Moving to a new home is hard enough. You shouldn’t have to stress about how to get your vehicle to your new home too.
Over 25 million Americans relocated in 2024. Nearly 30% of these long-distance movers faced the same dilemma.
Should you drive cross-country? Or is there an easier option?
Good news…
There absolutely is. Car transport services take the stress out of long-distance moves by delivering your car right to your door. No long road trips. No wear and tear. No sleepless nights.
Here’s everything you need to know as a first-time mover.
In This Guide:
- Why Car Transport Makes Sense for Movers
- Different Ways to Ship Your Vehicle
- How to Choose a Reliable Transport Company
- What to Expect When Shipping Your Car
- Preparing Your Car for Transport
Why Car Transport Makes Sense for Movers
Think about it…
Driving your car when relocating to another state adds days to your already hectic move. Flying to your new home and having your car delivered is almost always the better option. This is doubly true when you need to ship your car to your new home along with balancing packing up your life and dealing with closing on your new house.
Here’s why car shipping works so well for movers:
- Saves time – Flying takes hours. Driving takes days.
- Reduces stress – One less thing to stress about during your move.
- Protects your vehicle – No extra miles or highway wear and tear.
- Cost effective – Don’t forget gas, hotels and eating out… shipping is often cheaper.
The best part? It’s easy to get started. Simply request a car shipping quote from a licensed carrier and see exactly how much the service will cost you. Most companies offer free estimates within minutes.
Different Ways to Ship Your Vehicle
Not all car transport is created equal. Knowing the options out there help you choose the right fit for your budget and needs.
Open Transport
This is the most common and affordable transport method. Your car gets loaded onto an open trailer with other vehicles. This is the same way car dealerships transport their new cars from the factory.
Pros:
- Lower cost
- More availability
- Faster pickup times
Cons:
- Exposed to weather and road debris
Open transport works just fine for most standard vehicles.
Enclosed Transport
If you need extra protection, enclosed carriers shield your car from the elements. This option costs more but is well worth it for high-end, classic or other high-value vehicles.
Pros:
- Maximum protection
- Climate controlled options
- Ideal for expensive vehicles
Cons:
- More expensive
- Less availability
Enclosed transport is a great choice for high-value vehicles worth the premium.
How to Choose a Reliable Transport Company
Choosing a carrier to ship your car to your new home is where many first-timers make mistakes. The car transport industry has tens of thousands of operators – nearly 7,900 businesses operate in this sector across the US alone.
And not all of them are honest.
Here’s what to look for when vetting companies:
Check Their Credentials
Every legitimate auto transport company should be registered with the FMCSA. Check their DOT number before you sign any paperwork.
Read Customer Reviews
Online reviews will tell you the real story. Look for patterns in feedback – both positive and negative. No company will ever be perfect so a few bad reviews are to be expected. Look for a history of repeated problems as a red flag.
Verify Insurance Coverage
Ask about insurance before booking. Reputable carriers will have cargo insurance that covers your vehicle during transport. Get this confirmed in writing.
Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t accept the first quote you receive. Get at least three different companies to provide estimates so you can understand fair market pricing. If a quote seems too good to be true it probably is – be wary of bait-and-switch pricing.
What to Expect When Shipping Your Car
First-time shippers often get a little nervous about the process. Don’t worry. It’s completely normal to feel this way. Here’s what happens, step-by-step.
Step 1: Request a Quote
Contact different transport companies and provide details about your vehicle, pickup location and delivery address. You’ll receive pricing based on distance, vehicle size and type of transport requested.
Step 2: Book Your Shipment
Once you decide on a carrier, you sign a contract with them. This contract lists the pickup dates, delivery windows and agreed upon pricing. Read the terms carefully.
Step 3: Vehicle Pickup
The driver will come to your location to load your car. Before the driver takes possession, you complete an inspection report listing any existing damage. Be sure to take photos as backup.
Step 4: Transit Period
Your car now travels to its destination. Standard shipping will take 7-14 days for cross-country routes. There are also express services that cost more but move your vehicle faster.
Step 5: Delivery and Inspection
Carrier arrives to deliver your vehicle. You complete another inspection to ensure your car arrived in the same condition. Note any new issues immediately.
Pretty simple, right?
Preparing Your Car for Transport
A few simple steps of preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to get your car ready for pickup.
Clean Your Vehicle Inside and Out
A clean car makes the pre-transport inspection much easier. Pick up trash, personal items and accessories. This also makes it easier to spot any pre-existing damage.
Document Current Condition
Take detailed photos from all angles. Make sure to get any scratches, dents or imperfections in the shot. These photos provide evidence if there are any disputes later on.
Remove Personal Belongings
Transport companies are not responsible for personal items left inside your car. Plus, most prohibit loading anything other than the vehicle. Pack them separately.
Check Fluid Levels and Battery
Make sure your car is in running order. The driver will need to load and unload it so a dead battery or other mechanical issues cause delays and extra fees.
Leave Minimal Fuel
A quarter tank is more than enough. Extra fuel just adds weight to the vehicle and can increase shipping costs with some carriers.
Disable Alarms
Last thing you want is your car alarm going off during transit. Disable any aftermarket security systems before pickup.
Wrapping Things Up
Shipping your vehicle doesn’t need to be complicated.
When done right, car transport services eliminate one of the biggest moving day headaches. You arrive at your new home rested and ready – with your car waiting for you at your door.
To quickly recap:
- Car transport saves time, money and stress during relocations
- Open transport works for most vehicles; enclosed protects high-value vehicles
- Always verify credentials, insurance and reviews before booking
- Prepare your vehicle properly to avoid delays or damage disputes
Moving is stressful enough. Let the professionals ship your car to your new home while you focus on settling into your new life.
The journey to your new home just got easier.
