Car Shipping Guide: Video

Welcome to A1autotransport.com, the last stop for all your moving needs. Shipping your car or truck to another place because of a move or online sale can be a challenge. It would be so much easier if I could just put my vehicle in a box and take it to the post office, but auto shipping is much more complicated than that. We’ll begin by going over domestic auto shipping, including open-air and enclosed trailers. Then we’ll talk about international auto transport, using Roll-on Roll-off, and container services. Then we’ll wrap up with the preparations required to ship your vehicle.

First Up, Domestic Shipping. When sending your car across the country, you’ll have two main options: Open-air or closed trailer transport. The most common option for domestic auto shipping is the open-air trailer. Who hasn’t seen those huge open-air trailers loaded with cars driving down the highway? By choosing this option your vehicle will be securely placed on a trailer and driven to its new location.

Now, if your vehicle is your baby, and you don’t want it exposed to the elements on an open-air trailer, then you may consider shipping your auto in a closed trailer. With this option, your auto will be placed on a trailer within an enclosed area. Your auto will receive the best level of protection available, but as you can probably imagine, it’s also the pricier option.

Now that you know how to ship a vehicle within the country, let’s look into international auto shipping. Shipping your vehicle internationally is a bit more complicated than shipping your vehicle domestically. Since your vehicle will have to be transported by ship, there are some restrictions you have to know before your auto can set sail.

For instance, many countries will not allow you to bring in autos that are more than five years old. So that old minivan might have to stay behind. Also, there could be restrictions on the size of the engine, and the location of the steering wheel. Once you know you can ship your vehicle overseas, you can decide between two options: Roll-on Roll-Off service, or container service.

The first is roll on roll off service, which is the more common and cheaper option. Your auto will be rolled onto or driven onto a ship. Then it will be secured with braces onto an interior deck, well protected from the weather. Upon reaching the destination, the vehicle will be rolled off or driven off the ship.

If you want your vehicle to be even more protected, you can choose container service. Inside the container, the auto will be secured to wooden blocks and strapped into place to keep it from moving. With this option, your auto will be stored in an individual shipping container, and loaded onto the ship.

Whether you’re shipping your auto domestically or internationally, there are several things you need to do before your vehicle can be shipped.

First, wash your vehicle for accurate inspection. Since the vehicle will have to be inspected before it’s shipped, have it washed and cleaned to ensure accurate inspection.

Second, remove any personal items, since autos will not be able to ship with personal items inside, go through the vehicle, including the trunk, and remove any valuables, documents, and other items.

Third, leave less than a quarter gallon of fuel in the gas tank. Extra gasoline in the engine can leak out in transit. Ship your auto with a minimal amount of fuel, ideally a quarter gallon or less. Keep some extra gas on hand when you pick it up so that you can make it to the nearest fueling station.

Fourth, remove or protect any loose parts. Remove the antenna and any detachable parts. For parts that can’t be removed, like spoilers, fog lights, and side mirrors, wrap them with a protective covering.

Fifth, ensure the car is in good working condition. You’ll probably want to drive your vehicle upon its arrival. Make sure the battery is charged, the fluid levels are good, and the tires are properly inflated before shipping.

By now, you should be an expert in auto shipping. There’s just one thing though, finding a company to move your vehicle. That’s where A1AutoTransport.com comes in! We’ve already done the work for you, to find reputable auto shippers that will give you the best estimates and shipping service. Fill out the quick form on our website, and get free quotes from up to seven auto shippers. Then you can compare and save.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by telephone or email at

We wish you, and your vehicle, a successful relocation. A1AutoTransport.com, for all your moving needs.