Table of contents
Quick answer
With most brokers, you pay a deposit or booking fee once a carrier is assigned, and the rest to the driver at pickup or delivery, often by cash, certified check or another method the company names in advance. Terms vary, so get the amounts, due dates, accepted payment methods and refund rules in writing before you pay anything, and never pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency.
How car shipping payment usually works
Car shipping is often paid in two parts, because two businesses are usually involved: the broker that arranges the move and the carrier that drives the truck.
- BookingYou accept a quote and sign the order. Some companies charge nothing yet; others take a card on file.
- Carrier assignedMany brokers charge their deposit or fee only once a carrier has accepted your car.
- Pickup or deliveryThe remaining balance usually goes to the carrier, most often at delivery.
Carriers that book directly with customers may take a single payment instead. Whatever the model, the contract should say exactly who you pay, how much and when.
What to know about deposits
- Ask when the deposit is charged: at booking or only after a carrier is assigned
- Ask whether it is refundable, and until when
- Check whether the deposit is part of the total or an extra fee
- Get a receipt that shows the company name and your order number
Paying the driver
Carriers often ask for the balance at delivery in a form they can rely on, such as cash, a cashier's check or a money order. Some take cards or payment through the broker. Confirm the method when you book so you aren't scrambling on delivery day.
- Know the exact balance before the truck arrives
- Inspect the car and note any damage on the bill of lading before you pay and sign
- Get a receipt for any cash payment
- Don't hand over payment to anyone other than the carrier named on your order
Safe and unsafe ways to pay
| Method | Risk | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card | Lower | Card issuers offer dispute rights if the service isn't provided |
| Cashier's check or money order to the named carrier | Lower | Common for delivery balances; ties payment to the company |
| Cash at delivery, with a receipt | Moderate | Pay only after inspecting the car |
| Wire transfer | High | Like sending cash; usually can't be reversed |
| Gift cards or cryptocurrency | Very high | Only scammers ask for these |
Credit card
- Risk
- Lower
- Why
- Card issuers offer dispute rights if the service isn't provided
Cashier's check or money order to the named carrier
- Risk
- Lower
- Why
- Common for delivery balances; ties payment to the company
Cash at delivery, with a receipt
- Risk
- Moderate
- Why
- Pay only after inspecting the car
Wire transfer
- Risk
- High
- Why
- Like sending cash; usually can't be reversed
Gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Risk
- Very high
- Why
- Only scammers ask for these
Sources: FTC consumer advice
Cancellations, refunds and delays
Refund rules are set by each company's contract, so read them before you pay. Common terms are a full refund before a carrier is assigned and a fee after dispatch, because the carrier has already planned its route around your car.
- What does it cost to cancel before and after a carrier is assigned?
- What happens to my deposit if no carrier accepts the price?
- Can I change dates without a fee?
- Is any part refundable if pickup is late?
Payment red flags
- Full payment demanded before a carrier is assigned, with no written refund terms
- Payment requested by wire, gift card, cryptocurrency or a personal payment-app account
- A driver asking for more than the balance on your order
- Pressure to pay today to "hold" a price
- A company name on the invoice that doesn't match the one you booked
Questions to ask before you pay anything
- What is the total price, and which part is the deposit or broker fee?
- Who receives each payment, and under what company name?
- When is each payment due: booking, carrier assignment, pickup or delivery?
- Which payment methods does the driver accept at delivery?
- What do I get back if I cancel, and until when?
- What happens to my payment if no carrier is found?
If you paid and the service didn't happen
- Ask for a refund in writingQuote the refund terms in your contract and give a reasonable deadline.
- Dispute card chargesCard issuers have dispute processes for services you paid for but didn't receive. Act quickly, because issuers set time limits.
- Report the companyFile a complaint with the FMCSA and warn others through Scam Watch.
Paying to ship a car you bought
When you buy a car from a dealer or a private seller in another state, agree up front who books and pays for shipping. If the seller arranges it, ask for the carrier's details so you can verify them. Never send extra money to a seller for “shipping” through a company you can't look up yourself.
Keep a payment record
Keep every payment document together until the car has arrived and any claim is settled. It makes refunds, disputes and damage claims much simpler.
- The signed order or contract with the price and payment terms
- Receipts for the deposit and the delivery balance
- Card statements showing each charge
- Emails confirming any change to the price
- Your copy of the signed bill of lading
Frequently asked questions
Do car shipping companies require a deposit?
Many brokers charge a deposit or booking fee, often once a carrier is assigned, with the balance paid to the carrier. Some companies take a single payment instead. The amount and timing should be in your contract.
When do you pay for car shipping?
Usually in two steps: a deposit or fee when the carrier is assigned, and the balance at pickup or delivery. Always confirm the exact schedule before you book.
Can I pay for car shipping with a credit card?
Many companies accept cards for the deposit, and some for the full price. Carriers may ask for the delivery balance in cash or a certified check, so ask in advance.
Is a car shipping deposit refundable?
It depends on the contract. Deposits are often refundable before a carrier is assigned and may not be afterwards. Get the refund terms in writing.
Should I pay the full amount up front?
Be cautious. Paying everything before a carrier is even assigned leaves you with little leverage if pickup is late. Prefer terms where the balance is due at delivery.
A company wants a wire transfer. Is that normal?
Treat it as a red flag. The FTC warns that scammers ask for wire transfers, gift cards and cryptocurrency because the money is hard to recover.
Avoid car shipping scamsWhy do some drivers want cash or a certified check?
Carriers want payment they can rely on at the moment they hand over your car. Confirm the accepted methods when you book, and always get a receipt.
Should I pay at pickup or delivery?
Paying the balance at delivery, after you've inspected the car, gives you the most protection. Follow your contract, and ask if you can move payment to delivery.
Sources
Written and reviewed by the Haulwide editorial team. Editorial policy
