Buyers Guide

Vehicle Shipping

Found the right Supra three states away? Here's how transport works and what to decide before booking.

Open vs enclosed transport

  • Open transport is the standard, affordable option — your car rides on a multi-car open trailer, exposed to weather and road debris like any daily drive.
  • Enclosed transport costs roughly 40–60% more but shields the car completely. It's the common choice for low-mileage cars, special editions like the A91-MT or 45th Anniversary, and fresh paint.

Arranging transport

  1. Get quotes from multiple carriers or brokers. Marketplaces like uShip and national brokers such as Montway or Sherpa make comparing easy — check reviews and USDOT numbers.
  2. Confirm the carrier's cargo insurance coverage in writing, including the limit.
  3. Coordinate pickup with the seller: someone must be present to hand over the car and sign the bill of lading.
  4. Document the car's condition with dated photos at pickup, and inspect it carefully at delivery before signing.

Typical cross-country transit runs one to two weeks depending on route and season. Build the shipping window into your purchase timeline — and into any escrow agreement's inspection period.

Back to the How to Buy a Supra.