Once you’ve decided on the vehicle and when to purchase it, or rather, have it shipped, you’ll want to research the auto transporter companies that are available.  Start by checking with the company you’re purchasing your vehicle from.  Some dealers use their own shipping company and others will let you choose but they probably have lists of who they like and don’t like.  Once you’ve narrowed your list down to three or four companies I’d get references, if possible.  Whether you get references or not I’d definitely check with the Better Business Bureau as well since this is where you’ll hear the complaints about the companies, and if they’ve resolved them.

Shipping a car takes about as long if you were to drive yourself but depending on the type of vehicle it could cost quite a bit less to ship it.  If the shipping company you’re buying from has several vehicles headed your direction the rates may be lower.  If you’re not exactly in a location where several cars are to be delivered try to flexible and meet the transporter somewhere relatively close to home and drive the car yourself the rest of the way.  You will need to consider the cost of getting yourself to the car and fuel costs to get it the rest of the way before making any decisions.

Lastly, you’ll want to make sure you understand everything that is in the shipper’s contract.  What is covered, what’s not, and if additional insurance is available, what it covers and the deductible that applies.  You’ll also want to be sure to have someone you trust inspect the vehicle before it is loaded onto the truck and make sure that anything noted on the shipping paperwork is complete and accurate.  You’ll want to make sure that the location it’s being delivered to is easily accessible by whatever type of truck is bringing your new vehicle.  You’ll also want to make sure that you fully inspect the vehicle before you sign off on the delivery.  Once you’ve signed that it’s been delivered as requested it will be difficult to file any problems you find later.  Just remember to arrange everything in advance and make sure that all payments and schedules are clearly defined so there are no surprises once everything is complete.