Shipping a vehicle for the first time can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never worked with an auto transport company before. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, sending a vehicle to a student, or transporting a luxury model, understanding how auto haulers services work can help you make informed, stress-free decisions.
This comprehensive beginner’s guide from First Haulers explains the entire process step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect when shipping a car anywhere in the USA.
What Are Auto Haulers Services?
Auto haulers services refer to professional car transport solutions provided by licensed carriers who move vehicles using specialized trucks and trailers. These include:
Open car haulers (the most common and cost-effective)
Enclosed haulers (premium, weather-protected transport)
Single-vehicle flatbeds (short-distance or emergency moves)
These services are used by regular car owners, dealerships, online buyers, military personnel, students, auction houses, and luxury car collectors.
Step 1: Requesting a Quote — How Pricing Works
The process typically starts when a customer requests a quote online or by phone. For accuracy, auto haulers consider several factors:
✔ Distance
Longer routes cost more but have lower cost-per-mile.
✔ Vehicle type
Bigger, heavier, or modified vehicles affect pricing.
✔ Transport method
Open haulers cost less; enclosed haulers cost more.
✔ Pickup & delivery locations
City-to-city routes are cheaper and faster than rural pickups.
✔ Seasonal demand
Snowbird season and winter shipping can affect pricing.
At First Haulers, our pricing is transparent and based on real-time carrier availability so you always get competitive 2025 rates.
Step 2: Booking Your Auto Hauler Service
Once you confirm a quote, your transport is scheduled. Here’s what happens:
Your order enters the carrier dispatch network
A licensed, insured hauler is assigned
You receive pickup instructions
You choose flexible or exact-date pickup options
Tip: Booking early gives you better rates and more carrier options.
Step 3: Preparing Your Vehicle for Pickup
Proper preparation ensures smooth loading and safe transport. Before the hauler arrives:
✔ Clean your vehicle
Makes inspection easier.
✔ Remove personal belongings
Haulers are not allowed to transport household items.
✔ Check tire pressure, battery, and brakes
Non-running vehicles require special equipment.
✔ Reduce the fuel to around ¼ tank
Safe and efficient for loading.
✔ Disable toll tags
Avoid unwanted charges on the road.
First Haulers provides customers with a preparation checklist to make this step simple and stress-free.
Step 4: Vehicle Inspection (Bill of Lading)
Before loading, the driver completes a thorough inspection and documents any existing damages. This is called the Bill of Lading (BOL).
The BOL protects both you and the carrier by:
Confirming vehicle condition
Serving as a legal transport document
Acting as proof for insurance claims (if needed)
You will sign the BOL at both pickup and delivery.
Step 5: Loading the Vehicle Onto the Hauler
Depending on the transport method:
Open Haulers
Your car is secured on a two-level trailer using industrial straps and tie-downs. This is the most common type of auto shipping in the USA.
Enclosed Haulers
Vehicles are loaded into a fully enclosed trailer—ideal for exotic, luxury, or classic cars needing maximum protection.
Carriers follow strict loading procedures to ensure:
Stability
Safety on long routes
Proper weight distribution
No movement during transport
Step 6: Transporting Your Vehicle to the Destination
During transport, your vehicle is fully insured under the carrier’s FMCSA-approved policy. You can also request:
GPS tracking
Real-time updates
Direct communication with the driver
Transit time depends on distance:
Short distance: 1–3 days
Mid-distance: 3–5 days
Long distance: 7–10+ days
First Haulers ensures you receive updates so you’re always informed.
Step 7: Delivery and Final Inspection
Upon arrival, the driver unloads your vehicle and performs a final inspection, updating the Bill of Lading.
You will:
Review the vehicle condition
Sign off on delivery
Pay the remaining balance (if any)
Receive your receipt and documentation
Vehicle deliveries are typically door-to-door, meaning the hauler comes as close to your home as legally and safely possible.
Types of Auto Haulers Services You Can Choose From
Different needs require different transport options:
1. Open Auto Haulers
Most economical, fastest availability. Ideal for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks.
2. Enclosed Auto Haulers
High-end protection for classic, exotic, luxury, or collector vehicles.
3. Expedited Car Shipping
Priority pickup for urgent timelines.
4. Cross-Country Auto Transport
Popular for relocations and online car purchases.
5. Dealership & Auction Transport
Bulk or frequent shipments.
6. Military Relocation Transport
Discounts and flexible scheduling.
Why Choose First Haulers for Auto Haulers Services in the USA?
First Haulers stands out because we offer:
Advanced 2025 pricing technology
A trusted network of licensed, insured carriers
Door-to-door nationwide delivery
24/7 customer support
Open and enclosed transport options
Zero hidden fees
Safety-first approach
Whether you’re shipping a family sedan or a high-value collector car, First Haulers ensures a smooth, affordable, and reliable experience.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how auto haulers services work helps car owners make confident decisions—especially when shipping long-distance or transporting valuable vehicles. With the right preparation, transparent communication, and a trusted company like First Haulers, you can enjoy a stress-free transport experience anywhere in the USA.