Whether you have a student moving across the country, are a member of the military moving your family or are relocating for your corporate job, an auto transportation service can help you get your car to the right place.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to ship your car in 2025. Let’s get started.
Shipping an automobile can be easier than you may expect if you work with the right service provider and plan accordingly. Most of the time, cars travel on a trailer attached to a semi-truck. But with so many other auto shipping options available to you, how can you be sure to select the best one?
Regardless of the carrier you select, there are two main services you can choose from:
Choosing the one that fits your car’s needs is essential for ensuring your car stays in good condition and arrives at the right time.
The average cost of shipping a car in the U.S. in 2024 was $1,096. For a 1,200 mile move, that comes out to about $0.91 per mile.
The exact cost of your shipment will vary depending on several factors:
Before you send your vehicle on its way, you’ll have to take a few extra steps to ensure it’s ready.
1. Remove All Valuables
First, ensure all valuables are out of the car and stored in a separate location. While vehicle shipping providers do their utmost to keep your car secure, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe with you.
2. Get the Required Paperwork
You will need to get a vehicle condition report — sometimes called a vehicle inspection report — before you can ship your car. This document details the condition your car is in on the day the driver picks it up, which can help you make sure everything is as it should be on delivery day.
Because your car will not be driving on the road, no other paperwork is needed. That said, documents such as vehicle registration, title and current license tabs may be required in the future if regulations change.
3. Select Vehicle Shipping Insurance
Whether you need vehicle shipping insurance depends on the specific carrier you choose, as each company offers different levels of coverage. Communicate with your shipping provider to learn more about what they offer.
The amount of time your shipment will take depends on the following factors:
When time is of the essence, our Expedited Transport Service ensure your vehicle gets where it needs to go – quickly sand safely. Whether you’re facing a tight deadline, unexpected move, or just want your car delivered ASAP, we’ve got you covered.
Auto shipments work similarly to how car manufacturers ship vehicles to dealerships. In both situations, cars are picked up by open carrier trucks or enclosed semis as they drive across the country and deliver them to their intended destinations.
The two most common auto shipping services are:
At AutoTransport.com, we make shipping your car easy from start to finish. We’re an auto shipping brokerage serving customers across the U.S. as well as in Canada and Mexico.
Here’s a quick step-by-step overview of what to expect when planning a vehicle shipment:
1. Planning Your Transport
First, you’ll need to plan your move with your brokerage or load board responder. This step involves coordinating the specific details of the pickup and delivery.
There are two ways you might make these arrangements:
Your transportation company will take care of choosing a driver, tracking the vehicle’s location and all the other logistics details.
2. Shipping Your Vehicle
Next, it’s time to prepare and ship your car. Every company will have a set procedure for ensuring a vehicle is ready for transport.
For example, some of the preparation steps we ask our customers to follow include:
Your agent will walk you through this process so you know exactly what to expect.
Once your vehicle is ready and the pickup date arrives, your driver will provide a quick inspection of your car’s exterior before loading it up and driving. They should provide consistent updates throughout the shipping process to keep you in the loop on where your car is.
3. Delivering the Vehicle
Finally, your vehicle will arrive at its destination. While your pickup process might look different depending on the service providers you’re working with, you’ll close out your service, pay your invoice and be able to drive off to your next destination quick and easy.
Now that you know how to ship a vehicle, it’s time to get started scheduling your shipment. AutoTransport.com is here to help. Our rates are competitive, and so is our service.
We handle all the tiny details, from drafting the initial no-obligation quote to providing clear, consistent communication throughout your vehicle’s journey. We also offer loading and offloading assistance at pickup and delivery to help make the process as smooth as possible.
You can count on our team to get your vehicle where you need it to go. Contact us today to request your free quote!
A driveaway service involves hiring a professional to drive your vehicle from one place to another on your behalf. This is different from using a trailer or freight carrier because your vehicle is driven, not loaded onto a truck.
Driveaway services are often less expensive than most car shipping methods. This requires you to work with a reputable company with reliable, professional drivers like AutoTransport.com. The process of booking a drive away is easy.
You can speak with our car shipping specialist at AutoTransport.com to get an instant quote. (800) 757-7125
Besides having someone else handle the stress of a long drive, a driveaway service has plenty of other benefits as well which include :
These advantages make driveaway services an easy choice for those looking to transport their vehicles efficiently and safely.
When you choose AutoTransport.com for your driveaway service, you’re working with a top company that provides excellent car transportation. Here’s what you can expect:
With AutoTransport.com, you can feel confident knowing that we take all the necessary safety steps to ensure a smooth car shipping experience. Get your free driveaway shipping quote today!
When choosing between enclosed car transport and driveaway service, there are key things to consider.
Enclosed Car Transport:
Driveaway Service:
In short, enclosed transport is good for cars that need extra protection, while driveaway service can be better if you want faster delivery and flexibility. The best choice depends on what you need and how valuable your car is. Both options have their advantages which can be discussed with a car shipping specialist.
Car insurance for transport gives you peace of mind when shipping your car. You won’t worry if an accident occurs. This is because your car is fully insured while it’s being moved.
Most costs for damages or accidents are covered. You won’t have to pay for repairs or replacements. You also get protection for injuries to others in an accident with your car.
This insurance keeps your investment safe and protects you from legal problems. You can relax knowing your car and your peace of mind are protected. With the right insurance, you’re all set for worry-free car transport.
