Here's exactly what happens on pickup day — where to meet the driver, what you sign, and how to prepare your car.
We typically assign a carrier 2–3 days before your first available ship date — though sometimes it may be the day before. Once a carrier is confirmed, you'll receive an email with the carrier's name, phone number, and the dates they plan to pick up and deliver.
The carrier will then call you the day before or the morning of your ship day to give you an estimated pickup time — usually a two-hour window. They'll call again when they're on their way.
Pro tip: You don't have to be home — you just need someone there to hand over the key and sign the paperwork. A spouse, family member, neighbor, or building super works fine.
Pickup windows can shift due to traffic, weather, or other stops on the carrier's route. If your window changes, the carrier will contact you. We're always reachable if you have questions between the time you order and the time the carrier shows up.
When the carrier calls to schedule your pickup time, they'll also discuss a safe location to meet and load your vehicle. This is an important conversation — here's why:
Most auto transport trucks are 10-car haulers — the kind you see on the highway carrying a full load of vehicles. These trucks can weigh up to 80,000 lbs and are typically not permitted on small residential streets. You may need to meet the driver at a nearby shopping center, grocery store, or anywhere with a large open parking lot.
Here's something most people don't realize: unlike a standard 18-wheeler that sits three feet off the ground, car haulers ride only about 6 inches off the ground. This is by design — it makes loading and unloading vehicles much easier. But it also means drivers are very cautious about residential areas, where they risk getting caught on a curb or having a vehicle on the top deck hit a low-hanging tree branch.
The carrier will work with you on the meeting spot. When they call ahead, just tell them your situation. If you're in a neighborhood with tight streets or overhanging trees, they'll suggest a nearby spot that works. It's typically a 5–10 minute drive from your home.
At pickup, the driver will do a vehicle inspection before loading your car. This is standard practice and protects both you and the carrier.
You'll sign a document called a Bill of Lading (BOL). Think of it like the shipping receipt for your car. It records:
Walk around your car with the driver before signing. Point out any existing damage so it's documented. Take your own photos from multiple angles too — front, back, both sides, and any existing problem spots. This gives you a clean record if anything happens in transit (which is rare, but worth being prepared for).
At delivery, you'll sign the BOL again to confirm receipt and note the condition at arrival. Keep your copy — it's your record of the transaction.
Technically, we recommend you don't — and here's why:
Exception: Some carriers will allow a small amount of items in the trunk — typically up to 100 lbs — if the items are out of sight and the car's trunk is closed. This is carrier discretion, not a guarantee. Always ask the driver before loading anything. If they say no, respect it.
If you need to ship belongings along with your vehicle, consider a moving company for your household goods and let us focus on your car.
Leave your tank ¼ full or less. This is the industry standard and most carriers will ask you to do this.
Why? Gas is heavy — a full tank adds about 100–120 lbs to your vehicle. When carriers load multiple cars onto a trailer, weight matters. Less fuel means a lighter, safer load.
You also don't want to arrive at your destination with a full tank you paid for but couldn't use during transit. A quarter tank is plenty to drive your car off the trailer and to the nearest gas station.
Rule of thumb: ¼ tank in, ¼ tank at delivery. Simple.
Run through these before the carrier arrives: