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, auto dealers ship cars to customers, especially for online or out-of-state purchases, but they often arrange a third-party carrier instead of using their own truck. For longer moves, the dealer typically coordinates lot access, keys, and vehicle release with the transporter. Ask whether the shipping charge is included in the purchase agreement, who holds the transport contract, and who will send status updates. If the dealer leaves shipping to you, you can book a carrier directly and schedule pickup from the dealership.
How does car delivery from a dealership work?
Dealership car delivery usually starts after the sale is complete and the vehicle is released for pickup, followed by carrier scheduling, inspection, loading, transit, and handoff. At pickup, the driver records the car's condition on a Bill of Lading or inspection report; compare that condition again at delivery before signing. With door-to-door auto transport, the carrier delivers as close to the requested address as safe truck access allows. Confirm the lot contact, keys, pickup hours, and delivery recipient before dispatch.
Will dealerships ship a car to another state?
Yes, many dealerships ship cars to other states by arranging an interstate carrier or broker, although each dealership can set its own delivery policy. FMCSA says interstate auto transport carriers and brokers must be registered, so ask for the assigned company's legal name and MC or USDOT number before the vehicle is released. An interstate auto transport service can then coordinate pickup at the dealer and delivery at your destination. Confirm the shipping fee and transport responsibility in writing before signing the sales paperwork.
How much does it cost to have a dealership ship a car?
As of August 10, 2026, standard open-carrier dealership shipping for a running passenger car commonly falls around $600-$1,400 for many U.S. moves. Cross-country transport often lands closer to $1,000-$1,600, while shorter routes can cost less. Distance, vehicle size, operability, trailer type, and pickup location account for most quote differences. If the dealer charges shipping separately, compare that figure with current car shipping rates and check what the quoted delivery charge actually includes.
How long does it take for a dealership to deliver a car?
Dealership car delivery typically takes 1-3 loaded transit days under 500 miles, 3-5 days around 500-1,000 miles, and 5-10 days for many longer or cross-country moves. Loaded transit starts when the carrier picks up the vehicle, so dealership release and carrier assignment happen before that clock begins. Weather, remote pickup or delivery points, and multi-stop routing can extend the estimate. Ask the dealer or carrier for a separate pickup window and loaded-transit window rather than one combined delivery date.
Will a dealership ship a car to another dealership?
Yes, a dealership can ship a car to another dealership for a dealer trade, inventory transfer, auction purchase, or customer special order. These moves commonly use professional auto transport, with open multi-car carriers handling standard inventory and enclosed trailers available when extra protection is appropriate. A1's dealer-to-dealer auto transport service covers transfers among dealerships, auctions, storage facilities, and other inventory locations. If the transfer supports your purchase, ask which dealership will complete the final condition check and release the car.
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