Buying a vehicle online opens up more choices, but the purchase is not complete until you have a reliable way to get the car home. Whether you bought from a private seller, dealership, or auction, the transport process goes more smoothly when the seller and carrier have the same information.
Confirm the vehicle and seller details first
Before arranging transport, confirm the year, make, model, running condition, pickup address, and the name of the person authorized to release the vehicle. Ask whether the seller has business-hour restrictions, gate access requirements, or paperwork that must be completed before pickup.
If the seller is a dealership or auction, confirm whether the vehicle has actually been released for pickup. Scheduling a truck before release can cause delays and extra charges.
Choose open or enclosed transport
Open transport is commonly used for standard vehicles. Enclosed shipping may make sense for a classic, collectible, exotic, or freshly restored car. If the vehicle has low clearance, modifications, or unusual dimensions, discuss them before dispatch. Compare the options in our open versus enclosed guide.
What if I have never seen the car in person?
Transport arrangements are not a substitute for a vehicle inspection or purchase due diligence. Ask the seller for recent photos and a condition description, and consider an independent pre-purchase inspection where appropriate. The carrier’s pickup inspection documents visible condition for transport; it is not a mechanical inspection or an endorsement of the sale.
Coordinate pickup with the seller
- Confirm that payment and release requirements are complete.
- Provide the seller’s direct phone number and available hours.
- Make sure the car can start, steer, and brake, or request inoperable service.
- Check whether the truck can access the pickup location.
- Ask the seller to review the pickup condition report and keep a copy.
What happens at delivery?
Arrange for an authorized adult to meet the driver. Inspect the car carefully, compare its condition with the pickup report, document any new concerns before signing, and follow the carrier’s claims instructions if necessary. See our pickup and delivery day walkthrough.
Private seller, dealership, or auction: what changes?
| Pickup source | What to confirm before dispatch |
|---|---|
| Private seller | Payment cleared, seller available to hand over keys, exact pickup address and phone number. |
| Dealership | Vehicle release authorization, business hours, paperwork and truck loading access. |
| Online auction | Release number, gate pass, storage deadline, operability and loading assistance. |
| Repair shop | Outstanding invoices, release permission, vehicle condition and shop access. |
How to avoid paying storage or failed-pickup fees
Do not assume a vehicle is available just because the purchase is complete. Auctions and storage lots may have limited pickup hours and may charge fees after a release deadline. Confirm the vehicle can be collected before asking a carrier to arrive. If an auction vehicle is listed as “starts” or “runs and drives,” verify whether it currently rolls, steers, and brakes; the description may not reflect its condition on pickup day.
What documents should the buyer keep?
Keep the sales agreement, seller or auction release instructions, transport agreement, pickup inspection report, and delivery bill of lading. The carrier’s condition report documents visible damage; it does not verify title, ownership, or mechanical condition. Resolve purchase and title questions with the seller or appropriate authorities separately from transport arrangements.
For first-time buyers, our booking timeline explains why a requested pickup day may not be the actual carrier arrival date.
Frequently asked questions
Can a carrier pick up directly from a dealership?
Often, yes, provided the vehicle is released and the location allows truck access during pickup hours.
Can I ship a car purchased at auction?
Yes, but auction release rules, loading assistance, storage fees, and operating condition need to be confirmed before booking.
Who signs the bill of lading at pickup?
An authorized representative at the seller’s location typically handles the release and inspection paperwork. Confirm the arrangement with your coordinator.
Can the seller put spare parts in the car?
Ask the assigned carrier first. Personal items and loose parts may be restricted or excluded from coverage.
If you are buying a car in Southern California, explore our Los Angeles and Orange County shipping information.
Need a shipping estimate? Get a Free Quote → with your vehicle year, make, model, pickup and delivery ZIP codes, preferred dates, and transport preference.