Shipping a car for the first time can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re sending a vehicle to a family member, buying a car from another state, or relocating across the country, understanding how auto transport works will help reduce stress and ensure a smooth experience.

The good news? Your first auto shipping experience can be straightforward and hassle-free if you’re prepared and have the right information.

This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping a vehicle for the first time in the United States—from choosing a reliable transport company to preparing your car for pickup and delivery.

Why Ship a Vehicle?

People choose to ship vehicles instead of driving them for many reasons:

• Long-distance moves: Relocating across the country for family, work, or education.

• Online car purchases: Buying from individual sellers or out-of-state dealerships.

• Corporate or military relocations: Temporary or permanent assignments.

• Seasonal moves: Known as the “snowbird lifestyle,” moving cars between northern and southern states.

• Vehicle condition: Luxury, classic, or non-operational cars aren’t suited for long drives.

Whatever the reason, hiring a professional auto transport company is often safer, faster, and more affordable than driving the car yourself.

Step 1: Understand the Different Auto Transport Types

Your first decision is how you want your car transported. There are two main options:

1. Open Transportation

   • The most popular and affordable method.

   • Cars are transported on open-air trailers holding 7 to 10 vehicles.

   • Your vehicle will be exposed to weather, dust, and road debris.

2. Enclosed Transportation

   • Provides complete protection inside a covered trailer.

   • Ideal for high-end, vintage, or luxury vehicles.

   • Typically 30% to 60% more expensive than open transport.

Tip: Open transport is safe and suitable for most standard vehicles. Enclosed shipping is worth the extra cost if your car has significant sentimental or monetary value.

Step 2: Choose a Reputable Auto Transport Company

Not all auto shippers are created equal. Avoid scams and bad experiences by doing your homework:

• Confirm the company is registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).

• Ensure they have current MC (Motor Carrier) and DOT (Department of Transportation) numbers.

• Look for clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.

• Check reviews on sites like TransportReviews.com, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

• Confirm the company provides insurance coverage for your vehicle during transport.

At E&G Elite Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on safe, insured, and timely deliveries—especially for first-time shippers.

Step 3: Get Multiple Quotes

After shortlisting reputable companies, request quotes to compare prices and services. When comparing, consider:

• Shipping route and distance.

• Vehicle size, make, and model.

• Seasonality (winter and summer tend to be busiest).

• Transport type (open vs. enclosed).

• Delivery timeframe (standard vs. expedited).

Beware of unusually low quotes—they can be a red flag for unreliable service or bait-and-switch tactics. Reliable companies offer fair, competitive pricing based on real factors.

Step 4: Schedule Your Shipment

Once you choose a carrier, schedule your transport:

• Door-to-door shipping: Carrier picks up and delivers your vehicle as close as possible to the specified addresses. Most convenient.

• Terminal-to-terminal shipping: You drop off and pick up your car at designated terminals. Sometimes less expensive but less convenient.

Provide accurate vehicle details (year, make, model, condition), pickup and delivery locations, and your preferred timeframe. Keep in mind, pickup and delivery dates are often windows rather than exact times due to traffic and weather.

Step 5: Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport

Ensure a smooth, secure shipment by preparing your car:

• ✅ Wash your vehicle to make damage inspection easier.

• ✅ Take photos of the car from all angles to document its condition.

• ✅ Remove personal belongings—most companies don’t cover them.

• ✅ Check all fluid levels, including coolant, brake fluid, and oil.

• ✅ Ensure tires are properly inflated.

• ✅ Disable alarm systems.

• ✅ Keep your gas tank about ¼ full—enough for loading and unloading, but not too heavy.

• ✅ Secure or remove loose parts like antennae, roof racks, and spoilers.

Taking these steps helps minimize problems during transit.

Step 6: Inspection and Vehicle Pickup

When the transporter arrives:

• You and the driver will complete a Bill of Lading, documenting your vehicle’s condition with an inspection report.

• This is your chance to note any existing damage.

• Try to be present for this process, or assign a trusted person if you can’t attend.

• Keep a signed copy of the Bill of Lading—it’s vital if you need to file a damage claim.

Step 7: Vehicle Delivery

When your car arrives:

• Carefully inspect it and compare its condition to the pickup report and your photos.

• Report any new damage immediately to the transport company and note it on the Bill of Lading.

• Damage claims usually involve both the carrier’s insurance and your own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is my vehicle insured during transit?
Yes. Federal law requires all carriers to carry cargo insurance, but coverage limits and deductibles vary. Always ask for a certificate of insurance before booking.

Can I leave personal belongings in my car?
Most companies prohibit or strongly discourage this. They won’t cover theft or damage to personal items. Some may allow limited items (under 100 lbs) in the trunk.

How long does shipping take?

• Short trips: 1–3 days

• Cross-country: 5–10 days

• Expedited shipping: 1–3 days faster (at extra cost)
  Timing can be affected by weather, traffic, and routing.

Shipping your car for the first time doesn’t have to be stressful. Partnering with a trustworthy auto transport company and knowing the process ahead of time ensures a safe and smooth experience.

At E&G Elite Auto Transport, we guide new clients every step of the way—offering transparent pricing and treating your car like it’s our own.

Let us handle the logistics, so you can focus on what matters—whether it’s shipping a car for a loved one or relocating across the country.