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From your first quote to the final inspection, know what happens next and who is there to help.
A car shipment starts with your route, vehicle and preferred pickup date. Once you have a quote, you can decide whether to book, choose your payment option and prepare for the carrier’s arrival. Van 3 arranges the move; the assigned carrier handles the journey and the pickup and delivery inspections.
The seven steps below explain the practical details, including the documents to check, how to prepare for the driver’s call and what to do at delivery.
Your shipping journey
1
Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, transport type, vehicle details and preferred date. The system displays your quote on a new page, so you can review the route and service before deciding to book. Your price is locked for 48 hours from receipt, with no hidden fees.
2
When you are ready, book from the quote page and choose full payment or a deposit by credit card, debit card or PayPal. Check that the vehicle, addresses and dates match your plans. Keep the booking confirmation and review the payment and cancellation terms before completing your order.
3
Van 3 coordinates your shipment with a carrier and shares the details you need for the move. Keep your contact information current and make sure someone can be reached at both ends of the route. Carrier assignment and pickup scheduling are separate from the time your quote is issued.
4
Your carrier calls before pickup to arrange the details. Confirm the location and let the driver know about narrow streets, access restrictions or a vehicle that cannot be driven. If the truck cannot safely reach your address, agree on a nearby accessible meeting point.
5
Walk around the vehicle with the driver before loading. Record its condition on the inspection report or bill of lading and take clear photos of the exterior, interior and mileage. Make sure existing damage is documented, then retain your copy for the delivery inspection.
6
The carrier transports your vehicle along the scheduled route. Weather, traffic, loading stops and mechanical issues can affect progress, so keep your phone available and contact Van 3 if your plans change or you need help reaching the carrier. Treat arrival dates as estimates until the driver confirms the arrangements.
7
Meet the driver, or arrange for an authorised representative, and compare the vehicle with the pickup report before signing. Note any new damage on the delivery paperwork and contact Van 3 promptly. If you booked with a deposit, settle any remaining balance according to your booking terms; keep the completed documents and payment receipt.
Get ready with our vehicle preparation checklist and learn what to document in our insurance and claims guide.
You should know who is arranging your shipment and who is physically moving the car. Van 3 Auto Transport is a broker: it arranges transport through a vetted carrier network. The assigned carrier operates the truck, while you provide accurate shipment information and make the vehicle available.
Three roles, one coordinated shipment
Arranges your shipment through its vetted carrier network, coordinates the booking and helps you resolve questions about the move.
Operates the transport truck, calls ahead, loads and secures the vehicle, transports it and records its condition at pickup and delivery.
Provide accurate vehicle and access details, prepare the car, nominate pickup and delivery contacts, inspect the vehicle and follow the agreed payment terms.
Find out more about working with Van 3.
Door-to-door shipping brings the carrier as close to your chosen addresses as the truck can safely and legally reach. A large transporter may need more turning room or clearance than a residential street provides. Where access is restricted, you and the driver can agree on a suitable meeting point nearby.
Keep your pickup and delivery contacts available and tell the carrier about gates, parking rules and other access instructions. The driver will call ahead to coordinate the handover. A pickup window is an estimated period rather than an exact appointment; confirm the arrangements for your booking with the team.
You do not have to be present personally, but someone you authorise should be there for both inspections. Choose a person who can check the vehicle carefully, sign the paperwork and follow your payment instructions. Share the pickup report with the person receiving the car, so the delivery inspection has a clear reference.
Read more about door-to-door car shipping.
Requesting a quote is free and does not commit you to a booking. When your quote appears, you can choose to pay in full or pay a deposit by credit card, debit card or PayPal. Review the total and your selected payment option before confirming the order.
If you choose a deposit, check the booking terms for the remaining balance, when it is due and how the carrier accepts payment. Keep your confirmation handy and contact Van 3 before pickup if anything is unclear, rather than leaving payment questions until the handover.
Review the cancellation and refund policy before booking. Your quote stays locked for 48 hours; if you do not book in that period, an updated price may apply and will be locked for another 48 hours.
Distance is a useful starting point, but a transit estimate is not a guaranteed arrival date. The guidance below comes from Van 3’s published FAQ and describes travel time after pickup; it does not include the wait for carrier assignment or pickup.
Longer routes, weather, traffic, loading stops and mechanical issues can change the schedule. Tell the team about any fixed deadlines before booking and allow flexibility for the journey. Ask for a route-specific estimate rather than planning travel around an assumed delivery hour.
Contact Van 3 with your booking details and the latest information from the carrier. Keep the person at the pickup or delivery address informed as well. The team can help you clarify the revised arrangements; avoid assuming a new time until it has been confirmed with the driver.
Inspect the car before signing the delivery paperwork. Compare it with the pickup report, photograph the issue and have the driver record any new damage. Keep your copies and contact Van 3 promptly for help with the carrier’s claims process. Coverage and claim requirements depend on the applicable carrier policy and shipment terms.
Call (224) 788-7777 with your name, route and booking details. Van 3 is available every day, 6:00 AM–7:00 PM EST. For the documents to retain and next steps, visit Insurance & Claims.
FAQ
Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?
You can nominate an authorised representative if you cannot be there. That person should inspect the vehicle with the driver, sign the condition report and follow the agreed handover instructions. Make sure the person at delivery has access to the pickup report.
Can I ship a car that does not run?
Yes. Tell Van 3 that the vehicle is not running when requesting your quote, and describe any issue that could affect loading. The carrier needs the right equipment and accurate information to plan the pickup.
Can I leave personal belongings in the car?
Personal items must weigh less than 100 lb in total, and household goods are not permitted. Any belongings left in the car travel at your own risk and are not covered by the carrier’s vehicle insurance. Ask the team about your specific items before pickup.
Will the truck come directly to my address?
The carrier will get as close as it can safely and legally reach. Narrow roads, low branches, parking restrictions or limited turning space may require a nearby meeting point. Discuss access with the driver during the advance call.
Is my quote fixed once I receive it?
Your quoted price is locked for 48 hours from receipt, with no hidden fees. If you do not book within that period, your quote may change; the updated quote is locked for another 48 hours. Review your shipment details before booking and ask the team about any changes.
Get your instant quote or talk through your route with our team.
