Buying a Car Out of State: How to Ship It Home

If you buy a car in another state, you don't have to fly out and drive it back. A transport company picks it up at the dealer or the seller's address and delivers it to you. You settle the paperwork with the seller, send the transport company the vehicle and both addresses, and inspect the car when it arrives.

Shipping keeps road miles off a car you just paid for, and it means you can buy the car you want even when it's several states away.

Why people ship instead of driving it home

• No trip to plan. No flight, no hotel, no days off work to drive it back.
• No extra miles. The car arrives with the mileage it had when you bought it.
• No surprises on the first drive. A long first trip in a car you've never owned is a hard way to find a weak battery or worn tires.
• A wider choice of cars. The right model, trim or deal may be at a dealer in another state. Shipping makes that a practical buy.

Settle these with the seller first

Most delays on an out-of-state purchase start at the pickup end, not on the road. Before you book transport, confirm:

• The sale is final and paid. The seller should know a carrier is coming and be ready to release the car.
• Who hands over the car. Get a name and phone number at the pickup address, and the hours the car can be picked up.
• Keys and paperwork. Ask whether the title travels with the car or is mailed to you, and how tags and registration work for your state.
• Whether the car runs. A car that doesn't run can still be moved, but it needs different equipment, so say so when you ask for a quote.

Buying from a dealer is usually simpler, because dealers release cars to carriers all the time. With a private seller, agree on a pickup window and make sure someone will be there to meet the driver.

What to send for a quote

A real person at FCT quotes every move, so the quote is based on your actual car and route. Send:

• The year, make and model, and whether it runs
• The pickup address and the delivery address
• When the car will be ready, and any date you need it by
• Open or enclosed transport

An open trailer suits most cars. If you bought a classic, an exotic or a high-value car, ask about enclosed transport. Our open vs. enclosed guide explains the difference.

How the shipment works

1. Quote and booking. You approve the quote and confirm the addresses and contacts.
2. Carrier confirmed. FCT vets the carrier and confirms the driver, the truck and the pickup window before the truck rolls.
3. Pickup. The driver inspects the car with the seller and records its condition on the bill of lading. Ask the seller to take photos too.
4. On the road. You can follow the order in the client portal at fctorders.com, including the driver's location while they're active. If anything changes, you hear it from FCT first.
5. Delivery. You inspect the car before you sign.

Check the car in before you sign

Delivery is often the first time you see the car in person, so take your time. Match the VIN to your paperwork, walk around the car with the driver, and compare it with the condition noted at pickup. Write any new damage on the bill of lading before you sign, and take your own photos. Our guide on checking in a delivered car has the full list.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to ship or drive home a car bought out of state?

Over a long distance, shipping saves the trip out, the time off work and the miles on the car. Driving can make sense when the seller is close enough that you would visit anyway.

How do I ship a car I bought from an out-of-state dealer?

Confirm with the dealer that the car is paid for and ready to release, get a contact name at the store, and send your transport company the vehicle details and both addresses. The carrier picks the car up at the dealer and delivers it to you.

What information do I need for a shipping quote?

The year, make and model, whether it runs, the pickup and delivery addresses, when the car will be ready, and whether you want open or enclosed transport.

What should I do when the car is delivered?

Inspect it with the driver before you sign. Match the VIN, compare the car with the condition noted at pickup, write any new damage on the bill of lading and take photos.

Bought a car in another state?

FCT is based near Charlotte, NC and ships cars anywhere in the continental U.S., with one point of contact from quote to drop-off. Request a quote or call (980) 552-1101, and a real person gets back to you.