How to Ship Your Car Across the Country in 6 Simple Steps

Shipping your vehicle across the country doesn’t have to be intimidating. If you work with the right long-haul auto transport experts, you’ll enjoy a safe, efficient, and completely hassle-free experience.

At Lee Bowe Company (LBC), we empower customers nationwide to ship their vehicles with confidence and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a 6-step roadmap that ensures your car arrives at its destination smoothly — without surprises, setbacks, or stress.

What’s the Best Way to Get Your Car Across the Country?

1. Research Auto Transport Companies Thoroughly
2. Get Multiple Quotes to Compare Pricing & Services
3. Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport
4. Complete All Necessary Paperwork
5. Coordinate Pickup & Delivery
6. Inspect Your Vehicle Upon Delivery

1. Research Auto Transport Companies Thoroughly

Start by researching reputable personal vehicle shippers who specialize in long-haul auto transport: 

• Look for FMCSA and USDOT registration, valid insurance, & transparent licensing.
• Ask for their Motor Carrier number and verify it on the FMCSA website to ensure they’re properly licensed.
• Check independent reviews to explore positive customer feedback.
• Ask about specialized auto shipping services like enclosed carriers or winter route expertise, if necessary.

2. Get Multiple Quotes to Compare Pricing & Services

• Use a quote comparison tool, or contact at least 3 transporters, to evaluate pricing trends for your route.
• Share accurate pickup & delivery ZIP codes, vehicle year/make/model, and whether it’s operable.
• Consider factors like open vs. enclosed, terminal vs. door-to-door, and peak-season surcharges.
• Be cautious of bait-and-switch tactics; insist on itemized quotes and confirm total price up front.

As with most things in life you get what you pay for, so don’t just go with the cheapest option. Choose a company with a balance of competitive pricing & reliable auto transport services.

3. Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport

• Thoroughly clean your vehicle, both inside & outside, before handing it over for long-haul auto transport.
• Take pictures of your vehicle’s current condition to have a record in case of any damage during transport.
• Remove any personal belongings, loose items, or valuables from the car.
• Disable alarms and secure loose parts to avoid triggering alarms during transport.
• Ensure the fuel level is no more than a quarter tank.
• Check tire pressure, battery charge, and brake condition to facilitate safe loading.

4. Complete All Necessary Paperwork

• Complete the Bill of Lading with accurate condition descriptions; use photos to cross-check upon delivery.
• Review terms closely: coverages, cancellation policies, potential deductibles, etc.
• Ask any & all questions you may have before signing the agreement.
• Keep copies of vehicle registration and insurance handy, along with any special permits.

5. Coordinate Pickup and Delivery

• Schedule pickup and delivery windows:
  • Expect 1–7 days regionally.
  • Expect 6–10 days for long-haul auto transport.
• Confirm exact addresses, arrangements for key handoff, and driver contact details.
• Use available real-time tracking tools to monitor shipment progress.
• Be flexible, as weather, traffic, and demand can shift schedules.

6. Inspect Your Vehicle Upon Delivery

• Conduct a joint inspection using your pre-ship photos.
• Complete the delivery portion of the BOL carefully, noting any new damage.
• If damage is found, photograph it, document details, get insurance info, and file a claim within 24 hours.

7 More Pro Tips to Ensure a Smooth Experience

1. Book 2–4 weeks ahead to secure the best rates and carrier availability.
2. Choose the right carrier type.
   • Open transport is economical.
   • Enclosed is safer for luxury & classic cars.
3. Verify insurance coverage.
   • Ensure limits cover full vehicle value.
   • Consider top-up if needed.
4. Track shipment to reduce your anxiety by identifying delays in real-time.
5. Stay reachable to prevent delays.
6. If the carrier doesn’t offer digital tracking, ask for the driver’s direct contact to stay updated.
7. Follow off-peak timing.
   • Avoid high summer or holiday surcharges.
   • Ensure space availability.

Ship Your Vehicle from Coast to Coast with Confidence

Shipping your vehicle cross-country can be simple and stress-free. With proper preparation and a trusted long-haul auto transport partner, the process is easy, safe, and more affordable than many people realize.

From getting quotes to inspecting your vehicle on delivery, each step plays a vital role in ensuring a successful transport. At Lee Bowe Company, we combine professionalism, reliability, and personalized service to take the guesswork out of vehicle shipping.

Whether you’re shipping a sedan, SUV, classic car, or non-running vehicle, we’re here to handle the logistics—so you can focus on what’s next. For a free, no-obligation quote, contact our auto transport company right away.