Table of Contents
- The Online Car Buying Boom
- Why You Need a Separate Transport Company
- Major Online Car Platforms & Shipping Considerations
- Inspecting a Car Remotely Before You Buy
- Arranging Pickup from a Dealer or Private Seller
- Costs & Transit Times
- Protecting Yourself: The Bill of Lading
- What If the Car Isn't Running?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Online Car Buying & Shipping FAQs
Online car buying has exploded. In 2026, more than one in four vehicle purchases involves a buyer and seller in different states — a trend driven by platforms like Carvana, CarMax Online, eBay Motors, Facebook Marketplace, Bring a Trailer, and Autotrader. Buyers are no longer limited to inventory within driving distance. The perfect car might be sitting on a lot in Phoenix when you live in Boston.
That freedom comes with a logistics question that surprises many first-time remote buyers: how do I actually get this car home? Flying out and driving it back seems appealing until you factor in the cost, time, and wear on a car you just paid good money for. That's where professional auto transport comes in — and in 2026, it's never been more streamlined.
At Lepke Auto Transport, we handle hundreds of online purchase transports every year. This guide covers everything you need to know to get your remote purchase delivered safely, on time, and without stress.
The Online Car Buying Boom
The shift to online car buying has fundamentally changed how Americans shop for vehicles. What used to require a weekend of lot-hopping now takes an afternoon of browsing. The upsides are real:
- Nationwide inventory: You're not stuck with what's available locally — you can search the entire country for the exact color, trim, and option package you want.
- Transparent pricing: Online listings typically show full pricing upfront, eliminating much of the traditional dealer negotiation.
- Better deals: Vehicles in less-populated regions or states with lower taxes are often significantly cheaper than identical units at local dealers.
- Collector and specialty vehicles: For enthusiasts seeking specific models, years, or configurations, the internet has always been the primary marketplace — and platforms like Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids have made it more accessible than ever.
The catch: once you click "buy," you still need to get a physical car from Point A to Point B. That's where auto transport becomes an essential part of the online buying process — not an afterthought.
Why You Need a Separate Transport Company
When you buy from Carvana, CarMax, or another online platform, they'll often offer to arrange delivery — sometimes as part of the sale, sometimes for an added fee. It sounds convenient, but there are important reasons to consider arranging your own transport instead:
Platform Delivery vs. Independent Transport
| Platform Delivery | Independent Carrier (e.g., Lepke) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Transparency | Often bundled or opaque | Direct quote, no markup |
| Carrier Choice | Platform selects for you | You choose; carrier is vetted |
| Insurance Clarity | Varies by platform | Carrier COI provided directly |
| Timing Flexibility | Platform's schedule | Flexible; your timeline |
| Damage Claim Process | Go through platform | Direct with carrier; simpler |
| Auction/Private Seller | Not available | Handles any pickup location |
For private seller purchases through Facebook Marketplace, eBay Motors, Craigslist, or Bring a Trailer, independent transport is your only option — the seller isn't going to ship the car for you. For auction purchases, you typically have 7–14 days to arrange pickup before storage fees kick in, making a fast, reliable carrier critical.
Major Online Car Platforms & Shipping Considerations
Each platform has its own nuances when it comes to arranging transport:
Carvana
Carvana typically offers in-house delivery for a fee or free within certain distances. For cross-country purchases, their delivery timeline can stretch 1–3 weeks. If you need the car sooner or want more control over the carrier, you can arrange independent pickup from Carvana's nearest vending machine or lot location. Tip: Get Carvana's exact vehicle location address before booking your carrier — not the vending machine address, but where the car actually is.
CarMax
CarMax offers transfers between stores and some home delivery options, but their range is limited and fees vary. For out-of-range purchases, you'll coordinate pickup directly from the selling CarMax location. CarMax stores are familiar with third-party carrier pickups and generally have a smooth process.
eBay Motors
eBay Motors connects buyers and sellers nationwide and has a built-in vehicle purchase protection program. However, transport is entirely the buyer's responsibility — eBay does not arrange shipping. Once you've won an auction or completed a purchase, you coordinate pickup with the seller and arrange your own carrier. Critical: Clarify with the seller whether the car is running and where exactly it can be loaded before booking transport.
Bring a Trailer (BaT) & Cars & Bids
These enthusiast auction platforms attract higher-value, collector-grade vehicles. After winning, you have a set window (typically 7 days) to complete payment and arrange transport. Given the value of vehicles on these platforms, many buyers opt for enclosed transport. Most sellers on BaT and Cars & Bids are experienced with carrier pickups and will coordinate professionally.
Facebook Marketplace & Private Sellers
Private party purchases require the most coordination. The seller may or may not be experienced with carrier pickups. Before booking, confirm: Is the car running? Is there a clear address accessible to a carrier truck? Will someone be available for carrier pickup? Get these answers in writing before finalizing the sale.
Dealer Purchases (Out-of-State Franchise Dealers)
Franchise dealers handle third-party carrier pickups constantly and usually have a dedicated process. The finance office will need a copy of your signed paperwork before releasing the vehicle — coordinate this timing with your carrier so there's no pickup delay.
Inspecting a Car Remotely Before You Buy
Buying a car you haven't seen in person carries inherent risk. Protecting yourself starts before transport is even arranged:
Remote Inspection Checklist
- Request a live video walkaround: Ask the seller to FaceTime or video call you for a real-time walkthrough — exterior, interior, under the hood, and a cold start.
- Ask for high-resolution photos: All four sides, front, rear, roof, underbody if accessible, all four wheel wells, odometer, VIN plate, title, and any known defects.
- Run the VIN: Use Carfax, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS to check accident history, title status, odometer records, and theft records.
- Hire a pre-purchase inspector: Services like CARFAX Pre-Purchase Inspection, Lemon Squad, or a local mechanic near the seller can physically inspect the vehicle for $100–$250. For any vehicle over $10,000, this is money extremely well spent.
- Verify the title: Confirm the seller has a clean, lien-free title in their name. Salvage, rebuilt, or branded titles significantly affect value and insurability.
- Check for open recalls: Use the NHTSA recall lookup tool (nhtsa.gov) with the VIN to identify any open safety recalls.
Arranging Pickup from a Dealer or Private Seller
Once you've purchased the vehicle and are ready to arrange transport, here's the process:
Step 1: Confirm Pickup Address and Availability
Get the exact street address where the carrier will pick up. Confirm that someone will be available during the pickup window — dealers can leave keys with a manager, but private sellers typically need to be present. Confirm the vehicle is accessible (no buried in a crowded garage, not parked on a narrow road where a carrier can't turn around).
Step 2: Confirm the Vehicle is Ready
The car should be running, have at least a quarter tank of gas, have working brakes, and have clear access for loading. If there are mechanical issues, disclose them upfront — surprises at pickup cause delays and additional charges.
Step 3: Get a Quote and Book
Contact your auto transport company with: pickup zip code, delivery zip code, vehicle year/make/model, running/non-running status, and your preferred pickup window. Get a quote from Lepke — we provide firm pricing with no bait-and-switch.
Step 4: Coordinate Paperwork
For dealer purchases, the dealer typically needs a copy of signed purchase documents before releasing to a third-party carrier. Have this ready before your carrier's pickup window. For private sales, the seller will hand the title directly to the carrier (or hold it for you to pick up at delivery — clarify this upfront).
Step 5: Be Available for Pickup Confirmation
Your carrier will contact you and the pickup contact to confirm a pickup window. Make sure both you and the seller/dealer have the driver's contact info. Missed pickups cost everyone time and money.
Costs & Transit Times for Online Purchase Transport
Transport costs for an online car purchase follow the same pricing factors as any auto shipment — distance, vehicle size, open vs. enclosed, and current carrier availability on the route:
| Distance | Open Transport Cost | Enclosed Transport Cost | Typical Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $350–$550 | $600–$900 | 1–3 days |
| 500–1,000 miles | $550–$800 | $900–$1,300 | 2–5 days |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $700–$1,000 | $1,200–$1,700 | 4–7 days |
| 1,500–2,500 miles | $900–$1,300 | $1,500–$2,200 | 6–10 days |
| Coast to Coast (2,500+ miles) | $1,100–$1,700 | $1,900–$3,000 | 8–14 days |
How to Speed Up Dispatch
Standard dispatch typically takes 1–5 business days to assign a carrier. If you're on a tight timeline (auction deadline, registration deadline, urgent need), you can request priority or expedited dispatch for an additional $200–$500. For most online purchases without hard deadlines, standard dispatch is fine.
Protecting Yourself: The Bill of Lading
When buying a car remotely, the Bill of Lading (BOL) is your primary protection against arriving damage being disputed as pre-existing. Here's how to handle it for a remote purchase:
At Pickup (You Won't Be Present)
For remote purchases, you typically can't be at pickup. This makes pre-purchase documentation even more critical:
- Have the seller photograph the vehicle extensively before pickup — same-day photos are best.
- Ask the seller to note any existing damage on the BOL at pickup and send you a photo of the completed BOL.
- Have the carrier's driver photograph the vehicle during the inspection — reputable carriers do this routinely.
At Delivery (You Can Be Present)
At your end, you can and should be present for delivery. Inspect the vehicle carefully before signing the delivery BOL. Compare against the pickup photos. Note any new damage before signing. Never sign a clean delivery BOL if there's damage you haven't documented.
What If the Car Isn't Running?
Non-running vehicles require specialized handling — winch loading, extra labor, and a carrier equipped for inoperable vehicles. This is common with online purchases of project cars, barn finds, auction cars with unknown issues, and vehicles bought "as-is."
- Always disclose non-running status upfront when booking — it affects carrier selection and pricing.
- Expect to pay $200–$400 more than a running vehicle for the same route.
- Confirm the carrier has winch equipment — not all carriers are equipped for non-runners.
- Describe the exact condition: Does it roll freely? Does it steer? Does it have brakes? The carrier needs this information to prepare.
- For auction purchases: If you're not certain a vehicle runs, book non-running transport to be safe. You can always cancel the non-running surcharge if the carrier confirms it's operable at pickup.
Common Mistakes When Shipping an Online Car Purchase
| Mistake | Why It Hurts | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Not factoring shipping into budget | The "great deal" becomes less great after transport costs | Get a shipping quote before finalizing the purchase decision |
| Booking too close to an auction deadline | Storage fees start accruing when you miss pickup windows | Book transport the day you win; request expedited dispatch if under 7 days |
| Not verifying the car runs | Non-running vehicles cost more to ship; some carriers turn away surprise non-runners | Ask seller directly; video call a start attempt before booking standard transport |
| Skipping pre-purchase inspection | Discovering major issues after transport means you've already paid for shipping and the car | Always hire an independent inspector for purchases over $5,000 |
| No documentation before pickup | Difficult to prove damage occurred during transport without pre-existing condition photos | Have seller photograph and document condition the day before pickup |
| Using the platform's transport without comparing | Platform transport is often more expensive with less insurance transparency | Get independent quotes; compare cost and COI before deciding |
| Wrong pickup address | Carrier arrives at wrong location; delays, re-scheduling fees | Confirm exact pickup address (GPS-level) and someone's name/phone number at that location |
Online Car Buying & Shipping FAQs
Can I ship a car I bought on Facebook Marketplace?
Absolutely — this is one of the most common use cases for auto transport. You arrange pickup from the seller's location and delivery to yours. The key logistics: confirm the seller will be available during the pickup window, get exact address details, and have them document the car's condition before the driver arrives. For private party purchases, the seller typically holds the title until the buyer receives and pays for the car in full — clarify this paperwork flow before booking transport.
What happens if the car arrives damaged?
If damage occurs during transport, note it on the delivery Bill of Lading before signing, photograph it immediately, and contact your transport company. With a reputable carrier, claims are processed directly — typically resolved within 30–60 days. Having pre-shipping photos is critical to a successful claim. This is exactly why remote buyers should have the seller document the vehicle's condition at pickup.
Should I ship open or enclosed for a regular online purchase?
For most standard vehicles — late-model sedans, trucks, SUVs — open transport is perfectly fine. Enclosed transport is worth the premium for high-value vehicles (over $40,000), show-quality cars, classic or collector vehicles, and cars with very low ground clearance. For your average online Carmax or Carvana purchase, open transport is the cost-effective choice.
How long does it take to get my car after buying online?
Total time from purchase to delivery at your door depends on two factors: carrier dispatch time (1–5 days after booking) and transit time (1–14 days depending on distance). For a mid-distance route of 1,000–1,500 miles, expect 7–12 days total from booking to delivery. Coast-to-coast purchases typically run 12–18 days. If the platform (Carvana, CarMax) is handling delivery, add their processing time to the above estimates.
Can the transport company pick up from a private residence?
Yes — door-to-door transport picks up from wherever the seller is located. The only practical limitation is whether the carrier truck can safely access the address. Standard 8-car carrier trucks are 75–80 feet long and can't navigate tight residential cul-de-sacs or narrow driveways. In those cases, the driver will coordinate a nearby accessible meeting point (shopping center, main road intersection). This is standard practice, not a complication.
Do I need to be home for delivery?
Someone needs to be present at delivery to inspect the vehicle, sign the Bill of Lading, and accept the keys. This can be you or a trusted representative. For high-value purchases, we strongly recommend the buyer be personally present rather than delegating to a third party — you're best positioned to do a thorough inspection and document any issues.
How do I pay for transport?
With Lepke, you pay $0 upfront. We collect a small deposit only after your vehicle is dispatched with a verified carrier. The remaining balance is paid at delivery by cash, cashier's check, Zelle, Venmo, or credit card (3% processing fee for card). There's no risk of paying for a booking that never happens.