Help Center / Car Shipping Pickup & Delivery Guide
Car Shipping Pickup & Delivery Guide
A smooth vehicle handoff starts with clear contact details, an accessible meeting point and time for an inspection. Here is what to expect when your assigned carrier picks up and delivers your vehicle.
Coordinate the schedule and meeting point
Keep your pickup and delivery contact numbers current, and stay available for updates from Onyx and your assigned carrier. Confirm the location, contact person and estimated arrival window before each handoff.
Dates and times are estimates. Traffic, weather, road conditions, earlier stops and other transport conditions can affect the schedule. Avoid making time-sensitive plans that depend on an exact arrival time.
Door-to-door service means the carrier gets as close to your addresses as it can safely and legally. Narrow streets, low branches, low bridges, parking restrictions or limited turning space may require a nearby accessible meeting point. Agree on that location with the driver.
Get ready before pickup
- Clean the vehicle enough to make its condition easy to inspect and take clear photos.
- Keep fuel at no more than one-quarter of a tank under our terms.
- Remove or secure loose accessories, and disable the alarm or provide operating instructions.
- Tell Onyx about modifications, low clearance, leaks or a change in running condition before the carrier arrives.
- Have the keys ready and follow the preparation requirements in your booking.
Personal belongings travel at your own risk. Our terms permit one bag or suitcase of up to 100 pounds in the trunk or storage area, with advance notice; the carrier may refuse it. Do not pack prohibited items. See the vehicle preparation guide for more details.
At pickup: inspect, document and sign
You or an authorized adult representative must be present. Walk around the vehicle with the driver before it is loaded. Compare its condition with your photos and make sure existing scratches, dents or other visible issues are recorded on the carrier’s inspection report or bill of lading.
Review the vehicle details and condition notes before signing. Ask for corrections if needed, then keep a signed paper or electronic copy. Give the driver any necessary keys and vehicle operating instructions.
While your vehicle is in transit
Keep your phone available for delivery coordination. If the receiving contact or address changes, tell Onyx promptly so we can review the change with the carrier. A change may affect routing, timing or price.
Prepare the delivery payment in advance if a balance is due. For the discounted cash option, confirm the amount, payee and accepted method with the assigned carrier. Credit or debit cards and personal checks are not accepted for the carrier balance at delivery. Some carriers accept Zelle or Venmo only by prior confirmation. Review our payment options.
At delivery: check before you sign
You or your authorized adult representative should inspect the vehicle with the driver after unloading and before signing the delivery report. Compare the vehicle with the pickup report and photos. Allow enough time and use adequate lighting.
Record any new visible damage specifically on the delivery report before signing. Take clear photos and obtain the final signed carrier copy. Keep both inspection reports and all shipment records together.
If you discover damage, contact Onyx promptly and no later than 48 hours after delivery if you intend to file a claim. Claims must be submitted directly to the carrier. Payment obligations remain separate from a damage claim. Read our insurance guide for the documentation steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone else meet the driver?
Yes. Arrange for an authorized adult representative at pickup or delivery. Give them the shipment details, inspection instructions and any payment information they need, and provide their contact details to Onyx.
Will the truck come to my driveway?
The driver needs a safe, legal route and adequate space for the truck. If the address is not accessible, coordinate a nearby suitable location.
What if the schedule changes?
Stay in touch with Onyx and the carrier, and keep your pickup or receiving contact available. Dates and times are estimates; ask for the latest arrival information.
What should I keep after delivery?
Keep the signed pickup and delivery reports, photos, booking confirmation, payment records and relevant messages. These documents are useful if a question arises later.
Plan your next step
Questions about your shipment?
Contact Onyx with your order number for help with your shipment details. Call 800-808-0176 or email info@onyxautotransport.com.
This guide summarizes the process. Your booking details and our Terms of Service govern your shipment.