Pay on delivery (COD) car shipping
One of the first questions we hear is simple: do I pay now, or when the car arrives? With In-N-Out Keys, paying on delivery is the standard way to ship. We are a veteran-owned, family-operated carrier and broker serving the entire Florida Keys, and here is exactly how COD works.
What COD means in car shipping
COD stands for cash on delivery, and in auto transport it means you pay the driver or carrier when your vehicle arrives, rather than paying the full balance before pickup. You inspect the car at delivery, confirm it is in the condition you expect, and then settle up. For many shippers, that is a more comfortable way to hire a transport company, especially when it is their first time shipping a vehicle.
Here is the reason we handle payment this way: Every carrier accepts COD, but not every carrier takes billed payments, so paying on delivery lets us line up the best carrier for your route.
Why COD gets you a better carrier
The auto transport business runs on a network of independent carriers. Almost every one of them is happy to be paid on delivery — it is how the industry has always worked. Far fewer are set up to accept billed or invoiced payments, which means waiting weeks for money. When a shipment is limited to carriers that accept billing, the pool of available trucks shrinks, and the best, most reliable drivers for your route may not be among them.
By keeping payment simple and paying on delivery, we can offer your load to the full group of qualified carriers and pick the one that best fits your route, timing, and vehicle. That is the practical reason we prefer COD, and it works in your favor.
How the process works step by step
- Request a quote. Tell us the vehicle, the pickup and delivery locations, and your timing on our quote page.
- Confirm your booking. We go over the details, the route, and what to expect at delivery, including the payment amount and accepted forms of payment.
- Pickup. The driver inspects the car with you or your representative, notes its condition on the bill of lading, and loads it.
- In transit. You get updates as the trip progresses, and the driver or dispatcher calls ahead before arrival.
- Delivery and payment. The car is unloaded, you inspect it against the bill of lading, and you pay on delivery as agreed.
Payment details to plan for
Because payment happens at the curb, it helps to know the details before the truck pulls up.
- Know the amount. Your quote and booking confirmation list what is due on delivery. Ask us if any part is handled differently.
- Know the accepted forms of payment. Carriers often prefer cash, certified funds, or a cashier’s check, and some accept other methods. Ask what the driver will take so you are not scrambling.
- Have someone there. The person receiving the car should be ready to pay, sign the bill of lading, and inspect the vehicle.
- Get a receipt. Keep your signed paperwork and any payment receipt.
Transportation involving the Keys can sometimes call for a split between a deposit and the delivery balance, depending on the route. If that applies to you, we will tell you plainly before you book.
Inspecting your car at delivery
Paying on delivery gives you a natural checkpoint. Before you pay, walk around the car in good light and compare it to the pickup report and your photos. Look at the body, glass, wheels, and underside where you can see them. If you notice anything new, write it on the bill of lading before you sign and call us right away. A calm, well-documented inspection is the best way to resolve a problem quickly. It is much harder to fix a concern after the driver has left.
Shipping to or from the Keys
The same payment approach applies across the islands, from Key Largo through Islamorada and on to Key West. If you are shipping from another state, see our out-of-state guide. For a look at what drives the price, read how much it costs to ship a car to the Keys.
Dealers and businesses with recurring needs can ask about arrangements on our dealer trade page.
Get a Free Quote →Call (754) 714-2439
Frequently asked questions
What does COD mean for car shipping?
It means you pay when the vehicle is delivered, after you inspect it, instead of paying the full balance before pickup.
Why do you use COD?
Every carrier accepts COD, but not every carrier takes billed payments, so paying on delivery lets us line up the best carrier for your route.
What forms of payment are accepted at delivery?
Carriers commonly prefer cash, certified funds, or a cashier’s check, and some take other methods. We will tell you what applies to your booking so you can be ready.
Is there ever a deposit?
On some routes, including certain moves out of the Keys, a split payment may be needed. We will tell you up front if yours does.
What if I cannot be there at delivery?
Someone you trust can receive the car and pay on your behalf. Let us know ahead of time who it will be.
What if I find damage at delivery?
Note it on the bill of lading before signing, take photos, and call us right away. Documentation at the moment of delivery matters most.
Related pages
- Request a free quote
- How much does it cost to ship a car to the Keys?
- Car shipping to the Keys from out of state
- Auto shipping to the Florida Keys
- Florida dealer trade
- Car shipping to Key West
- Hurricane vehicle evacuation
- Request a free quote
In-N-Out Keys LLC · USDOT 4120018 · MC 1583555 · Veteran-owned and family-operated · Interstate carrier and broker, and a direct carrier for all of Florida · Serving the entire Florida Keys · (754) 714-2439
