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Home How It Works How to Ship a Car

How to Ship a Car

A simple, step-by-step guide to shipping your vehicle safely and affordably — from getting a quote to delivery day.

Shipping a car is easier than most people expect. Whether you're moving, buying a vehicle from out of state, or sending one to family, you don't have to drive it yourself or add the miles. With Liberty Auto Transport, the entire process is handled for you by FMCSA-licensed, fully insured carriers — from your first quote to door-to-door delivery.

Here's exactly how to ship a car, step by step, so you know what to expect at every stage.

How to Ship a Car, Step by Step

  1. Get a Free Quote

    Enter your pickup and delivery locations and vehicle details to get a transparent, no-obligation price in under a minute.

  2. Choose Open or Enclosed

    Pick affordable open transport for everyday vehicles, or enclosed transport for extra protection on luxury and classic cars.

  3. Book & Confirm Your Carrier

    Approve your assigned carrier and lock in your guaranteed price. A small deposit (included in your quote) reserves your spot.

  4. Prepare Your Vehicle

    Wash it for inspection, remove personal items, leave about a quarter tank of gas, and disable any alarms.

  5. Pickup & Inspection

    Your driver inspects the vehicle with you and you both sign the Bill of Lading, documenting its condition at pickup.

  6. Delivery & Final Inspection

    On arrival, inspect your vehicle, pay the remaining balance, and sign off. That's it — your car has arrived.

What You'll Need

Shipping a Car, Step by Step

Shipping a car is more straightforward than most people expect. From the first quote to delivery, the whole process breaks down into a handful of clear steps. Here is exactly how it works and what you will do at each stage.

  1. Get a free quote. Enter your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and approximate dates to get an instant estimate of your cost.
  2. Book your shipment. Confirm the details and reserve your spot. You will receive confirmation and a point of contact for any questions.
  3. Prepare your vehicle. Wash it, remove personal items and the toll transponder, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, and note any existing issues.
  4. Pickup and inspection. The driver inspects the car with you, records its condition on a bill of lading, and loads it at your location.
  5. In transit. Your car travels to its destination. You can follow its progress using your driver's direct contact details.
  6. Delivery and final inspection. Inspect the car against the bill of lading, confirm everything is in order, and complete payment to finish.

Documents and Information You'll Need

You do not need much paperwork to ship a car, which surprises people.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

A few minutes of prep protects your car and makes pickup smooth.

Pickup, the Bill of Lading, and Delivery

At pickup, the driver walks around the vehicle with you and records its existing condition — every scratch and ding — on a document called the bill of lading. Review it, make sure it is accurate, and keep your copy. This is your record and your protection. At delivery, you repeat the inspection against that same document before signing off. Inspect in good light, and if you spot anything new, note it on the paperwork before the driver leaves. With reputable carriers, issues are rare, but the bill of lading is what makes any claim simple.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Tips for a Smooth Shipment

Book early and stay a little flexible on dates for the best rate. Be reachable so the driver can coordinate easily. Have the car clean, accessible, and ready at pickup. Choose open transport unless your vehicle truly needs enclosed. And when in doubt, ask — tell us your route and timing and we will guide you. When you are ready, get a free instant quote to start, or review typical pricing on our car shipping costs page.

How to Ship a Car FAQs

How do I ship my car?
Get a free quote, book your shipment, prepare the vehicle, hand it to the driver at a pickup inspection, track it in transit, and inspect it again at delivery. The whole process is built around door-to-door convenience.
How far in advance should I book?
Two to three weeks ahead is ideal, especially in busy snowbird and summer seasons. Last-minute and rush shipments cost more and have fewer carrier options.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
It is best not to. Personal items add weight, are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance, and can shift in transit. Remove belongings and the toll transponder before pickup.
What is a bill of lading?
It is the inspection and condition report the driver completes at pickup and you both review at delivery. Keep your copy — it is your record and the basis for any claim.
Do I have to be there for pickup and delivery?
You or an authorized adult needs to be present to hand over keys, sign the bill of lading, and inspect the car. You can designate someone else if you cannot be there yourself.

Ready to Ship Your Car?

Get a free, no-obligation quote in under 60 seconds and ship with a team drivers trust nationwide.

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