How To Ship Your Car Across Country

Moving across the country can be stressful enough without having to worry about getting your car to its destination. It is easier to ship your vehicle across the country than to drive it. However, it can be difficult to find an auto transport company. It is important that your vehicle is ready for transport.

This is what you need to know about shipping your car across the country. Whether you are ready to book, or just curious about the steps you need to prepare your vehicle for the journey ahead of you,

Should you ship your car across the country?

You are responsible for moving your belongings, family members, and any personal effects that you don't want to be moved by the movers when you move. Cross-country driving may seem like an exciting and memorable way to transport your car from one side to another, but it can also be stressful if you have a set schedule.

Are you really going to drive your car across the country and find a house filled with unpacked boxes? Although driving might seem cheaper than shipping your car across the country may not be true. However, tolls, fuel, food, and lodging costs will quickly add up over the distance. You can save money by hiring an auto transport company to ship your vehicle.

What is the cost of shipping a car across the country?

Cost is a major consideration when you are looking for an auto transport company that will move your vehicle from one coast to another. The cost of shipping your vehicle depends on many factors, including the vehicle's size and modifications (larger vehicles may be more expensive to ship), where you pick it up (remote locations might cost more), how far your vehicle will travel, the condition of your vehicle, its running ability, seasonal considerations, and fuel costs. Transport in an open carrier will cost you less, while enclosed trucks will cost more. Shipping a four-door sedan between New York and California will generally cost around $1,000.

Do not base your decision solely on price

It shouldn't surprise you that the most affordable auto transport company won't be the best choice for shipping your car anywhere. Shipping costs are partly affected by the condition of the carrier's equipment as well as how skilled and paid drivers are. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Read reviews and listen to your gut if you are unsure.

How your destination can impact the cost of shipping your car

Although you can ship your vehicle to any part of the country, you will almost always get a better price if you move your car from your home to the closest city. You will both save time and money by not waiting for your auto transport company to send a driver to your local area.

Shipping a car from one country to another

Apart from choosing an auto transport provider, you also have to decide whether to transport your vehicle on an enclosed or open carrier. Open carriers are the most cost-effective option for moving your car across the country. However, they can be more vulnerable to road debris, dirt, weather, and other hazards. Open carrier shipments are usually smooth. Drivers shipping vintage cars or highly valuable specialty vehicles might prefer an enclosed carrier to provide complete peace of mind.

Customer service matters

It can be nerve-wracking watching your vehicle being loaded onto a carrier only to find out that it's still there for the following week. You should search for auto transport companies that offer 24/7 customer service and can provide you with any updates regarding your vehicle's location. Move Car is proud to offer this personal service.

Preparing your car for cross-country shipping

Choosing an auto transport company is only the first step! It is important to prepare your vehicle for cross-country shipping. This will ensure that it arrives in the same condition as it left. To ensure that your vehicle is in top working order, first visit your mechanic. Discuss any electrical or mechanical issues that could make loading your vehicle onto a truck more difficult with the carrier.

Your mechanic should check your battery and top off all fluids. But don't allow them to fill up the gas tank. Full gas tanks can pose a safety risk and make your vehicle heavier. A quarter of a tank should be sufficient to get you to your nearest station. Take out all personal items and lock any movable parts to ensure they don't move during transport. If you don't have the extra keys, get one.

Car washing is more than just a fresh start

It is easier to inspect your car after you have known your shipping date. Before shipping your car across the country, you should inspect it thoroughly. You will need to log every scratch, dent, and marking on paper as well as photos so that you can file a claim in the event of damage. You'll also feel more confident knowing that your car was inspected before you ship it.

More than one Car model is important

Do not be surprised if your auto transport company requests a lot of information about your vehicle. Truckers that transport cars across the country need to have as much information about your vehicle as possible so they can decide the best location for your car on the carrier. Your car might be transported with other vehicles of the same size and shape. If you have made significant modifications to your vehicle, your options for transportation may be limited or you will need to pay more. Truckers are careful about where your vehicle is placed during shipping.

Insurance

Although it is rare for vehicles to be damaged in cross-country shipping, accidents do happen. You should ensure that your transport service has current insurance. They can give you a copy of their policy and walk you through the details. To ensure that your vehicle is covered on its journey, it's a good idea for you to contact your auto insurance company. While some policies don't cover the shipping of a vehicle across the country, others will include temporary shipping insurance once you have booked transportation. Although it is possible to search the internet for the information you require, you should speak to an insurance representative to get the answers you seek.

Keep the timing in mind

It can take up to 2 weeks to ship your car across the country. Be prepared to be without a car for at least two weeks. While some cross-country auto-shipments take less time than others, you should be aware that you will still need to wait for your shipment date. To ensure that you coordinate all details, it is important to choose your auto transport company in advance. (A estimate of shipping times can be found here.

At pickup and delivery, you will need to inspect the vehicle twice.

Your driver will inspect your vehicle at pick up, even though you've already done an inspection. He/she will make notes of any marks, scratches, or dents and take photos. You will need to inspect your vehicle again once it arrives at its destination. This is where the photos and notes you took will be very useful. You should perform a post-delivery inspection. This is your opportunity to note any changes in your vehicle's condition on your Bill Of Lading. It is crucial to keep a record of any new damage if you need to file a claim.

It can be difficult to transfer your vehicle to someone else. However, it is likely that you will have no problems shipping your car across the country. It is likely that your car will arrive in excellent condition if you choose an auto transport company with care.

Move Car has a vast network of carriers that covers the US coast to coast. Our long-distance shipping options offer both enclosed and open transport for all types of cars. More than 200 vehicles are moved daily by our truckers -- could yours be next?

Are you ready for shipping? Get a free quote for door-to-door shipping