The auto shipper industry can be a real mystery for people and customers who have no idea what an auto shipper does. As a fully licensed and bonded auto shipper, we know what an auto shipper needs to do to get your vehicle moved, but there is a lot that goes into it. In this article, we’ll explain how the industry works so you won’t be confused when you contact an auto shipper for your auto transport.

Any auto shipper will tell you that your auto transport starts with an auto shipper quote. Getting multiple auto shipper quotes is important - many auto shippers have different pricing methods, so choosing the right auto shipper is important. Once you choose an auto shipper, the next step is to place your order with the auto shipper. This is usually when the auto shipper will collect their deposit (or collect full payment, if the shipment is pre-paid). Once payment has been received by the auto shipper, they will place your vehicle on the auto shipper industry load board, where different auto shipper carriers can search for vehicles in their area and book orders with the auto shipper.

This process is one that the auto shipper can’t really control - we work hard to find you a qualified auto shipper carrier to transport your vehicle, but we are at the mercy of our auto shipper carriers when it comes to pickup and delivery times. We do not guarantee any pickup dates - our pickup windows and delivery windows are just that, date ranges. Any auto shipper worth their weight will tell you the same, and if they say they can guarantee a pickup time they are lying to you.

Once your auto shipper assigns your vehicle to an auto shipper carrier, you need to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the auto shipper to pickup. Make sure that your vehicle is completely clean and that there are no personal belongings in your vehicle when the auto shipper picks up the vehicle. Most auto shipper carriers are not licensed to carry household goods, so keeping your car completely clean for your auto shipper will make life easier. When the auto shipper picks up your vehicle, both you and the auto shipper driver will inspect the vehicle for any prior damages (this is for insurance purposes; if any new damages arise during transport, the auto shipper’s insurance will be liable). Then, once you and the auto shipper inspect the vehicle, it will be loaded onto the auto shipper’s truck and be on its way to the delivery location.

During transport, you don’t have to do much. You are welcome to contact your auto shipper at any time to find out where your vehicle is, but mostly it’s just a waiting game. Once the auto shipper arrives at the delivery location, you will once again go through an inspection of the vehicle with the auto shipper to note any new damages (damage during transport is rare, however). After that, if your arrangement with the auto shipper was to pay on delivery, you hand the auto shipper cash, a cashier’s check, or a money order and then be on your way.