Moving across the country can be stressful. What’s even more complicated is choosing how to transport your car. With everything happening in life—work, school, family, or just starting fresh somewhere—it’s easy to get overwhelmed about how you’re going to get from point A to point B. One major question that always comes up is: “Should I drive my car or ship it?”
While driving might seem like an easier option, letting professionals handle shipping your car will save you time and hassle in the long run. This guide outlines all the steps needed for cross-country shipping so that you know what to expect and what mistakes to avoid while making an informed decision.
Driving across the country is exhausting, especially for long distances. Not only does it take several days, but hotel stays for a road trip are also very expensive compared to one-way flight tickets. On top of that, don’t forget about spending money on meals, fuel, and tolls – It definitely adds up! And then there’s always the chance of an accident occurring on the way or bad weather getting in the way, which makes burning at both ends not ideal when considering saving gas while driving your own vehicle.
Shipping your car means you can fly to your new location, concentrate on moving in, and let someone else worry about the vehicle. This is useful if you're balancing several things within a single move or if there's an entire family relocation that you're overseeing.
The process is pretty much the same for everyone and not complicated at all. It starts with getting quotes from different car shipping companies. In order to receive an accurate quote, some basic information will be required, such as where the car will be picked up and delivered, the make and model of the vehicle, whether it runs or not, and when you would like it shipped.
After selecting a company, you will need to book a pickup appointment. On that date, a driver comes to examine your car’s condition with you, fill out a report describing its condition as well as any damages before loading it on his truck for transport. During transport of the truck with your car inside it to your new address, no one except you (or just someone designated by you) will view the parcel together with deed-bound documents, sign-off delivery restoring all contractual obligations concerning carriage.
When shipping a long distance between states or countries borders their choice is made between two options: open transportation and closed transportation, known as Open vs Enclosed Car Transport.
Open transport is the most popular and least expensive option. Your car will be placed along with others on a trailer for shipping. Although this option is affordable and convenient, exposure to the elements like rain or snow, dirt, and road debris is unavoidable during transport.
Transporting cars in covered trailers offers the best protective measures during transport. Cars that are luxurious, exotic, antique, or of any special type are best suited for this method, even though it may be more expensive. Along with its high value comes added protection, making every penny spent worthwhile.
Shipping cross country has one fixed price regardless of how many times you break down your car: distance traveled, type of vehicle carried, mode of transportation used, region serviced, fuel prices, and shipping season, which all have a say in the final amount to be paid. As a rule of thumb, open transport is cheaper than enclosed transport, while pickups and deliveries in rural areas may be higher due to low access to carriers.
Another important aspect is time; scheduling far in advance provides much better flexibility and pricing options, while minute bookings or peak seasons tend to drive excessive prices up.
Shipping a car from one end of the country to the other takes anywhere from a few days to over a week, varying with the route, weather conditions, and carrier schedule. It is unavoidable that exact pickup and delivery dates are not scheduled with precision. Due to traffic, delays in reaching their destination, and unexpected mechanical problems, carriers need flexible schedules to work with.
Most car shipping companies will provide an estimated timeframe for delivery of the vehicle, along with tracking options so progress updates can be tracked.
Some of the best practices for preparing your vehicle before shipping include:
Every transport company operates differently. It is important to look for one that fits your needs the best. Check first for registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and if they have a valid USDOT number.
Always verify online testimonials, request references, and check whether their coverage is adequate for your car's value. A reliable provider should offer reasonable quotes and clearly state all costs associated with shipping, insurance, delivery terms, and other relevant details. Be careful not to fall for exaggerated low prices, since that could indicate unreliable service or deceptive pricing models.
The greater portion of people wait until right before a move to book car shipments, making this one of the more common mistakes identified today. Usually, this drives up demand, leading to increased charges too, so it is always helpful to collect as many estimates as possible two months prior in order to increase options.
Failing to review contracts is another critical mistake when trying to make sure everything proceeds smoothly without any hiccups along the way like unwanted extra trips due to unfavorable time allowances as well as unflattering drawn out cancellation windows which might take forever just from traversing mere miles after being dispatched while waiting on lengthy periods of inaction exacerbated by unreasonable limits on cancellation options alongside dull insurance capped ceilings bound far below extensiveness allowing seamless coverage where magnitude beyond minimal expectations wouldn't matter at all sounds troubling so rectifying misconceptions should definitely be aided through interrogation enabling better grab onto reality understanding grasp sheltered away beyond sight.
Also, be sure not to overlook the inspection step. Make sure to check your car during pickup and delivery with the driver so you can record any new scratches on the Bill of Lading.
For a cross-country relocation, shipping your car might simplify your relocation process while saving time and reducing stress. Definitely helps to have professional car shipping companies take care of your vehicle since you will be shifting your focus to other things that really matter in such a big move.
Work, education, retirement, or even a fresh start – whatever’s calling you bites, proper planning paired with a detailed moving checklist is going to ensure you ship your car without any hiccups. For folks looking for a way to move my car without putting themselves through an exhausting road trip, this is where auto transport comes into play.
