Car Transport for Online Buyers
Buying a vehicle online opens up a much bigger market. It also creates one obvious problem: the car you just bought may be sitting hundreds or thousands of miles away.
Heights Transport Solutions coordinates vehicle shipping from dealerships, private sellers and auctions so you can skip the flight, hotel, fuel bill and long drive home.
From the Seller to Your Driveway
Online purchases come from all kinds of places, including out-of-state dealerships, private sellers and auctions such as Copart, IAA, Manheim, Mecum and Barrett-Jackson.
Once the purchase is finalized, Heights can coordinate nationwide vehicle transport from the pickup location to your destination.
The purchase may have happened from your couch. The car, annoyingly, is still somewhere else.
Finish the Deal Before We Send the Truck
The vehicle needs to be paid for and released before transportation is arranged. That includes completing any financial paperwork required by the dealership, seller or auction.
Auction purchases may also require a lot number, gate pass or other release information so the carrier can access the vehicle.
Getting those details handled first helps avoid a driver arriving only to discover that the car is technically still somebody else's problem.
Open or Enclosed Transport
Most newer vehicles can be moved using open auto transport, which is typically the more affordable option.
For classic, collector or especially valuable purchases, enclosed transport can add protection from road debris and weather during transit.
If your online purchase happens to be a classic, you can also learn more about classic car transport.
Auction Pickups Need a Little More Coordination
Auction yards often have specific pickup hours, release procedures and storage policies. If the carrier arrives without the correct gate pass or release information, the vehicle may not be available for pickup.
Delays can matter because some auctions begin charging storage fees after a certain period. Providing complete pickup information early gives the carrier the best chance of getting in, getting loaded and getting out without turning your bargain purchase into an increasingly expensive parking spot.
For auction-specific shipping needs, see our auction vehicle transport services.
Timing After an Online Purchase
Contact Heights as soon as the purchase is complete, or even while you are finishing the deal so transportation can be planned.
Carrier availability can vary by season. Snowbird traffic, winter weather and spring storms may affect pickup and delivery timing depending on the route.
Our guide to how long auto shipping takes explains the factors that can influence scheduling.
What Shipping Your Purchase Costs
Shipping cost depends on distance, route, vehicle size, transport type, timing and whether the vehicle is operable.
Before deciding whether to fly out and drive the car home, it is worth comparing the full cost of airfare, fuel, hotels, meals and your time against professional transport.
Learn more about the factors behind auto shipping costs.
Insurance and Vehicle Condition
Carriers transporting vehicles for Heights are required to maintain cargo insurance while the vehicle is in transit.
The vehicle is also inspected at pickup and delivery, with photos used to document its condition and any existing damage.
More information is available on our insurance and compliance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Heights can coordinate pickup from online auctions, but the vehicle must be paid for and released first. Auction pickups may also require a lot number, gate pass or other release information for the carrier.
We can work toward a requested pickup date, but exact timing depends on carrier availability, route, weather and the pickup location's hours. Auctions and dealerships may also have specific release windows.
Yes. Whether you bought from a dealership, private seller or auction, the purchase and release paperwork should be complete before the carrier is scheduled.
Requirements vary by auction, but common items include the lot number, gate pass, release authorization, pickup address and operating hours. Providing those details early helps prevent delays and storage fees.
Open transport is usually the more affordable choice for standard newer vehicles. Enclosed transport may be a better fit for classic, collector or higher-value vehicles that benefit from added protection.
It depends on the route, but it is worth comparing the full trip cost. Airfare, fuel, hotels, meals, mileage and your time can add up quickly, especially when the vehicle is several states away.