How online-purchase shipping is different
Buying a car online removes the test drive, the in-person inspection, and the dealer handoff — which means the delivery experience matters more. The car arriving in the condition the listing promised is now the moment of truth. The shipping company you choose either reinforces that purchase decision or undermines it.
What buyers from online platforms care about: coordination with the seller (you may never have spoken to them), proof of pickup condition (photos, Bill of Lading), real-time tracking so you know when to be home for delivery, and the option to walk away if the vehicle doesn't match the listing on arrival.
Coordinating with the seller (or dealer)
We handle seller coordination so you don't have to. Once you book, we contact the seller (Carvana operations team, Bring a Trailer seller, private individual) directly to schedule pickup. We need: their address, their phone number, a 2-hour pickup window, and confirmation that the keys, title (if applicable), and the vehicle are ready.
For Carvana specifically: they release vehicles to third-party carriers regularly. We bring our Carrier Authority documentation to the lot and the handoff usually takes 20 minutes. For Cars & Bids and Bring a Trailer, sellers are individuals and the process is identical to a normal private-party pickup — friendly, quick, and well-coordinated.
Pickup from auction yards (Manheim, Copart, IAAI)
If you bought through an auction (including some Bring a Trailer sales that go through Copart for vehicle transfer), we can pick up directly from the auction yard. You provide the auction's release paperwork and gate pass; we provide the carrier authority and pickup confirmation. This is one of our highest-volume use cases and we run it daily.
Why pay-at-pickup protects online buyers
Online vehicle purchases occasionally arrive different from the listing — a panel that wasn't disclosed, a mechanical issue that wasn't apparent in the photos, mileage that doesn't match. With most shippers, you're already paid before you ever see the car, which limits your leverage if there's an issue.
With ShipCargo's pay-at-pickup model, your card is kept on file when you book but not actually charged until the carrier physically picks up the vehicle from the seller. If the car arrives damaged in transit (rare but possible), or if there's a serious disclosure issue, you have time to assess before money changes hands.
Tracking and delivery day
Once your vehicle is loaded, you get real-time tracking — the same GPS feed our dispatch desk uses. The driver typically calls 12–24 hours before delivery to schedule a 2-hour window. On arrival, you and the driver walk the vehicle, compare it to the pickup-day Bill of Lading photos, and sign for receipt.
If you can't be home, a spouse, family member, or trusted neighbor can sign on your behalf — just let us know in advance. We don't leave vehicles unattended without a signature.
Get a quote in 60 seconds
Real, all-in pricing. Pay only when your car arrives.