Shipping a vehicle can save you time, mileage, and the stress of driving hundreds or even thousands of miles yourself. But if you’ve never used an auto transport company before, you may not know what to expect.
Here are seven important things to know before shipping your car.
1. Book Early When Possible
You don’t always need to schedule your shipment weeks in advance, but booking early gives you more flexibility with pickup dates and carrier availability.
Certain routes and seasons can be busier than others, so planning ahead can also help you avoid last-minute stress.
2. Pickup and Delivery Times Can Vary
Auto transport is different from regular package delivery. Drivers have to account for traffic, weather, road conditions, other vehicle pickups and deliveries, and federal driving-hour regulations.
Because of this, pickup and delivery dates are usually estimated rather than guaranteed.
3. Open and Enclosed Transport Are Different
Open transport is the most common option and is typically the more affordable choice. Your vehicle is transported on an open carrier similar to the trucks you see delivering vehicles to dealerships.
Enclosed transport provides additional protection from weather, road debris, and outside exposure. It is often chosen for luxury, exotic, classic, and high-value vehicles.
4. Prepare Your Vehicle Before Pickup
Before the carrier arrives, remove unnecessary personal belongings and valuables from your vehicle.
You should also check the vehicle for existing damage and take clear photos from multiple angles. These photos can provide a useful record of your vehicle’s condition before transportation.
5. Make Sure Your Pickup Location Is Accessible
Large auto transport trucks require plenty of room to safely enter, turn, load, and exit.
If your street is too narrow or has restrictions, low-hanging trees, tight turns, or other obstacles, the driver may ask to meet you at a nearby parking lot or another safe location.
6. The Cheapest Quote Isn’t Always the Best Choice
A very low quote can look attractive, but price shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing an auto transport company.
Look for clear communication, proper carrier documentation, transparent pricing, and a company that explains the shipping process before you book.
A reliable transport experience can be worth much more than saving a small amount upfront.
7. Communication Makes the Process Easier
Good communication between the customer, transport company, and driver can make vehicle shipping much smoother.
Keep your phone available around your scheduled pickup and delivery dates, and make sure the transport company has the correct contact information for anyone involved in releasing or receiving the vehicle.
Ship Your Vehicle With Confidence
Whether you’re moving across the country, buying a vehicle from another state, sending a car to a family member, or relocating for work, professional auto transport can make the process much easier.
At LISCA Transport, we help customers coordinate vehicle transportation across the United States with dependable service and clear communication from pickup to delivery.
We offer open and enclosed auto transport, door-to-door service, expedited pickup options, and transportation for cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, and more.
Need to ship a vehicle?
Contact LISCA Transport today for a free auto transport quote and let us help you get your vehicle where it needs to go.