Shipping a Car You Purchased Off Auto Trader
Hauling the car that you've purchased from Auto Trader doesn't have to be a complicated process, but there are some things that you should be aware of.
First off, you have to be aware of the fact that Auto Trader does not ship vehicles themselves. Many common scams will inform the buyer that their vehicle is being stored in an AutoTrader.com warehouse and that they will also be the ones shipping the vehicle. Considering that AutoTrader.com does not even own a warehouse, any mention of this indicates that it is 100% a scam.
Instead, any arrangement that is made regarding hauling your newly purchased car is an arrangement that must be made between you and the seller.
Don't Ship Your Car If the Seller...
- States that AutoTrader.com needs specific financial information or personal details about you
- States that AutoTrader.com has pre-approved the shipping transaction
- Asks you to wire them money to ship the vehicle
(Source: http://www.autotrader.com/research/shared/article_popup.jsp?article_id=12124&referer=http%3A//carsellingadviser.autotrader.com/rc/steps/tools/selling-tools/44582/safety-and-fraud-awareness)
*AutoTrader.com does not ask for credit card information from the buyer.
- Shipping an AutoTrader purchase costs $500–$1,500 for most U.S. routes; short hauls under 500 miles typically run $300–$700 on open transport.
- Regional AutoTrader vehicle deliveries take 2–7 days; cross-country shipments average 7–10 days depending on route demand and carrier scheduling.
- All carriers transporting AutoTrader purchases must hold a valid FMCSA Motor Carrier number; verify registration and insurance at fmcsa.dot.gov before releasing your vehicle.
Your Options.
While a seller may recommend a few different haulers for you to choose from, or even one specific company that they usually use, it's better if you do your own research on selecting a shipping company. You want to make sure that you're not only obtaining a fair shipping rate, but that the company is legitimate, trustworthy, and has a positive reputation
If the vehicle you purchased is located across the country or in a different state, you can fly there and then drive it back to your destination. If you're trading in a vehicle, you could also drive your trade-in there and then drive back with your new vehicle. However, the most cost-effective method is to have it shipped to you. Numerous ads are available on AutoTrader.com for shipping companies, but you should also do your own independent research online, such as through Google.
Choosing the Right Delivery Method for Your Vehicle.
After you thoroughly search for a hauler and find a few that interest you, you should ensure they're legitimate. One of the best sites for checking out a company's reputation is the Better Business Bureau, located at www.bbb.org.
Make sure that you obtain their Motor Carrier #, as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires it that all shipping companies have one. You can find out more information at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Carrier Methods.
The two main delivery methods that are recommended, depending on your specific needs, are:
Open Vehicle Hauling.
As the cheapest of the two methods, this one is recommended if the distance isn't too great or the car isn't highly valuable. Since your vehicle will be placed on an open-air trailer, it'll be more susceptible to damage from the elements. If you purchase a vintage or luxury vehicle, this method is not recommended.
Enclosed Car Transport.
A bit more expensive, your car will be placed in an enclosed trailer, which means it'll be better protected, more secure, and won't be at the risk of damage. Make sure to specify that you want a trailer designed to limit the amount of shock your vehicle will be subjected to during the drive. If you purchase a new car off of AutoTrader.com, this would be a method you should seriously consider.
Since you're the one who purchased the vehicle, make sure that it's YOU who dictates the hauling terms to the seller, rather than the other way around. You're the one paying for the cost, so you should also decide who delivers it.
We can walk you through the shipping process, so contact us today at 1-888-230-9116!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AutoTrader deliver cars or offer shipping services?
AutoTrader can surface or arrange delivery options, but how the vehicle is transported depends on the listing and purchase channel. Some Buy Online dealer listings offer delivery, while AutoTrader Private Seller Exchange can arrange shipping through transportation partners. PSX also allows buyers to choose their own carrier. If shipping is not already part of the transaction, you can arrange door-to-door auto transport directly with a transporter after confirming the seller's pickup details.
How does AutoTrader car shipping work after buying a vehicle?
After buying a vehicle on AutoTrader, first confirm who is responsible for arranging transport, since a dealer, AutoTrader shipping partner, or your own carrier may handle it. The shipper will need the vehicle details, pickup and delivery locations, seller or dealer contact information, and an available pickup window. The seller should have the keys ready and be available when the carrier arrives. With door-to-door service, pickup normally occurs at the seller's location or at a nearby safe loading point when truck access is limited.
How much does it cost to ship a car bought on AutoTrader?
As of September 24, 2026, standard open shipping for a running car bought on AutoTrader typically falls around $400-$1,800 across common U.S. distances. Current evidence supports roughly $400-$900 for trips under 500 miles, about $800-$1,350 around 1,000 miles, and approximately $1,100-$1,800 for many 2,500-mile-plus moves. Vehicle size, operability, trailer type, and current lane demand can move the final quote. A1's car shipping rates guide explains the principal pricing inputs.
How long does AutoTrader shipping take after purchase?
Once the car is picked up, standard interstate transport commonly takes 1-3 days under 500 miles, 3-7 days for many 500-1,500-mile trips, and about 6-10 days cross-country. Pickup scheduling happens before that transit period, so the purchase-to-delivery timeline can be longer. AutoTrader Private Seller Exchange says partner shipments typically get picked up within 2-5 business days, depending on location. Weather, traffic, remote access, and carrier stops can extend an estimated delivery window.
Is it safe to ship a car purchased from AutoTrader?
Shipping a car bought on AutoTrader can be handled safely when you verify the transporter before the seller releases the vehicle. For interstate transport, FMCSA says both auto carriers and brokers must be registered, and its Licensing and Insurance system shows operating authority and required financial-responsibility filings. Ask separately for the carrier's cargo-policy limits, deductible, and exclusions because federal rules do not require cargo insurance for ordinary property motor carriers. Review the pickup condition report carefully and keep dated vehicle photos; A1's auto transport insurance guide covers additional protection questions.
Can I use my own shipping carrier for an AutoTrader Private Seller Exchange purchase?
Yes. AutoTrader Private Seller Exchange allows you to use your own vehicle shipping carrier instead of its transportation partner. AutoTrader asks buyers using another carrier to coordinate pickup within five business days of purchase because the seller is not paid until the vehicle has been picked up. Give the carrier the seller's correct contact information and confirm when someone can release the keys. If a large transport truck cannot safely reach the address, arrange a nearby accessible meeting point with the seller and driver.
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Twitter
Dave C. 
Courtney J. 
Jeff D. 
Maria L. 
Google 
Instagram 
BBB 
