How Car Shipping Works?

I am preparing to move a vehicle between states and I have been trying to understand the entire transportation process before choosing a company. I have come across Freedom Auto Transport during my research, but I have never shipped a vehicle before, so I would like to hear from people who have experience with this.


My biggest question is how car shipping works from the customer's perspective. After receiving a quote and booking the service, what normally happens next? Does the company assign a carrier immediately, or can it take several days before a driver is confirmed?


I am also wondering how car shipping works when it comes to preparing the vehicle for pickup. Should the fuel level be kept low, and should personal belongings be removed completely? What documents should the customer have ready when the driver arrives?


Another thing I want to understand is the inspection process. Is the vehicle photographed or inspected for existing scratches and dents before loading? Does the driver and customer both review the condition report before the vehicle leaves?


For anyone familiar with Freedom Auto Transport, how accurate are the pickup and delivery estimates? I understand that traffic, weather, mechanical problems, and other factors can affect transportation schedules, but I would like to know how customers are kept informed if something changes.


I am also curious about payment. Is a deposit normally required when booking, with the remaining balance paid at delivery, or do companies use different arrangements?


Finally, how car shipping works when the carrier cannot safely reach a residential address is something I would like clarified. Does the driver normally arrange a nearby meeting location?


What advice would you give someone shipping a vehicle for the first time?