Shipping a car for the first time can feel overwhelming. Between choosing a carrier, understanding costs, and making sure your vehicle arrives safely, there is a lot to think about. Fortunately, most problems that people encounter during the auto transport process are completely avoidable. By following the right car shipping tips before you book, you can protect your investment, avoid unnecessary stress, and even save a significant amount of money.
Whether you are relocating across the country, purchasing a vehicle from another state, or sending a car to a family member, this guide covers everything you need to know.
1. Book Your Transport as Early as Possible
One of the most important car shipping tips is also the simplest: book early. Ideally, you should schedule your shipment at least two to four weeks in advance. When you book early, carriers have more flexibility to accommodate your preferred pickup dates, and you generally have access to better pricing.
Last-minute bookings, on the other hand, often come with premium rates and limited carrier availability. This is especially true during peak seasons like summer, when demand for auto transport services spikes significantly. Students shipping cars to campus face the same challenge — see our college car shipping guide for a full back-to-school booking timeline.
2. Understand the Difference Between Open and Enclosed Transport
Before booking, it is essential to understand your transport options. Open transport is by far the most popular and affordable choice. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer alongside other cars, which keeps costs low. For most standard vehicles, open transport is a perfectly safe option.
Enclosed transport, however, provides a higher level of protection by shielding your car from weather, road debris, and dust. This is the best way to ship a car if you own a luxury vehicle, a classic car, or any vehicle with high monetary or sentimental value. If you’re shipping a classic, check out our breakdown of classic car transport costs to understand what to budget for. While enclosed transport costs more, the added protection is often well worth it. For a deeper breakdown of both options, check out our complete guide to open vs. enclosed transport.
3. Research Companies Thoroughly and Avoid Scams
Knowing how to avoid car shipping scams is just as important as finding a good carrier. Unfortunately, fraudulent companies do exist in the auto transport industry. Here is how to protect yourself:
- Always verify that the company has a valid USDOT number through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
- Read reviews on trusted platforms like Google, the Better Business Bureau, and TransportReviews.com.
- Be cautious of quotes that seem unusually low. If a price sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
- Never pay the full amount upfront. Reputable companies typically collect payment upon delivery or charge only a small deposit at booking.
Taking the time to research your carrier thoroughly is one of the smartest auto shipping tips you can follow.
4. Get Multiple Quotes Before Committing
Shopping around is always a good idea. Prices in the auto transport industry vary considerably depending on the company, the route, the season, and the type of transport you choose. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you collect at least three to five quotes before making a decision.
When comparing quotes, make sure each one includes all fees. Some companies advertise a low base price but add fuel surcharges, insurance fees, or pickup fees later. A transparent quote with no hidden costs is always a better deal than the cheapest option on the surface.
5. Prepare Your Car Properly Before Pickup
Knowing how to prepare a car for shipping is one of the most overlooked aspects of the process. However, proper preparation can prevent disputes and make the entire experience smoother. Here is a simple checklist to follow:
- Wash your car so that any existing scratches or dents are clearly visible.
- Take detailed photos of your vehicle from every angle before handing it over. These photos serve as evidence in case of any damage claims.
- Remove all personal belongings from the interior. Personal items are not covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance and may violate Department of Transportation regulations.
- Disable your car alarm to prevent it from going off during transport.
- Check your fuel level — keep the tank between one quarter and one half full. A full tank adds unnecessary weight, while an empty tank can cause issues during loading.
6. Check Your Fluid Levels and Mechanical Condition
In addition to the cosmetic preparation above, it is equally important to ensure your vehicle is in good working mechanical condition. If you want to understand the full shipping process from start to finish, our guide on how car shipping works is a great place to start.
Check your tire pressure, battery charge, and fluid levels before pickup. If your car has any fluid leaks, inform the carrier in advance, as leaking vehicles can damage other cars on the trailer.
Furthermore, if your vehicle is not in running condition, you must disclose this when booking. Inoperable vehicles require special equipment to load and may incur additional fees. Being upfront about this avoids delays and unexpected charges on pickup day.
7. Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Many people assume that the carrier’s insurance fully covers their vehicle during transit. While carriers are legally required to carry cargo insurance, it is important to understand exactly what that policy covers. In most cases, carrier insurance covers damage caused directly by the transport process, such as accidents during loading or transit.
However, damage caused by weather events — such as hail, flooding, or fallen trees — may not be covered under the carrier’s policy. This is especially relevant when transporting a luxury or high-end vehicle, where the financial stakes are considerably higher. For a complete overview of what luxury vehicle shipping involves, read our dedicated luxury car shipping guide. As a result, it is a good idea to contact your personal auto insurance provider before shipping. Ask whether your comprehensive coverage applies during transport. This simple step can give you significant peace of mind.
8. Know How to Save Money on Car Shipping
If budget is a priority, there are several practical ways to reduce your shipping costs. Here are the most effective strategies:
- Choose open transport over enclosed whenever possible, as it is roughly 30–40% cheaper.
- Be flexible with your pickup window. Offering a three to five day pickup window instead of a specific date makes you easier to schedule and often results in lower rates.
- Avoid peak season. Summer and major holidays are the most expensive times to ship. Late fall and early spring typically offer the best rates.
- Book directly with a carrier when possible, as brokers add a service fee on top of the carrier’s rate.
- Consider terminal-to-terminal delivery instead of door-to-door car shipping if a terminal is conveniently located near you. This option can save you $100–$300 on certain routes.
By combining even two or three of these strategies, you can meaningfully reduce the total cost of your shipment.
9. Review the Bill of Lading Carefully
The Bill of Lading is the official document that records the condition of your vehicle at pickup and delivery. It is, in essence, the most important piece of paperwork in the entire shipping process. Before the driver leaves with your car, walk around the vehicle together and confirm that every existing scratch, dent, or imperfection is noted on the Bill of Lading.
Similarly, when your car arrives, inspect it thoroughly before signing the delivery copy. If you notice any new damage, note it on the Bill of Lading immediately. Signing the document without documenting new damage makes it significantly harder to file a successful insurance claim afterward.
10. Inspect Your Vehicle Thoroughly Upon Delivery
Finally, once your car arrives, take your time with the inspection — even if the driver seems to be in a hurry. Compare the vehicle’s current condition against the photos you took before pickup. Check all panels, the roof, the windshield, and the undercarriage if possible.
If everything looks good, sign the Bill of Lading and enjoy having your car safely delivered. If there is any new damage, document it in writing on the delivery report, take photos immediately, and contact the carrier’s claims department as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Following these car shipping tips can make the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and a costly, frustrating one. The key takeaways are simple: book early, research your carrier, prepare your car properly, and never skip the Bill of Lading inspection.
Ready to ship your car? At Mile Auto Transport, we offer reliable, transparent auto transport services across the United States. Get a free quote today and let us handle the logistics while you focus on what matters most.