How Do I Ship My Car?

If you’ve never shipped a car before, the process can seem mysterious. It isn’t. Most shipments follow the same six steps, and once you know them, you’ll know what to expect and what to ask.

1. Decide What You Need

Before you ask for quotes, answer three questions:

• Open or enclosed? Open transport is the standard and costs less. Enclosed keeps the car covered and is the usual choice for exotic, classic and high-value cars.
• When? Know your earliest pickup date and how flexible you can be. A few days of flexibility widens your options.
• Anything unusual? A car that doesn’t run, a lifted truck, oversized tires, or a very low car all change which carrier fits and the price.

2. Get a Quote

You’ll need the pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the year, make and model, and your dates. Our quote form takes a couple of minutes, or you can call (424) 453-1800.

If you collect several quotes, be careful with the lowest one. A price far below the rest is often one no carrier will accept, and it tends to go up after you book. Here’s how that bait and switch works.

3. Book and Get Matched With a Carrier

Once you book, the auto transport company finds a licensed carrier that runs your route and has the right equipment, and sets your pickup window. With Shelby, that means a vetted carrier. You can ask to see the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup.

4. Prepare Your Car

• Wash it, so the inspection at pickup is accurate.
• Take dated photos of every side, the roof, the wheels and the odometer.
• Leave about a quarter tank of fuel (or a third to a half charge for an EV).
• Remove personal items, toll tags, and loose accessories like bike racks.
• Fold in the mirrors and turn off the alarm.

5. Pickup Day

The driver calls ahead to confirm the time and place. If a big truck can’t get to your street, you’ll meet at a nearby wide street or parking lot. You and the driver walk around the car together and note any existing scratches or dents on the bill of lading, the inspection report and receipt for your shipment. Both of you sign, and you hand over the keys.

6. Delivery Day

The driver calls ahead again. Inspect the car carefully, ideally in daylight, and compare it against the pickup report. If everything looks right, sign and take your keys. If you see new damage, write it on the bill of lading before you sign and take photos. That record matters if you need to make a claim.

The Short Version

Know what you need, get an honest quote, prepare the car, and inspect it carefully at both ends. That’s it. If you’d rather talk it through, call (424) 453-1800.

Questions