How Does Car Transport Work? A Comprehensive Guide to Shipping Your Vehicle
If you’re considering shipping your vehicle, you’re probably wondering: How does car transport work? Whether you’re relocating, buying a car from out of state, or need to send your vehicle across the country, understanding the process can make your experience stress-free and smooth. At Corja Auto Hauling, we’ve been helping customers ship their cars for over 10 years, so we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to explain every step of the process.
Step 1: Getting a Quote and Booking Your Transport
The first step to shipping your vehicle is to get a car transport quote. Most companies, including Corja Auto Hauling, offer an easy online form where you can enter your vehicle details, pickup location, and destination.
When requesting a quote, you’ll typically need to provide:
- Vehicle Type: Is it a sedan, SUV, truck, or specialty vehicle?
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: ZIP codes or cities help determine distance and cost.
- Transport Type: Do you need open transport or enclosed transport?
Once you’ve received your quote and are happy with the price, you can book your transport. At Corja Auto Hauling, we recommend booking at least 1-2 weeks in advance for the best availability and pricing.
What Customers Search For:
- “How much does car shipping cost?”
- “Car transport quotes near me”
- “Affordable auto transport services”
Step 2: Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Before your car is picked up, you’ll need to prepare it for transport. This ensures the process goes smoothly and protects your vehicle. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Clean Your Vehicle: A clean car makes it easier to inspect for any existing scratches or dents before shipping.
- Remove Personal Items: Auto transport regulations typically prohibit personal belongings in the car, and they could shift during transit.
- Check Fluids and Battery: Ensure your car is in good working condition unless it’s being shipped as inoperable.
- Reduce Fuel: Keep your gas tank at about 1/4 full. This reduces the vehicle’s weight and improves safety.
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Take photos of your car from all angles for documentation.
What Customers Search For:
- “How to prepare my car for shipping”
- “Vehicle shipping checklist”
- “Do I need to clean my car before transport?”
Step 3: Vehicle Pickup
On the scheduled day, the driver will arrive at your designated pickup location to load your car onto the transport truck. During this step:
- The driver will inspect your vehicle with you and note any existing damage on a Bill of Lading (an important document for both parties).
- Your car will be carefully loaded onto the truck, either on an open or enclosed carrier.
At Corja Auto Hauling, we work with experienced drivers who prioritize safety during the loading process. Rest assured, your car is fully insured from the moment it’s picked up until it reaches its destination.
What Customers Search For:
- “What happens during car pickup for transport?”
- “How does a car transport truck work?”
- “Is my car insured during shipping?”
Step 4: The Journey – Transporting Your Vehicle
Once your car is loaded, it’s on its way to the destination! Here’s what happens during this stage:
- Tracking Updates: Most auto transport companies provide updates so you can track your vehicle's progress.
- Open vs. Enclosed Transport: If you’ve opted for open transport, your car will be on a multi-car carrier. Enclosed transport offers additional protection and is ideal for luxury or classic cars.
Factors like weather, traffic, and road conditions may impact delivery times. At Corja Auto Hauling, we communicate with you every step of the way to ensure peace of mind.
What Customers Search For:
- “How long does it take to ship a car?”
- “Open vs. enclosed car transport”
- “Can I track my car during shipping?”
Step 5: Delivery and Unloading
The final step is the delivery of your vehicle. On the scheduled delivery day:
- The driver will contact you to confirm a time and location.
- Your car will be carefully unloaded from the transport truck.
- You’ll inspect the vehicle alongside the driver to ensure everything is in the same condition as it was during pickup.
Once everything checks out, you’ll sign the Bill of Lading to complete the process. It’s that easy!
What Customers Search For:
- “What to expect during car delivery”
- “How to inspect a car after shipping”
- “Door-to-door car shipping services”
Common Questions About Car Shipping
1. How much does car transport cost?
The cost of shipping a car depends on factors like distance, vehicle size, transport type, and the time of year. Get a free quote from Corja Auto Hauling to see your exact pricing!
2. Is car transport safe?
Yes! Reputable companies like Corja Auto Hauling are fully insured, so your vehicle is protected every step of the way.
3. Can I ship my car nationwide?
Absolutely! We transport vehicles across the continental U.S., including major cities, rural areas, and everything in between (excluding Alaska and Hawaii).
What Customers Search For:
- “Is car shipping safe?”
- “Cheapest way to ship a car across the country”
- “Nationwide car transport companies”
Why Choose Corja Auto Hauling?
At Corja Auto Hauling, we pride ourselves on providing reliable, professional, and stress-free vehicle transport services. Here’s why customers trust us:
- Over 10 years of experience in auto transport
- Fully insured for your peace of mind
- Nationwide service tailored to your needs
When you’re ready to ship your vehicle, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Get Started with Car Shipping Today!
Now that you know how car transport works, you can book with confidence. Whether you need to ship your car across the country or just a few states away, Corja Auto Hauling is ready to provide the service you deserve.
???? Contact us today for your free quote and let us handle the rest!
