Buying a car online has become mainstream. Whether you purchased through Carvana, Vroom, Cars.com, AutoTrader, Facebook Marketplace, or a distant dealership, you now need to get that vehicle to your driveway. Here is how the shipping process works for online vehicle purchases.
Why Not Just Use the Seller's Delivery?
Online platforms like Carvana and Vroom offer their own delivery services, but there are reasons you might want to arrange independent transport:
- • Cost: Platform delivery fees can be higher than independent shipping quotes
- • Timeline: Third-party shipping may offer faster pickup options
- • Flexibility: You control the logistics instead of waiting for the seller's schedule
- • Private sellers: Individuals on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay do not have delivery services
Always compare the platform's delivery cost with an independent shipping quote before deciding.
Shipping from Carvana
Carvana offers its own delivery, but if you prefer independent shipping or Carvana delivery is not available in your area:
1. Coordinate the release: Carvana will release the vehicle to a carrier once payment and paperwork are finalized 2. Get the pickup address: Carvana will provide the hub or vending machine address where the carrier should pick up 3. Timing: Make sure the vehicle is paid for and ready for release before scheduling pickup 4. Keys and documents: Carvana hands keys to the carrier driver
Shipping from Vroom
Vroom typically handles its own delivery logistics, but if you need to arrange transport:
1. Contact Vroom's logistics team to confirm the vehicle's pickup location 2. Ensure the title transfer is complete before the carrier arrives 3. Confirm the vehicle is ready for carrier pickup at the designated location
Shipping from Private Sellers
Private-party purchases (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay Motors) require more coordination:
- • Confirm the seller will be present when the carrier arrives for pickup
- • The seller provides keys to the carrier driver
- • Have the Bill of Sale completed before shipping
- • Title transfer should be handled separately per your state's requirements
- • Inspect via video call before committing if you have not seen the vehicle in person
Shipping from Out-of-State Dealers
Dealerships are experienced with third-party transport:
- • The dealer's lot is an easy pickup location for carriers
- • Dealers handle key handoff and loading access
- • Ask the dealer to complete their pre-delivery inspection before the carrier arrives
- • Confirm all paperwork (title, registration, temp tags) is in order before shipping
The Process: Step by Step
1. Finalize Your Purchase
Complete payment, paperwork, and title transfer arrangements before booking transport.
2. Get a Shipping Quote
Call State Wide Auto Transport at (855) 469-8090 or [get a quote online](/quote). You will need:
- • Exact pickup address (seller location, auction lot, platform hub)
- • Your delivery address
- • Vehicle year, make, model
- • Vehicle condition (running/non-running)
3. Book and Schedule
We coordinate pickup timing with the seller or platform. The carrier typically picks up within 3-7 business days.
4. Coordinate with the Seller
Make sure someone is available at the pickup location to:
- • Hand over keys
- • Allow the carrier access to the vehicle
- • Sign the pickup Bill of Lading
5. Receive Your Vehicle
When the carrier arrives at your location:
- • Inspect the vehicle thoroughly
- • Compare condition to the pickup Bill of Lading
- • Note any concerns before signing the delivery BOL
- • Pay the remaining balance
Costs for Online Purchase Shipping
Shipping costs are the same whether you bought the car online or in person as pricing depends on distance, vehicle size, and transport type:
- • Under 500 miles: $400 - $700
- • 500 - 1,000 miles: $600 - $1,000
- • 1,000 - 2,000 miles: $800 - $1,300
- • Coast to coast: $1,000 - $1,500+
For a detailed cost breakdown, visit our [car shipping cost page](/car-shipping-cost).
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
The vehicle is not ready at pickup
This is the most common problem. The seller has not finished paperwork, the platform has not released the vehicle, or the auction lot has not processed the gate pass.
Solution: Confirm the vehicle is 100% ready for release before booking transport.
Nobody is available for key handoff
The carrier arrives but no one is there to hand over keys or provide access.
Solution: Coordinate a specific pickup window with the seller and confirm the day before.
Vehicle condition differs from listing
You bought a "running" car online but the carrier arrives to find it does not start.
Solution: Always confirm the vehicle's exact condition with the seller. If it turns out to be non-running, contact us immediately so we can adjust the carrier assignment.
Title and registration delays
You receive the vehicle but title paperwork is delayed.
Solution: This is a purchase issue, not a transport issue, but plan ahead. Many states allow temporary registration while waiting for title transfer.
Tips for Online Car Buyers
1. Get an independent inspection before buying, especially from private sellers 2. Budget for shipping when calculating total purchase cost 3. Verify the VIN matches all documents 4. Take delivery photos the moment the carrier unloads your vehicle 5. Check our [cost calculator](/car-shipping-cost) before committing to a purchase to ensure total cost makes sense
Get Your Online Purchase Delivered
Bought a car online and need it shipped? Call State Wide Auto Transport at (855) 469-8090 for a quote. We handle pickups from every major online platform, auction house, and private seller nationwide.