Finding your next vehicle is a lot easier now than ever. You don’t have to dedicate an entire Saturday to walking around a local dealer lot in the sun with salespeople eager to ask you questions. Online shopping means you can find a great deal on the specific car you want, often in the trims and colors you need, with the features you dream about.
The trick is getting your new purchase back home. Even if you save a few thousand dollars on the price tag, you still need a way to get the vehicle from the seller to your driveway. Knowing the benefits of car shipping may make that experience much easier on your budget and your peace of mind.
Why Auto Transport Makes Sense for Online Car Buyers
Around half of Gen Z buyers are skipping car purchases through dealerships. They want more access to a diverse inventory of vehicles that a local dealer within 50 miles cannot provide. That expanded search is why many buyers are looking to the advantage of using car carrier transport. They help them find unique offers on:
- Specific makes, models, colors, or trim packages
- Used vehicles with unusually low mileage
- Classic, collectible, luxury or performance cars
- EVs that aren't widely stocked locally
- Trucks or SUVs with particular configurations
- Auction vehicles and private-party purchases
- Better pricing from markets outside their home state
Once you’ve found the vehicle you need for your family, commuting to work, or finally taking seasonal vacations down south, it’s time to look at the benefits of shipping a car back home.
The Biggest Benefits of Shipping a Car Instead of Picking It Up
You Can Shop a Much Larger Vehicle Market
The most obvious reason to use a car shipping provider like Nexus Auto Transport is choice. When you can hire a carrier to safely bring any vehicle to your location, you suddenly unlock the ability to buy from a specific seller. That means the Toyota RAV4 with the Sports Package, which is $2,000 cheaper than your nearby dealer, is now a real option.
You Avoid Turning Pickup into a Road Trip
Flying four states over to drive the car you just purchased on your own will cost time, effort, and money. The DIY approach means you need to coordinate hotels, fuel, maintenance, food, and other activities. Plus, you’ll need to take time off work or hire a neighbor to watch your cats while on the road. Professional auto transport that offers nationwide door-to-door service gets around these concerns.
Your New Purchase Doesn't Start with Thousands of Extra Miles
Buying a collectible Corvette in California then driving it over 2,700 miles to upstate New York isn’t the best decision. It’s going to put a lot more miles on your vehicle before you ever get the chance to take it for a drive. When you have a high-end or luxury car, that can lead to greater depreciation.
Shipping Gives You Different Levels of Protection
One of the benefits of shipping a car is you can choose open, enclosed, or expedited shipping. That offers more protection while it’s on the road or better scheduling to fit your already packed month.
Protection also comes from properly vetted carriers like those from Nexus Auto Transport. These drivers follow FMCSA requirements for everything from cargo insurance to timely driving hours and interstate travel, all in compliance with federal standards.
Financial and Practical Comparison: Auto Shipping vs. Driving
Evaluation Factor |
Professional Auto Transport |
Driving Yourself |
|---|---|---|
Total Expense |
One transport charge based on route, vehicle and service |
Fuel, airfare/second driver, lodging, meals, tolls and other travel expenses |
Time Required |
Buyer generally only needs to coordinate delivery |
May require several days for long-distance purchases |
Mileage and Depreciation |
Transportation miles aren't added to the odometer |
Entire return trip adds mileage and wear |
Road Hazard Risk |
Vehicle is secured on a carrier; enclosed shipping adds exterior protection |
Vehicle is directly exposed to traffic, road debris, weather and highway hazards |
Is Shipping an Online Car Purchase Cost-Effective?
The total price you’ll pay for vehicle shipping depends on many factors. The current average quote for open transport is around $650. Your final estimate will depend on:
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Total distance
- Vehicle make, model, size, and weight
- Open versus enclosed transport
- Operating condition
- Season and carrier availability
- Standard versus expedited pickup
Always compare your quote against a few others. That will give you a realistic idea of what to budget for before you purchase a new or used car online. When you consider the costs of plane tickets or a decent hotel for a few nights, the advantages of using car carrier transport tend to outweigh those of DIYing it.
How to Safely Receive a Car You Purchased Online
After your newly purchased car arrives at your home through Nexus Auto Transport, you still need to check all the important boxes. Be sure to compare the vehicle against the original listing and the Bill of Lading. You’re looking for any discrepancies during a post-delivery inspection.
Document anything you see that is different. It doesn’t matter if it’s a few hundred miles difference in the odometer or an incorrect VIN. You need those details and your paperwork in case there is an issue you’ll have to contest.
Not all online car sellers are on the up and up. Do your best to confirm as many details as possible before you hire Nexus for auto shipping. That way, when the trusted experts in vehicle delivery coordinate your next shipment, you can rest easy knowing what will be arriving in your driveway long before it does.
Turn a Nationwide Search into a Practical Purchase
The real benefit of shipping a car after you make an online purchase is convenience. Even if it costs a little more than driving the car back on your own, you don’t have to deal with long hours on the road away from work, school, and family obligations.
Getting a quote with Nexus Auto Transport's online car shipping calculator is a good first step. It’ll give you solid ground for deciding if you should ship that beautiful new Tesla for your daily commute or fly out and drive the Ford F-150 back home.
FAQs
How do I handle the vehicle handoff if I cannot meet the carrier in person?
You can designate an adult (over 18) to meet the driver on your behalf, but you should always communicate those details to the carrier and delivery coordinator first.
What steps should I take if the car arrives with damage not shown in the online listing?
Always, always, always do a post-delivery inspection and compare the car against the original online listing and the Bill of Lading provided by the carrier. If there is a discrepancy, make a record and then contact either the seller or our team at Nexus to proceed with the claims procedure.
Is the buyer or seller responsible for transport insurance during transit?
The carrier must have cargo insurance. Nexus always vets all our professional drivers before matching them with any customer. However, you should always ask if the coverage will meet the value of your new purchase.
Can I load personal belongings into a car shipped from an online seller?
No. Your personal property isn’t covered by insurance and will add weight to the carrier’s delivery, increasing the cost. It’s best to remove any personal items. If you’re buying a car with modifications, ask the seller to put them inside the vehicle or note them for the carrier so they know what to expect.
