Shipping a vehicle can seem complicated if you’ve never used an auto transport service before. However, the basic process is relatively straightforward.
Whether you’re moving from Montgomery, AL, purchasing a vehicle from another state, or sending a car to a family member, understanding the steps involved can help you prepare for transportation.
What Is Car Shipping?
Car shipping, also known as auto transport, involves moving a vehicle from one location to another using a vehicle carrier.
Instead of driving the vehicle yourself, you arrange transportation so the vehicle can travel separately.
Customers commonly use auto transport during relocations, vehicle purchases, family moves, and long-distance transportation situations.
Step 1: Provide Your Shipment Details
The process starts with information about your shipment.
You’ll generally need to provide:
- Vehicle year, make, and model
- Pickup location
- Destination
- Vehicle condition
- Preferred transportation timeframe
- Preferred transport type
Accurate information is important because transportation arrangements depend on the actual vehicle and route.
Step 2: Choose Open or Enclosed Transport
The two primary carrier options are open and enclosed transport.
Open transport uses an open carrier and is commonly used for everyday vehicles.
Enclosed transport places the vehicle inside a covered carrier and may be preferred for classic, collector, luxury, and specialty vehicles.
Step 3: Decide on Pickup and Delivery
Door-to-door transportation can arrange pickup and delivery as close as practical to your requested locations.
However, large carriers may not be able to access every street or driveway. Narrow roads, parking restrictions, low clearances, and other conditions can require a nearby accessible location.
Step 4: Prepare Your Vehicle
Before pickup, remove personal belongings and unnecessary items.
Document the vehicle’s condition by taking photographs from multiple angles.
If the vehicle has mechanical issues, modifications, low ground clearance, or other special requirements, communicate those details in advance.
Step 5: Vehicle Pickup
At pickup, the vehicle’s condition can be reviewed and documented.
The vehicle is then loaded onto the carrier.
Make sure the pickup location provides sufficient space for safe loading.
Step 6: Transportation
The carrier transports the vehicle toward the destination.
During transportation, remain available for important communication regarding pickup or delivery arrangements.
Step 7: Delivery and Inspection
At delivery, inspect your vehicle carefully.
Compare its condition with the documentation from pickup and complete any applicable delivery paperwork.
What Can Affect Car Shipping Cost?
Several factors can influence transportation pricing, including:
- Distance
- Vehicle size
- Vehicle type
- Open or enclosed transport
- Route
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Seasonal demand
- Vehicle condition
- Carrier availability
For this reason, shipment-specific information is more useful than relying on a generic price estimate.
Final Thoughts
Car shipping can be a convenient alternative to driving long distances.
By understanding the process, choosing the right transportation method, preparing your vehicle, and providing accurate information, you can make the experience easier to manage.
Car Vita Transport provides open, enclosed, door-to-door, and state-to-state auto transport services in Montgomery, AL.
Call (334) 276-8379 or email info@carvitatransport.us for more information.