A practical guide from the vehicle shipping specialists at Gech Inc.
Shipping a vehicle for the first time can feel overwhelming. Between brokers, carriers, open trailers, enclosed haulers and a sea of online quotes, it's hard to know where to start. This guide walks you through exactly how vehicle shipping works — step by step — so you can book with confidence.
Vehicle shipping pricing depends on five main factors: distance, vehicle size, transport type (open vs enclosed), season and current carrier demand on your route. Reputable agents like Gech Inc provide all-inclusive quotes that cover pickup, transport, insurance and door-to-door delivery — no hidden fees.
Once you accept a quote, you'll book your shipment by signing a service agreement and providing pickup and delivery details. Most agents do not charge a deposit until a carrier is assigned to your shipment.
Your shipment gets posted to a load board where vetted carriers can claim it. Within 1–5 business days (longer for remote routes), a carrier accepts the load and is officially dispatched. You'll get the driver's name, truck info and direct phone number.
The driver calls 12–24 hours before pickup to confirm a window. At pickup, you and the driver complete a bill of lading and condition report together, documenting any existing scratches, dents or other issues with photos.
Long-haul carriers move 400–500 miles per day. Short regional routes might take 1–2 days; cross-country routes take 7–10. Drivers run on federal hours-of-service rules and stop for required rest, fuel and other deliveries.
The driver calls ahead with a delivery window. At delivery, you'll inspect the vehicle together against the original condition report. If everything looks good, you sign the BOL. If there's new damage, you note it on the BOL before signing — that's the foundation for any insurance claim.
Related: Open vs Enclosed · Cost Factors · Get a Quote
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