10 Tips for First-Time Car Shippers

Shipping your car for the first time can feel overwhelming. How do you choose a company? How do you prepare your vehicle? What should you expect? These are all completely normal questions — and we have answers.

At Lepke Auto Transport, we've been shipping vehicles since 1991. With over 30 years of family-owned experience and 30,000+ vetted carriers in our network, we've guided thousands of first-time shippers through the process. Here are our top 10 tips to ensure your first car shipping experience goes smoothly.

1. Book Early — At Least 1–2 Weeks Ahead

One of the biggest mistakes first-time shippers make is waiting until the last minute. Booking early gives your transport company time to find the best carrier match for your route, which typically results in a better price and more reliable pickup window.

That said, life doesn't always give you advance notice. If you need a vehicle shipped quickly, we can often arrange pickup within a few days — just know that flexibility on the exact date helps keep costs down.

2. Get Multiple Quotes, But Compare Apples to Apples

Shopping around is smart, but not all quotes are created equal. A suspiciously low quote often means:

• The price will increase after you book (bait-and-switch)
• There are hidden fees not included in the initial number
• The company underestimates to win your business, then can't find a carrier at that price
• Carrier insurance may be inadequate

3. Understand Open vs. Enclosed Transport

This is one of the first decisions you'll need to make. Here's the quick version:

• Open transport — your car rides on an open-air carrier with 7–10 other vehicles. It's the industry standard, used for ~85% of shipments, and the most affordable option.
• Enclosed transport — your car rides in a fully covered trailer with 2–6 vehicles. Premium protection for high-value, classic, or exotic cars. Costs 40–60% more.

For most first-time shippers moving a standard daily driver, open transport is the way to go. If you're shipping something special, enclosed is worth every penny. We break this down in detail in our complete open vs. enclosed transport comparison.

4. Know What "Door-to-Door" Really Means

When a company offers door-to-door auto transport, it doesn't necessarily mean the carrier pulls into your driveway. Here's the reality:

Auto transport carriers are massive — typically 80 feet long and 80,000 pounds. They can't navigate tight residential streets, cul-de-sacs, or roads with low-hanging trees and power lines. "Door-to-door" means the driver gets as close to your address as safely possible.

5. Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

A little preparation goes a long way. Here's your pre-shipping checklist:

6. Understand the Payment Structure

Payment for car shipping typically works in two parts:

1. Deposit (broker fee): Paid to the transport company after a carrier is assigned to your vehicle.
2. Balance (carrier fee): Paid directly to the driver at delivery.

Red flag: Be wary of companies that demand large upfront deposits before a carrier is even assigned. If they can't find a carrier, getting that money back can be a nightmare.

7. Check Insurance Coverage

Every legitimate auto carrier is required to have cargo insurance. But not all coverage is equal:

• Open transport carriers in our network carry a minimum of $50,000 per vehicle
• Enclosed transport carriers carry up to $150,000 per vehicle

Before your vehicle is shipped, ask your transport company for the carrier's Certificate of Insurance (COI). At Lepke Auto Transport, we verify carrier insurance before dispatch — it's part of our vetting process across all 30,000+ carriers in our network.

Additionally, check with your own auto insurance provider. Some policies extend coverage during transport, which gives you an extra layer of protection.

8. Know the Typical Timeline

One of the most common questions from first-time shippers: "How long will it take?" Here are general guidelines for shipping your car to another state:

9. Communicate With Your Transport Company

Good communication makes everything smoother. Here's what to look for in a transport company's communication:

• A dedicated representative — not a different person every time you call
• Proactive updates — you shouldn't have to chase down information
• Clear answers — if a company is vague about pricing, timeline, or process, that's a red flag
• Availability — can you actually reach someone when you need to?

At Lepke Auto Transport, you work with one dedicated logistics expert from quote to delivery. No call centers, no being transferred around, no "I'll have someone call you back." Your rep knows your shipment, answers your questions directly, and provides updates proactively. It's the kind of service you'd expect from a family-owned company — because that's exactly what we are.

10. Inspect Your Vehicle at Pickup and Delivery

This might be the most important tip on this list. At both pickup and delivery, you and the driver will complete a Bill of Lading (BOL) — an inspection sheet that documents your vehicle's condition.

Tips for Special Situations

Shipping a car isn't one-size-fits-all. Here are tailored tips for common scenarios:

Military PCS Moves

If you've received Permanent Change of Station orders, timing is everything. Book your vehicle transport as soon as you have your report date — carriers on popular military routes fill up fast. Our military car shipping service is designed for the unique needs of service members, including coordination with base access requirements and flexible scheduling around PCS timelines. Keep your orders handy — your transport company may need them for base gate access.

College Students

Heading to or from campus? You're not alone — student car shipping spikes in August and December. Book early to lock in the best rates, especially if your school is in a different state. Pro tip: if you're in a dorm, find a nearby parking lot where the carrier can safely load or unload, since campus roads are often too narrow for an 80-foot trailer.

Snowbirds

If you're making the seasonal migration south, you already know the drill — or maybe this is your first year skipping the long drive. Our snowbird car shipping service handles the busy fall southbound and spring northbound seasons. The key: book 2–3 weeks early during peak snowbird season (October–November southbound, March–April northbound) because routes to Florida and Arizona get congested fast.

Online Car Buyers

Bought a car online from across the country? Welcome to the club — it's one of the fastest-growing reasons people ship vehicles. As an online car buyer, you'll want to coordinate timing with the seller, ensure the vehicle is accessible for carrier pickup, and consider enclosed transport if it's a high-value purchase. We can coordinate directly with dealers and private sellers to make the logistics seamless.

Ready to Ship Your First Car?

The first time shipping a car doesn't have to be stressful. With the right preparation and a reliable transport company, the process is straightforward: get a quote, prepare your vehicle, and let the professionals handle the rest.

At Lepke Auto Transport, we specialize in making first-time shippers feel like old pros. With our $0 upfront policy, price guarantee, and dedicated personal representative, you'll have support every step of the way.

Explore our full range of auto transport services, or get your free quote using the form below. Have questions? Contact us directly — we're happy to walk you through it.