16 must-know car shipping tips
This guide gives you the crash course on how to ship a car: what not to do when getting quotes, how to make pickup faster, what to do with personal items, insurance, fuel, keys and more.
Car shipping services
- Door-to-door car shipping. We pick up and deliver your vehicle as close as possible to your desired location. See open carrier shipping.
- Enclosed auto shipping. For high-end, classic or luxury vehicles. Added protection from the elements and road debris. See enclosed shipping.
- Open carrier auto shipping. The most popular and cost-effective option, perfect for everyday vehicles.
- Motorcycle shipping. A safe and secure way to move your bike. See motorcycle shipping.
- Hawaii auto shipping. Need to ship to or from Hawaii? Call (800) 484-0283 and tell us the route.
- Expedited car shipping. For time-sensitive moves. Ask us about it.
How car shipping works
- Get a quote. Call (800) 484-0283 or fill out the online form.
- Schedule your shipping. Once you are satisfied with the quote, you schedule your shipment and we give you a time frame for pickup.
- Inspection and pickup. On the pickup date your vehicle is inspected to document its condition, then loaded onto a truck.
- Shipping. Your vehicle is on its way.
- Delivery. At the destination, there is a final inspection to check the car arrived in the same condition as it was picked up.
Tip 1: What not to do when getting quotes
Do not fill out multiple quote forms on different sites. When you fill out an online quote, most transport websites sell your information to 10 to 20 transport companies. If you unknowingly fill out forms on different sites, you are likely to have 20 different companies contacting you at once. Save yourself the annoyance and fill out one auto shipping quote form. We do not sell your information.
Tip 2: The top thing you can do to make pickup faster
Prepare your car before it is picked up. It saves time and shortens the inspection. The best thing you can do is wash it. If the outside of your car is clean, the pickup inspection you and the driver do before loading is fast and thorough. You will both be able to spot any scratches or dings, so there is no question about the condition of the car when it shipped. At delivery it is easy to confirm the car arrived in the same condition.
Tip 3: Why you should hide your treasures
Any personal items transported inside your car are not covered if lost or stolen in transit. If you leave belongings in the car, hide them out of sight. Locking them in the trunk is preferred.
Tip 4: How much can you stow away?
Because of truck weight regulations, most auto shipping companies do not allow more than 100 lbs of personal belongings in the car. If you have more, it is up to the driver whether to charge you for the extra weight.
Tip 5: Confirm you have insurance
It is always better to err on the side of caution. We recommend you verify that your personal insurance covers your car as it is transported. Most transport companies do not repair damage from normal travel hazards, road conditions or the elements. The transporter is responsible only when the car is directly damaged by the shipping company and only while the car is on the truck.
Tip 6: How much gas to leave in your car
Do not top off the tank. Before transport, leave only a quarter tank. That is enough for loading and unloading, and it keeps the car as light as possible. A full tank only adds weight to the load.
Tip 7: The one thing that can cost you more
Inoperable and modified cars cost more to ship. Transport companies charge more if your car cannot be driven onto the truck, because a truck with special equipment may need to be scheduled. If it is something simple like replacing a battery, get the car running and save the money. The same applies to a car that has been modified, has a camper shell, is lifted or is oversized. Anything that makes your car larger or wider than a regular car makes it harder to ship.
Tip 8: Keep a set of keys
Hand the driver one set of keys when your car is loaded, and keep another set with you for when the car arrives. Make sure both sets unlock the doors and start the ignition.
Tip 9: Turn off the car alarm
Make sure your alarm is disabled during transport so it is not accidentally set off during the move.
Tip 10: Give us your best phone number
We need to call you with updates on progress and delivery details, and we can only call the number you leave us. Your driver will contact you before pickup and again before delivery to give an estimated arrival time. If you miss the call, call back as soon as you can. If a pickup is missed, or a driver has to deliver a car to a terminal because nobody answered, the cost of delivering your car can go up.
Tip 11: Shipping to or from cold weather
If you are moving to a colder climate, check all the fluids in your car, especially the antifreeze, before transport. Make sure your engine will not be harmed by freezing temperatures. The transport company is not responsible for problems it did not directly cause.
Tip 12: Relax
We know your car is your prized possession. If you have taken the time to complete these simple steps before transport, you are well on your way to a successful pickup and delivery. It is our job to do the hard work.
Tip 13: Why a quote can go up
Trucks haul a lot of weight and use a lot of diesel, and diesel is a major expense for drivers. When fuel costs rise, quotes can rise with them. Booking sooner can help you avoid that.
Open or enclosed
If you have the extra money, we recommend enclosed transport.
Enclosed auto shipping. Your car travels inside a fully enclosed trailer, which protects it from weather, rocks and theft. Enclosed transport is a top choice for classic, antique, expensive cars and cars of high sentimental value. In most cases enclosed car transport costs about double what open transport costs. Enclosed drivers have more experience with high-end cars.
Open auto shipping. An open carrier does not protect your car from the elements. Your car is exposed to the weather, but more cars fit on the truck, and that lowers the cost. Damage from the elements is rare, but can occur. Most people are willing to take the small risk to save a considerable amount of money.
Carrier or broker
You have two options when you hire a car transport company: a carrier or a broker. An auto shipping carrier owns trucks, carries insurance and has the authority to move your car. An auto shipping broker does not have trucks and uses a network of open and enclosed carriers to move cars. DAS Car Transport arranges shipping through its vetted carrier network.
Estimated delivery times
These times are estimates only.
- East coast to west coast auto shipping: approximately 7-14 days.
- Midwest to east coast: approximately 5-8 days.
- South to north: approximately 5-8 days.
Next step
Get my quote or call (800) 484-0283. Before you book anywhere, read the scams and warnings in our industry.
Car shipping questions
How long does car shipping take?
The time depends on the distance between pickup and delivery. Typically it takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. We give you an estimated delivery time. It is an estimate, not a promise.
Can I pack personal items in my vehicle?
It is generally not recommended, because of insurance limits. Some carriers allow up to 100 lbs of belongings in the trunk.
What do I need to prepare before shipping?
Make sure your vehicle is clean for inspection, remove personal items, and keep the gas tank no more than 1/4 full. Disable alarms if possible.
How does door-to-door car transport work?
The truck driver gets as close to your door as he can legally and safely. If your street is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees, speed bumps or tight turns, the driver may ask you to meet the truck at a different location.
Who can I contact during transport?
The carrier moving your car provides a number you can call for information.
Will my car go to a terminal?
It depends on the pickup and delivery day. If the carrier cannot pick up or deliver because of scheduling conflicts or inaccessible areas, your car may go to a terminal. If so, you will be contacted beforehand.
Get your quote
Tell us the route and the vehicle. We will send you a quote.