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How Car Shipping Works, Step by Step

Six stages from quote to delivery. Here is what happens, who handles it and what you need to do.

Insured CarriersVerified before every pickup
Upfront PricingNothing added at delivery
Live SupportPeople who pick up the phone
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Start to Finish

The Six Stages of a Shipment

From your first quote to the moment the keys are back in your hand.

1. Get your quote

Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, your vehicle and your timing. Your price appears in under a minute.

2. Book your shipment

Confirm your dates and choose open or enclosed transport. We explain the payment terms before you commit.

3. We assign a carrier

We match your vehicle to a licensed, insured carrier running your route and confirm the pickup window with you.

4. Pickup and inspection

The driver calls ahead, inspects the vehicle with you and records its condition on the bill of lading.

5. On the road

Your vehicle travels on the carrier's trailer. We check in with updates until it is close to delivery.

6. Delivery and sign-off

The driver unloads at your address. You inspect the vehicle, sign the bill of lading and you are done.

Who Does What

Car shipping involves three parties. Knowing who handles each part makes the whole process easier to follow.

Responsible for
YouAccurate addresses and vehicle details, preparing the vehicle, and having someone present at pickup and delivery.
Cowboy Vehicle ShippingPricing, finding and vetting the carrier, scheduling the pickup window, and keeping you updated.
The carrierLoading, transporting and unloading the vehicle, carrying cargo insurance, and completing the bill of lading.

What to Have Ready

  • Pickup and delivery ZIP codes, and full addresses when you book
  • The year, make and model of the vehicle, and whether it runs
  • Your earliest available pickup date
  • A name and phone number for the person at each end

Want a head start on pickup day? Use our car shipping checklist. Curious what drives the price? See what car shipping costs.

Good to Know

How It Works Questions

Common questions about the process.

How far ahead should I book?
One to two weeks ahead gives you the best choice of dates and carriers. If you need it sooner, ask about expedited shipping.
Will I get an exact pickup time?
You get a pickup window when you book, and the driver calls ahead with a tighter time once the route is set.
What is a bill of lading?
It is the inspection report and receipt for your shipment. The driver records the vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery, and both of you sign it.
Can I track my vehicle?
We update you at dispatch, at pickup and before delivery, and you can call us any time for a status check.

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