Shipping a car across the country doesn't have to be stressful or expensive. With the right preparation and by choosing a reputable auto transport company, you can have your vehicle delivered safely and on-time — often at prices far lower than driving it yourself. This guide walks you through every step of the process.

Step 5: Vehicle Pickup

Your driver will arrive within the scheduled window. Together, you'll conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and document any existing damage on the bill of lading. Both you and the driver will sign this form — keep your copy safe. This document is your protection if any disputes arise at delivery.

Illustration of a car being loaded onto a car carrier at a residential curb
Door-to-door pickup: the driver loads your car at or near your address. Illustrative image — not a photo of a specific carrier.

Step 6: Transit Period

Transit times vary by distance. Short hauls (under 500 miles) typically take 1–3 days. Medium distance routes (500–1,500 miles) take 3–5 days. Coast-to-coast shipments usually take 7–10 days. Most carriers provide tracking updates, and you can always call your broker for status updates.

Step 7: Vehicle Delivery

At delivery, conduct another thorough inspection with the driver. Compare the vehicle's condition against the pickup inspection form. If you notice any new damage, note it on the delivery bill of lading before signing. Never sign a clean bill of lading if there is damage — doing so waives your right to make a claim.

Important: Inspect your vehicle in good lighting. If delivery happens at night, it's acceptable to note "inspection pending" on the form and complete your inspection the following morning.

How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?

Auto transport costs range from $300 to $2,000+ depending on the route distance, vehicle size, transport type, and current market conditions. The average cross-country shipment (coast to coast) costs $900–$1,400. Shorter routes can cost as little as $300–$600. Use our free price estimator to get a ballpark for your specific route.

Popular Routes and Typical Costs

Is Auto Transport Safe?

Yes — auto transport is very safe when you choose an FMCSA-licensed carrier or broker. All licensed carriers are required by federal law to carry cargo insurance. Statistically, less than 1% of vehicles transported experience any damage, and most reported damage is minor (paint chips, scratches) that was either pre-existing or occurred during loading.

When you use DirectAutoHaul, every company in our network has been verified for FMCSA licensing and active insurance. We also display real customer reviews so you can see exactly what others experienced before committing to a company. Your personal data is encrypted and never sold to third parties — you'll only hear from licensed brokers who can actually help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons (summer and around holidays). However, expedited shipping is available if you need to ship your car quickly — typically within 1–3 days at a premium.
Technically allowed (up to 100 lbs in the trunk), but not recommended. Carriers aren't insured to cover personal belongings, and heavy items affect vehicle weight and can shift during transit.
Non-running vehicles can still be transported — they require special equipment (a winch) to load and unload, which adds $150–$250 to the cost. Disclose this upfront when getting quotes.
A broker connects you with carriers who will physically transport your vehicle. A carrier is the company with the actual trucks. Many customers use brokers because they have access to a large network and can find the best rates quickly.
Your contact info is shared only with FMCSA-licensed brokers actively serving your route — typically 2–4 of them. As disclosed in our Terms, they may reach you by phone, text, or automated dialer, even if you're on a Do-Not-Call list; this is standard for quote-matching services and required consent under the TCPA. Your info is never sold to unrelated advertisers, and you can opt out at any time by replying STOP.