Shipping a car across the country can feel overwhelming at first.
Maybe you’re relocating for a new job. Maybe you bought a vehicle online from a dealership several states away. No matter the situation, getting your vehicle safely from point A to point B raises a lot of questions starting with, “How does this entire process actually work”?
Here’s the reassuring truth:
Auto transport is far simpler than most people expect.
Professional carriers follow a well established system that has been refined over decades. Companies like Swift Auto Transport provide end to end service managing pickup, transit, delivery, and keeping you updated each step of the way.
And there’s more…
With the auto transport industry projected to reach $10.1 billion in 2025, millions of vehicles are moved every year. This is a mature, highly regulated industry-not something experimental or unpredictable.
Below is a complete breakdown of what you can expect.
What Is Auto Transport?
Auto transport refers to moving a vehicle using specialized car hauling trucks.
You’ve likely seen them on highways multi level trailers stacked with vehicles traveling across states. These are the carriers responsible for transporting everything from everyday sedans to luxury vehicles.
People ship their cars for several reasons:
- Long distance moves
- Out of state vehicle purchases
- Snowbird travel
- Avoiding road wear and tear
- Saving time versus driving long distances
For most long journeys, shipping is often more affordable and convenient than driving the car yourself.
Understanding the Shipping Timeline
One question customers ask more than any other is:
“How long will the whole thing take”?
Here’s the typical schedule:
Pickup Window
Carriers generally arrange pickup 2-7 business days after booking. This window allows them to:
- Align pickup routes
- Organize loads going in the same direction
- Maximize truck capacity
Transit Time
Driving time depends on distance. On average, carriers travel about 500 miles per day.
Typical delivery timelines:
- Coast-to-coast: 7-10 days
- Mid-distance routes (1,000-1,500 miles): 3-5 days
- Short-distance or regional: 1-3 days
Example:
Shipping 1,500 miles → approx. 3 days of driving + possible delays = 3-5 days total.
It”s not “same day” speed like Amazon Prime-but it’s reliable and predictable.
What Happens During Pickup
When pickup day arrives, things officially begin.
Usually, the driver will call 24-48 hours in advance to confirm the schedule. When they arrive:
- They conduct a full inspection of your vehicle
- Existing damage is recorded with photos
- Both of you sign the Bill of Lading
- You hand over a set of keys
- The car is loaded onto the carrier
Why the Bill of Lading Matters
This document is the official condition report for your vehicle.
It protects you and the carrier by noting all pre existing damage before transport.
In Transit: What’s Going On With Your Car?
Once the vehicle is loaded, the waiting period begins.
You may wonder, “Where is my car right now”?
Many carriers don’t offer live GPS tracking, but reputable ones provide periodic updates. Keep in mind:
- Drivers must follow federal driving time regulations
- Severe weather may cause delays
- Drivers prioritize safety over speed
A short delay is always better than rushing and risking vehicle damage.
Delivery: What to Expect When Your Car Arrives
Delivery day is the final step.
Before arriving, the driver will call to schedule a time. During delivery:
- Inspect your vehicle carefully
- Compare its condition with the Bill of Lading
- Document any new damage (rare but possible)
- Sign the delivery receipt
Important Tip
Inspect the car in good lighting. If you notice any issues, note them before signing. This ensures you are eligible for an insurance claim if needed.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
You’ll need to choose between two transport methods:
Open Transport
- Most common and budget friendly
- Vehicles are exposed to weather and road debris
- Used for 90%+ of shipments
- Ideal for standard, everyday vehicles
Enclosed Transport
- Vehicles are inside a fully covered trailer
- Adds protection from weather and debris
- Best for luxury, classic, or high value vehicles
- More expensive due to limited capacity
For most cars, open transport is perfectly sufficient.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
A little preparation helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth handoff.
Do the following before pickup:
- Wash the vehicle
- Remove all personal items
- Leave about ¼ tank of fuel
- Disable alarms
- Photograph all sides of the vehicle
Why clean the car?
Because dirt can hide scratches cleaning makes inspection more accurate.
Why remove belongings?
Carriers are not responsible for personal items and they can shift during transit.
What Determines the Cost?
Auto transport pricing depends on several factors:
- Distance
- Vehicle size and weight
- Transport type (open vs. enclosed)
- Seasonal demand
- Pickup/delivery location
Example:
Shipping a compact sedan 500 miles is far cheaper than moving a lifted pickup truck 2,000 miles to a rural location.
Peak season (late spring to early fall) typically costs more.
Off-season shipments are usually cheaper.
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Carrier
Not every transport company is legitimate. Watch out for:
- Demands for large upfront deposits
- No USDOT number or verifiable license
- Extremely low prices that seem “too good to be true”
- Refusal to provide written agreements
Reliable companies always:
- Have a valid USDOT number
- Carry proper insurance
- Provide realistic quotes
- Offer written contracts
Trust your instincts if something feels off, walk away.
Final Thoughts
Auto transport is a well organized and highly reliable industry. With 91.7% of U.S. households owning vehicles, demand for safe, long distance transport continues to climb.
The process booking, preparing, pickup, transit, and delivery rarely changes and is designed to ensure your vehicle arrives safely.
To guarantee the best experience:
- Choose a reputable company
- Prepare your vehicle properly
- Document its condition
- Review all paperwork
When handled by professionals, auto transport removes stress, saves time, and gets your vehicle to its destination safely.