Shipping a car across the country takes six steps: prepare the vehicle, choose open or enclosed transport, book with a verified company, complete the pickup inspection, stay in touch during transit, and inspect at delivery before signing off. Start to finish, the shipment itself typically runs about 5 to 7 transit days coast to coast plus a short pickup window. This guide walks each step in order; for costs and the driving-versus-shipping comparison, see our companion overview on how to ship a car across the country.
Step 1: Preparing Your Car for Shipment
Wash the car, photograph it from all angles with time stamps, and remove personal items and toll tags. Leave no more than a quarter tank of fuel, disable the alarm, fold the mirrors, and fix or flag any leaks. If the car does not run, say so now; a winch-equipped carrier handles it easily when dispatch knows in advance.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Type of Transport
Open transport is the standard for daily drivers: the same multi-car carriers dealerships use, at the best price. Enclosed transport adds roughly a third to the cost and full protection from weather and road debris, the right call for classics, exotics, and new deliveries. Pick before you book so your quotes compare like for like on your cross country car shipping.
Step 3: Scheduling and Booking Your Car Shipping Service
Get your number from the instant calculator, then book with a company you can verify: FMCSA registration with checkable USDOT and MC numbers (Ship A Car, Inc. is USDOT 2303542, MC 784930), carrier insurance confirmed before dispatch, and a written transport agreement. Book a week or two ahead when possible; flexible dates price better and dispatch faster. With SAC, nothing is charged until a vetted carrier is confirmed for your car.
Step 4: Coordinating Pick-Up and Inspection
The driver calls ahead, then walks the car with you at pickup. Every existing scratch, ding, and chip is recorded on the Bill of Lading, and your photos from Step 1 back that record. Agree on a loading spot a 75-foot rig can actually reach: a wide street or nearby lot beats a tight driveway, and your coordinator plans this before the truck arrives.
Step 5: Tracking and Receiving Updates
You get your driver’s name and phone number before pickup, and your coordinator provides updates at key milestones or whenever you ask. Cross-country transit runs about 5 to 7 days under federal driving-hours limits, so a realistic window beats a promised exact day, and the driver calls again a few hours before delivery.
Step 6: Preparing for Delivery
Be reachable at the delivery number and have your remaining balance ready in the agreed form. Walk the car against the pickup Bill of Lading and your photos before signing; delivery sign-off is the moment documentation matters. If anything is new, note it on the Bill of Lading on the spot.
Why Ship A Car, Inc. is the Best Auto Transport Company to Ship a Car Across the Country
One coordinator owns your move from quote to delivery, every carrier is vetted and insured before dispatch, and the price you agree to is the price you pay, with no deposit until a carrier is confirmed. SAC holds an A+ BBB rating with thousands of verified reviews across a decade of cross-country moves. Price your route with the auto transport calculator or call (866) 821-4555 to put your shipment on a truck.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Ship a Car Across the Country
Q: Can I stow my personal belongings in my car while it is being shipped?
A: For reasons of both safety and compliance with regulations, the majority of companies who transport automobiles, like Ship A Car, Inc., recommend not putting personal things inside the vehicle. On the other hand, we at SAC are aware that there are situations when it cannot be avoided. During this event, you should make sure to inform your transport coordinator that you need to place goods in the car while it is being transported. They will then guide you through the procedure.
Q: Will I be able to track my vehicle during transport?
A: Yes. You receive your driver’s direct contact before pickup, and your Ship A Car coordinator gives regular updates at milestones or on request throughout the move.
Q: What should I do if I notice new damage upon delivery?
A: Conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle upon delivery and compare it to the photographs you took before it was sent. Note any new damage that you discover on the Bill of Lading and get in touch with Ship A Car, Inc. for help if you discover any new damage.
