Kevin Wallace
Buying a car online or from an out-of-state dealership has become completely normal. Marketplaces like CarGurus, AutoTrader, and Carvana have made it easy to find the right vehicle anywhere in the country — but once the deal is done, buyers are often left with the same question: how do I actually get this car home?
The answer is auto transport. Here's a straightforward look at how the process works, what it costs, and what to expect.
Do Dealerships Arrange Shipping, or Do You?
This depends on the dealership. Larger dealerships and online retailers sometimes have preferred transport partners they work with. Many smaller or independent dealers leave the logistics entirely to the buyer.
Either way, it's worth asking the dealer upfront. Even if they offer to arrange shipping, you're not obligated to use their provider — and comparing options often leads to better pricing and more reliable service.
If you're arranging transport yourself, the steps are simple:
• Contact a licensed auto transport company
• Provide the pickup address (the dealership) and your delivery address
• Confirm your preferred pickup window
• Make sure the vehicle is ready — keys available, nothing blocking access
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car From a Dealership?
Pricing varies based on several factors:
• Distance — The longer the haul, the higher the base cost, though the per-mile rate typically decreases on longer routes
• Transport type — Open carrier is the most affordable; enclosed transport costs more but offers added protection
• Vehicle size — Larger vehicles take up more trailer space, which affects pricing
• Time of year — Seasonal demand fluctuations can affect both availability and cost
• Route popularity — High-traffic routes tend to be more competitively priced
For most standard passenger vehicles on common routes, open carrier transport is the go-to choice for buyers looking for reliable, cost-effective delivery.
How Long Does Dealership-to-Home Transport Take?
Transit time depends on distance and route. As a general guide:
• Under 500 miles: Typically 1–3 days
• 500–1,500 miles: Generally 3–6 days
• Cross-country (1,500+ miles): Usually 6–10 days
These are estimates. Actual timing depends on carrier scheduling, route logistics, and pickup/delivery windows. Booking in advance gives you more control over your preferred dates and reduces the chance of delays.
Is Open Carrier Transport Safe for a Newly Purchased Vehicle?
Yes — and it's worth understanding why this question comes up so often. Open carrier transport is the industry standard. It's the same method manufacturers use to deliver new vehicles to dealerships across the country.
Your vehicle is secured to the trailer using professional-grade straps and tie-down equipment. Before the carrier departs, a condition report — known as a Bill of Lading — is completed. This document records the vehicle's condition at pickup and is used again at delivery to confirm it arrived the same way it left.
For the vast majority of buyers shipping a standard vehicle, open carrier is a safe, proven, and practical choice.
If you've purchased a high-value, exotic, or classic vehicle and want full protection from the elements during transit, enclosed carrier transport is the better option.
What Vehicles Can Be Shipped on an Open Carrier?
Open carriers accommodate a wide range of vehicles, including:
• Sedans and coupes
• SUVs and crossovers
• Pickup trucks (standard height)
• Minivans
• Hatchbacks and wagons
Lifted trucks, oversized vehicles, or low-clearance performance cars may have specific requirements. Share your vehicle's specs with your transport company upfront so they can confirm the right solution.
Is Door-to-Door Delivery Available?
In most cases, yes. Door-to-door transport means the carrier picks up from the dealership — or as close to it as the truck can safely access — and delivers to your home or a nearby location.
On some residential streets with limited space or overhead clearance, the driver may need to meet you at a nearby accessible spot, like a parking lot or main road. Your transport coordinator will let you know in advance if this applies to your delivery.
Can I Pack Personal Items in My Car During Transport?
Policies vary by carrier, but most allow a modest amount of personal items in the trunk — typically under 100 lbs. A few important things to keep in mind:
• Personal items are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance
• Valuables, electronics, and fragile items should never be left in the vehicle
• Items in the passenger cabin or on seats may not be permitted and can cause issues during loading
Always confirm the personal items policy with your transport provider before placing anything in the car.
Kevin's Take
I spoke to a customer on May 26. The customer had just bought a car from a local dealership that uses us for all their transport. They were very concerned about using a transport company since they had never done it before. I walked them through the procedure and also let them know that the dealership would not have recommended us if they did not trust us. We shipped the used Lexus to the customer in Florida in 4 days. They called us the very next day to thank us and let us know everything went just as I explained it.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle Home?
Whether you've just bought from a dealership two states away or found your next car through an online marketplace, Chips Transport handles the logistics so you don't have to.
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