Do Auto Dealers Ship Cars For Customers?
We often hear this question from our readers, and the simple answer is “Not really.” That’s not to say that dealers can’t or won’t offer auto-carrying services; they rarely have their own internal carriers to do the work.
What happens is that some car dealers partner with a particular firm to coordinate their shifting. For example, an auto dealer in Southern California might partner with us to deliver vehicles sold to customers in the Southwest. This is a fairly common practice within the industry and, in many cases, can make the process easier on the consumer end since you don’t have to arrange for hauling on your own or through a separate agency.
The disadvantage to this is that you end up paying just as much, if not more, than you would have if you’d had the car shipped privately. Car shippers will indeed offer discounts to dealerships due to the potential for bulk business, but there are still profit margins to meet on both sides, and those savings are rarely passed on to the buyer.
Should You Have A Merchant Haul A Vehicle For You?
So, where does this leave you when you’ve bought a car from a dealer and need it shipped? Should you have the dealer find a shipper for you or try to find one yourself? The answer lies in your comfort level. If you’re okay with paying a little bit more for the convenience of having the dealers arrange for shipping, they can probably do it for you. Just be sure to ask about the cost upfront. It’s one of those “extras” that can quickly add significantly to the price of your purchase.
If you are willing to spend a few minutes on the internet, send off a couple of emails, and maybe make a phone call or two, you can probably save yourself a decent chunk of change. The internet has made it easier than ever to find auto shippers and quickly get a highly accurate expense estimate from them. This process could be repeated several times over in a matter of minutes if you’re looking for a bargain. Like any other service, it’s a matter of putting in the time to find the right option and comparing what they offer regarding the charge.
Do you have questions about getting a car shipped to you from a dealership? Call us today at the number at the top of the page to find out more about how we can help! We offer customers 100% FREE cost estimates if you’d like to compare our pricing against the dealer!
Related Information & FAQ
How much does it cost to transport a car from a dealer?
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Car Dealership Shipping Explained
So, you're excited about getting your car from the dealership, but how exactly does car dealership shipping work? Let's break it down.
When you purchase a car from a dealership, the shipping process can be a little more involved than just picking it up from the lot. Car dealership shipping typically refers to the transportation of a car from the dealership to your location, or even between dealerships.
Many car dealers ship cars through in-house transport services or partner with third-party logistics providers. It’s a common practice for car dealerships that ship cars to use professional carriers to ensure the vehicle arrives safely and on time.
Can Dealerships Ship Cars?
Yes, dealerships can ship cars, and it's actually quite common. Whether you’re buying from a local dealership or one across the country, you can ask about their shipping services. Many dealerships that ship cars work with carriers to ensure that vehicles get delivered right to your doorstep or another dealership.
If you’re wondering, “Do dealerships ship cars?” the answer is often yes! Most dealerships that offer this service will handle all the logistics for you. Whether it’s a car you’re buying locally or a vehicle that needs to be delivered across state lines, they can arrange the shipping for you.
Ship a Car From Dealership
Shipping a car from a dealership to your location is straightforward. Once the sale is complete, many dealers offer options for shipping the vehicle directly to you. Some dealerships that ship cars will even let you track the vehicle's journey to your home.
The New Car Delivery Process
The new car delivery process is an exciting part of purchasing a vehicle, and it can vary depending on the dealership. Here’s how it generally works.
Once you've finalized the purchase, the dealership will set up a delivery date. Car dealerships that ship cars typically work with trusted third-party transporters specializing in safely delivering your vehicle. If the dealership handles shipping in-house, it’ll likely have its own transport team for this task.
From the dealership, your new car is loaded onto a carrier, either an open transport truck or an enclosed one, depending on the type of vehicle and any special delivery requests. The car is then delivered directly to your chosen address or another location.
A common question is how long it takes for a car to be delivered. Delivery times can vary, but most dealerships that ship cars will give you an estimated arrival time. Longer distances, such as out-of-state deliveries, may take longer, but dealers usually keep you informed along the way.
Dealer Transport Basics
So how do cars get from Point A to the dealership or even straight to your driveway? It might seem like magic, but there’s a real system behind it all. Most dealerships partner with logistics providers who specialize in dealer transport. Think car haulers, open or enclosed trailers, and sometimes rail lines, too. These systems keep things running smoothly, especially for new car delivery from dealership locations nationwide. Some car dealerships that ship cars handle the process in-house with their own fleet, but more often than not, they rely on trusted third-party providers. These pros take care of everything from loading up to secure delivery.
Is It In-House or Outsourced
If you're scheduling car delivery service from dealerships, it helps to know who’s handling the legwork. Some larger dealer groups or brands may have their own shipping network, but local dealers usually outsource to transport companies. Either way, the process is pretty streamlined for you. Dealerships that ship cars often schedule delivery once the paperwork’s squared away, so you don’t have to wait long. Plus, with car dealership shipping becoming more common, many offer live tracking updates and delivery estimates right after purchase. It’s a win-win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do car dealerships ship cars to customers?
Yes, car dealerships ship cars to customers regularly, especially for online purchases or out-of-state inventory. Most dealers partner with licensed carriers rather than handling transport themselves. Delivery options include open or enclosed trailers, with transit times typically 2–7 days depending on distance. Factors like vehicle size, route demand, and seasonality affect scheduling. Many buyers choose car transportation services for faster carrier matching and flexible delivery options beyond dealership networks.
How long does it take for a dealership to deliver a car?
Delivery time depends on distance and route efficiency, but most dealership shipments arrive within 2–7 days. Local deliveries may take 1–2 days, while cross-country transport can take up to 7–10 days. Delays can occur due to weather, traffic, or limited carrier availability on less common routes. Peak seasons, such as summer relocations, often extend timelines slightly. Scheduling flexibility and early booking help secure faster delivery windows.
How does car delivery from a dealership work?
Car delivery starts once the purchase is finalized and the vehicle is released for transport. The dealership schedules a carrier, performs inspection, and prepares paperwork. Most shipments use door-to-door transport, meaning the car is picked up and delivered as close to your address as safely possible. Delivery typically takes 1–7 days depending on distance and route availability. Choosing a dedicated door-to-door auto transport service often improves scheduling flexibility and delivery accuracy.
Will dealerships ship a car to another state?
Yes, dealerships frequently handle interstate car shipping, especially when buyers purchase vehicles online or from another region. Transport across state lines usually takes 3–10 days, depending on distance, weather, and carrier routes. Costs typically range from $600–$1,500+ based on mileage and vehicle type. High-demand routes like California to Texas move faster than rural routes. Many dealerships rely on third-party carriers similar to those used in interstate auto transport services.
Do dealerships deliver used cars as well?
Yes, dealerships ship both new and used cars, including certified pre-owned vehicles. The process is the same, but used cars may require additional inspection documentation before shipping. Buyers often purchase used vehicles from out-of-state dealers due to better pricing or availability. Transport costs and timelines remain similar, typically $500–$1,500 and 2–7 days, depending on distance and carrier type. Condition reporting is especially important for used vehicles to document pre-existing wear.
How much does it cost to have a dealership ship a car?
Dealership car shipping usually costs between $500 and $1,500+, depending on distance, transport type, and vehicle size. Short routes under 300 miles may cost $300–$600, while cross-country shipments can exceed $1,200. Open transport is more affordable, while enclosed shipping adds 30–60% more for protection. Pricing also fluctuates with fuel costs and seasonal demand. You can compare dealership pricing with market rates using tools like car shipping rates.
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