HOW IT WORKS

How Car Shipping Works, Step by Step

AutoHaul Direct arranges car shipping from quote through delivery. The process includes choosing a transport option, carrier assignment, pickup scheduling, the Bill of Lading, and final delivery inspection.

Instant Quote within 20 Seconds

Get Your Free Shipping Quote

Share with your route. We’ll help you explore our options

FIVE SIMPLE STEPS

From Quote Request to Vehicle Delivery

Step 1

Request Your Quote

Share your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and first available pickup date.

Step 2

Confirm the Best Option

Select open or enclosed transport based on your vehicle and shipping needs.

Step 3

Carrier Assigned and Dispatched

We verify the carrier’s FMCSA authority and insurance certificate, then confirm your pickup window.

Step 4

Pickup and Bill of Lading

At pickup, the carrier inspects your vehicle and records its condition on the Bill of Lading before loading.

Step 5

Delivery Inspection

At delivery, inspect your vehicle again and compare its condition with the Bill of Lading before signing.

STEP 01

Request Your car Shipping Quote

Start by sharing the basic details of your shipment. AutoHaul Direct reviews your route, vehicle information, timing, and transport needs so you can understand the next step before moving forward.

Enter Your Route

Provide the pickup and delivery locations so we can review distance, route access, and carrier availability.

Add Vehicle Details

Share the vehicle type, year, make, model, and condition so the right transport option can be reviewed.

Choose Your Timing

Tell us when you would like the vehicle picked up. Flexible timing can help with smoother scheduling.

STEP 02

Review Your Options

Once we understand your shipment details, we help explain the available transport options for your vehicle, route, and timeline.

Open Auto Transport

The standard, lower-cost option for everyday vehicle moves – the same kind of carrier you see hauling cars on the highway every day.

Enclosed Auto Transport

A fully covered trailer for classic, exotic, luxury, or high-value vehicles that need extra protection from weather and road debris.

Door-to-Door Auto Transport

Pickup and delivery as close to your exact addresses as a carrier can safely and legally reach.

Expedited Auto Transport

Priority pickup scheduling when your timeline is tight and you need a faster pickup window, based on carrier availability.

STEP 03

Carrier Assigned and Dispatched

We verify the carrier’s FMCSA authority and insurance certificate, then confirm your pickup window.

Pickup Planning

The pickup location is reviewed for safe carrier access, loading space, and timing.

Carrier Assignment

A carrier is assigned based on your route, vehicle type, pickup window, and transport requirements.

Shipment Updates

AutoHaul Direct helps keep the process organized with communication before pickup and during transport.

STEP 04

Pickup inspection and Bill of Lading

At pickup, the carrier inspects your vehicle with you and records its condition on the Bill of Lading before loading.

Pickup Arrival

The carrier arrives within the confirmed pickup window and prepares the vehicle for loading.

Pickup Inspection

You and the driver inspect the vehicle and document its existing condition before transport.

Bill of Lading

Review and sign the Bill of Lading before the vehicle is loaded onto the carrier.

STEP 05

Delivery Inspection

Vehicle Unloading

The carrier unloads the vehicle at the agreed delivery location for your final inspection.

Compare Condition

Inspect the vehicle and compare its condition with the Bill of Lading completed at pickup.

Delivery Sign-Off

Note any new damage before signing the Bill of Lading to complete the delivery.

FAQ

How car shipping works

How does the AutoHaul Direct process work?
What information do I need for a quote?
How much does it cost to ship a vehicle?
Can I choose open or enclosed transport?
Can AutoHaul Direct ship motorcycles, RVs, and boats?
Does my vehicle need to be running?
Is pickup and delivery door-to-door?
How long does the shipping process take, from quote to delivery?

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