Car shipping: How it works

Quick insights

• Shipping a car may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how far it needs to travel and which type of carrier is used.
• There are a few modes of transit when it comes to shipping a car, such as open-air transport and enclosed transport.
• Review your insurance policy as well as the shipper’s insurance policy in the event that your car gets damaged during transit.

Whether you’re a seller who needs to deliver a car to a buyer out of state or you’re planning to move, there are several reasons why you may want to ship a car. Let’s review how car shipping works in more detail below.

How does car shipping work?

Car shipping (or “auto transport”) is the process of transporting vehicles from one location to another using specialized carriers. Car shipping is often used by individuals relocating to a new area, car dealerships, manufacturers and buyers purchasing vehicles from out-of-state sellers.

Cars can be shipped in a few different ways by using specialized, professional carriers, including:

• Open-air transport: This is a common and cost-effective method of transportation where vehicles are moved using open carriers, such as on a large truck on highways or trains. These carriers can typically hold up to 10 vehicles which are exposed to the elements.
• Enclosed transport: Vehicles are shipped in a fully enclosed trailer, providing maximum protection from all external elements. This method is often used for luxury or vintage cars.
• Roll on/roll off shipping: Cars are driven onto a ship and transported overseas without enclosure, though they are generally stored on decks where they can be semi-protected from the elements.
• Container shipping: For international shipments or flights, cars may be transported via plane while inside a large, protective container.

How long does it take to ship a car?

The timeframe for car shipping depends on a few factors, including:

• If you’re shipping internationally or domestically
• Type of shipping (for example, a flight vs. ground-based shipping)
• Distance of shipment (shorter distances may be a few days, while cross-country can be a few weeks)
• Weather and traffic conditions
• If you expedite your shipping (this can be more expensive)

Shipping times can vary anywhere from several days to several weeks. Generally speaking, a short-distance ship (under 500 miles) can take 1 to 2 days, while longer distances (1,500 miles or more) can take up to a few weeks.

Additionally, most shippers offer general windows/timeframes for picking up and delivering your car. These windows can differ depending on where you are geographically located. To help you better track how long it can take to ship a car, see if your shipper offers tracking services so that you can keep an eye on your car’s journey.

Costs of shipping a car

There are several influences that affect the cost of shipping a car, including:

• Mode of transport (carrier, boat, plane)
• Distance
• Vehicle size
• Expedited shipping
• Added fees for fuel, insurance, etc.

Generally, the further you are transporting your car (especially if by boat or plane), the more costly the shipment. Expedited shipping may also come with higher costs.

What paperwork is involved?

When shipping a car, you may need to handle some paperwork, but the documentation will be rather straightforward. The most important document you’ll need is the bill of landing, which is essentially your receipt of what’s been boarded onto the carrier. It also contains information such as the condition of your car before and after transportation.

You may also want to review the car shipper’s insurance and terms. All shippers are required to have insurance, so it can be helpful to understand what goes into their plan as part of the car shipping process.

Finally, in the rare event that your shipper requires it, you may need to provide a copy of your vehicle registration and show proof of insurance or identification.

What happens if my car gets damaged?

Typically a car shipper’s insurance policy will cover damages that occur due to poor shipping equipment or other forms of negligence. If after arrival you see your car has been damaged during transit, it’s important to review the shipper’s insurance terms, document the damage and file a claim with the shipping company. Check with your own insurance policy to see if you have coverage for damage during shipment as well. This may come in handy if there are limitations to the shipper’s policy.

Additional considerations

Before sending your car off on its own road trip, you may want to consider removing any personal items from your car and take a good record of your car’s condition. Upon receipt, give your car a thorough inspection to look for any signs of damage. This is where reviewing the insurance paperwork may come in handy, in the event that there’s been any damage done to your vehicle.

Additionally, to help reduce shipping weight, consider using up your car’s gasoline until you have about a quarter tank left. You may also want to get your car waxed and washed before the journey, as wax can help repel elements like insects and debris during transit.

As with any big decision, it can be helpful to do some initial research; look into which shippers work best for your situation and make sure they are reputable.

Conclusion

To help you have a smooth process when shipping your car, prepare yourself by staying aware of insurance policies, collecting the proper paperwork and understanding which carrier might work best for you.