Shipping a vehicle can seem complicated if you’ve never used an auto transport service before. However, the basic process is relatively straightforward once you understand how vehicle transportation works.
Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle from another state, or simply need to move a car without driving it yourself, auto transport can provide a practical solution.
In this guide, we’ll explain the basic car shipping process and the main transportation options available.
What Is Auto Transport?
Auto transport is the process of moving a vehicle from one location to another using a vehicle carrier.
Instead of driving the vehicle yourself, a carrier transports it to the requested destination.
Auto transport can be used for short-distance and long-distance transportation, including state-to-state vehicle shipping.
Step 1: Determine Your Pickup and Delivery Locations
The first step is identifying where the vehicle needs to be picked up and where it needs to be delivered.
For example, you may need to ship a vehicle from Orlando, FL, to another state.
Providing accurate pickup and delivery information helps determine the appropriate transportation arrangement.
Step 2: Choose Your Transport Method
One of the most important decisions is selecting the right transportation method.
Open Car Transport
Open car transport uses an open carrier. It is a common option for standard vehicles and everyday car shipping.
Enclosed Car Transport
Enclosed car transport places the vehicle inside an enclosed carrier.
This can be useful for customers who prefer additional protection from outdoor exposure during transportation.
Door-to-Door Auto Transport
Door-to-door car shipping focuses on pickup and delivery convenience.
The carrier attempts to collect and deliver the vehicle as close as reasonably possible to the requested locations.
State-to-State Auto Transport
State-to-state auto transport is used when a vehicle needs to travel across state lines.
Step 3: Coordinate Pickup
Once the transportation arrangements are made, pickup details are coordinated.
The vehicle needs to be available at the agreed location and time.
It’s important to make sure the pickup location is accessible to the vehicle carrier.
Step 4: Vehicle Transportation
After pickup, the vehicle is loaded onto the appropriate carrier.
The vehicle then travels toward the destination.
With open transportation, the vehicle is transported on an open carrier. With enclosed transportation, it is transported inside an enclosed carrier.
Step 5: Delivery
At the end of the transportation process, the vehicle is delivered to the arranged destination or a nearby accessible location when the exact address cannot accommodate the carrier.
The customer can then take possession of the vehicle.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
The choice between open and enclosed transport depends on your vehicle and preferences.
Open transport is a common choice for standard vehicles.
Enclosed transport provides additional protection from outdoor exposure and may be preferred for vehicles where additional care is important.
Neither option is automatically appropriate for every situation, so consider your vehicle and transportation requirements before choosing.
Is Door-to-Door Shipping Always Possible?
Door-to-door auto transport is designed around convenience, but exact address access isn’t always possible.
Large carriers may have difficulty accessing narrow residential streets, areas with restrictions, construction zones, or locations with insufficient space.
In these situations, a nearby accessible pickup or delivery location may be necessary.
Preparing for Auto Transport
Before your vehicle is shipped, make sure you have accurate pickup and delivery information.
It’s also helpful to remove personal belongings and communicate any important vehicle information before transportation.
Ask questions about the shipping process if you’re unsure about any part of the arrangement.
Final Thoughts
Auto transport can make vehicle relocation easier by allowing a professional carrier to handle the transportation instead of requiring you to drive the vehicle yourself.
Understanding the differences between open, enclosed, door-to-door, and state-to-state transportation can help you select an option that fits your needs.
Need to Ship a Vehicle From Orlando?
Citywide Auto Transport provides open car transport, enclosed car transport, door-to-door auto transport, and state-to-state vehicle transportation.
Call (689) 314-7914 to discuss your vehicle shipping needs.