Moving a vehicle is a high-stakes errand, but it does not have to be high-stress. The safest transports come from good prep, clear communication, and smart choices at each step. Use this guide to plan, vet, and monitor your shipment so your vehicle arrives just as it left.
Plan the Route and Timeline With Safety In Mind
Map the pickup and delivery windows around your real life, not the other way around. Give the carrier flexible hours at each end so they can avoid storms, traffic choke points, and tight urban streets. Extra time prevents rushed loading, which is when most dings and scuffs happen.
Ask about the likely route and where handoffs may occur. Professional carriers plan safe parking for large rigs and avoid low-clearance hazards. If your pickup or drop-off street is narrow, arrange a nearby lot or a wide side road where the truck can stage safely.
Prep the Vehicle the Right Way
Start with a clean exterior and interior so photos capture the true condition before loading. If you are moving a car to or from Arizona, consider Phoenix car shipping services as part of your plan to coordinate city logistics and staging. Remove toll tags, parking passes, and personal items, and leave only the factory jack and spare.
Top off essential fluids, check tire pressure, and note any dashboard lights. A quarter tank of fuel is usually plenty for loading and unloading while keeping vehicle weight down. Fold in mirrors, secure or remove low-hanging accessories, and make sure the alarm is off so it does not trigger in transit.
How to prep your vehicle right:
- Wash and photo-document all sides
- Remove loose items and aftermarket add-ons
- Set tire pressure per door-jamb sticker
- Leave 1 key set for the driver and keep a spare
- Confirm the alarm and tracking apps are disabled
Special Care for EVs In Transit
Electric vehicles need a few extra steps for a safe ride. Ship with a moderate state of charge so the battery is ready at delivery without being stressed during parking or staging. Keep the mobile charge cable packed and labeled, but not plugged into the car.
A European carrier guideline noted that EVs are best staged for transport at roughly 20 to 50 percent state of charge, which helps balance safety, thermal stability, and convenience at the destination. That recommendation comes from a UECC operational guide focused on vehicle logistics at sea and in ports, but the principle supports safe highway transport.
Vet Your Carrier, Credentials, and Paperwork
Choose a fully insured carrier and confirm their operating authority. Ask for the DOT number and verify it, and check safety scores and insurance details. Professional outfits will send you their certificate of insurance upon request, including liability and cargo coverage.
Stay aware of regulatory updates that change how authority is tracked. The FMCSA is phasing out MC numbers and consolidating identification under the USDOT number, which affects how shippers verify a carrier’s status. Get the current USDOT information and keep a copy in your records.
Inspect, Document, and Load With Care
Do a joint walkaround with the driver at pickup. Mark every scratch, chip, or prior dent on the bill of lading and take time-stamped photos with the carrier present. Repeat the same careful process at delivery before you sign.
Ask the driver how they plan to position and secure the vehicle on the trailer. Professional haulers use soft straps at the tires or manufacturer-approved points to avoid chassis and suspension stress. If the driver suggests a method that worries you, speak up and ask for an alternative.
- Photograph wheels, bumpers, glass, and the roof
- Note odometer and fuel or battery state
- Confirm strap points and tension after loading
- Keep copies of the signed bill of lading
Match the Trailer and Protection to Your Vehicle
Open carriers are common, efficient, and safe for most daily drivers. If you have a low-clearance sports car, luxury vehicle, or a freshly restored classic, upgrade to an enclosed trailer. The extra protection reduces exposure to weather and road debris on long routes.
Ask about liftgate loading if your car is low or has long overhangs. Verify ground clearance requirements with the dispatcher before pickup. When available, add supplemental cargo coverage that matches the vehicle’s value for high-end models.
Price, Scams, and Seasonal Risk Management
Prices move with supply and demand, fuel trends, and weather. Typical cross-country car transport falls in a mid-hundreds to low-thousands range, and it warns about bait-and-switch tactics that push shippers into last-minute upcharges. Use that as a cue to confirm everything in writing: total price, fees, and the cancellation policy.
Peak seasons can tighten capacity and tempt shortcuts. Book early around snowbird migrations and holiday weeks, and be wary of offers that are far below the market. Solid carriers explain what is included and will not pressure you into immediate payment before a dispatch is confirmed.
Safety is the sum of many small choices. Prep your vehicle, choose a vetted carrier, and keep communication simple and steady. A clean handoff, careful loading, and a thoughtful route plan turn a complex move into a smooth one.
Sujan Pariyar is an internationally accomplished writer and entrepreneur, with his work featured in various renowned international magazines. Known for his innovative ideas and compelling storytelling, Sujan continues to inspire and engage audiences around the world.