Michael R.
Great price. Great communication. On-time pick up. On-time delivery. Door to door service. Highly recommend!
Jan 15, 2026Google
4.9/5 from 3,200+ reviews
Online Car Buyer Shipping
Bought a car on Carvana, Cars.com, CarMax, Bring a Trailer, or from a private seller? We deliver it to your driveway — you don't need to be at the pickup location.
Free Quotepay on delivery
Seller Pickupwe coordinate
GPS Tracking
ScottPrice LockGuaranteed price at booking
Get an instant quote
Read what other customers say about their delivery experience
Sarah K.
We had an easy and successful experience with Scott's! Great drivers and excellent communication. Affordable and professional!
Jan 22, 2026Google
James C.
Did a great job transporting my vehicle across the country. Showed up when they said. Very professional staff and drivers.
Feb 1, 2026Google
Online car buyer shipping
Ship a Car You Bought Online -- Delivered to Your Door
Buying a car online has never been easier. Platforms like Carvana, Cars.com, CarMax, AutoTrader, Bring a Trailer, and Facebook Marketplace have made it possible to find the exact car you want from anywhere in the country. The challenge? Getting it home. That's where online car buyer shipping comes in.
At Scott's Auto Carrier, we specialize in shipping vehicles for online car buyers. Whether you bought a daily driver from CarMax in Houston or a collector car on Bring a Trailer in Scottsdale, we coordinate directly with the seller, pick up the vehicle, and deliver it to your driveway. You don't need to fly out, rent a one-way car, or take days off work.
This page covers everything online car buyers need to know: how the shipping process works with each platform, what it costs, how to coordinate pickup with a seller you've never met, and what to inspect when your car arrives.
5,000+
Online purchases shipped
$0
Due until carrier matched
100%
Seller coordination
Bought a Car Online? Ship It Home.
Whether it's from Carvana, a private seller, or a dealer across the country -- get a locked-in price in under 60 seconds.
Step by step
How Online Car Buyer Shipping Works
Shipping a car you bought online is simpler than you think. Here's the exact process from quote to delivery -- most online car buyer shipments are completed in 5-10 days.
01
Get a quote before you buy
Run the numbers before you commit. Enter the seller's city and your home address to get an instant shipping price. Our online car buyer shipping quotes are locked in -- so you can factor transport into your total cost of ownership.
02
Complete your purchase
Buy the car through whatever platform you're using -- Carvana, Cars.com, a Facebook Marketplace seller, or a dealer. Once you own it, book your shipment with us. Free quote, no obligation.
03
We coordinate with the seller
Our transport coordinator contacts the seller or dealer directly to schedule pickup. We handle timing, access instructions, and key handoff. You don't need to be at the pickup location or fly out to get the car.
04
Your car ships door-to-door
A vetted carrier picks up your vehicle, and you track it in real time via GPS. Open transport for most purchases, enclosed for high-value or classic cars. $750K+ insurance on every load.
05
Inspect and accept delivery
When the carrier arrives, you and the driver inspect the vehicle together against the condition report signed at pickup. Note any changes, sign off, and your car is home. Pay the remaining balance on delivery.
Shipping by platform
Online Car Buyer Shipping by Purchase Platform
Every platform has different pickup logistics. Here's how we handle shipping for each major online car buying platform -- and what you need to know as the buyer.
Carvana
Most PopularCarvana offers their own delivery on some vehicles, but their service area is limited and scheduling can be inflexible. Many Carvana buyers use third-party shipping for faster delivery, more control over timing, and lower cost on longer routes. We coordinate directly with Carvana vending machines and hub locations.
Pro tip: Carvana gives you 7 days/400 miles to return. Ship it fast so your return window isn't eaten by transit time.
Avg. shipping
$450-$1,200
Cars.com / AutoTrader
Most Cars.com and AutoTrader listings are from dealerships nationwide. Dealers are experienced with carrier pickups -- they have staging lots, designated shipping contacts, and regular hours. This makes dealer-to-door online car buyer shipping the smoothest experience. We contact the dealer directly after you book.
Pro tip: Ask the dealer to complete a pre-shipping inspection and send you photos before the carrier arrives.
Avg. shipping
$400-$1,100
CarMax
CarMax has a nationwide transfer system, but transferring to your local store can take 2-3 weeks and costs $500-$1,500+. Direct shipping from the CarMax location where the car sits is often faster and cheaper. We pick up from any CarMax location and deliver to your door.
Pro tip: Compare CarMax's transfer fee against a direct shipping quote -- you'll often save $200-$500 and 1-2 weeks.
Avg. shipping
$400-$1,100
Bring a Trailer / Cars & Bids
Auction cars are often high-value, collector, or unique vehicles that deserve enclosed shipping. We specialize in white-glove transport for auction wins. Seller coordination is critical here -- we work with the seller on key handoff, title transfer timing, and secure pickup.
Pro tip: Book shipping before the auction ends so you can close quickly. Sellers prefer buyers who have logistics figured out.
Avg. shipping
$500-$2,000
Facebook Marketplace / Private Sellers
Private seller pickups require the most coordination. The seller may have limited availability, no shipping experience, and a residential pickup location. Our coordinators handle all communication -- we schedule a pickup window, confirm access, and walk the seller through the handoff process.
Pro tip: Have the seller sign the Bill of Lading at pickup. This protects both parties with a documented condition report.
Avg. shipping
$400-$1,200
Dealer-to-Door (Out of State)
Found the perfect car at a dealership 1,500 miles away? Rather than flying out and driving back (flights, hotels, gas, tolls, 2-3 days lost), ship it. Total cost of a road trip often exceeds shipping -- and you avoid putting 1,500 miles on a car you just bought.
Pro tip: A 1,500-mile road trip costs $400-$700 in gas, tolls, food, and hotel. Shipping is often the same price -- minus the hassle.
Avg. shipping
$500-$1,100
Not Sure How to Get Your Car Delivered?
Our coordinators have shipped thousands of online car purchases. We coordinate with sellers, dealers, and auction houses so you don't have to.
Online car buyer shipping cost
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car You Bought Online?
Online car buyer shipping cost depends primarily on distance. Here's what to expect for a standard sedan or SUV purchased online, shipped via open transport.
Under 500 mi$350-$500
Per Mile
$0.75-$1.00
Transit
1-3 days
Example
Dallas to Houston
500-1,000 mi$450-$800
Per Mile
$0.55-$0.80
Transit
3-5 days
Example
Chicago to Nashville
1,000-1,500 mi$600-$1,050
Per Mile
$0.50-$0.70
Transit
5-7 days
Example
NYC to Miami
1,500-2,000 mi$750-$1,200
Per Mile
$0.48-$0.65
Transit
6-8 days
Example
Phoenix to Atlanta
2,000-2,500 mi$900-$1,350
Per Mile
$0.45-$0.60
Transit
7-9 days
Example
NY to LA
2,500+ mi$1,050-$1,500
Per Mile
$0.42-$0.55
Transit
8-10 days
Example
Miami to Seattle
Ship it vs. fly & drive: cost comparison
Fly out & drive it back (1,500 mi)
Round-trip flight$200-$400
Gas (1,500 mi at 25 mpg)$180-$250
Tolls & parking$30-$80
Hotel (1-2 nights)$100-$250
Food & meals$50-$100
1,500 miles of wear on new carPriceless
2-3 days of your timePriceless
Total$560-$1,080+
Ship it with Scott's (1,500 mi)
Door-to-door shipping$700-$1,050
Insurance ($750K+)Included
Seller coordinationIncluded
GPS trackingIncluded
Miles on your new car0
Days off work0
StressZero
Total$700-$1,050
Transport options
Open vs. Enclosed Shipping for Online Car Purchases
Most online car purchases ship open. But if you bought something special, enclosed might be worth the investment.
Best for 90%+ of online purchases
Open Transport
The standard for online car buyer shipping. Your car rides on a multi-vehicle carrier -- the same way dealerships transport new cars from the factory. Safe, affordable, and fast.
Best for Carvana, CarMax, dealer purchases
Fastest carrier availability
$0.50-$0.90/mi average
$750K+ insurance included
1-3 day pickup after booking
For high-value purchases
Enclosed Transport
For Bring a Trailer wins, classic cars, luxury vehicles, and anything over $75K. Fully enclosed trailer protects from weather, road debris, and UV. White-glove loading with hydraulic lift gates.
Best for BaT, Cars & Bids, luxury buys
Total weather and debris protection
Hydraulic lift gates for low cars
Enhanced insurance available
White-glove service
Who we serve
Shipping Solutions for Every Situation
Whether you are relocating for a new job, buying a car online, or heading south for winter -- we have tailored shipping solutions for your specific needs.
Car Relocation
Moving for work or life
Relocating to a new city for a job, family, or fresh start? We handle the vehicle logistics so you can focus on the move. Door-to-door service, flexible scheduling, and real-time tracking included.
Learn moreOnline Car Buyers
Bought it? We ship it.
Purchased a vehicle on Carvana, AutoTrader, Cars.com, or a private seller out of state? We pick up directly from the seller and deliver to your door -- nationwide.
Learn moreSnowbird Shipping
Seasonal relocations
Heading south for winter or north for summer? Ship your car ahead so it is waiting when you land. Thousands of snowbirds trust us for their annual Florida, Arizona, and Texas routes.
Learn moreMilitary Car Shipping
PCS and base transfers
PCS orders, base transfers, and deployment vehicle storage -- we work with active duty, reserves, and military families. Familiar with every major U.S. base and overseas port.
Learn moreTravel Nurses
Relocate with ease
Short-term assignments across the country mean your car needs to keep up. We offer flexible pickup dates and expedited options so your vehicle arrives when your contract starts.
Learn moreCollege Students
Ship your car to school
Driving cross-country before freshman year or transferring campuses? We ship your car safely to any college town so you can fly instead of drive -- parents love the peace of mind.
Learn moreGood to know
5 Things Online Car Buyers Need to Know Before Shipping
Shipping a car you bought online is different from shipping a car you already own. These five tips will save you time, money, and headaches.
01
You don't need to be at the pickup location
This is the biggest advantage of online car buyer shipping. Our coordinator contacts the seller, dealer, or auction house directly. They schedule the pickup, handle key handoff, and complete the condition report. You just need to be at the delivery address.
02
Book shipping before you finalize the purchase
Smart online car buyers get a shipping quote before they buy. This lets you factor transport into your total cost and move fast once the sale closes. Sellers and auction houses prefer buyers who have logistics figured out -- it shows you're serious and ready to close.
03
Inspect your car thoroughly at delivery
The condition report (Bill of Lading) signed at pickup documents your vehicle's state. At delivery, you and the driver compare every panel, bumper, wheel, and glass surface against it. Take photos and video. If anything's different, note it on the BOL before signing. This is your legal record for any claims.
04
Shipping is often cheaper than flying out to drive it home
A 1,500-mile road trip costs $400-$700+ in flights, gas, tolls, hotels, and food -- plus 2-3 days of your time and 1,500 miles on a car you just bought. Shipping the same distance costs $700-$1,050 door-to-door with zero miles added and zero days lost.
05
Your car is insured from pickup to delivery
Every carrier in our network carries $750,000+ in verified cargo insurance. Your vehicle is covered from the moment the driver loads it to the moment you sign the delivery BOL. We handle the entire claims process if anything happens -- you deal with us, not the carrier.
The Scott's difference
Why Online Car Buyers Choose Scott's Auto Carrier
Thousands of online car purchases shipped every year. We know how to coordinate with every major platform, dealer, and private seller to get your car home safely and on time.
Get your free quoteWe coordinate directly with sellers and dealers
ScottPrice Lock -- price never changes after booking
$0 to reserve -- pay only when carrier confirmed
Dedicated coordinator for every shipment
Real-time GPS tracking on every transport
$750K+ insurance per carrier, verified
24/7 U.S.-based phone support
Free cancellation before carrier dispatch
5,000+ online purchases shipped
4.9/5 rating across 3,200+ verified reviews
5,000+
Online purchases shipped
4.9
Average rating
$0
Hidden fees, ever
Online car buyer shipping FAQ
Common Questions
Everything online car buyers ask about shipping their purchase home, answered by our team.
Get a shipping quote using the seller's location and your delivery address. Book the shipment (free quote, no obligation). We contact the seller or dealer to schedule pickup. A vetted carrier picks up the vehicle, and you track it via GPS. At delivery, you inspect the car, sign the condition report, and pay the balance. The entire process typically takes 5-10 days from booking to delivery.
Nationwide online car buyer shipping
Ship Your Online Purchase to Any U.S. State
We deliver online car purchases door-to-door across all 50 states. Whether you bought from a dealer in California or a private seller in Maine, we get it home.
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Ready to Ship Your Online Car Purchase?
Get a free, no-obligation quote for shipping the car you bought online. We coordinate with the seller, handle pickup, and deliver to your door. Free quote, no obligation.