Choose a shipping provider, verify its registration, compare written quotes, and coordinate the pickup directly with the seller or dealership. You’ll generally decide between a broker and a direct carrier, open or enclosed transport, and standard or expedited service.

1. Choose a broker or direct carrier

An auto broker arranges transportation by connecting you with a carrier, while a carrier owns or operates the trucks that physically move the vehicle broker and carrier roles.

A broker may be useful when you need more scheduling flexibility or are shipping along an uncommon route. Brokers can compare carriers across routes and schedules, while individual carriers may have more limited routes and predetermined schedules carrier availability differences. Booking directly can provide more direct communication with the company handling the vehicle, but your preferred date or destination may not fit that carrier’s existing plans.

When speaking with a provider, ask:

  • Is the company acting as a broker, a carrier, or both?
  • If a broker is arranging the shipment, which carrier will be assigned?
  • Who will be your contact for pickup and delivery?
  • What cancellation terms, additional fees, and payment requirements apply?

Availability and pricing depend on the route, vehicle, requested dates, and carrier availability. Compare providers using the same information so the quotes are meaningful.

2. Verify the provider before paying

For U.S. interstate auto transport, both brokers and carriers are required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Carriers also have a USDOT number, and providers should prominently display their MC Docket number interstate registration requirements. Check the provider’s registration before signing or paying, and avoid a company that does not clearly display its MC Docket number.

If a broker is involved, also ask for the assigned carrier’s information. Confirm the carrier’s registration and active USDOT number, and ask what insurance coverage applies to the vehicle. For a higher-value car, you can consider whether supplemental protection is appropriate.

Do not select a quote solely because it is the lowest headline price. A useful comparison should identify the route, vehicle, transport type, pickup window, delivery window, included services, payment terms, and any conditions that could change the final amount.

3. Compare transport methods and service levels

ChoiceUsually makes sense whenMain trade-off
Open transportYou are shipping a standard vehicle and want the usual lower-cost optionThe vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris
Enclosed transportThe vehicle is luxury, classic, or especially sensitive to weather and road debrisIt generally costs more
Standard serviceYour schedule can accommodate an estimated delivery windowPickup and delivery are less date-specific
Expedited serviceYou need the vehicle prioritized for a particular dateIt costs extra
Door-to-door serviceBoth addresses are safe and accessible to a large car haulerAn alternate meeting point may be needed at difficult locations

Open transport is generally more affordable and common. Enclosed transport provides additional protection and is suited to luxury, classic, or weather-sensitive vehicles open and enclosed protection.

“Door-to-door” does not necessarily mean the truck can stop directly in front of a home. Pickup and delivery locations must be accessible to a car hauler; a tight residential street or another difficult location may require an alternate meeting point accessible pickup locations. Confirm this before booking.

4. Estimate the cost and timing

Published industry estimates vary. Montway places typical online car purchases at about $500 to $1,500, while uShip gives an average interstate range of $500 to $1,000 published shipping cost estimates interstate shipping cost range. Treat these figures as rough estimates rather than guaranteed prices.

The actual quote can be affected by:

  • Pickup and delivery distance
  • Vehicle size and type
  • Open or enclosed transport
  • Requested dates and seasonality
  • Standard or expedited service
  • Accessibility of the pickup and delivery locations

Transit estimates also vary. One industry checklist describes most interstate shipments as taking 2 to 8 days, while another provider describes cross-country shipments as typically taking 7 to 10 days from pickup to delivery estimated interstate transit times cross-country delivery estimates. Ask for a pickup window and delivery window rather than relying on an exact arrival time.

5. Coordinate the online seller’s pickup

After booking, give the provider the seller’s or dealership’s exact address, contact person, phone number, vehicle details, and available pickup dates. The seller or dealership should know the planned pickup date and have the required documentation ready seller pickup coordination.

Confirm these details with the seller before the driver arrives:

  • The vehicle will be available during the agreed pickup window.
  • Someone authorized can release the vehicle.
  • The provider has the correct address and contact information.
  • The seller has the documents needed for the handoff.
  • You and the seller understand where the vehicle will be inspected and loaded.

Also confirm whether personal items are allowed. Transport rules and provider policies can differ, and personal belongings may not be accepted or may require a separate agreement. Ask before placing anything in the car.

6. Document the vehicle at pickup and delivery

Inspect the vehicle with the driver before it is loaded. Take photographs of existing scratches, chips, dents, and other visible damage in good lighting. The Bill of Lading is the official shipment record and records the vehicle’s condition; it should be signed at pickup and delivery Bill of Lading condition record.

At pickup:

  1. Walk around the vehicle with the driver.
  2. Compare the vehicle’s condition with the Bill of Lading.
  3. Make sure existing damage is recorded accurately.
  4. Keep a copy or photo of the completed document.

At delivery, inspect the vehicle again before signing. Compare its condition with the pickup record and document any changes on the delivery paperwork. Confirm that the vehicle, keys, and agreed delivery details are accounted for.

A practical decision framework

For a standard sedan, flexible dates, and a normal-access residential destination, start by comparing open-transport quotes from registered providers. If the route or timing is difficult, a broker may provide more carrier options. If the car is a classic, luxury model, or particularly vulnerable to weather and road debris, compare enclosed transport instead. If you need delivery by a specific date, ask about expedited service and its additional cost.

The safest arrangement is the one that matches the vehicle and schedule—not necessarily the one with the lowest initial price. Verify the provider, clarify who is handling the shipment, confirm the seller’s pickup arrangements, and use the Bill of Lading to document the car from pickup through delivery.