You found the right car – right color, right miles, right price. There's just one problem: it's 800 miles away. Whether you bought from a dealer, a private seller, or an online marketplace, shipping is usually the easiest way to bring it home. Here's how to handle it.
Don't fly in just to drive it back
People do it all the time, but the math rarely works. A one-way flight, a hotel, gas, tolls, two days of driving, and the risk of an unfamiliar car breaking down mid-trip often add up to more than shipping – and that's before you count your time. If you want to inspect the car in person before paying, fine. But the trip home doesn't have to be a road trip.
Coordinate with the seller first
Before you book transport, confirm a few things with the seller or dealership:
- When will the car be released? Dealers sometimes hold cars for paperwork or reconditioning. Your carrier can't pick up what isn't ready.
- Who hands over the keys? Make sure someone is authorized and available during the pickup window.
- Is the exact pickup address accessible for a large carrier truck? Auction houses and big dealers handle transporters daily; a private seller's narrow street may need a nearby meeting point.
- Get the seller's contact info into your booking so the driver can coordinate directly.
Non-running cars are shippable
Bought a project car or one with a dead battery? It can still ship – just say so upfront. Non-running vehicles need a carrier with a winch, which costs a bit more, and springing it as a surprise on pickup day is a good way to get your load cancelled.
Timing expectations
From booking, expect a pickup window of around 3-5 days on typical routes, then transit time based on distance – a few days for neighboring states, about one to two weeks coast to coast, depending on the route. If you're buying from an auction with strict pickup deadlines and storage fees, tell your broker immediately so the timeline drives the booking, not the other way around.
One more thing: the paperwork
The seller handles the title and any dealer paperwork; the transporter handles the move. Keep those separate. What the carrier gives you is the bill of lading – the condition report and shipping record – so be there (or have someone there) at both ends to walk around the car.
HIYAAKS Inc ships dealer, auction, and private-party purchases every week. Nothing is charged before pickup – the $150 deposit is collected by credit card once the carrier picks up the vehicle, and the balance is due at delivery. Get your free quote at hiyaaksincautoshipper.com.