First-Time Car Shipping? Everything You Need to Know

February 24, 2026 · csg_admin

First-Time Car Shipping? Everything You Need to Know

Let us cut through the noise. Alligator Shipping is here to give you the real deal on the car shipping process from start to finish for first-time shippers. No fluff, no upsells, just the facts you need to make a smart move.

First time shipping a car? Take a breath. It is way easier than you think. People ship cars every day without a single problem. We are going to walk you through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect.

How Car Shipping Works: The 6-Step Process

Step 1: Get Multiple Quotes

Start by requesting quotes from 3 to 5 auto transport companies. Provide your vehicle details ‘
(year, make, model, and condition), pickup and delivery zip codes, and your preferred dates. ‘
Quotes should be free and come with no obligation to book.

Step 2: Choose a Company and Book

Compare quotes based on price, included services, insurance coverage, and customer reviews. ‘
Look for USDOT registration and FMCSA compliance. Once you select a company, confirm your ‘
booking with the agreed-upon price and pickup window.

Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle

Wash your car, remove personal items, keep the fuel tank at one-quarter full, retract the ‘
antenna, disable alarms, and document existing damage with photographs. This takes about 30 ‘
minutes and is essential for a smooth process.

Step 4: Vehicle Pickup

The carrier arrives during your agreed pickup window. You (or your designated representative) ‘
conduct a joint vehicle inspection with the driver. Both parties sign the Bill of Lading, which ‘
documents the vehicle condition at pickup. The driver loads your vehicle and departs.

Step 5: Transit and Tracking

Your vehicle travels to its destination. Transit times vary by distance: 1-3 days for ‘
regional routes, 4-7 days for cross-country shipments. Your transport coordinator or the driver ‘
provides updates during transit.

Step 6: Delivery and Final Inspection

At delivery, inspect your vehicle carefully with the driver. Compare its current condition ‘
to the pickup BOL. Note any new damage before signing the delivery receipt. Once signed, ‘
complete your payment per the agreed terms.

What First-Time Shippers Often Ask

Is my car insured during shipping?

Yes. Federal law requires all auto transport carriers to carry cargo insurance. Coverage ‘
typically ranges from $100,000 to $250,000 for open carriers and up to $500,000 for enclosed. ‘
Ask for a copy of the carrier’s insurance certificate before pickup.

Can I put things inside my car?

Technically you can, but carrier insurance does not cover personal items. Some carriers ‘
allow a small amount of cargo (one box in the trunk), while others strictly prohibit it. ‘
Check with your transport company and understand that anything left inside is at your own risk.

How far in advance should I book?

Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead for the best rates and scheduling flexibility. Last-minute bookings ‘
(under 7 days) are possible but typically cost 15-30% more due to limited carrier availability.

What if my car gets damaged?

Damage during transport is rare (under 1% of shipments). If it happens, document the damage ‘
immediately at delivery, note it on the BOL, take photos, and file a claim with the carrier’s ‘
insurance. Having your pre-shipment photos is critical for claim resolution.

Do I need to be present at pickup and delivery?

Someone 18 years or older must be present at both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of ‘
Lading and conduct inspections. If you cannot be there, you can designate a representative ‘
(friend, family member, dealership staff).

First-timer tip: The single most important thing you can do is take detailed photos of your vehicle before pickup. Use your phone to capture every angle, including close-ups of any existing damage. This protects you if there is ever a dispute about condition.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

The auto transport industry has reputable companies and some bad actors. Here is how to tell the difference:

• Unusually low quotes: If one company quotes $400 for a route that everyone else prices at $900, something is wrong. The quote will likely increase after you book, or the carrier simply will not show up.
• Large non-refundable deposits: Legitimate companies require minimal or no upfront deposits. A company demanding a large non-refundable payment before service is a warning sign.
• No USDOT number: Every legitimate auto transport carrier and broker must be registered with the USDOT and FMCSA. Ask for their DOT number and verify it at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
• Pressure to book immediately: High-pressure sales tactics suggesting the price will change in the next hour are designed to prevent you from shopping around. A fair price is a fair price tomorrow too.
• No physical address or phone number: Legitimate companies have verifiable business addresses and answer their phones. If you can only communicate through a web form, proceed with caution.

The Bottom Line

Now you know the deal with the car shipping process. No more guessing, no more getting played. Alligator Shipping has your back. Grab a free quote and let us handle the rest.

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