Delivering a Sold Car to the Customer: Dealer Home Delivery

To deliver a sold car to the customer, a dealer sends the transport company the pickup, the buyer's address and contact, the VIN and the date the car is ready. The carrier sets a delivery appointment with the buyer, delivers to the door or the nearest safe spot, and the buyer inspects the car and signs to confirm delivery.

Out-of-state buyers, online sales and VIP customers all expect the car to come to them. Handled well, home delivery is part of the sale. Handled badly, it is the first complaint.

When do dealers ship a car to the customer?

• Out-of-state buyers. The customer bought from your store but lives a few states away.
• Online sales. The deal was done remotely and the car has to get to the buyer.
• VIP and high-line buyers. Customers who expect the car at their door, often in an enclosed trailer.
• Dealership delivery programs. Stores that offer home delivery as part of the purchase.

What to send the transport company

• Pickup address at your store, with a contact and any lot hours.
• The buyer's name, phone number and delivery address.
• The VIN, plus year, make and model.
• When the car is ready, and any date the buyer is waiting on.
• Open or enclosed. Enclosed is the usual choice for premium models.
• Anything the driver should know: low clearance, gated community, a tight street.

It is the same list the FCT dealer desk asks for on every order, plus the buyer's contact so the delivery can be scheduled with them.

How the delivery appointment works

Deliveries are appointment-based, coordinated with the customer. If the carrier can safely reach the address, the car is delivered right to the door. If not, for example on narrow streets or in restricted areas, the driver arranges a nearby meeting spot that is convenient and safe. Several cars going to different buyers can be routed on one order.

You get regular updates along the way, so your salesperson can answer the customer's "where is my car?" without guessing.

What happens at the door?

The buyer, or someone they trust, needs to be there. The car is inspected at drop-off against the condition noted at pickup, and the buyer signs to confirm delivery. Our guides on the bill of lading and checking in a delivered car explain what to look for, and are worth sending to the buyer ahead of time.

Open or enclosed for a customer delivery?

Most units ride open. For premium models, high-line cars or a buyer who is watching closely, an enclosed trailer keeps the car out of weather and road debris the whole way. See when a dealer unit should ride enclosed.

Customer deliveries with FCT

FCT handles new vehicle and customer deliveries for dealerships anywhere in the continental U.S., with vetted, fully insured carriers and one point of contact from quote to drop-off. Send the delivery by phone at (980) 552-1101, by email or through the quote form.

Frequently asked questions

How do dealers deliver a sold car to a customer in another state?

Send the transport company the pickup, the buyer’s address and contact, the VIN and the ready date. The carrier schedules the delivery with the buyer and delivers to their door or the nearest safe spot.

Does the buyer need to be home for delivery?

Yes, or someone they trust. The car is inspected at drop-off and a signature is required to confirm delivery.

What if the truck cannot reach the buyer’s street?

If the carrier cannot safely reach the address, for example on narrow streets or in restricted areas, the driver arranges a nearby meeting spot that is convenient and safe.

Can a customer delivery ride enclosed?

Yes. Enclosed transport is available and is the usual choice for premium and high-line models.

Can several customer deliveries go on one order?

Yes. Cars going to different buyers can be routed together on one order with one point of contact.

Need a car moved?

FCT gives dealers 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.