How does auto transport work?
Our quick, simple and easy auto transport process in 3 clear steps:
Get a quote and
book your order
We pick up
your vehicle
You receive
your vehicle
There are several reasons why you might need reliable car transport services. You might have bought your dream car online and need to get it back home. You could be relocating thanks to a new job, or heading south for the winter. Whatever the reason, “How does car shipping work?”, is a question people sometimes ask when moving or relocating. We’ve created this car transport information page to share all the details, and so you know how easy, stress-free, and smooth the process is.
Step 1
Get a quote and book your order
If you want to know “how are cars shipped”, this is the first step in the process. Get in touch to receive your free instant quote. It takes just a couple of minutes if you use our online instant quote calculator. You can also call us at (864) 546-5038, or use Live Chat.
You have to provide some simple details that includes the city and state where you want your vehicle to be picked up, the delivery city and state, the make, model, and year of the vehicle, whether or not the vehicle is running, preferred transport type, and the first date your car will be ready for pick-up (a.k.a. First Available Pick-up Date).
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Our quotes are valid for 7 calendar days but you can update your quote or get a new one at any time.
Yes, we're able to offer a guaranteed pick-up date.
First Available Pick-up Date is the day your vehicle is ready to be picked up.
Yes, as long as you can provide the correct pick-up and delivery city/ZIP codes we can provide you with a quote.
Yes, vehicles are covered by the motor carrier's cargo insurance and they are subject to the limitations on the policy. Hawaii shipments are subject to the ocean freight liners' insurance limitation.
Step 2
We pick up your vehicle
Your assigned auto transport carrier will contact you a few hours before the scheduled pick-up time to let you know they are on their way. When they contact you, you must confirm that the pick-up location is accessible for large commercial vehicles. You must check beforehand, whether there are any restrictions, low-hanging branches or overhead power cables that might get in the way.
Don’t stress if you think there might be a problem because an alternative pick-up location is easy to arrange. There might be a wider street nearby where you could meet them. A nearby parking lot might also work, as would a pick-up where you work.
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We recommend having your vehicle washed prior to car transport. This will ensure an accurate inspection at the time of the pick-up. We recommend removing your toll transponder as well.
Yes, you can change your First Available Pick-up Date via phone, Live Chat or email before or after booking.
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is a required document that serves as receipt of freight services. It's also called the "Condition Report". This is where the pre-loading and delivery inspection for your vehicle will be completed. This document generally is filled out with the pick-up and delivery location details, the year/make/model of the vehicle, as well as the freight amount being paid for the services rendered.
A typical auto transport trailer has 2 levels (a.k.a. decks). Top load is when your vehicle is loaded on the second level for extra protection.
Step 3
You receive your vehicle
Time will pass quickly and before you know it, the carrier will contact you to let you know they’re just a few hours away from the delivery location. This is a courtesy call, but they’re also letting you know so you can make sure you’re available. You can make alternative arrangements if you know you’re going to be busy. For example, you can nominate a third-party to accept delivery of your vehicle on your behalf. The only requirement is that they have to be 18 years of age or older. You can choose a neighbor, friend, relative, or work colleague.
When your vehicle is unloaded, you get the opportunity to compare its condition with the Bill of Lading. Now is the time you make your final payment, if you chose the Discounted Cash Price. You can make the final payment in either cash, money order, or cashiers check.
The tracking is done via phone, email or Live Chat.
Our customers' car transport experiences with SGT Auto Transport
Read why our customers chose us as their reliable auto transport services partner
