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How to Ship a Car to Another State: Tips & Cost
By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Looking for the cheapest way to move can be an exciting but stressful experience, especially when it comes to transporting your vehicle. Whether you’re moving for a job or for personal reasons, car transport to another state can be a daunting task. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Table of Contents
- Tips to prepare your car for shipment
- Best ways to ship a car to another state
- Shipping a car to another state FAQs
- How we chose the best way to ship a car to another state
Tips to prepare your car for shipment
Before you incur the cost of shipping your car cross country, it’s crucial to prepare your vehicle properly. Here are some essential tips to help you get your car ready for shipment:
Empty your car
Before shipping your car, remove all personal belongings from the vehicle, including any valuable items such as electronics, jewelry and important documents. Transport companies are not responsible for any loss or damage to personal items left inside the car during shipment.
Remove valuables
Along with personal belongings, it’s important to remove any removable items from your car, such as bike racks, spoilers and antennas. This will not only reduce the weight of your vehicle, but also prevent damage during transport.
Check the tires
Make sure your tires are inflated properly and in good condition. The transport company will not accept any car with flat tires.
Check the battery
Your car battery should be fully charged and securely fastened in the engine compartment.
Check the fuel
The fuel tank should be less than ¼ full before shipment. This will reduce the weight of the car and make it safer to transport.
Best ways to ship a car to another state
There are several ways to ship your vehicle, and the best option depends on your budget, distance, type of car and the best car shipping companies available to you. Here are some of the best ways to ship a car to another state:
Hire an auto transport company
Auto transport companies offer two types of carriers: open and enclosed.
Open car shipping
Open transport is the most popular type of shipping process and is often used for shipping standard cars. They are affordable and can transport several cars at once. However, your car will be exposed to weather conditions, dust and debris during the transport process in an open trailer.
Enclosed car shipping
Enclosed auto transport is ideal for transporting luxury, classic or high-end cars. They provide maximum protection from weather and road debris. However, they are more expensive than open carriers.
Average cost
The cost of shipping a car depends on several factors, including distance, type of transport, time of year and type of car. On average, the cost of shipping a car ranges from $500 to $1,500 for distances of 1,000 miles or less. The cost of shipping a motorcycle can vary from its car counterpart because of several factors including size and distance.
Hire a moving company
Another option for car carriers is to hire a moving company. Many movers offer vehicle transport services as part of their moving packages. This can be a convenient option if you are already using a moving company to move your household belongings.
How to do it
To get started with a moving company, you will need to provide them with some basic information about your car and your moving needs, including your preferred transport method and pickup date. The company will then provide you with a quote based on this information. You should do your research and look for moving companies that have experience with vehicle transport and positive customer reviews.
Hire a moving truck company
If you are planning on driving your car to your new location but need a way to transport your household belongings, you can hire a moving truck company. Moving truck companies provide rental trucks that you can use to transport your belongings, and many also offer towing services for your car.
How to do it
To get started with a moving truck company, you will need to provide them with some basic information about your moving needs, including the size of the truck you need and the distance you will be traveling. The company will then provide you with a quote based on this information. You should do your research and look for moving truck companies that have positive customer reviews and a good reputation.
Ship a car by train
Shipping your car by train can be a cost-effective car transport service, especially for long-distance moves. However, it can also be a slower option than other methods of car shipping services. When you ship your car by train, it will be loaded onto a train car and transported to your new location. You will need to drop off and pick up your car at the train station.
How to do it
To ship your car by train, you’ll need to find a rail shipping company that operates in your area. The company will provide you with a quote based on the distance, type of train car, and any additional services you may need. Once you’ve accepted the quote, you’ll need to drop off your car at the designated rail yard.
The shipping time for a train can take longer than other methods, as it’s dependent on the train’s schedule. However, it’s a reliable option for shipping your car to another state.
Drive your own car
If you don’t want to pay auto shippers, you can always drive your own car to your new state. It’s the most cost-effective option, but it also requires the most time and effort. Before driving your car, make sure to get it serviced and ensure it’s in good condition for a long-distance trip.
During your trip, make sure to take frequent breaks to prevent fatigue and to check your car’s fluid levels and tire pressure. You’ll also need to pay for gas, tolls and food along the way.
Hire a boat to ship your car
If you’re moving to Hawaii or Alaska, you’ll need to ship your car by boat. It’s not the most common method, but it’s the only way to get your car to these states. To ship your car by boat, you’ll need to find a shipping company that operates in your area and specializes in shipping cars.
The shipping time for a boat can take longer than other methods, as it’s dependent on the boat’s schedule and weather conditions. However, it’s a reliable option for shipping your car to Hawaii or Alaska.
Shipping a car to another state FAQs
How we chose the best way to ship a car to another state
Choosing the best way to ship your car to another state depends on several factors. Here are some of the factors we consider when choosing the best method:
- Distance: The distance between your current location and your new state plays a significant role in determining the best shipping method.
- Type of car: The type of car you have will also determine the best shipping method. For example, a classic car will need extra protection during transport.
