Once you’ve decided to ship your vehicle, the next step is scheduling. Good timing ensures you get a spot on a carrier and avoids last‑minute stress. This guide outlines how to schedule car shipping, from requesting quotes to preparing your vehicle for pickup.
Requesting quotes and selecting a carrier
Start by requesting quotes at least two to three weeks before your ideal pickup date, especially during busy seasons. Compare rates, read reviews and verify licensing. Once you choose a broker or carrier, you’ll confirm pickup and delivery windows and sign a contract. For help choosing a company, see our selection guide.
Understanding pickup windows
Carriers operate on flexible schedules. Instead of a fixed appointment, you’ll receive a pickup window—usually 1–5 days—during which your vehicle will be loaded. Be available or assign someone you trust to hand over the keys and sign the bill of lading.
Preparing your vehicle
Clean your car inside and out, remove personal items, disable alarms and check for leaks. Leave a quarter tank of gas. Document the car’s condition with photos. Our prep checklist covers every detail.
During transit and delivery
Once your car is on its way, many carriers provide tracking or regular updates. Stay reachable by phone. At delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly before signing. If there’s damage, note it on the bill of lading and contact the carrier immediately.
Other phrases people use
Searchers may look for car shipping timeline, schedule auto transport, shipping car pickup windows and how to arrange car shipping. These all describe the scheduling process.
FAQ
How far in advance should I schedule car shipping?
Ideally, book at least two to three weeks before you need your car picked up. During off‑peak months, one week may suffice.
Can I change my pickup date?
Most carriers allow changes with enough notice, but there may be a rescheduling fee. Contact your carrier as soon as possible if plans change.
Do I pay a deposit?
Many brokers require a small deposit when you book, with the remaining balance due at delivery. Read your contract to understand payment terms.
When shipping a car across states, there are numerous factors to consider beyond simply booking a carrier. In addition to the route and service type, you should research the reputation of various auto transport companies, compare quotes carefully and read customer reviews. Seasonality can influence prices, with higher demand during summer and snowbird migrations. Always confirm the carrier’s insurance coverage and ask about communication during transit. A reputable broker or carrier will answer your questions, provide clear documentation and help you prepare your vehicle properly.
Preparing your vehicle involves cleaning it inside and out, removing personal belongings, disabling toll transponders and checking for leaks. Document the car’s condition with photos and ensure the gas tank is around a quarter full to keep weight low. On the day of pick‑up, inspect the vehicle with the driver and sign the bill of lading, which serves as your receipt and inspection report. Upon delivery, re‑inspect your car, note any changes on the bill of lading and make final payment. To learn more about the car shipping process, visit How to Ship a Car to Another State.