How to ship a car bought online?

Whether you are looking for a daily driver, or scouting for a rare collector vehicle, you are no longer confined by the limits of your city. Today, thanks to the internet, the world is your limit. You can buy a car online without having to set foot outside your home. And based on our experience, online vehicle-buying transactions happen daily.

Whether you buy a car from a private party, or from an auto dealership, you will need to learn how to ship a car bought online. First you find and buy a car online. Then you learn how shipping a car bought online works. Finally,  you prepare for the process with our quick guide.

We will go over commonly asked questions, and share some tips to help you complete the shipping process without a glitch.

How do I find a reliable car shipping company?

Hiring a car shipping company is the easiest way to move a car bought online. And you can make all the arrangements from the comfort of your living room.

The first step is to understand the basics of the car shipping process. Then you know what to look for when you begin your research. This will make the entire experience stress-free.

Second, it is important to allow yourself time for research and comparison.  You should look beyond the first page of Google search results.

Third step is to pick a few auto transporters and compare them in all aspects. This is what choosing a company means.

A trustworthy company will be honest and transparent about the process and the pricing. They understand that all good relationships are built on trust.

Customer reviews online are a good approach when it comes to learning more about how a company operates. Check the company’s reputation and safety ratings with FMCSA.

Inquire about insurance and terms. Do not shy away from asking questions. Your vehicle is an important investment, and you want to make sure it will be taken care of during transport.

Another point to consider is the price quote. Be wary of companies offering unrealistically low rates. On the other hand, the most expensive quote will not guarantee the highest quality service.

A car shipping company should simply offer you a fair and realistic estimate based on current market conditions.

How do I ship a car bought online?

We can summarize the entire process in a several steps:

1. Request a car shipping quote online or by phone.
2. Disclose details about the vehicle – make, model, modifications.
3. A logistics expert will schedule your shipment based on your desired shipping dates.
4. Prepare your vehicle for shipping. Confirm with your auto transporter what needs to be done.
5. Then a carrier picks up your car one to a few business days from your first available date.
6. Inspection of the vehicle before loading and at delivery is very important. All the irregularities, if any, must be noted on a Bill of Lading.

The transit time depends on the distance – your agent will inform you of the estimated delivery time. At delivery, the carrier must inspect the vehicle again and you need to sing the Bill of Lading.

Vehicle condition before shipping

The auto transport company should deliver the car in the exact condition you purchased it. That is why you need to carefully check your ride for any damages at delivery.

Hence, documenting the vehicle’s condition before shipment is crucial. Unless you have a friend who can go and check the vehicle for you, your other option is to hire an inspection company.

A per-purchase car inspection is often a must do, especially if it is a classic vehicle or high-end automobile. Keep in mind for such vehicles you should consider enclosed auto transport.

When you book a car shipping service you need to inform the company of the condition of your car. It is very important not only for the correct pricing of your shipment, but also for the transport itself.

At pick-up, the carrier will inspect the vehicle and mark everything on the Bill of Lading. This is a must-do.

Moreover, if the vehicle already has a per-purchase inspection report, the selling party should give it to the carrier to add to the inspection report.

It is in your best interest to know the exact condition of the vehicle you bought online. This will save you time and money in the long term.

If you need to ship a car you bought online, call us to discuss your options. We understand our niche, and our vehicle relocation experts will be happy to walk you through the process and answer all questions. Thank you.