Essential Tips: 3 Do's & Don'ts Before Shipping Your Car

Shipping a car across the country often costs about $1,250 on average, though shorter routes may fall closer to $500 while longer distances or specialized transport can approach $2,000. Distance, vehicle size, and transport method influence the final price.

Preparation matters more than most people expect. Disputes in vehicle transport frequently begin before a carrier even loads the car. Missing documentation, skipped inspections, or unclear vehicle condition can create delays or disagreements during delivery.

Interstate vehicle transport operates within a regulated framework. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees commercial carriers, tracks safety performance, and manages licensing requirements through national databases and reporting systems. Federal guidance explains these consumer protections in the FMCSA Consumer Advisory About Automobile Transporters

Three Things You Should Always Do Before Shipping a Car

Verify the Transport Company’s Federal Credentials

Every legitimate interstate carrier must operate under federal registration.

Motor carriers must maintain a USDOT number, which allows regulators and consumers to review safety inspections, crash records, and compliance history. The identifier is required for commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce. 

Carriers transporting vehicles for hire across state lines must also maintain Operating Authority, commonly called an MC number. The FMCSA outlines these requirements in Types of Operating Authority.

Federal records also require carriers to update operational information every two years through the MCS-150 Motor Carrier Identification Report. This filing keeps federal databases updated with fleet size, mileage, and operational details.

Document the Vehicle’s Condition Before Pickup

A pre-shipment inspection establishes the official condition of the vehicle.

Wash the vehicle first so scratches, dents, and paint chips are easy to see. Photograph the car from several angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. Interior photos can document seat condition and electronics.

The driver and owner complete a joint inspection recorded on the Bill of Lading (BOL) during pickup. Federal transportation rules recognize this document as the official record of the vehicle’s condition at the start of the shipment. The delivery inspection compares the vehicle against that original record.

Prepare the Vehicle for Safe Loading

Vehicles must load and unload safely on the carrier’s trailer.

Check the battery, tires, and fluid levels before pickup. Carriers rely on the vehicle being able to start, steer, and roll during loading.

Fuel level also matters. Transport guidelines generally recommend leaving about one-quarter tank of gas. Lower fuel levels reduce vehicle weight and limit the amount of flammable liquid on the trailer. Federal safety considerations appear in the FMCSA safety guidance for truck and bus operations.

Reducing weight helps carriers remain within commercial truck limits enforced at state weigh stations.

Three Mistakes That Create Problems During Car Shipping

Leaving Personal Items Inside the Vehicle

Auto transport carriers usually hold licensing for moving vehicles rather than household goods.

Items such as boxes, electronics, tools, and luggage typically fall outside the carrier’s cargo coverage. Federal consumer guidance explains that household goods require separate licensing categories in the CSA explanation of Household Goods Motor Carriers.

Personal items also add weight to the vehicle, which can create problems during weigh-station inspections.

Hazardous materials present an even greater risk. Federal safety rules prohibit transporting explosives, flammable liquids outside the fuel tank, and corrosive chemicals inside vehicles during shipment. 

Accepting the Lowest Quote Without Verification

Pricing that falls well below the market average can signal future problems.

Federal consumer protection guidance notes that some complaints involve pricing changes after the vehicle has already entered transport. The FMCSA tracks these complaints through its enforcement and reporting systems. Comparing several written estimates helps identify unrealistic quotes and pricing outliers.

Signing Transport Documents Without Inspection

The Bill of Lading defines the vehicle’s condition at pickup and delivery.

Signing paperwork without reviewing the inspection can weaken your ability to file a claim later. Federal shipping guidance emphasizes documenting damage carefully during both inspections. Additional claim guidance appears in the GSA Freight Damage Claims FAQ.

If new damage appears during delivery, it must be noted on the document before signing the receipt.

Cargo Securement Rules Protect Vehicles in Transit

Federal regulations define how vehicles must be secured during transport.

Under the FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules, vehicles must be immobilized using tiedowns, restraints, or structural devices strong enough to prevent movement during transit.

Securement systems must meet Working Load Limit (WLL) standards. Federal rules require the combined strength of tiedowns to equal at least 50 percent of the vehicle’s weight.

Drivers must also inspect securement equipment shortly after departure and during rest stops throughout the trip.

Consumer Complaints and Fraud Monitoring

Federal agencies track complaints involving vehicle transport companies.

The National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) maintained by the U.S. Department of Transportation collects reports of deceptive practices, shipment disputes, and other issues related to interstate transportation services.

Patterns of complaints often trigger federal investigations or enforcement actions.

Ship Your Car With AmeriFreight Auto Transport

Shipping a vehicle across the country becomes much easier when you work with a company that understands the details of the process.

AmeriFreight Auto Transport connects customers with federally registered carriers that meet FMCSA requirements for licensing and insurance. Customer service agents help review documentation, explain transport options, and coordinate scheduling before the shipment begins.

Request a quote to begin planning your vehicle shipment.