NATIONWIDE VEHICLE SHIPPING
How Auto Transport Works: A Simple Guide to Shipping Your Vehicle
Shipping a vehicle does not have to be complicated. East Coast Auto Broker & Transportation helps coordinate the process from your initial auto transport quote through pickup, transportation and final delivery. Whether you are shipping a car to another state, moving a vehicle across the country or arranging transportation for multiple vehicles, we help keep the process clear from start to finish.
✓ Nationwide Transport
✓ Door-to-Door Service
✓ Open & Enclosed Options
✓ Licensed & Insured
Get Your Free Auto Transport Quote
Tell us where your vehicle is going and what you need transported. We’ll use those details to help prepare your shipping options.
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THE CAR SHIPPING PROCESS
How to Ship a Car in 3 Simple Steps
From getting an auto transport quote to receiving your vehicle at its destination, the shipping process can be broken into three straightforward steps.
01
Request Your Quote
Provide your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, preferred dates and transport type so we can begin preparing your auto transport options.
02
Schedule & Coordinate
Once your shipment is booked, we coordinate your vehicle transport and communicate important pickup information as your shipping date approaches.
03
Pickup & Delivery
Your vehicle is inspected, loaded for transport and delivered to the destination, where a final inspection is completed before the shipment is closed.
01
Get Your Auto Transport Quote
Step 1: Request a Car Shipping Quote
The first step in shipping a vehicle is getting an auto transport quote based on your specific shipment. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all price, vehicle transportation is generally priced using details about the route, vehicle and type of service required.
To request your quote, be prepared to provide:
- Pickup city, state or ZIP code
- Delivery city, state or ZIP code
- Vehicle year, make and model
- Whether the vehicle runs and drives
- Your preferred pickup or availability date
- Open or enclosed auto transport preference
- Any special requirements or additional vehicles
The more accurate the information, the easier it is to prepare a realistic vehicle transport quote and coordinate the appropriate equipment for your shipment.
Step 2: Schedule and Coordinate Your Vehicle Transport
After you decide to move forward, the shipment is scheduled and the transportation details are coordinated. This is where East Coast Auto Broker & Transportation helps connect the details of your order with the appropriate vehicle transport solution.
What happens before pickup?
- Your pickup and delivery information is confirmed.
- The vehicle’s size, condition and transport requirements are reviewed.
- Open, enclosed or specialized transportation needs are confirmed.
- Pickup timing and contact information are coordinated.
- You receive information needed to prepare for the carrier’s arrival.
Pickup timing can vary by route, location, carrier availability, weather, traffic and other conditions. Providing flexible dates whenever possible can make the scheduling process easier.
02
We Coordinate Your Shipment
03
Pickup, Transport & Delivery
Step 3: Vehicle Pickup, Transportation and Delivery
At pickup, you or an authorized representative should be available to meet the carrier. The vehicle’s condition is inspected and documented before loading. Review the inspection carefully and keep your copy of the Bill of Lading or other shipment documentation.
Once loaded, your vehicle begins its trip to the destination. For long-distance or cross-country car shipping, transit times depend on mileage, route, weather, traffic, required stops and other transportation conditions.
When your vehicle arrives
- Meet the carrier at the agreed delivery location.
- Inspect your vehicle before accepting delivery.
- Compare its condition with the pickup inspection.
- Record any concerns on the delivery paperwork before signing.
- Complete the delivery process and receive your vehicle.
How to Prepare Your Car for Auto Transport
A little preparation before pickup can make the car shipping process much smoother. Before your scheduled transport, take a few minutes to prepare the vehicle and document its condition.
- Clean the vehicle. A reasonably clean exterior makes existing scratches and dents easier to document.
- Take photos. Photograph all sides of the vehicle before pickup.
- Remove unnecessary personal items. Take valuables and loose belongings out of the vehicle.
- Check the battery and tires. Make sure the vehicle can be safely loaded if it is listed as operable.
- Keep fuel low. A small amount of fuel is normally sufficient for loading and unloading.
- Disable alarms. Make sure an alarm will not activate while the vehicle is in transit.
- Remove or secure accessories. Secure removable racks, spoilers or aftermarket accessories when appropriate.
- Have keys ready. The carrier will need the necessary vehicle keys for loading and unloading.
Choose the Right Auto Transport Option
Not every vehicle needs the same type of transportation. East Coast Auto Broker & Transportation can help coordinate the service that best fits the vehicle and shipment.
Open Auto Transport
Open transport is widely used for standard cars, trucks and SUVs. Vehicles are loaded onto an open carrier similar to those commonly used to transport new vehicles to dealerships.
Enclosed Auto Transport
Enclosed vehicle transport provides added protection from road debris and weather exposure. It is often considered for exotic, luxury, classic, collector and other high-value vehicles.
Door-to-Door Auto Transport
Door-to-door auto transport means the carrier attempts to pick up and deliver your vehicle as close as safely and legally possible to the addresses you provide. Large transport trucks may not be able to enter narrow streets, restricted neighborhoods, low-clearance areas or certain residential roads. When that happens, the driver may coordinate a nearby accessible meeting location.
Shipping a Car to Another State
If you need to ship a car to another state, the process follows the same basic steps: request a quote, provide your route and vehicle details, schedule the shipment, prepare the vehicle and meet the carrier for pickup. State-to-state car transport can be useful when relocating, buying or selling a vehicle, sending a vehicle to a family member, moving for school or work, or purchasing from a dealership or auto auction.
East Coast Auto Broker & Transportation coordinates vehicle shipping across the United States, including short regional routes and long-distance interstate shipments.
Cross-Country Car Shipping
Cross-country car shipping allows you to move a vehicle over long distances without adding thousands of driving miles. It may be especially useful for coast-to-coast moves, seasonal relocations, online vehicle purchases, military or employment relocations, college moves and dealership transactions.
Long-distance vehicle transport typically takes more coordination than a short regional shipment. Transit time depends on the route, total mileage, pickup and delivery locations, weather, traffic and carrier scheduling. Your transport coordinator can help explain what to expect for your particular route.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
There is no single price that applies to every auto transport shipment. Car shipping costs are affected by the route, distance, vehicle size, transport method, vehicle condition, season and current carrier availability.
Distance & Route
Longer distances usually increase the total shipping price, while heavily traveled transport corridors can differ from remote pickup or delivery locations.
Vehicle Size
Larger and heavier vehicles take up more carrier capacity, which can affect the cost of vehicle transport.
Transport Type
Open transport and enclosed transport use different equipment and generally have different pricing.
Vehicle Condition
Inoperable vehicles may require additional equipment and handling for loading and unloading.
Timing
Seasonal demand, expedited pickup requests and narrow pickup windows may influence transportation pricing.
Carrier Availability
Current capacity along your route can affect the rate needed to secure transportation.
BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT
Dealer, Auction & Multi-Vehicle Transportation
Auto transport is not limited to individual vehicle owners. East Coast Auto Broker & Transportation also works with dealerships, auto auctions, brokers and other businesses that need vehicles moved between locations.
- Dealer-to-dealer vehicle transport
- Auto auction pickup and delivery
- Multiple vehicle shipments
- Inventory relocation
- Fleet transportation
- Long-distance dealership purchases
Moving More Than One Vehicle?
Tell us how many vehicles you need transported, where they are located and where they are going. We can review your shipment requirements and help coordinate the transportation plan.
Why Choose East Coast Auto Broker & Transportation?
Vehicle shipping involves more than putting a car on a truck. Clear communication, coordination and knowing what to expect are important throughout the process.
Nationwide Service
Transportation options for local, state-to-state and cross-country vehicle shipments.
Multiple Transport Options
Open, enclosed, door-to-door and specialized vehicle transportation options.
Personal Coordination
Support throughout the quote, scheduling, pickup and delivery process.
Dealer & Auction Experience
Transportation solutions for private customers, dealers, auctions and multi-vehicle shipments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Auto Transport Questions, Answered
How does auto transport work?
Auto transport begins with a quote based on your route, vehicle and shipping requirements. Once you book the shipment, pickup is coordinated with a carrier. The vehicle is inspected before loading, transported to the destination and inspected again at delivery.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping costs vary based on distance, route, vehicle size, operating condition, open or enclosed transportation, timing and carrier availability. The most accurate way to determine your cost is to request a quote using your actual pickup, delivery and vehicle information.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Transit time depends mainly on distance and route, but weather, traffic, carrier schedules and pickup or delivery conditions can also affect timing. Short regional shipments may move more quickly than long-distance or cross-country transport.
Can I ship my car to another state?
Yes. State-to-state car transport is one of the most common uses of professional auto shipping. Vehicles can be transported for relocations, online purchases, college moves, dealer transactions, seasonal moves and many other situations.
What is the difference between open and enclosed auto transport?
Open auto transport carries vehicles on an open trailer and is commonly used for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport carries vehicles inside a covered trailer and provides additional protection from weather and road debris. Enclosed shipping is often selected for classic, luxury, exotic and high-value vehicles.
Do you offer door-to-door auto transport?
Door-to-door transport means pickup and delivery are arranged as close as safely and legally possible to the addresses provided. If a large transport truck cannot safely access a street or neighborhood, the driver may coordinate a nearby accessible meeting location.
Can you transport an inoperable vehicle?
Inoperable vehicles can often be transported, but they may require specialized loading equipment. Be sure to identify the vehicle as non-running when requesting your quote so the appropriate transport arrangement can be considered.
What should I do before my vehicle is picked up?
Remove valuables and unnecessary personal belongings, photograph the vehicle, make sure the tires and battery are in reasonable condition, keep only a small amount of fuel in the tank, disable alarms and have the necessary keys available. You should also carefully review the pickup inspection before the vehicle is loaded.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Tell us what you’re shipping and where it needs to go. East Coast Auto Broker & Transportation can help you review your vehicle transport options and take the next step toward pickup.