How Auto Transport Works: Our Simple, Easy Process
At Barrett Car Shipping, we make shipping your car easy. Whether you bought a car online, moved for a job, or want to spend winter in the south, we can help. We handle car shipping to all destinations within the continental US. Our process is quick and simple.
First, get a quote and book your shipment. Then, we pick up your car from your chosen location. Finally, we transport and deliver your car to you. Our goal is to make car shipping easy and stress-free. Read on as we explain each step in detail, making sure you know exactly how our service works.
Schedule Your Auto Transport
To ship your car with Barrett Car Shipping, start by getting a free quote online or over the phone. Our quotes include all taxes, fees, and full insurance coverage. Choose between open or enclosed transport and select a convenient date. Contact us using our instant online quote calculator or call our shipping advisors. They will ask for pickup and delivery locations, your car’s make, model, year, and whether it runs. You’ll also specify how and when you want to ship your car.
Our transport specialists handle everything from start to finish, with no deposits or hidden fees. We offer a best price guarantee and special discounts for seniors, military, multiple vehicles, dealerships, and repeat customers. To book your service, provide your pickup and delivery addresses and contact information. You will receive a digital contract with guaranteed pricing and full coverage.
Choose between open car transport, which is economical, and enclosed transport, which offers maximum protection. Our quotes are all-inclusive and our services are door-to-door for convenience. We promise transparency with no obligation to proceed further and no upfront payment.
We’ll find the best carrier for your needs from our network of reliable carriers and confirm your pick-up date and details.
Get Ready for Your Shipment
Prepare your vehicle for transport by cleaning it inside and out. Remove valuable personal items and make sure there’s at least a quarter tank of gas. On the car pickup day, you or an authorized person will inspect your vehicle with the driver to note any pre-existing damages. This is documented on a Bill of Lading. Once signed, your car will be ready for its journey.
The carrier will contact you a few hours before pickup to confirm their arrival time. Ensure commercial vehicles can access the pickup location by checking for restrictions, overhead power cables, or low-hanging branches. If there are any issues, you can arrange a nearby, more suitable location, such as a wider street or a parking lot.
When the carrier arrives, you both inspect the vehicle for existing damages like dents or scratches and record these on the Bill of Lading. You will sign this document and keep a copy for safe-keeping. This document is essential for comparing the condition of your vehicle upon delivery.
Once all the documentation is complete, watch as your vehicle is loaded onto the auto transport trailer. Throughout the journey, you can track your vehicle’s progress. You will receive regular updates by email or phone and can also check in with the driver.
Reunite With Your Vehicle
We’re thrilled to help you reunite with your vehicle! Our driver will get as close to your address as safely possible and call ahead so you can meet them. You’ll pay any balance directly to the driver, usually by cash or cashier’s check. Once the car is off the truck, you and the driver will inspect it for any damage. When satisfied, you’ll sign the Bill of Lading, completing the process.
Shipping a car can be stressful with other companies, but Barrett Car Shipping simplifies it. Before you know it, the carrier will contact you to let you know they’re a few hours away. This courtesy call allows you to make sure you’re available to receive your car. If you’re busy, you can arrange for someone else to meet the driver. This person must be 18 years or older. They could be a work colleague, neighbor, relative, or friend.
When your vehicle is unloaded, the driver will help you inspect it. You will compare its condition with the notes on the Bill of Lading. If everything matches, you’ll sign the Bill of Lading to finalize the delivery. For those who opted for the discounted price, this is when you will make the final payment. This straightforward process ensures your vehicle arrives safely and securely at its destination.
What You Need to Know When Transporting a Vehicle
Our instant quote calculator makes finding car shipping costs easy. Enter your shipment details to get a flat-rate price. The cost depends on factors like pickup and delivery locations, distance, vehicle type, and condition. Open or closed transport, the time of year, and route drivers also affect the price. Use our quote system or speak with a specialist for an exact estimate.
The Department of Transportation allows up to 100 pounds of personal items in your vehicle during transport. However, personal belongings aren’t insured by the carrier. Clear out valuable items like clothes, furniture, gadgets, and electronics before shipping.
Shipping times vary by location. On average, a trip takes 3 to 5 days. For example, shipping from the Midwest to the West Coast takes 3 to 5 days, while coast-to-coast shipping takes 7 to 10 days.
Book at least a week in advance to ensure timely service. If you need to book sooner, we offer expedited services. Early booking helps secure your desired transport date.
Yes, vehicle size affects the cost. Larger vehicles may require oversized vehicle transport services, taking up space equivalent to two mid-size cars. This impacts the overall shipping price.
We don’t guarantee exact dates but aim for accuracy. Allow a 2-3 day window for common metro areas and a larger window for uncommon areas. We work within your timeframe, so call us if you have firm dates.
Yes, you can get status updates during transit. Contact us by phone or email to request updates. We will provide you with the latest information once we contact the driver.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover for deposits. The remaining amount is due upon delivery and must be paid in cash or by a certified bank check to the driver.
Yes, your booking deposit is refundable if you cancel before your car is picked up. You will receive a full refund minus any applicable cancellation fees. If you cancel after pickup, a refund isn’t possible.
No, there are no hidden charges. Your quote includes all transportation costs, such as pickup, delivery, insurance, and taxes. We ensure transparency in our pricing.
Barrett Car Shipping
Barrett Car Shipping is a leading car transport company that makes shipping your vehicle easy. We partner with top-rated, licensed carriers who handle your car with care. We check each carrier’s insurance to ensure coverage in case of any issues. Although we don’t transport the cars ourselves, our trusted network ensures your vehicle arrives safely.
We take the worry out of car shipping. Our instant quote calculator provides a quick estimate, or you can call us for a free quote. Barrett Car Shipping handles the details, letting you focus on other things.