How Auto Transport Works

Before you book, take six minutes to understand exactly how auto transport works — from getting your quote to handing over your keys and inspecting your vehicle at delivery. This video was produced by our team and covers the full process in plain language. It’s the same briefing our customer service reps give first-time shippers every day.

What You’ll Learn

How the auto transport booking process works
The difference between open and enclosed transport
What happens at vehicle pickup and what to inspect
How long shipping takes by distance
How your vehicle is protected during transit
What a Bill of Lading is and why it matters
How to prepare your car for transport
What happens at delivery and final inspection

Get An Instant Auto Transport Quote

What’s Covered in The How It Works Video

9 Chapters — Under 6 Minutes

Each chapter covers a specific part of the auto transport process. Click any card to open that chapter directly in YouTube.

[00:00] – Introduction to Auto Transport

We start with the basics: what auto transport is, who uses it, and why it’s a smarter option than driving your vehicle yourself. You’ll get a clear picture of how the carrier network operates and what to expect from the moment you request a quote.

[00:58] – How To Arrange Auto Transport

Booking your move is straightforward. We walk you through how to submit your shipment details, what information you’ll need on hand, and how we match you with a vetted carrier heading your direction.

[01:29] – How Do The Pricing Tiers Work?

Auto transport pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We explain what drives your quote, including distance, vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand, so you know exactly what you’re paying for and when to expect the best rates.

[02:48] – Where Can I Ship To or From?

We serve the entire continental United States, door to door. Whether you’re shipping across two states or coast to coast, we cover every zip code. We also explain how proximity to major carrier lanes can affect availability and timing.

[03:06] – When Can I Expect Pickup?

We set honest expectations around pickup windows, typically one to three days from your target date, and explain how driver schedules, route logistics, and lead time all factor into when your carrier arrives.

[03:37] – How Long Does Shipping Take?

Transit times vary by distance. We break it down clearly: short regional hauls, mid-range interstate moves, and full cross-country shipments, with realistic timeframes for each so you can plan around your schedule.

[03:55] – How to Prepare Your Vehicle

Before your carrier arrives, a few simple steps protect you and your car. We cover what to remove, how to document existing condition, fuel level, tire pressure, and anything else that needs to be done the day before pickup.

[04:25] – What To Expect At Pickup

This is where the paperwork begins. We walk through the curbside inspection process and the Bill of Lading, the document that legally records your vehicle’s condition before it’s loaded. We explain why it matters and exactly what to check before you sign.

[04:57] – What To Expect At Delivery

The final step. We cover how delivery works, what to inspect before signing off, and how to handle situations where a large trailer can’t reach your exact address, like tight residential streets or gated communities, and needs to meet you nearby.

car-transport-driver-strapping-down-a-blue-car-on-th-trailer

Open Car Transporter with a full load rolling down the highway at close to sunset

The Auto Transport Process, Step by Step

Woman in office calculating online car shipping quote

From your first quote to final inspection, here’s exactly what happens at every stage of your shipment.

Step 1: Get a Quote and Book a Carrier

The process starts when you request a quote. A reputable broker or carrier will ask for your pickup and delivery zip codes, vehicle year, make, and model, your preferred transport type, and your target pickup date. Most quotes are free and take less than two minutes online. Booking 1 to 2 weeks in advance gives carriers the best chance to match you with a driver heading your direction.

Step 2: Choose Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Open transport uses an open-air multi-car trailer, the industry standard representing roughly 90% of all vehicle shipments. Enclosed transport uses a covered trailer that protects your vehicle from weather and road debris, recommended for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.

Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle for Pickup

Remove personal belongings. Leave only a quarter tank of gas. Photograph existing damage. Disable toll transponders. Check tire pressure and battery. Retract or remove accessories.

Step 4: Pickup and the Bill of Lading

The driver conducts a joint inspection and documents your vehicle’s condition on the Bill of Lading. You both sign it. Keep your copy — you will compare it at delivery. Never sign a blank or incomplete Bill of Lading.

Step 5: In Transit

Most car transport drivers travel about 500 miles per day. To estimate transit, divide the route mileage by 500, then add a day or two for the other pickups and drop-offs on the carrier’s load. It’s not an exact science, but it gets you close.

Step 6: Delivery and Final Inspection

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before signing the delivery Bill of Lading. Compare it to your pickup photos and note any new damage specifically before you sign. Once signed without noting damage, filing a claim becomes very difficult.

Insurance Coverage During Transport

All licensed carriers are federally required to carry cargo insurance, and every shipment we book includes coverage up to $150,000 at no extra charge. You can request a Certificate of Insurance once your carrier is assigned.

How Much Does Auto Transport Cost?

Most domestic car shipments fall between $500 and $2,500. Price depends on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and current carrier availability on your route. Request a free quote for an exact figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does auto transport work?

Auto transport works in four steps: you get a quote and book a carrier, a driver picks up your vehicle, your car travels on an open or enclosed trailer to its destination, and it is delivered and inspected. Your vehicle is insured throughout.

How long does auto transport take?

Short hauls under 500 miles take 1 to 3 days. Cross country shipments of 1,500+ miles generally take 7 to 10 days. Always build in a buffer when planning around a deadline.

Is my car insured during transport?

Yes. Federal law requires all licensed carriers to carry cargo insurance, and every shipment we book includes coverage up to $150,000 at no extra charge. You can request a Certificate of Insurance copy after your vehicle is assigned a carrier.

What is the difference between open and enclosed auto transport?

Open transport uses an open air trailer and is the most common and affordable option. Enclosed transport uses a covered trailer recommended for luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles and typically costs 30 to 50 percent more.

How much does auto transport cost?

Most domestic car shipments cost between $500 and $2,500. Request a free quote for your specific route and vehicle for the most accurate price.

How do I prepare my car for auto transport?

Remove all personal belongings, leave about a quarter tank of gas, photograph existing damage, check tire pressure, and disable toll transponders.

What is a Bill of Lading?

The Bill of Lading is the official inspection report signed at both pickup and delivery. Always inspect your vehicle before signing at delivery. Once signed, it becomes much harder to dispute any damage.

What is the difference between a broker and a carrier?

A broker is your logistics manager who vets drivers, verifies insurance, and handles scheduling, while the carrier is the actual truck and driver performing the transport. As your broker, Direct Express matches you with a high-safety-rated carrier and advocates on your behalf throughout the move.

Do I need the title to ship my car?

No. For domestic transport within the United States you do not need the title. You only need the keys and the authority to release the vehicle to the driver.

Do I have to pay anything upfront to book?

$0 is due at the time of booking. We collect your card to hold the order, but it is not charged until we successfully assign a carrier. If we cannot assign one, you are not billed. The balance is paid directly to the driver at delivery in cash or money order, or you can choose to pay in full by card at checkout.

Can I ship a non-running vehicle?

Yes. We ship non-running vehicles regularly — just select “non-running” in the quote form. They require a carrier with a winch, so there is typically a small additional fee, and it helps to note any low clearance, oversized tires, or lifted suspension so we match you with the right equipment.

Can I track my vehicle during transport?

Yes. Once a carrier is assigned you receive the driver’s direct phone number, and you’re welcome to call or text for real-time updates as they head toward your destination. The driver typically calls the day before and the day of both pickup and delivery.