How Does CarMax Auto Shipping Work

Last updated Sep, 23 2026
How Does CarMax Auto Shipping Work

If you've ever sold or bought a used car, then you've probably heard about CarMax. CarMax Auto Finance is one of the biggest car valuation companies in the US. It has extensive experience selling and buying second-hand vehicles since they have a complete inventory.

But, did you know that they can also help with shipping your car?

If this information about CarMax providing a car shipping service is new to you and you are curious about how this entire process works, then you should keep reading!

  • CarMax shipping fees range from $0 for short nearby transfers to over $2,000 for long-distance routes, with cost driven by mileage, fuel prices, and third-party carrier availability.
  • Local CarMax transfers take 2–7 days; cross-country deliveries run 14–21 days, as third-party open carriers handle most shipments rather than CarMax-owned trucks.
  • CarMax uses DOT-compliant third-party carriers for all vehicle transport; buyers should confirm cargo insurance coverage and document vehicle condition before handing over keys at drop-off.
a row of black and white vehicles neatly parked in a spacious parking lot

How Does It Work?

Shipping a car with CarMax seems to be relatively easy at first glance. You book the shipment, drop off your car, and then have it picked up by a CarMax representative once it has reached its destination.

But, here's a more thorough view of how this process works:

a visual representation of a vehicle transport quote
  • Get a Car Shipping Quote - Initially, you must contact the car transport company, give them details about your route, and ask for a free estimate. Once CarMax has all these details, they can schedule your shipments and deliver your car. Once you've done that, you can start preparing your car and looking for participating CarMax locations to drop off your vehicle.
a close-up of a vehicle tire
  • Clean the Car Before Drop Off - Remove any personal or valuable items before dropping the car off to a CarMax representative. The company isn't responsible for any damaged or stolen item during transit. The gas tank should also be at least ¼ full so that the company can operate the car as needed.
a person holding a paper
  • What Documents Will I Need - You will need your car's registration, your driver's license, and a valid payment method if you haven't already paid for the shipping.
  • What's Next - Car delivery can take anywhere from two to twenty-one days after you hand over the keys. The business will inform you of the car's shipping progress and potential setbacks. You, or someone you designated, will pick up the vehicle from the designated CarMax dealership site after it has arrived at its final destination.
a blue truck parked on a trailer

Can They Ship My Car?

CarMax claims that they can accommodate a variety of cars for various shipping reasons. So, whether you need to ship your car because you are relocating to a new city to start a new job or you are a seasonal traveler wanting to ship your car to its new destination, CarMax's vehicle transport service can probably help you.

However, if your car is inoperable or oversized, then they might not be able to ship it, and you will need to look for a different carrier.

Relevant Statistics

  • Carmax transports over 100,000 vehicles annually to customers across the United States.
  • With a network of 500+ carriers, Carmax provides nationwide coverage for auto transportation.
  • Over 95% of Carmax customers rate their auto transport experience as excellent or very good.
  • On average, Carmax delivers vehicles to their destinations within 5-7 days.
  • Carmax has maintained a damage-free delivery rate of 99.8% for the past five years.

General Facts

  • CarMax offers auto transport services for customers who purchase vehicles from their dealerships.
  • The company partners with trusted carriers to ensure safe and reliable transportation of vehicles.
  • CarMax provides both open and enclosed trailer options for shipping cars.
  • Customers can track the progress of their vehicle's transportation through CarMax's online tracking system.
  • CarMax Auto Transport operates nationwide, allowing customers to have their vehicles delivered across the country.
a building with a sign on the front

Better Leave It to the Experts

There are lots of auto carriers out there that offer reasonably good services. But, if you want to ensure that your car is in expert hands, then you should probably consider working with A-1 Auto Transport. We have over two decades of experience in this industry and have shipped automotive vehicles to virtually every corner of the world. Whether you need an open car transport service or enclosed car transport for your luxury vehicle, our car-hauling expert can help.

Our professionalism, thoroughness, impeccable services, extensive insurance plans, and state-of-the-art fleet have turned us into one of the US's most reputable and trustworthy car transporters and auto shipping companies.

You can find more information about the type of services we provide on our website. You can also fill out the online form to get a free car transport quote and further discuss your shipment details with one of our representatives.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does CarMax auto shipping work?

CarMax auto shipping mainly moves a vehicle from one CarMax location to your preferred store so you can inspect it before deciding whether to buy. Shipping is available for much of CarMax's nationwide inventory, although fees and eligibility vary by vehicle. The listing provides the applicable transfer details before you place the order. This store-to-store process is separate from home delivery after purchase. For a broader look at how vehicle moves are arranged, see A1's car transportation services.

Does CarMax deliver cars to your home?

Yes, CarMax offers home delivery within 60 miles of select stores, but the service is not available in every market or state. Home delivery happens after you buy the vehicle and should not be confused with shipping a distant car from one CarMax store to another. A vehicle may first need a paid store-to-store transfer before it is available locally. Check the vehicle and store details before purchase to confirm whether delivery is offered at your address.

How much does CarMax charge for shipping?

As of September 23, 2026, CarMax transfer fees commonly fall around $199 to $999, while current listings also show free transfers and longer-distance examples reaching about $1,999. The exact charge depends on where the vehicle is located and where you want it shipped. CarMax displays the fee before you submit the transfer order, and the shipping charge is separate from the vehicle price. A1's car shipping rates guide explains how those figures compare with independent auto transport pricing.

Is CarMax shipping free for vehicle transfers?

CarMax shipping can be free on some vehicles, but free transfers are not guaranteed or tied to one universal mileage cutoff. Current CarMax inventory includes listings marked Free Shipping alongside paid transfers of $149, $199, $399, $599, and higher amounts. Your vehicle's listing shows the applicable charge for the selected destination. If a fee applies, CarMax requires payment as part of the shipping order, and that charge is separate from the purchase price.

How long does CarMax car shipping usually take?

CarMax store-to-store shipping commonly takes about 2 to 21 days, with many current transfer estimates falling in the 5 to 14 day range. Shorter regional moves can arrive sooner, while long-distance transfers may need two to three weeks. CarMax does not publish one fixed nationwide transit time because the estimate depends on the specific vehicle and transfer distance. Check the car's detail page before ordering because CarMax places the current estimated arrival window there.

Can you track your car during CarMax shipping?

You can check the status of a CarMax store-to-store transfer, but CarMax's public guidance does not promise continuous live GPS tracking for every shipment. Its current Help Center includes a dedicated option for customers checking a vehicle they have shipped to another CarMax location. For independent auto transport, tracking methods can vary by carrier and may include portal, phone, text, or GPS-based updates. A1's car shipping tracker explains that separate tracking process.

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Dave loved the fast delivery Dave C.
★★★★★
Dave loved the fast delivery
My relocation to Chicago was fast, smooth and without any delay thanks to A1 Auto.
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance Courtney J.
★★★★★
Courtney enjoyed the honest guidance
Just what you need when trusting someone with your wheels! Kudos to this company!
Jeff enjoyed the fair price Jeff D.
★★★★★
Jeff enjoyed the fair price
Moved my ride hassle-free with these folks.Fair pricing, no surprises. Definitely recommend them!
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety Maria L.
★★★★★
Maria enjoyed the special care and safety
Huge thanks to the movers – they were meticulous with my car. Love these guys.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F