APPROVED AUTO TRANSPORT / OUR PROCESS
How Car Shipping Works — From Your First Quote to Final Delivery
Shipping a vehicle doesn't have to be complicated. At Approved Auto Transport, we guide you through four straightforward steps — from reviewing your shipping needs and selecting a qualified carrier to coordinating pickup and confirming delivery.
Approved Auto Transport is a licensed transportation broker. Your vehicle is physically transported by an independent motor carrier selected and verified before dispatch.
Get a Free Shipping Quote
- Get a Quote
- Approve Your Carrier
- Ship Your Vehicle
- Confirm Delivery
The four-step shipping process
The same straightforward sequence applies whether you're shipping a daily driver across one state or a collector car across the country.
Request & Review Your Quote
Tell us your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and preferred shipping timeframe. We review the shipment using current carrier-market information and experienced manual pricing. An initial online estimate is a starting point; a manually reviewed recommendation reflects your specific shipment, and the final price is confirmed with a carrier before dispatch.
- Tell us where, what, and when.
- We review the actual transportation requirements.
- Receive a realistic estimate or recommended range.
We Find & Verify Your Carrier
Approved works to identify an independent carrier suitable for your shipment. Before dispatch, we complete our Seven Checks, including verification of operating authority and cargo insurance. When an acceptable carrier offer is available, we present the carrier and final total for your review and approval. Once you approve the final transportation arrangement, we communicate the payment terms and collect any payment due before dispatch — so you know the complete shipping price, when payment is due, and who receives payment before anything moves.
- Source a carrier appropriate for the vehicle and route.
- Complete carrier authority, insurance, and applicable verification checks.
- You approve the final carrier-confirmed price before dispatch.
The Approved Price Promise applies according to its published terms after the required written approval — it does not automatically guarantee an initial estimate.
Pickup & Transportation
The carrier coordinates pickup with you. At pickup, the vehicle's condition is documented on a Bill of Lading, typically including an inspection and photos. The vehicle is loaded and transported by the independent carrier while Approved helps coordinate communication and shipment updates. We request GPS tracking on every shipment, but tracking availability depends on the carrier and is not guaranteed. We monitor progress and work to communicate material scheduling changes or delays.
- Coordinate pickup and inspect the vehicle with the driver.
- Review and retain the pickup Bill of Lading.
- Receive shipment updates as transportation progresses.
Delivery & Final Inspection
The carrier coordinates delivery with the receiving party. Before completing the delivery paperwork, inspect the vehicle, compare its condition with the pickup record, and document any new damage on the delivery Bill of Lading. Any remaining carrier balance is paid according to the payment arrangement confirmed before dispatch. Approved follows up to confirm the shipment's completion and help coordinate any reported issues.
- Inspect the vehicle upon delivery.
- Record and photograph any new damage before completing paperwork.
- Retain the delivery documents and contact Approved with concerns.
If something doesn't look right, see how damage claims are handled.
We're Still Here After Your Vehicle Is Picked Up
Once your vehicle is on the carrier, our work doesn't stop. We help coordinate shipment communication, request available tracking, monitor progress, and work with the carrier when scheduling changes or transportation issues arise.
- Shipment communication
- Tracking requested where available
- Help coordinating delays or unexpected issues
Common questions about the shipping process
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
Booking about one to two weeks before your preferred pickup window generally gives us more carrier options to work with. A wider pickup window creates more opportunities to match available capacity. If your timing is tighter, tell us — we will review what is realistic for your route rather than promise a date we cannot support.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
You or a designated adult representative should be present at both ends. Whoever is there inspects the vehicle with the driver and reviews the Bill of Lading. If you cannot attend, arrange someone you trust and let us know in advance so the carrier has the right contact.
Can I track my vehicle during shipping?
Approved requests GPS tracking on every shipment, but tracking availability depends on the individual carrier and is not guaranteed. Whether or not live tracking is available, we monitor shipment progress and work to communicate material scheduling changes or delays.
What happens if my pickup or delivery date changes?
Carrier schedules can shift because of weather, traffic, or earlier stops on the route. When a material change occurs, we work with the carrier to coordinate a revised window and communicate it to you. We do not promise guaranteed pickup or delivery times.
When do I pay for car shipping?
Payment timing depends on your shipping arrangement. Before dispatch, Approved Auto Transport confirms your total price, explains any payment due to Approved, and identifies whether a remaining balance is payable to the carrier at delivery. You'll know the payment terms before approving the shipment.
What should I do if I notice damage at delivery?
Before completing the delivery paperwork, document any new damage clearly on the delivery Bill of Lading and take photographs. Compare the vehicle's condition with the pickup record, retain your documents, and contact Approved — we will help you coordinate the next steps with the carrier.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Tell us what you're shipping and where it's going. We'll help you understand the next steps and review a realistic transportation estimate.
Get a Free Shipping QuotePrefer to speak with us? (888) 594-2804
Hero photograph: “Sarajevo Car-Carrier-Trailer 2011-10-20” by Milan Suvajac, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons; cropped and resized for this page.