Car Shipping Guide: How Auto Transport Works

Shipping a vehicle can be straightforward when you understand the process. This guide explains the main stages of auto transport, the difference between open and enclosed carriers, factors that can affect a quote, how to prepare your vehicle, and what to expect at pickup and delivery.

Windsor Auto Transport LLC is an auto transport broker. We help customers request vehicle shipping quotes and arrange transportation by connecting shipments with motor carriers based on the route, vehicle and transport requirements.

How Do You Ship a Car?

1. Request a quote. Provide the pickup and delivery locations and accurate information about the vehicle.
2. Choose a carrier type. Decide whether open or enclosed transport is appropriate for the vehicle.
3. Review the shipment details. Confirm vehicle condition, contact information and the requested pickup and delivery information.
4. Carrier assignment and pickup. Once transport arrangements are confirmed, the assigned carrier coordinates the pickup details.
5. Vehicle delivery. At delivery, inspect the vehicle and compare its condition with the pickup documentation before completing the delivery process.

Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport

What Information Is Needed for a Car Shipping Quote?

A vehicle transport quote normally starts with the origin and destination, vehicle year, make and model, whether the vehicle is operable, and the requested carrier type. Accurate information is important because the route and vehicle requirements can affect the transport arrangements.

What Factors Can Affect Car Shipping Cost?

Vehicle shipping prices can vary. Factors may include the distance between pickup and delivery, vehicle size or category, whether the vehicle is operable, open or enclosed carrier selection, route characteristics, and current carrier availability. A quote for a specific shipment is more useful than relying on a single nationwide flat-rate estimate.

How to Prepare a Vehicle for Transport

• Remove personal belongings and loose items that are not part of the vehicle.
• Make sure the carrier has accurate information about whether the vehicle runs and drives.
• Check for obvious fluid leaks or mechanical issues and disclose relevant problems before pickup.
• Keep the fuel level reasonably low while leaving enough fuel for loading and unloading.
• Take clear photographs of the vehicle before pickup for your own records.
• Remove or secure removable accessories when appropriate.

What Happens at Vehicle Pickup?

The carrier and pickup contact coordinate the collection of the vehicle. The vehicle's condition should be reviewed and documented at pickup. Keep a copy of the relevant transport documentation and make sure the contact information for the shipment is correct.

What Happens at Delivery?

Inspect the vehicle when it arrives and compare its condition with the pickup documentation. Any concerns about vehicle condition should be noted during the delivery process rather than waiting until later.

How Long Does Auto Transport Take?

Transit time depends on the route and circumstances of the shipment. Distance is important, but pickup scheduling, carrier availability, traffic, weather and other operating conditions can also affect timing. Pickup and delivery dates should therefore be treated according to the terms provided for the individual shipment rather than assuming every route will take the same number of days.

Understanding the Role of an Auto Transport Broker

An auto transport broker helps arrange vehicle transportation between a customer and a motor carrier. The broker is not the truck that physically transports the vehicle. Windsor Auto Transport assists with the quote and transport-arrangement process and helps connect a shipment with a carrier suited to the requested transportation.

Questions to Ask Before Booking Vehicle Transport

• Is the quote for open or enclosed transport?
• What vehicle and route information was used to prepare the quote?
• What should be done if the vehicle is not operable?
• What pickup and delivery information will be required?
• What transport documentation should be reviewed at pickup and delivery?
• Who should be contacted if shipment details change?

Request a Nationwide Auto Transport Quote

When you are ready to ship a vehicle, provide accurate origin, destination and vehicle information through the Windsor Auto Transport quote form. You can request open transport, enclosed transport, or compare the available options for your shipment.