How to Buy and Ship a Car Online

Posted on 02/21/2020

In a recent survey, almost 70% of people said they would think about buying a car online. However, buying a car online can be a complex experience if you are not sure what you are doing. That is why you need to take your time and prepare before you do any sort of shopping or even browsing.

Jump to section:
What you need to know about buying a car online
How you can ship a car that you bought online
Tips for buying a car online
Conclusion

how-to-buy-and-ship-a-car-online

What you need to know about buying a car online

When you are considering buying a car online, you should not dive right into the process and buy the first car that you like. There are several things that you need to come to a decision on first.

The first thing that you should do is set a budget for yourself. It is important that you stick to this budget. You should search for a deal that is within the budget even if you find the car of your dreams and it only slightly reaches past the limit of your budget.

After that, you should sit down and put serious thought into what you are looking for in a car. This way, you will eliminate most of the work that you could possibly need to do. You should also figure out how many miles you are willing to accept on a preowned car if you are considering that option.

Next, you should start your search on reputable online car-dealer sites such as Autotrader. Keep in mind that you should always arrange to see any car that interests you in person. Do whatever you can to take the car for a test drive as well. If you are traveling somewhere to see a car, be sure to try and schedule any other viewings in that area on the same day. This way you will not have to end up traveling back to the same area later on.

Before you travel to see any car that piques your interest, you should always check the CarFax report. This will let you know what has happened to the car during its history on the road.

How you can ship a car that you bought online

Shipping a car that you purchased online will reduce the stress and complexity of buying a car online. Now, you will not need to take off from work, get on a train or plane, and then drive your new car hundreds or even thousands of miles back to your home.

It is quite easy to ship a car that you bought online. You just need the vehicle’s information so you can book your shipment. Specifically, you need the make, model and vehicle year.

The auto transport process will involve a few more steps after that including the preparation for your shipment, the actual pickup process, the actual delivery process and what you need to do after delivery is complete. You can read more about that here.

If it is a used car, you also need to find out if there are any important pieces of information about the car’s condition. The car needs to be running in order for you to ship it on a traditional auto carrier. You can still ship an inoperable car. You will just need to mention that it is not running when you are booking your shipment so that a special type of carrier can be assigned.

Tips for buying a car online

Before you commit to buying a car online, read the following tips:

Take your time – There is absolutely no need to rush through the car-buying process. Take your time, make sure that the car is what the seller says it is and do your best to get a deal.

Shop around before you make any commitment to buy – It is possible that you see a great deal right away. However, you should spend at least a few days looking at other options, you just might come across a better deal.

Get it inspected – If you are buying from a private seller, odds are that they will not offer to spring for an inspection by a mechanic. However, it is likely that they will allow you to get an inspection if you pay for it. Do this for any car that you are about to commit to.

Remember the CarFax – Do not forget to peruse the vehicle history report. It has all the information about the car’s history organized into one easy-to-read report.

Research any dealers – If you are buying the car from a dealer, be sure that you read online reviews on sites like Google before you commit to anything. You will want to be sure that the dealer has a good reputation among its past customers.

Conclusion

Shopping for a car online can be both a fun and frustrating experience. It can also be a great way to find a great deal on the car that you have always wanted. Just be sure that you take your time during the process and you do the right research for any vehicle that you are considering.

Always check the car out in person and, if possible, have a mechanic look at the car as well. Finally, you should seriously consider shipping your car to you. Doing so will save you time, money and stress.

1Shipment Details

2Vehicle DetailsMultiple Vehicles?

3Shipper Details

Posted on 02/21/2020

Jump to section:
What you need to know about buying a car online
How you can ship a car that you bought online
Tips for buying a car online
Conclusion

how-to-buy-and-ship-a-car-online

What you need to know about buying a car online

How you can ship a car that you bought online

Tips for buying a car online

Before you commit to buying a car online, read the following tips:

Take your time – There is absolutely no need to rush through the car-buying process. Take your time, make sure that the car is what the seller says it is and do your best to get a deal.

Shop around before you make any commitment to buy – It is possible that you see a great deal right away. However, you should spend at least a few days looking at other options, you just might come across a better deal.

Get it inspected – If you are buying from a private seller, odds are that they will not offer to spring for an inspection by a mechanic. However, it is likely that they will allow you to get an inspection if you pay for it. Do this for any car that you are about to commit to.

Remember the CarFax – Do not forget to peruse the vehicle history report. It has all the information about the car’s history organized into one easy-to-read report.

Research any dealers – If you are buying the car from a dealer, be sure that you read online reviews on sites like Google before you commit to anything. You will want to be sure that the dealer has a good reputation among its past customers.

Conclusion

Calculate your instant car shipping cost and view carrier availability in your area.

RoadRunner Auto Transport Reviews

“RoadRunner Auto Transport did an excellent job shipping a car that I bought online. I spoke with multiple car shipping companies, but the folks at RoadRunner were the most helpful.”

Henry DNew Orleans, LA

“RoadRunner is the best auto transport company that we've used so far. The agent that we spoke with was very friendly and helpful. Our car was delivered on time and in perfect condition.”

Bruce YKansas City, KS

“When I needed to ship my car, I wanted to find the most reliable auto transport company possible. After calling around, I chose RoadRunner and couldn't be happier with the service they provided.”

Daniel AWhittier, CA

“I'm very happy with the service I received from RoadRunner Auto Transport. They picked up my car right from my home and I was able to track my automobile transport online very easily.”

Luis CSyracuse, NY

“I was looking for cheap car shipping quotes and RoadRunner provided me with a very fair price. The driver was friendly and my car delivery was on time with no issues. 5 star auto shipping service!”

Tara KPhiladelphia, PA

"I would definitely use RoadRunner Auto Transport again without a doubt. Excellent overall service from start to finish."

Trish A.

Miami, FL

"When I bought a car out of state I was unsure what to expect with the shipping. RoadRunner made everything so easy!"

Jenna D.

Lufkin, TX

"Everything with RoadRunner went smooth and seamless. They gave me a great rate and provided excellent service!"

Owen A.

Hartford, CT

"From the time of quote to the pick up of my vehicle and the delivery there was a very good communication."

Andres M.

Oakland, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.

How do I get a quote for car moving?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. To calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

When will my vehicle be delivered?

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Can I track the progress of my shipment online?

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

How do I pay for my auto shipping?

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Does someone have to be present for pick up and delivery?

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

Can I put personal items in my vehicle?

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

How do I get a quote for shipping my vehicle?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

How far in advance should I schedule my transport?

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

Where will my car be picked up and delivered?

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly to your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter, local car moving. There is a broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed car shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed vehicle transportation guarantees maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since carrier availability is limited. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport

What types of vehicles do you ship?

RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in shipping all types of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.

How much gas should I have in my car during transport?

You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.

What is the Bill of Lading and what exactly does it have to do with my shipment?

The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.

What is top load service?

Top load service is when your car is placed on the higher deck or level of an open auto transport trailer. This is considered to be preferable to the bottom load because the cars on the lower deck are at risk of possibly having fluid from the cars above leak on them.

How do I get my car ready for shipment?

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.

Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running?

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inoperable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accommodate a non-running vehicle.

What methods of car shipping services do you offer?

We offer open car shipping and enclosed transport services services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on two decks that are exposed. Enclosed transport services are when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is recommended for luxury, exotic or classic cars.

What is Door-to-Door transport?

Door-to-door car transport is the full-service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to reach your door safely. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low-lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.

View all frequently asked questions

View all frequently asked questions.