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The Ultimate Handbook

How to Ship a Car
The Complete Guide

Simple. Safe. Stress-Free. Everything you need to know about shipping your vehicle from booking to delivery explained clearly in one place.

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100,000+
Cars Shipped
10,000+
Reviews 4.8/5
50
States Covered
$0
Deposit on Most Routes
Video Overview

Watch — How Car Shipping Works in 2 Minutes

Never shipped a car before? Watch this short video and you will know exactly what to expect before making a single call.

No Deposit Required
Pay nothing until your vehicle is picked up.
Free Cancellation
Change or cancel your order within 48 hours for free.
Real-Time Tracking
Follow your shipment's progress every step of the way.
Get a Quote
Step 1 of 2

Select Your Transport Method

Decide how you want your vehicle moved. We have broken down the two industry standards to help you choose.

Most Popular

Open Shipping

Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air multi-car carrier — the same type of truck you see on the highway every day — and transported safely to your destination.

Best For
  • Standard sedans, SUVs, trucks & minivans
  • Most affordable option — any distance
Pros
  • Most affordable · 90% of all shipments
  • Fastest availability
  • Safe, reliable & fully insured
Cons
  • Exposed to weather and road dust
  • Not for luxury or classic cars
Get Open Shipping Quote ->
Premium

Enclosed Shipping

Your vehicle is transported inside a fully enclosed trailer — completely protected from weather, road debris, and outside elements.

Best For
  • Luxury vehicles — BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari
  • Classic and vintage cars
  • Anyone wanting maximum protection
Pros
  • Complete weather & debris protection
  • Specialist drivers · Higher coverage limits
  • Full peace of mind for valuable vehicles
Cons
  • Slightly longer availability
Get Enclosed Shipping Quote ->

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureOpen ShippingEnclosed Shipping
CostLowerHigher
ProtectionStandardMaximum
Best ForEveryday vehiclesLuxury & classic
Weather ProtectionNoYes
InsuranceStandardEnhanced
Popularity90% of Shipments10% of Shipments
Step 2 of 2

The Complete Shipping Process

Here is exactly what happens from the moment you contact us to the moment your car arrives safely.

01

Get A Free Quote

60 seconds

Contact Safeeds by phone, online form, or live chat. Receive a clear transparent quote instantly no hidden fees, no surprises.

  • Pickup ZIP code
  • Delivery ZIP code
  • Vehicle year, make & model
  • Preferred pickup date
  • Open or enclosed preference
02

Book Your Shipment

5 minutes

Happy with your quote? Book in minutes. Most routes require zero deposit you only pay when your vehicle is picked up.

  • Booking confirmation email sent immediately
  • Shipment assigned to dispatch team
  • Carrier matching begins on your route
  • Zero deposit on most routes
03

Carrier Assigned

1–3 days before pickup

Our team matches your vehicle with a fully vetted, licensed, and insured carrier. You receive carrier details before anyone shows up.

  • Carrier name & direct contact number
  • Estimated pickup window (2–4 hours)
  • Driver & truck information
  • Safeeds support contact
04

Prepare Your Vehicle

Day before pickup

A few simple steps to prepare your car before the driver arrives. This protects you and ensures a smooth, documented pickup.

  • Get your vehicle ready for inspection.
  • Photograph every angle inside & out
  • Remove all personal belongings
  • Leave only a quarter tank of fuel
  • Disable toll tags & parking passes
05

Pickup Day

Day of pickup

Your driver calls 30–60 minutes before arrival. Walk around the vehicle together, note any existing damage, and both sign the Bill of Lading.

  • Driver calls 30–60 min before arrival
  • Full vehicle walkaround inspection
  • All existing condition noted on Bill of Lading
  • Both parties sign the document
  • You keep your copy of the BOL
06

Vehicle In Transit

1–10 days depending on distance

Your vehicle is on its way. Track your shipment in real time or contact your driver or Safeeds support at any point.

  • Under 500 miles: 1–2 days
  • 500–1,500 miles: 2–4 days
  • 1,500–3,000 miles: 4–7 days
  • Cross-country: 7–10 days
07

Delivery Day

Day of delivery

Your driver calls 30–60 minutes before arrival. Inspect your vehicle thoroughly and compare its condition to the pickup Bill of Lading.

  • Driver calls before arrival
  • Full vehicle inspection with driver
  • Compare condition to pickup Bill of Lading
  • Everything fine — sign & receive your keys
  • Damage found — document before signing
08

You Are Done!

2 minutes

Your vehicle has arrived safely. Leave us a review and help thousands of other customers ship with confidence.

  • Google
  • Transport Reviews
  • Trustpilot
  • Consumer Affairs
  • BBB

Important: Keep your Bill of Lading. You will need it at delivery. Never sign the delivery BOL if you see new damage without documenting it first.

Pre-Pickup

Complete Checklist for Pre-Pickup Inspection

Follow this checklist the day before pickup and your shipment will go smoothly from start to finish.

Task
Why it matters
So existing condition is clearly visible before pickup
Protects you if any damage claim is needed after delivery
Items left inside are not covered by transport insurance
Full tanks add weight. So, quarter tank is the industry standard.
Active tags can rack up charges while in transit
Non-operable vehicles require special equipment and higher cost
Documented on the Bill of Lading to protect you at delivery
One key set is required for dispatching. Spare key recommended.
Anything that sticks out can be damaged during loading
Properly inflated tires make loading and unloading safer
Do This / Why It Matters

Pro Tip: Take a short video walkthrough of your car immediately before pickup. Video is the best evidence if you ever need to file a damage claim.

Video Library

Watch Our Complete Video Guide Series

Stop guessing how auto transport works. Watch these quick videos to see the process in action and book your shipment with total confidence.

Getting Started3 min

What is Open Car Shipping?

Learn the basics of open car shipping, what to expect, and when it’s the best option for your route and vehicle.

Watch Now →
Getting Started3 min

What is Open Car Shipping?

Learn the basics of open car shipping, what to expect, and when it’s the best option for your route and vehicle.

Watch Now →
Getting Started3 min

What is Open Car Shipping?

Learn the basics of open car shipping, what to expect, and when it’s the best option for your route and vehicle.

Watch Now →
Getting Started3 min

What is Open Car Shipping?

Learn the basics of open car shipping, what to expect, and when it’s the best option for your route and vehicle.

Watch Now →
Getting Started3 min

What is Open Car Shipping?

Learn the basics of open car shipping, what to expect, and when it’s the best option for your route and vehicle.

Watch Now →
Getting Started3 min

What is Open Car Shipping?

Learn the basics of open car shipping, what to expect, and when it’s the best option for your route and vehicle.

Watch Now →
Important Document

What is a Bill of Lading and Why Does It Matter?

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the official legal document that records the condition of your vehicle at both pickup and delivery. Think of it as a before-and-after report for your car.

At Pickup

  • You and the driver inspect the car together.
  • Note every existing scratch, dent, or chip.
  • Both parties sign to confirm the starting condition.
  • You keep one copy and the driver keeps the other.

At Delivery

  • Walk around the vehicle again with the driver.
  • Compare the current state to the pickup report.
  • Note any new issues on the BOL before signing.
  • Sign only if the condition matches or damage is noted.
Critical Rules
  • Take photos at both pickup and delivery — before signing anything.
  • Always keep your pickup Bill of Lading copy until the shipment is complete.
  • Never sign the Bill of Lading if damage is present and not clearly documented on the form.
Important Warning

Your signature on the delivery Bill of Lading without noting damage confirms the vehicle was received in the same condition it was picked up. Always inspect thoroughly before signing.

Transit Times

How Long Does Car Shipping Take?

Transit times depend on the distance and route. Here are the general timelines you can expect.

DistanceEst. TransitCommon Routes
Under 500 miles1–2 daysState to state, regional moves
500–1,500 miles2–4 daysMidwest to South, East Coast moves
1,500–3,000 miles4–7 daysEast to West, South to Midwest
Cross-Country 3,000+7–10 daysNew York to California, Florida to Washington
Snowbird Routes3–6 daysNortheast to Florida or Arizona
Got Questions?
Your Questions — Answered
Everything people ask before shipping their first car — all in one place.
How long does car shipping take?
Transit times vary by distance. Typically, cross-country shipments take 7–10 business days, while shorter routes (under 500 miles) can take 1–3 days. Expedited options are available for faster delivery.
7-10 Days
Avg. Transit
7 Days
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