Top 5 Things to Know Before Shipping a Car

The Top 5 Things to Consider Before Car Shipping

Whether you’re moving to a new state, buying or selling a car online, heading off to college, or relocating for business or military duty, car shipping within the U.S. has become a simple and often necessary service.

However, auto transport isn’t just about handing over your keys and waiting for your vehicle to arrive. Understanding how the process works can save you time, money, and stress. Before booking a transporter, it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare.

Here are the top five things to consider before car shipping in 2025.

1. Choose a Reputable Auto Shipping Company

Not all auto shipping companies are the same. The industry includes:

Carriers – Companies that own and operate the trucks that transport vehicles.
Brokers – Middlemen who connect you with carriers, often offering more flexibility and access to a larger network.
Marketplaces – Platforms where transporters bid on your shipment.

👉 What to check before booking:

A valid Motor Carrier (MC) number and U.S. DOT registration.
Customer reviews on trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Transport Reviews.
Proper insurance coverage.

💡 Tip: Beware of prices that seem too good to be true. In auto transport, you often get what you pay for.

2. Decide Between Open vs. Enclosed Transport

The two most common shipping methods are:

Open Transport – The most affordable option, where vehicles are shipped on an open-air trailer with others. It’s safe and efficient but exposes your car to weather and road debris.
Enclosed Transport – Costs 30–60% more but provides maximum protection inside a covered trailer. Ideal for luxury, vintage, or high-value vehicles.

👉 Which to choose?

Open transport is best for everyday vehicles.
Enclosed transport is worth the investment for rare, expensive, or collector cars.

3. Understand Car Shipping Costs

In 2025, the average cost of car shipping across the U.S. ranges from $850 to $1,500, depending on:

Distance – Longer trips cost more overall but less per mile.
Vehicle size and weight – Larger vehicles or those with modifications (lift kits, oversized tires) cost more.
Condition – Non-running cars require extra equipment to load.
Pick-up and drop-off locations – Rural areas usually cost more than urban ones.
Seasonal demand – Summer and “snowbird” seasons (fall and spring) bring higher rates.

💡 Tip: Always get multiple quotes and confirm what’s included (insurance, fuel fees, door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal service).

4. Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Preparing your car properly reduces risks and ensures a smooth transport process.

Before pick-up:

Wash your car to make pre-shipping inspection easier.
Take detailed photos of the vehicle’s condition.
Remove all personal belongings (they aren’t covered by insurance).
Keep the gas tank at about ¼ full.
Disable alarms and toll passes.
Check tire pressure, battery, and fluid levels.
Remove or secure loose parts (antennas, spoilers, racks).
Notify the transporter if your car is non-running, as special equipment may be needed.

5. Plan Ahead for Shipping Timelines

Car shipping doesn’t work like overnight delivery. Instead, companies provide an estimated pick-up window (usually 1–3 days). Delivery times vary:

Short-distance trips: 1–3 days.
Cross-country trips: 7–10+ days.

Delays can occur due to weather, traffic, or mechanical issues, so build flexibility into your schedule.

👉 If you need guaranteed or expedited delivery, expect to pay more, and note that availability may be limited.