Transporting your vehicle—whether you’re moving across the country, buying a car out of state, or sending a vehicle to a family member—can feel overwhelming if you haven’t done it before. The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation and a reliable transport company, shipping your car can be a smooth and worry-free experience.
This simple three-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from getting a quote to handing off your keys and finally welcoming your vehicle at its new destination. Let’s get started!
Auto transport is a specialized service that helps individuals and businesses move cars, trucks, or other vehicles over long distances—examples include people relocating for jobs, students going to college, car dealerships transferring inventory, or buyers who’ve purchased vehicles from out of state. The process begins when a customer contacts an auto transport company, usually providing information such as the type of vehicle, pick-up and delivery addresses, timeframe, and any specific requirements (like enclosed shipping for high-value cars).
Once the details are confirmed, the company schedules the transport and assigns a carrier, choosing between open trailers (more common and affordable) and enclosed trailers (for added protection). The customer and driver agree on a pick-up time, and before loading, both perform a detailed inspection of the car and note any pre-existing damage—a record is kept to compare with the vehicle’s condition upon delivery.
The vehicle is then carefully loaded onto the transport truck and secured to prevent movement or damage during transit. Professional carriers often provide updates on the vehicle’s status while it’s en route, and transport times can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the distance and route.
Upon arrival at the destination, another inspection is conducted with the customer to ensure the car arrived in the same condition as when it left. Only once everything checks out is the delivery considered complete. Payment terms vary: some companies require a deposit upfront, with the balance upon delivery, while others may offer different arrangements. Throughout the process, reputable transport companies are licensed and insured to protect your vehicle.
Auto transport streamlines the challenge of moving vehicles across cities, states, or even the country, offering a safe, reliable, and time-saving alternative to driving it yourself. Here’s more details on how it works.
Whether you prefer to call us or use our online instant quote tool, booking is a breeze. We offer quick, competitive pricing with no strings attached. Our friendly team is always ready to answer questions, guide you through the process, and ensure you feel confident about your vehicle’s journey from start to finish.
We’re here to make preparing your car easy and stress-free! Our team will guide you step-by-step and answer all your questions, so you’ll feel confident and ready. We keep things simple—for example, we’ll let you know what to remove, how to check your car, and what photos to take before pickup. You can trust us to make it effortless!
From here on out, we’ve got everything covered. Our team takes over all the details, making sure each part of the journey goes smoothly. We’ll keep you posted with regular updates, so you’re always in the know, and when it’s time, we’ll bring your vehicle right to your home, ready for you to hit the road again with zero hassle.
Yes, you can pack personal items weighing up to 100 lbs in a single box or luggage piece to be transported in the car’s trunk. Just make sure the items are securely packed to prevent shifting during transit.
Payment is simple. For the deposit, we accept all major credit cards, money orders and electronic transfers. If there is a balance due at the time of delivery, you can pay the Driver directly in cash or electronic Transfer.
We will provide you with an estimated transit time for your shipment and regular updates on your vehicle’s status, including any changes to the estimated delivery time. The time it takes for your vehicle to be delivered depends on the distance of the move. However, since each delivery is unique, your car may arrive earlier than the estimated transit time provided.
Yes, the carrier’s cargo insurance will cover your vehicle during transport. Our cargo insurance fully covers the value of the load in case the carrier’s policy fails to protect a valid claim, Customers will feel more confident knowing their vehicle is fully covered during transport with Simply Auto
