The Guide to Shipping Your Car from the Dealership

Posted on 02/04/2022

Jump to:
The basics about shipping your car from the dealership
Having the dealership ship your car versus shipping privately
Tips for shipping your car from a dealership
Conclusion

shipping-your-new-car-from-the-dealer

The basics about shipping your car from the dealership

Shipping a vehicle that you just purchased from a dealership, whether it is new or used, is easier than you might think. Something to remember is that most car dealers deal with car carriers on a routine basis because that is how newer models get delivered to their lots. Thus, coordination with a car shipment is second nature to most dealers. This also means that you will not need to worry about the car carrier being too large to pick your car up from the dealer. You also will not need to get your car washed prior to shipping because, new or used, dealers will always keep their cars spotless.

You will still need to have your temporary registration and possibly even a copy of your license presented to the auto transport driver upon pickup. Be sure to discuss this with both your car dealer and auto transporter before you agree to purchase your car. You will be able to send this to your dealer so they can give these to your transport driver.

Having the dealership ship your car versus shipping privately

Some dealers will have pre-existing relationships with a car shipping company. This will allow them to offer you shipping at what seems like a discounted price or even for free. What is really going on is that they are likely factoring the price of shipping into the cost of your vehicle, its warranty and/or service agreement. So, if you are considering buying a car from a dealer where you will need to ship it home, you should let them know up front that you are considering using a third party to ship your vehicle once the purchase is complete.

When you decide to ship with a company of your own choosing, you will have more options in terms of transport method as well as scheduling. It might make coordination of the pickup of your vehicle a bit more complex, but that will be worth having more overall latitude.

Tips for shipping your car from a dealership

If you are shipping a vehicle from a dealership, use the following tips to make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible:

Check out the car or get it checked out – You should never buy a car without taking an in-person look at it first. So, either travel to the dealer and check the vehicle out yourself or hire someone to do it for you. You can hire someone to do this for you by Googling “Prepurchase car inspection” and choosing a provider that can easily make it to the dealership where you are considering buying a car.
Make sure your vehicle is not oversized – You can absolutely ship an oversized vehicle from a dealer such as a n RV or tractor. You will just need to communicate that to your vehicle shipper prior to booking your shipment. Oversized vehicles almost always get shipped on flatbeds rather than typical auto carriers and there is less availability when it comes to these trucks. So, your shipper will need to make some special arrangements.

Have a conversation about the car shipment prior to agreeing to anything – Before you agree to purchase your car, make sure that you and your dealer are on the same page regarding shipping. Make sure that they have no issue with an outside company shipping your car. Also, be sure that they have flexibility in terms of when your car can be picked up.

Coordination is key – You must effectively coordinate not just between yourself and your car shipping company, but between yourself, your car shipping company and your dealer. Be sure that everyone is on the exact same page long before the day of pickup arrives. This includes the dates of pickup/delivery, hours when pickup can occur and that any rules/regulations from any of the sides are completely clear.

Be flexible – There is the possibility that the dealership you are buying your car from might be shipping another car to someone in your area or along your transit route. If this is the case, it is more cost-effective and efficient for them to ship those cars on the same car carrier. If you have some flexibility with your shipping dates and this allows the dealer to ship out multiple cars in fewer loads, you could see some savings as a result.

Conclusion

Shipping a car home that you have purchased from the dealership will be no issue regardless of whether it is new or used. There will just be a bit more of coordination since there will be three parties involved (you, the car shipper and the dealership) rather than just the typical two (you and the car shipper). Remember, be as flexible on your shipping dates as possible, make sure your vehicle is not oversized prior to contacting a transporter and be detailed in the conversations you have with both your dealer and transporter. If you ever need a car transported from a dealership, give us a call at (888)777-2123 for a free quote anytime!

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2Vehicle DetailsMultiple Vehicles?

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Posted on 02/04/2022

The basics about shipping your car from the dealership

Having the dealership ship your car versus shipping privately

Tips for shipping your car from a dealership

If you are shipping a vehicle from a dealership, use the following tips to make your experience as easy and stress-free as possible:

Check out the car or get it checked out – You should never buy a car without taking an in-person look at it first. So, either travel to the dealer and check the vehicle out yourself or hire someone to do it for you. You can hire someone to do this for you by Googling “Prepurchase car inspection” and choosing a provider that can easily make it to the dealership where you are considering buying a car.
Make sure your vehicle is not oversized – You can absolutely ship an oversized vehicle from a dealer such as a n RV or tractor. You will just need to communicate that to your vehicle shipper prior to booking your shipment. Oversized vehicles almost always get shipped on flatbeds rather than typical auto carriers and there is less availability when it comes to these trucks. So, your shipper will need to make some special arrangements.

Have a conversation about the car shipment prior to agreeing to anything – Before you agree to purchase your car, make sure that you and your dealer are on the same page regarding shipping. Make sure that they have no issue with an outside company shipping your car. Also, be sure that they have flexibility in terms of when your car can be picked up.

Coordination is key – You must effectively coordinate not just between yourself and your car shipping company, but between yourself, your car shipping company and your dealer. Be sure that everyone is on the exact same page long before the day of pickup arrives. This includes the dates of pickup/delivery, hours when pickup can occur and that any rules/regulations from any of the sides are completely clear.

Be flexible – There is the possibility that the dealership you are buying your car from might be shipping another car to someone in your area or along your transit route. If this is the case, it is more cost-effective and efficient for them to ship those cars on the same car carrier. If you have some flexibility with your shipping dates and this allows the dealer to ship out multiple cars in fewer loads, you could see some savings as a result.

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

"5 star service! I would recommend RoadRunner to anyone looking for professional shipping service at a fair price."

Ian C.

Jacksonville, FL

"Super professional and helpful from the very first call. Easy to book online and the rate was better than I expected."

Steven F.

Austin, TX

"The RoadRunner agent we spoke with answered all of our questions and kept us in the loop throughout the shipment."

Christopher G.

Cincinnati, OH

"We needed 2 cars shipped across the country last minute and RoadRunner really came through big time for us!"

Amanda M.

Los Angeles, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle shipping 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 shipping my car?

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. 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.

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 in order 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 at 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 more local moves. There is broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed transporters guarantee maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since there is limited carrier availability. 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 such as 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 inpoerable 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 accomodate a non-running vehicle.

What methods of car shipping services do you offer?

We offer open car shipping and enclosed car shipping 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 car shipping is 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 safely reach your door. 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.