How Do I Transport My Car Cross Country?

Are you planning to transport your car cross-country? Whether you’re relocating, selling your vehicle, or avoiding a long drive, transporting your car safely and efficiently is essential. However, it can be a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to transport your car cross-country. From researching reputable car transport companies to preparing your vehicle and understanding insurance coverage, we will cover all the important steps to ensure a smooth journey for your car. By following these methods and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and provide the successful transportation of your vehicle to its destination.

What is Cross Country Vehicle Shipping?

Cross-country vehicle shipping, also known as auto transport, offers a convenient solution for transporting your car over long distances without personally driving it. Whether you’re relocating from one coast to another or embarking on a journey spanning from Texas to Montana, the need to ship your car may arise. You can establish the desired shipping dates after carefully selecting a trustworthy company. The chosen company will then collect your vehicle, securely load it onto a trailer—whether an open or closed container—depending on your specific requirements, and deliver it to your new location. This option is favored by many individuals who wish to avoid accumulating excessive mileage on their car during a move or lack the necessary time to drive it themselves.

Factors to Consider When Shipping a Car

When shipping a car, there are several important factors to consider. These factors will help to ensure a smooth and successful car shipping process. Here are some key considerations:

Type of Transport: Determine whether you want to use open transport or enclosed transport. Open transport is more common and cost-effective but exposes your car to the elements. Enclosed transport provides better protection but is generally more expensive.
Distance: Consider the distance your car needs to travel. Shipping within the same country is typically more accessible and more affordable than international shipping, which involves additional logistics and customs requirements.
Cost: Obtain quotes from multiple auto transport companies to compare prices. The cost will depend on distance, type of transport, vehicle size, and any additional services you may require.
Reputation and Experience: Research and select a reputable auto shipping company with a proven track record. Read reviews, check their licensing and insurance, and ensure they have experience handling the vehicle type you want to ship.
Insurance Coverage: Verify the insurance coverage provided by the car shipping company. Ensure it is sufficient to cover any potential damage during transit. If needed, consider purchasing additional insurance to provide extra protection.
Delivery Timeframe: Discuss the estimated delivery timeframe with the shipping company. Understand that unforeseen circumstances, such as weather or mechanical issues, may cause delays.
Documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready for shipping your car. This may include the vehicle’s registration, proof of ownership, and any paperwork required for international shipments.
Vehicle Inspection: Perform a thorough inspection of your car before shipping it. Document any existing damages, take photographs, and share them with the shipping company. This will help you assess any potential new damages upon delivery.
Additional Services: Determine if you need additional services, such as door-to-door delivery or terminal-to-terminal shipping. Door-to-door is more convenient but may be restricted in some areas.
Preparation: Clean your car and remove any personal belongings before shipping. Disable any car alarms and ensure the fuel tank is less than a quarter full. Additionally, check the battery, tires, and fluids to ensure your vehicle is in good condition.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can make well-informed decisions and guarantee a seamless and stress-free car shipping experience.

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Steps to transport your car cross country

Transporting a car cross country involves careful planning and organization. Here are the steps to transport your car cross-country:

Explore your options

When considering the transportation of your car across the country, it’s essential to examine all available options before committing to an auto transport company. Don’t overlook the alternatives at your disposal.

Option 1: Drive Your Car

One viable choice is to drive your car to its destination personally. While many people opt for shipping services to avoid the journey, it’s still worth considering. Keep in mind that you’ll need to factor in fuel costs. You should also budget for meals and accommodations if travel extends to multiple days. These expenses can accumulate quickly, and in some cases, the cost of shipping your car may be lower than the expenses incurred by driving it yourself.

How long will the drive take?

A convenient method for estimating travel time is dividing the total distance by 500 miles, representing a reasonable daily driving limit. For instance, if your trip covers 2,000 miles, you can anticipate approximately four days.

Option 2: Tow Your Car Using a Rental Truck

You may have come across U-Haul trucks on highways towing cars behind them. Most vehicles can be transported using either a car trailer or a Tow dolly, the latter being a smaller trailer with two wheels. Car trailers tend to be expensive for journeys exceeding 500 miles. On the other hand, tow dollies generally offer a cost-saving option, even for long-distance trips across the country.

Tow Dolly vs. Car Shipping Costs:

When comparing the costs of different transportation methods, such as tow dollies and car shipping companies, there are significant differences based on the distance traveled. Here’s a breakdown of the costs for various distances:

500 miles:
- Car shipping company: $610
- Car trailer: $460
- Tow dolly: $280
1,500 miles:
- Car shipping company: $1,100
- Car trailer: $1,170
- Tow dolly: $650
2,000 miles:
- Car shipping company: $1,290
- Car trailer: $1,530
- Tow dolly: $830

Note: The data for car shipping companies is as of 5/24/21, while the data for car trailers and tow dollies is as of 9/20/21.

Selling Your Car:

If time and money constraints prevent you from driving or towing your car, selling it is worth considering. Selling a car has become easier due to online platforms, and you can use the proceeds to cover moving expenses or put towards a new vehicle. However, selling your car should be primarily considered if you’re unable to afford transportation or already planning to purchase a new car.

Free Moving Concierge Service:

Moving involves more than just transporting belongings. Prices and availability may differ depending on the location and are subject to potential changes. If setting up insurance, utilities, internet, or home security services overwhelms you, we have a solution. Move.org provides a free, all-in-one solution with a personal concierge who assists in setting up services and saves you the hassle of self-setup while also helping you save money. From finding the best local mover to forwarding your mail, our moving concierge streamlines the process for you.

Compare car shipping quotes.

The prices for transporting cars can vary significantly, as they are influenced by various factors such as distance, geographical location, the condition of the vehicle, and the type of transport chosen. It is recommended to obtain multiple quotes as the difference between the least and most expensive vehicle shipping companies for a cross-country trip can exceed $500.

Understanding Open Transport and Enclosed Transport

When it comes to shipping your vehicle across the country, you have the option of using either open transport or enclosed transport. Open transport is the more affordable choice, but it involves your car being placed alongside ten other vehicles and exposed to the elements. On the other hand, enclosed transport entails using a carrier with four walls, accommodating fewer cars. Due to the added protection and limited capacity, enclosed transport typically costs approximately 40% more than open transport.

Preference for Open or Enclosed Transport

Open carriers are the primary choice for cross-country vehicle transportation, as they are more common and cost-effective. However, opting for an enclosed carrier may be wise if you possess a classic car or luxury vehicle. While the higher price tag should be considered, it better safeguards your valuable vehicle.

Evaluating Transport Quote Costs

If you find the transport quote excessively high, you should inquire about using an open carrier. As mentioned, enclosed carriers are pricier, mainly catering to luxury vehicles. Thus, it is essential to clarify that you are not inadvertently paying for premium service if it is unnecessary for your specific transportation needs.

Cross-Country Shipping Costs

On average, shipping a car cross country, covering a distance of 2,000 miles, costs approximately $1,700. Choosing open transport instead of enclosed transport can help reduce shipping costs. Additionally, prices tend to be lower if you are not traveling the entire length of Route 66, a renowned highway in the United States often associated with cross-country road trips.

Cross-country car shipping costs

Cross-country car shipping costs vary based on the distance traveled and the type of transport chosen.

For a distance of 500 miles, open transport costs $510, while enclosed transport amounts to $760.
When covering 1,000 miles, open transport is priced at $980, while enclosed transport costs $1,310.
If the distance is 1,500 miles, open transport costs around $890, while enclosed transport costs approximately $1,240.
Finally, for a distance of 2,000 miles, open transport would be approximately $1,250, and enclosed transport would amount to around $1,710.

Time matters

Be proactive in your planning. You can avail of a reduced price by providing the shipping company with a two-week notice for car delivery.

Choose a company

When selecting an auto transport company, there are key factors to consider that can assist you save money and ensure a positive experience. Here are the aspects we suggest you focus on:

Affordable rates: Obtain quotes from three or four different companies to compare prices. Our analysis of approximately 700 estimates reveals that Ship a Car Direct often offers rates about 20% below the industry average.
Exceptional customer service: Based on our analysis of over 100,000 reviews, the average customer rating for car shipping companies stands at 4.6 out of 5 stars. Consider opting for a company like Sherpa Auto Transport, which consistently receives ratings well above the average.
Established track record: Due to the prevalence of businesses folding quickly in the car shipping industry, choosing a company that has been in operation for at least 10 years is advisable. Some auto transporters, such as American Auto Shipping, boast over two decades of experience.
Additional insurance coverage: Although vehicle damage during transport is uncommon, selecting a car shipping company offering supplementary coverage is prudent. For instance, AmeriFreight provides gap coverage contributing $2,000 towards your deductible.

Interested in obtaining a multiple-vehicle discount? If you need to ship multiple cars across the country, our top car shipping companies offer discounts that can help you save even more.

Prepare your vehicle for pickup.

Before the auto transport service arrives to pick up your car for shipment, completing some important tasks on your car shipping checklist is essential. To ensure a smooth process, follow these steps:

Verify your car’s drivability: Before the pickup, check your tires and battery to ensure they are in good condition. Additionally, top off your oil and fluids for optimal performance.
Test your emergency brake: Car shipping companies require your emergency brake to be functional for transportation purposes.
Maintain a low fuel level: To reduce the weight and cost of transportation, ensure your gas tank is less than one-quarter full. This amount is sufficient for loading and unloading purposes.
Remove attachments: Prior to shipment, remove any external attachments such as bike racks, antennas, or other accessories that could potentially break or detach during transport.
Wash your car: Give your vehicle a thorough wash before pickup. A clean car makes identifying any existing damage easier and ensures proper inspection.
Disable your alarm: To avoid inconvenience for the driver, deactivate your car alarm system before the pickup.
Deactivate electronic toll pass: If you have an electronic toll pass installed, deactivate it temporarily to prevent unintended toll charges during transportation.

Following these guidelines will prepare you for your car’s pickup and shipping process.

Check for damage upon delivery.

It is essential to thoroughly inspect your car upon delivery to ensure there is no damage. One crucial document to pay attention to is the bill of lading, which outlines potential damage. Car shipping companies typically request your signature on this document during pickup to prevent you from attributing pre-existing damage to their responsibility.

However, your signature on the bill of lading remains equally important during delivery. By documenting any damage with photographs and a detailed description, you establish evidence for potential claims. Without this documentation, the car shipping company may deny responsibility, making it exceedingly difficult to file an insurance claim.

To assist you in navigating this process and deciphering the jargon used by insurance companies, we have prepared a comprehensive auto transport insurance guide. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions and explanations to ensure you understand the procedure and terminology.

Tips for transporting your car cross country

Transporting a car cross country can be a complex task, but proper planning and preparation can make it easier and more efficient. Here are some tips to help you transport your car cross-country:

Research Car Transport Companies: Look for reputable car transport companies specializing in cross-country transportation. Read reviews, compare prices, and check their licensing and insurance credentials before deciding.
Book in Advance: Schedule your car transport well to secure a spot with your preferred company. This is especially important during peak moving seasons when demand is high.
Choose the Right Transport Method: Decide whether to transport your car via an open or enclosed carrier. Enclosed carriers provide more protection but tend to be more expensive. The choice depends on your budget and the value of your vehicle.
Prepare Your Car: Clean your car thoroughly inside and out before transportation. Take photos of your car’s current condition to have evidence in case of any damage during transit. Remove any personal belongings from the car to ensure smooth and safe transport.
Check for Insurance Coverage: Review your car insurance policy to understand what coverage it provides during transport. Additionally, check with the transport company to ensure they have proper insurance coverage for your vehicle.
Disable Alarms and Secure Loose Parts: Disable any car alarms to prevent unnecessary complications during transport. Also, secure any loose parts, such as spoilers or antennas, to avoid potential damage.
Document Existing Damage: Inspect your car thoroughly and document any existing damage before the transport. This will help you identify any new damage that may occur during the journey.
Remove Toll Tags and Parking Passes: Take off any toll tags or parking passes from your car to prevent unnecessary charges while it’s being transported.
Notify Relevant Parties: Inform your car transport company of any specific details about your car, such as low ground clearance or non-operational status. Also, notify your car’s manufacturer if it’s still under warranty to understand how transport may affect the warranty.
Plan for Delivery: Coordinate with the car transport company regarding the delivery date and time. Ensure someone is available to receive the car at the destination.
Double-Check Insurance and Contracts: Before handing over your car, carefully read and understand the transport company’s insurance coverage and contract terms. Address any concerns or questions you may have before signing.
Stay in Touch: Maintain communication with the car transport company throughout the journey to stay updated on the progress and any changes in the delivery schedule.

Following these tricks can help ensure a smooth and successful cross-country car transport experience.

Conclusion

Transporting your car cross country doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By understanding the available options and following the best practices, you can ensure a secure and smooth transportation process. Whether you drive the car yourself, hire a professional auto transport company, or explore alternative methods, your car will reach its destination safely, allowing you to focus on the next chapter of your journey.

FAQ’s

How long does it take to transport a car cross country?

The duration of car transportation depends on several factors, including the distance, the transportation method chosen, and any unforeseen circumstances. On average, transporting a car cross country can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

What factors should I consider when choosing an auto transport company?

When choosing an auto transport company, consider their reputation, experience, licensing, insurance coverage, and customer reviews. It’s also important to compare prices and obtain multiple quotes to ensure a fair deal.

Is my car insured during transportation?

Most reputable auto transport companies provide insurance coverage for your vehicle during transportation. However, it’s essential to clarify the details of the range and any deductibles with the company before finalizing the agreement.

Can I pack personal belongings in my car during transportation?

While it may be tempting to use your car as extra storage space, most auto transport companies prohibit the transportation of personal belongings. Removing all personal items from your vehicle before it is picked up for transportation is advisable.

Should I wash my car before transportation?

Washing your car before transportation is a good idea to ensure that any pre-existing damage is visible and properly documented. This can help avoid any disputes or complications regarding the condition of your vehicle upon delivery.

How can I prepare my car for transportation?

Before transporting your car, inspecting and documenting any existing damage is important. Additionally, remove loose accessories, deactivate toll tags or parking passes, and ensure your car has sufficient fuel and a fully charged battery.