Key takeaways
- Gift car shipping runs $400–$1,550 for open transport.
- Someone must be at the delivery address to sign the BOL — plan ahead for surprises.
- Use YOUR contact info on the booking if it's a surprise, not the recipient's.
- Photo inspection at delivery protects both giver and recipient.
Shipping a car as a gift costs $400–$1,550 for open transport. Whether you're gifting a vehicle to a family member in another state, sending a graduation present, or delivering an inherited car, the process is the same as any shipment — with a few extra coordination steps to make the delivery special.
How to coordinate a gift vehicle delivery
- Book the shipment. Vehicle's current location as pickup, recipient's address as delivery.
- Arrange pickup. Handle the inspection at the pickup address (or coordinate with whoever has the keys).
- Inform the recipient — or keep it a surprise. Someone needs to be at delivery to sign the BOL.
- Delivery and handoff. Photo inspection documents condition. The recipient signs the BOL and receives the vehicle.
Keeping it a surprise
If you want the delivery to be a surprise, manage the logistics carefully. The carrier contacts the delivery address 24–48 hours before arrival. Put YOUR contact info on the booking, not the recipient's. Be present at delivery or have a co-conspirator there to handle inspection.
FAQ
Can I ship a car to someone else? Yes. Anyone can be the recipient — they just need to be present to sign the BOL.
Do I need to be at delivery? Someone you trust must be — to inspect and sign.
Get a gift shipping quote — $200K insured, GPS tracked, pay at pickup.
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