Step-by-Step: The Complete Car Shipping Process

From quote to delivery, here is every step of the car shipping process explained clearly. Know exactly what to expect at each stage before you book.

Overview

Car shipping involves 6 clear stages. Understanding each one helps you prepare, avoid surprises, and protect your vehicle from start to finish.

Stage 1: Get a Quote

Visit webautotransport.com, use LiveChat, or call (760) 932-2886 and provide:

• Pickup and delivery ZIP codes
• Vehicle year, make, and model
• Vehicle condition (operable or inoperable)
• Transport type preference (open or enclosed)
• First available pickup date (FAPD)

You'll receive a real-time quote immediately. Once you book your shipment, your price is locked for 30 calendar days with RateShield.

What to watch for: Quotes that are dramatically lower than others are likely bait-and-switch setups. See Understanding Bait-and-Switch Tactics.

Stage 2: Book Your Order

Review your quote, confirm service type (standard or expedited pickup), and submit your booking. You pay $0 at this stage. No deposit required.

You'll receive a written booking confirmation with:

• Order number and route details
• Quoted price
• Service type
• Your logistics specialist’s contact information

Stage 3: Carrier Assignment & Dispatch

Your logistics coordinator matches your shipment with a vetted, FMCSA-licensed carrier from our network. This typically takes 1-5 business days from your first available pickup date (FAPD) for standard service, or 48 hours for expedited service.

Once a carrier is confirmed, you receive:

• Carrier company name
• Driver name and phone number
• USDOT number (verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov)
• Estimated pickup window

The dispatch payment (a small partial amount) is collected at this stage. (Cash Saver customers)

Stage 4: Vehicle Preparation & Pickup

Prepare your vehicle before pickup day:

• Wash the car and photograph all sides
• Remove personal items (keep under 100 lbs in trunk)
• Set fuel to under ¼ tank
• Disable alarms and remove toll passes

On pickup day:

1. Verify the carrier's identity and DOT number
2. Complete the vehicle inspection walk-around with the driver
3. Confirm all pre-existing damage is noted on the Bill of Lading (BOL)
4. Sign the BOL and keep your copy
5. Hand over one key set

See What to Expect on Pickup Day for the full guide.

Stage 5: Transit

Your vehicle travels on the carrier trailer. Transit times range from 1-10 days, depending on distance. Your logistics specialist and driver provide updates.

The driver will call 2-4 hours before delivery to confirm ETA and meeting point.

Stage 6: Delivery & Final Payment

1. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before signing the delivery BOL
2. Compare condition to pickup BOL and pickup photos
3. Note any new damage before signing
4. Sign the delivery BOL
5. Pay the remaining balance to the driver (Cash Saver customers)

See What to Expect on Delivery Day for the full guide.

Quick Reference Timeline

Ready to start? Get a free quote at webautotransport.com or call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded Email: info@webautotransport.com or use LiveChat.