Key takeaways
- Dealer-to-customer car shipping runs $400–$1,550 on open transport.
- Use the dealer's lot as pickup, your home as delivery — same process as any shipment.
- Booking directly typically saves 15–30% versus dealer-arranged transport.
- Confirm the car is prepped and a rep is available for the carrier's pickup window.
Buying from an out-of-state dealership means arranging transport to your driveway. Dealer-to-customer car shipping costs $400–$1,550 for open transport. The dealer's lot is the pickup address and your home is the delivery address.
How dealer-to-customer shipping works
- Complete your vehicle purchase with the dealership.
- Get a quote using the dealer's address as pickup and yours as delivery.
- Book — your rate is guaranteed and locked.
- Coordinate the pickup window with the dealership.
- The carrier picks up with photo inspection and digital BOL.
- Track your new car by GPS to your door.
- Inspect, sign, and your card is charged at pickup.
Tips for coordinating with the dealer
Confirm the car is ready before booking. All prep, detailing, and paperwork should be complete before the carrier arrives.
Share the arrival window. ShipCargo sends 24–48 hours advance notice — pass it to the dealer so the vehicle is staged.
Don't have temporary plates installed on the dashboard. They can come loose during transport.
FAQ
Can the dealer arrange shipping? Yes, but dealers often mark it up. Booking direct saves 15–30%.
What if the dealer isn't available at pickup? The carrier can't release the vehicle without a representative. Coordinate a specific window.
Should I inspect before shipping? If possible. Otherwise the digital photo inspection at pickup is your first condition record.
Get a dealer-to-door shipping quote — $200K insured, GPS tracked, pay at pickup.
Ready to lock in your rate?
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