Preparing for Car Shipping: What Every Customer Should Know

Shipping your car isn’t something most people do often – and when you do, it’s usually tied to something important: a move, a seasonal relocation, or a big life change. That’s why it pays to be prepared.

Whether you’re a snowbird heading south or relocating across the country, there are a few steps you can take to make your car shipping experience smoother, faster, and less stressful. At Carpool, we believe preparation leads to better outcomes – and fewer surprises.

Here’s what you should know before shipping your vehicle.

1. Lock in your pickup and delivery window

Before you request a quote, define your time frame. Most car transporters need a 2–5 day pickup window, which gives carriers enough flexibility to optimize routes and minimize cost.

If you’re in a rush, expedited service is an option – but expect to pay a premium. Speed comes at the cost of route efficiency, and faster bookings can limit the ability to combine shipments.

Typical shipment planning includes four dates:

• Pickup Ready Date
• Pickup By Date
• Delivery Ready Date
• Delivery By Date

Being clear and realistic with these windows allows your transport provider to plan more efficiently – which often leads to faster delivery and fewer delays.

2. Choose between open or enclosed transport

There are two main types of vehicle transport: open and enclosed.

• Open transport is what you typically see on highways – a multi-car trailer exposed to the elements. It’s the most common and cost-effective option.
• Enclosed transport is used for luxury, exotic, or specialty vehicles. These trailers protect cars from road debris and weather, but are more expensive and may take longer to schedule.

For most standard vehicles, open transport works just fine. But if your car is rare, valuable, or irreplaceable – enclosed might be worth it.

3. Research vehicle transport providers

Not all car shipping companies are created equal. And when you’re handing over one of your most valuable assets, details matter.

As you research providers:

• Check their website. Is it clear and professional? Are services explained in plain language?
• Look for transparency. Do they clearly outline the transport process, insurance coverage, and terms?
• Understand who’s responsible in the event of damage or delays. Don’t assume – verify.
• Read reviews. Look for patterns in both positive and negative feedback.

You’re not just buying a price – you’re buying peace of mind.

4. Compare quotes – but don’t just chase the lowest one

Once you’ve narrowed down a few trusted providers, request quotes from at least two or three. Price is part of the decision, but it’s not the whole story.

Use the quote process as a preview:

• Was the quote easy to get?
• How responsive and accessible was the team?
• Did they clearly explain insurance and tracking?
• Did they follow up or leave you guessing?

These early signals will likely carry through once your vehicle is on the move. Choose a provider that communicates clearly, takes ownership, and makes things easy.

5. Prepare your vehicle for transport

You’ve picked your provider. Now it’s time to get your car ready:

• Remove personal items. Insurance typically doesn’t cover personal belongings inside the vehicle. A small suitcase or box under 100 lbs in the trunk is usually fine, but check with your provider.
• Leave the keys and clear the driver’s seat. Someone has to drive the car onto the trailer.
• Confirm pickup and delivery locations are accessible to large trucks. If not, arrange a nearby location.
• Document everything. Take photos of the interior and exterior. Note any scratches, dents, or imperfections – these should also be recorded on the Bill of Lading (BOL) when the vehicle is picked up.

The BOL is a legal document and serves as proof of the vehicle’s condition at both pickup and delivery. If damage occurs in transit, this documentation is critical.

Be Prepared, Not Surprised

At Carpool, we believe informed customers have better outcomes. We’re here to help you navigate the process, avoid surprises, and feel confident every step of the way.

If you’re planning a move and need help shipping your car, reach out or check out our how it works page for more details.

Learn more about Carpool Logistics at carpoollogistics.com.