. Correct insurance coverage. Written contracts. Realistic pricing.
Trust your instincts.
Final Thoughts On The Journey
Auto transport can be easy.
The shipping process is similar every time, with steps for booking, preparation, pickup, transit, and delivery. Professional auto transport services have been moving vehicles across the country for decades. 91.7% of US households own at least one vehicle. The market for reliable and affordable auto transport services only continues to grow.
The key to a smooth experience? Choose a reputable carrier. Prepare your car properly. Document, document, document.
Your vehicle will arrive safe and sound. Auto transport services exist to make your life easier… And when done right, auto transport absolutely delivers on that promise.