Online Buying
Shipping a Vehicle Bought Online
Online marketplaces and auction sites have made it possible to buy a vehicle from almost anywhere and have it delivered, but the process for getting it shipped isn't identical across platforms. Some marketplaces arrange or control delivery themselves as part of the purchase, while others leave transport entirely up to the buyer. This guide covers the general landscape and why confirming the current process on whichever platform you're using matters more than assuming.
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- Guide
- Online Buying
- Reading
- 7 sections
- Applies to
- Contiguous US shipments
- Cost to ask
- Quotes are free
Photo: Illustrative transport image, Created for Velocity Auto Transport Group
The variety of places people shop online
Buyers today source vehicles from a wide range of platforms with very different models: large online retailers like Carvana and CarMax that sell inventory directly, general marketplaces like Cars.com, Autotrader, CarGurus, TrueCar, and CarStory that aggregate listings, peer-to-peer marketplaces like eBay Motors and Craigslist, enthusiast and collector-focused sites like Bring a Trailer and Hemmings, search aggregators like AutoTempest, and research resources like Edmunds. Velocity has no partnership or affiliation with any of these platforms; they're mentioned here only as examples of where people commonly shop.
Some platforms arrange delivery themselves
Certain online retailers build vehicle delivery directly into their purchase process, meaning the platform itself coordinates getting the car to you as part of the sale, sometimes through their own logistics network. When that's the case, independent shipping arranged separately isn't necessary and, depending on the platform's terms, may not even be an option for that specific purchase.
Other platforms leave shipping entirely to the buyer
Peer-to-peer marketplaces, many auction and enthusiast sites, and classified listings typically function purely as a place to find and purchase the vehicle, leaving pickup and transport arrangements entirely up to the buyer and seller. In these cases, arranging your own shipment through a broker is a normal and common next step once the sale is agreed.
Why you must confirm each platform's current process
Marketplace policies change, and different sellers on the same platform can have different practices, especially on peer-to-peer or auction-style sites where each listing is controlled by an individual seller or dealer rather than the platform itself. Before assuming you need (or don't need) independent transport, check the specific listing's terms and ask the seller directly how they expect the vehicle to be picked up.
Coordinating with a dealer-style seller
When the seller is a dealership, even one operating primarily online, they're typically well set up to accommodate a third-party carrier for pickup and can confirm hours, location, and any specific requirements. Provide this information to your coordinator so the carrier arrives prepared.
Coordinating with an individual seller or auction winner scenario
When you've won a listing on an auction-style or enthusiast site, or bought from an individual seller through a classified or peer-to-peer platform, confirm the exact pickup address, timing, and any access considerations directly with the seller, since there's no institutional process behind the scenes the way there is with a dealer. Our auction vehicle transportation guide covers additional detail relevant to this scenario.
What to do before booking your shipment
Regardless of platform, confirm the sale is finalized, payment and title arrangements are settled or clearly scheduled, and the seller knows a third-party carrier, not you personally, will be arriving for pickup. Have the pickup address, seller contact information, and any access notes ready when you request your quote so your coordinator can plan the shipment accurately.
When you are ready, request a written quote or contact us with questions about your specific vehicle and route.
Velocity Auto Transport Group LLC is an auto transport brokerage. We arrange vehicle transportation through qualified motor carriers and coordinate your shipment from quote to delivery — the carrier assigned to your vehicle operates the truck.
How we work
What you can expect from us
We are a licensed-carrier brokerage, not a trucking fleet
Velocity Auto Transport Group LLC arranges your transport with qualified motor carriers. The carrier assigned to your vehicle operates the truck; we coordinate the booking, the paperwork and the updates.
Written quotes, reviewed by a person
Your route, vehicle and timing are reviewed against current carrier-market conditions before we send a quote. No instant algorithmic number that changes after you book.
One point of contact from quote to delivery
You reach the same team for scheduling changes, pickup windows and delivery updates rather than a call queue.
Questions
Common questions
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