Auto Transport Checklist
Your Essential Auto Transport Checklist
From car shipping preparation to vehicle pickup checklist, we match you with trusted carriers so you can prepare your car for transport with ease.
Preparing your car for transport doesn't have to be a hassle. With our auto transport checklist, you can streamline the process by sharing your vehicle and route details once. Let us find the right carrier for you, saving you time and stress.
What Is an Auto Transport Checklist?
An auto transport checklist is your guide to preparing your car for a smooth and secure shipping experience. It covers everything from initial preparation to the final vehicle pickup checklist.
Our service takes this checklist a step further by matching you with a licensed carrier that suits your specific route and vehicle requirements, ensuring a seamless process.
Popular lanes
Top car shipping routes nationwide
Route popularity affects carrier availability, transit time, and pricing. Explore common shipping lanes — then tell us your pickup and delivery cities and we'll search for carriers on your route.
California → Texas
One of the busiest west-to-south lanes
New York → Florida
Popular snowbird and relocation route
Illinois → Arizona
Midwest to southwest corridor
Washington → California
Pacific Northwest to California
Texas → Colorado
South-central to mountain west
Georgia → North Carolina
Southeast regional shipping
New Jersey → Texas
Northeast to Gulf Coast lane
Ohio → Florida
Midwest to sunshine state route
Virginia → California
East coast to west coast long haul
Michigan → Texas
Great Lakes to Gulf region
Transport types
Browse auto transport by service type
Every vehicle shipment is different. Explore specialized guides — then let us match you with carriers experienced in open transport, enclosed shipping, motorcycles, classics, and military PCS moves.
Whether you need door-to-door delivery, the most affordable open carrier option, or white-glove enclosed service for a collector car, start with the guide that fits your situation. Each covers what to expect, typical cost factors, and how we search our network for the right fit.
Best Car Shipping Companies
Guides and resources for best car shipping companies.
View guideBest Enclosed Auto Transport
Guides and resources for best enclosed auto transport.
View guideBest Motorcycle Transport Companies
Guides and resources for best motorcycle transport companies.
View guideBest Classic Car Transporters
Guides and resources for best classic car transporters.
View guideBest Military Car Transporters
Guides and resources for best military car transporters.
View guideAuto Transport Calculator
Guides and resources for auto transport calculator.
View guideTop Car Shipping Routes
Guides and resources for top car shipping routes.
View guideCheapest Auto Transport
Guides and resources for cheapest auto transport.
View guideAuto Transport Discounts
Guides and resources for auto transport discounts.
View guideHow We Match You with the Right Carrier
- We analyze your specific route details to find the best-suited carrier.
- Our network includes only FMCSA-licensed carriers for your peace of mind.
- We consider carrier experience to ensure your vehicle is in good hands.
- Insurance coverage options are evaluated to protect your car during transport.
- Our matching process saves you from repeated phone calls and endless comparisons.
Understanding Auto Transport Pricing
$500 - $1,500
Auto transport pricing varies based on several factors. Here's what influences the cost:
- • Distance of the transport route
- • Type and size of the vehicle
- • Seasonality and demand fluctuations
- • Transport method (open or enclosed)
- • Current fuel prices
Essential Tips for Auto Transport
- Clean your vehicle and document its condition before shipping.
- Remove all personal items to comply with carrier regulations.
- Ensure your car's battery is fully charged and tires are properly inflated.
- Disable any alarm systems to prevent unnecessary disruptions.
- Confirm all transport details with your assigned carrier ahead of pickup.
Auto transport guides
Routes, checklists & cost tools
From vehicle prep checklists and popular shipping routes to cost calculators and discount opportunities, our auto transport guides help you plan before you book. Browse resources written for real-world vehicle shipping — then share your details once and let us handle the carrier search.
Top car shipping routes
Popular vehicle shipping lanes, distances, and pricing factors.
Auto transport checklist
Prepare your vehicle for pickup, transit, and delivery.
Auto transport calculator
Understand cost drivers before you request a match.
Auto transport discounts
Military, multi-car, and seasonal savings opportunities.
Household moving
Moving your household too?
Many people ship a vehicle during a long-distance move. Tell us about your relocation and we can help you find movers and auto transport matched to your timeline.
Explore movers
External auto transport resources
By the numbers
Auto Transport Industry Insights
95%
Customer Satisfaction
Our matching process has resulted in a 95% customer satisfaction rate.
30%
Time Saved
Our service saves customers an average of 30% of the time compared to searching independently.
20 Million
Cars Shipped Annually
Over 20 million vehicles are transported each year in the U.S.
FMCSA Licensed
Carrier Compliance
All our carriers are FMCSA licensed, ensuring compliance and safety.