Option 01
Open transport
A trailer without enclosing walls. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road conditions during the move.
Discuss: pickup access, loading clearance and any exposed or loose accessories.
ProjectJDM / Vehicle shippingPlanning tool available now
The right car.
The next ZIP code.
A new purchase. A cross-country move. A car you have spent years building. Start with the details that make its journey different.
Before the quote
- 01
Map the move
Pickup and delivery ZIP codes.
- 02
Know your setup
Condition, clearance and modifications.
- 03
Start the conversation
A brief to share with your chosen broker.
ProjectJDM by Merchant Dash LLC is an automotive information resource, not a motor carrier or licensed freight broker. Our guides and planning tools are available now. We are not accepting quote requests or bookings.
Choose the approachTwo trailer types.
Two trailer types.
One specific car.
Begin with how much exposure you are comfortable with, then discuss the car and the route. The right equipment matters as much as the trailer’s walls.
Option 02
Enclosed transport
An enclosed trailer provides a barrier from weather and road debris. Ask about the specific trailer and loading method.
Discuss: ramps or liftgate, vehicle dimensions and handling for low-clearance cars.
Neither trailer choice is a guarantee against damage. Ask the provider about the assigned carrier’s coverage and claims process.
Read the full trailer comparisonPut the details in one place
A better first conversation.
Build a short, copyable brief. Keep it, change it, or share it directly with the transport broker you choose.
Your shipment brief
Organize one vehicle move between U.S. ZIP codes. No account or contact details needed. This tool does not check route availability or calculate a price.
The shipping field guide
All shipping guides Good cars deserve a good plan.
Practical guides for the questions that come before a car goes on a trailer.
01 / Transport options5 min read
Open or enclosed? Choose around the car.
Compare exposure, loading equipment, availability and cost before choosing how your car travels.
Read the guide : Open or enclosed? Choose around the car.
02 / Modified vehicles5 min read
Shipping a lowered car starts with the details.
What to tell a transport provider about coilovers, splitters, wide wheels and a car that does not run.
Read the guide : Shipping a lowered car starts with the details.03 / Costs & planning5 min read
What actually changes a car-shipping quote?
A practical way to compare route, equipment, timing and payment terms without relying on a headline estimate.
Read the guide : What actually changes a car-shipping quote?
04 / Buying remotely5 min read
Found the car out of state? Plan the handover.
Coordinate the inspection, paperwork, seller release and transport before the car leaves.
Read the guide : Found the car out of state? Plan the handover.05 / Pickup & delivery5 min read
Get the car ready before the truck arrives.
A practical preparation checklist covering condition photos, keys, loose items and access.
Read the guide : Get the car ready before the truck arrives.06 / Pickup & delivery5 min read
Two inspections. One clear condition record.
What to photograph and review at pickup and delivery, including the bill of lading and damage notes.
Read the guide : Two inspections. One clear condition record.From brief to handoverKnow what
Know what
comes next.
- 01
Review the quote
Get the price, payment schedule, cancellation terms and pickup window in writing.
- 02
Confirm the details
Discuss vehicle handling, pickup access and the carrier’s coverage with your broker.
- 03
Document the handover
Photograph the car and review its condition with the carrier at pickup and delivery.
Can I book a shipment with ProjectJDM?
ProjectJDM is an automotive information resource operated by Merchant Dash LLC, not a motor carrier or licensed freight broker. This planner creates a brief for your own use. It does not request a quote, reserve a carrier or book transportation. When partner links are available, the named provider handles its own quotes and bookings.
Can I plan a move for a lowered or modified car?
Yes. Select low clearance or modifications in the planner, then discuss the actual ride height, body kit, wheel width and loading requirements with your chosen broker. Trailer type alone does not tell you whether a carrier can load your car.
Will the planner give me a shipping price?
No. The brief helps a broker understand your route, vehicle and timing. Ask that provider for a written quote explaining what is included, how long it is valid, what could change and when payment is due.
What if I need pickup on a particular day?
Choose the specific-dates option and discuss your dates directly with the broker. Ask what can be confirmed, what remains an estimate, and what happens if the schedule changes before you commit to other plans.
Does this cover importing a car from Japan?
This planner is for vehicle moves between U.S. ZIP codes. Overseas shipping, customs clearance and import eligibility are separate matters. For a vehicle arriving at a port, confirm its release and any collection requirements with the relevant providers before arranging the onward move.
Where do my planner details go?
They remain in this browser tab and are cleared when the page is reloaded. The planner does not save them or send them to ProjectJDM, a broker or a carrier. The Copy brief button puts the text on your device’s clipboard so you can choose whether and where to share it.
Questions about this website?
Merchant Dash LLC can help with the planner. Contact your transport provider for quotes or shipment updates.
Next: prepare pickup
Turn a plan into a prepared handover.
Once you have chosen a provider and confirmed its instructions, organize the keys, condition photos, vehicle access and release arrangements.