How car shipping works

Start with the quote form. It asks for the pickup and delivery ZIP codes, when the vehicle will be ready, whether you want an open or enclosed trailer, and the year, make and model. Then it asks how to reach you. A price comes back in about 30 seconds.

That price is all-in, with no fees added at delivery. It holds as long as the details hold. A vehicle that turns out to be lifted, loaded with cargo or unable to start is a different shipment from the one that was quoted, so describe it accurately the first time.

If you would rather do this by phone, call (602) 584-8362 and we'll price it with you. RVs, boats and heavy equipment are always quoted by phone.

When you're ready, confirm the order. You'll receive a confirmation showing the price, the addresses, your dates and the payment terms. Read it before you commit, and ask about anything that isn't clear.

We then assign your vehicle to a carrier that runs your route. Before we do, we confirm that the carrier is licensed and that its cargo insurance is active. You get a pickup window, and the driver contacts you directly before arriving.

• Clean it, inside and out, so the inspection is accurate.
• Take date-stamped photos of every side, the roof, the wheels and the interior.
• Empty it. Take out personal items, garage door openers, toll tags and anything that isn't bolted down.
• Bring the fuel to roughly a quarter tank. That's enough to load and unload, without the extra weight.
• Fold the mirrors, lower or remove antennas, and secure or take off racks and spoilers that could work loose.
• Tell us about leaks, a weak battery or anything else the driver should know.
• Set aside one working key for the driver.

Expect a call from the driver before pickup day and another when the truck is close. If a full-size carrier can't reach your address, the driver will suggest a spot nearby where it can stop safely.

Together you walk around the vehicle. The driver records its condition on an inspection report, marking any existing scratches, dents or chips. Check that you agree with it, sign, and keep your copy. Hand over the key, and the vehicle is loaded. The whole stop usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Your vehicle rides with others headed the same direction, and the driver makes pickups and deliveries along the way. We send updates as it moves, and you can call us at any hour to ask where it is.

These are typical ranges, not guarantees. Weather, traffic and other stops on the route can add time.

The driver calls before reaching the delivery address. When the vehicle comes off the truck, take the same walk around it with your copy of the pickup report in hand. Do it in good light, and don't let anyone rush you.

If everything matches, sign the report and take the key. If you see something new, write it on the report before you sign, photograph it, and call us. Any balance due is paid as described in your order confirmation.

Want more detail on a step? The FAQ answers the questions we hear most, and the services page explains each type of transport.