How Car Shipping Works
From your first quote to keys-in-hand delivery, here's exactly how ShippingGreatness ships your vehicle in 5 straightforward steps.
Request Your Free Quote
Fill out our simple online quote form with your pickup location, delivery destination, vehicle details, and preferred transport type. Our system evaluates route distance, carrier lane availability, and vehicle specifications to generate a transparent rate estimate with no hidden fees and no surprise charges.
Confirm Your Order & Carrier Match
Once you approve your quote, our dispatch team activates your booking and begins matching your shipment with a vetted, FMCSA-licensed carrier traveling your exact corridor. You pay zero upfront deposit at this stage; payment is only collected when your carrier is dispatched and your pickup window is locked.
Pickup: Driver Arrives at Your Door
Your assigned driver contacts you 24-48 hours before pickup to confirm timing. At arrival, you and the driver perform a joint walkthrough of your vehicle, documenting its current condition on the official Bill of Lading (BOL). This document protects you throughout the entire shipping process.
In-Transit: Fully Insured Delivery
Your vehicle travels on the carrier, protected by the driver's active motor cargo insurance policy. You can contact your driver directly at any point for a status update. Standard coast-to-coast transit typically takes 7-10 days; shorter regional routes are often completed in 1-5 days.
Delivery: Keys in Your Hand
At delivery, the driver meets you at your specified address. You inspect your vehicle against the original Bill of Lading, confirm its condition, and sign off on delivery. Payment is finalized at this point. Your vehicle is fully yours again, delivered door-to-door with zero terminal hassle.
Common Questions About the Shipping Process
How long does car shipping take?
Transit times depend on distance. Short regional moves (under 500 miles) typically take 1-3 days. Cross-country shipments (e.g., New York to Los Angeles) generally take 7-10 days in compliance with DOT driver rest regulations.
Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?
Yes, either you or a trusted representative (over 18) must be present to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading at both pickup and delivery.
Is my vehicle insured during transit?
Yes. All carriers in our network carry active motor cargo insurance as required by FMCSA regulations. Your vehicle is covered from the moment it is loaded until it is unloaded at delivery.
Can I ship a non-running or inoperable vehicle?
Yes. We can arrange transport for inoperable vehicles using specialized loading equipment. Please inform our team of any mechanical issues when requesting your quote.
What items can I leave inside the car?
Per DOT carrier regulations, you may leave up to 100 lbs of personal items secured in the trunk below window level. Items left inside are not covered by carrier cargo insurance.