Online listings have made it easy to find exactly the car you want, even if it is sitting on a dealer's lot hours away. Getting it home is the next challenge. You could take a day off, find a ride to the dealership, and drive it back. Or you can have it delivered on a flatbed, with no added miles and no wasted day. Lake Front Towing handles dealership transfers for buyers in Oak Creek, Franklin, Greenfield, Cudahy, and throughout the Milwaukee area. This guide explains how the process works and how to avoid the most common delays.
Why buyers choose flatbed delivery
- No added miles. The odometer reads the same at delivery as at the dealership.
- No wear. Tires, brakes, and the drivetrain are not used during the trip.
- No time off work. You do not need to travel to pick up the car.
- Registration flexibility. The vehicle does not need to be plated or insured for driving before it arrives.
- Peace of mind for higher-value, all-wheel-drive, or performance vehicles that should not be towed on their wheels.
Before you schedule: finish the purchase
The most common cause of delay is paperwork. Before booking transport, make sure:
- The sale is complete and payment has been received by the dealer.
- The dealer knows a transport company will pick up the vehicle and has your written authorization naming Lake Front Towing, if they require it.
- You know the dealer's pickup hours and the name of the person who will release the car.
- Arrangements for the title and registration paperwork are clear — whether the dealer mails it to you or sends it with the car.
Dealers handle third-party pickups regularly, but each has its own procedure. A quick phone call before the truck arrives saves everyone time.
Inspection at pickup
When our operator arrives at the dealership, they inspect the vehicle with the dealer's staff, note any existing scratches, dents, or damage, and photograph the car. This record protects you: if anything is wrong with the vehicle when it leaves the lot, it is documented before it ever touches our truck. If you have specific concerns — a known blemish, aftermarket parts, a low front spoiler — tell us in advance.
Transport and delivery
Your vehicle travels alone on a dedicated flatbed, secured with soft straps or wheel nets that do not stress the suspension. We take the most efficient route and call you before arrival. At delivery, you inspect the vehicle with the operator and sign off. If you would rather have the car delivered to your mechanic for an inspection, or to a detailer, we can do that instead of bringing it home.
Private-party purchases
Buying from an individual works similarly, with a few extra steps. Make sure the seller has signed the title over to you correctly, keep a written bill of sale, and arrange a pickup time when the seller will be present with the keys. If the seller cannot be there, agree on where the keys and documents will be left. We recommend inspecting a private-party vehicle yourself or having a mechanic look at it before you pay.
What affects the price
Dealership transfers are quoted based on distance, the vehicle's size and weight, and any special requirements such as timed pickup windows or tight access. Call (414) 520-7264 with the dealer's address, your delivery address, and the vehicle details for an upfront price.
Taking delivery at home
Plan where the car will be unloaded before the truck arrives. A flatbed needs a straight, level stretch of street or driveway about the length of two cars, plus room to tilt the bed. Steep driveways, overhanging trees, and low wires can complicate things, so tell us about them ahead of time. If you will not be home, give us the name and phone number of the person accepting the car, and decide where the keys should be left. Many buyers also schedule a quick inspection with their own mechanic in the first week, which is a good way to catch anything the dealer missed while the purchase is still fresh.
Selling or trading in far away
The process works in reverse, too. If you sold your car to an out-of-town buyer, or you are trading it in at a distant dealer that offered a better price, we can deliver it to them. Make sure the buyer or dealer knows when to expect it and who will sign for it.
Electric and low-clearance purchases
Many buyers shopping out of town are after electric vehicles or performance cars, and both need extra care. Most electric vehicles should never be towed with their drive wheels turning, so a flatbed is the only appropriate option; let us know the model so we can review the manufacturer's transport mode. Sports cars and lowered vehicles need a gentle loading angle to avoid scraping the front lip, and we can bring ramps or wood blocks to raise the approach. Tell the dispatcher about ride height, front spoilers, and any aftermarket body kits when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can you pick up from dealers outside Wisconsin?
Yes. We regularly travel to Illinois and can discuss other destinations. Call for a quote.
Is the vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. Lake Front Towing is fully licensed and insured.
What if the dealer is not ready when we arrive?
That is why we confirm details beforehand. If there is an unexpected delay, the operator will contact you to work it out.
Bought a car out of town? Call (414) 520-7264 to schedule a flatbed delivery. Learn more about our long distance towing.