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!

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:

- 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.

- 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.

- 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.

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.

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 works by transferring vehicles between dealerships or delivering purchased cars using licensed vehicle carriers. Once you select a car, CarMax schedules transport, assigns a carrier, and provides an estimated delivery window. Vehicles are typically shipped on open carriers, following DOT safety standards. Transit time and cost are influenced by distance, route density, and seasonal demand, which mirrors how nationwide car shipping operates. Learn more in this guide to car transportation services.
Does CarMax deliver cars to your home?
Yes, CarMax delivers cars, but availability depends on the vehicle’s location and your distance from the selling store. Most deliveries are handled through third-party auto transport carriers rather than CarMax-owned trucks. Local transfers may take 2–7 days, while long-distance deliveries often take 1–3 weeks. Pricing is based on mileage, route demand, and carrier availability, similar to standard auto transport pricing models.
Does CarMax charge for shipping cars?
Yes, CarMax charges for shipping, and fees are not refundable once transport begins. Shipping costs typically range from $0 to over $2,000 depending on distance, fuel prices, and carrier availability. Some nearby transfers may be free during promotions, but most long-distance moves include a set transport fee. These charges are comparable to market-based rates outlined in this car shipping rates overview.
How long does CarMax car shipping usually take?
CarMax car shipping usually takes 2–7 days for nearby transfers and up to 14–21 days for cross-country deliveries. Timing depends on carrier routing, weather conditions, and how quickly a truck can be dispatched. High-demand corridors move faster than rural routes. Once a vehicle is picked up, progress generally follows the same timelines used by professional door-to-door auto transport.
Is CarMax shipping free for vehicle transfers?
CarMax sometimes offers free shipping for short-distance vehicle transfers, usually under 50 miles, but this is not guaranteed. Most transfers involve a fee based on distance and logistics. Free shipping promotions are limited and change frequently. For longer routes, pricing aligns with standard industry costs tied to mileage, route efficiency, and carrier schedules rather than vehicle price or model.
Can you track your car during CarMax shipping?
Limited tracking is available during CarMax shipping, often through updates from the dealership rather than real-time GPS. Because third-party carriers handle most deliveries, tracking detail varies by carrier. Customers typically receive status updates at pickup, in transit, and delivery milestones. For comparison, some independent carriers offer advanced tools like online car shipping trackers for more frequent updates.

Share on Facebook



