Moving out of state can be stressful and figuring out a way to transport your car to a new state can be even more complicated, if you don’t have a plan. Lucky for you, after reading our expert tips, you will have a plan and be educated on all of your car shipping options. Whether you choose to drive the car yourself, enlist the help of a family member or hire a professional auto transport company, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to successfully ship a car across state lines.
Smart Ways to Ship a Car to Another State
- Hire an auto transport company
- Transport your car with a moving company
- Hitch your car to a moving truck
- Hire a professional driver
- Drive it yourself
- Ship your car by train
- Ship your car by boat
Hire an auto transport company
The most stress-free route to ship a car to another state is to find a reputable car shipping company and let them handle all the heavy lifting. Get at least three car shipping quotes to compare shipping prices and offerings from different service providers to ensure you find the best car shipping companies for your needs and budget.
There are a lot of great auto shippers in the auto transport industry. Always be sure that the company you choose to work with can check off the following boxes:
- Must be licensed and insured for interstate moves. To verify licensure, visit theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’swebsite and look up a company’s U.S. DOT number. (Note that any company listed on our directory has already been screened for license and insurance.)
- They have a good rating with theBetter Business Bureau(BBB).
- Good online reviews.
Get started with a visit to ourcar shipping quotesfeature.
Transport your car with a moving company
Are you using a full-service moving company for your interstate move? They may be able to move your car(s) too. When you’re getting a quote for your interstate move, ask if they offer vehicle transportation services. Even if they don’t offer the service themselves, they may be able to connect you with an auto transport service.
Hitch your car to a moving truck
If you’redriving a moving truckto your destination, you may be able to hitch your car to the back using a tow dolly or car trailer. Check with yourtruck rentalcompany to see if it’s something they allow (if they do, most will also rent out the equipment you need). Do note that this will add more of a challenge to your drive in terms of mobility, so if you’re already uncomfortable about hauling a big moving truck, you may not want to deal with a car trailer too.
Hire a professional driver
Concierge transportation companies (also called professional driving companies) allow you to hire a driver to make the trek for you in your car. Many of them will even take your pet along and will stop for potty breaks along the way. This is a pricey option—and it will put miles on your car—but it may be a good way to go. Of course, if you hire a professional driver,alwaysgo through a driving company. Concierge transportation companies pre-vet their drivers and have the move covered by insurance.
Drive it yourself
While certainly the most time-consuming, this option allows you to have total control over your car’s move. If you’re moving a short distance, then this is certainly the easiest and cheapest option. If you’re moving out of state and/or across the country, this isn’t going to be easy – but it can be done. Those up for a road trip should consider this inexpensive alternative to hiring an auto transporter.
You might also consider asking friends or family members to drive the car. This will end up being more affordable than hiring a professional driver, but you want to make sure this person will be covered by your insurance and that they are a reliable driver. Overall, we don’t recommend this option, but it is an option if you’re in a pinch.
Car transport by train
Amtrak’s trains are capable of transporting everything from sedans and vans to SUVs to motorcycles. Those moving along the East Coast between Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Florida, can load their car onto theAmtrak Auto Trainto be transported to their destination.
Car transport by boat
While this is mostly reserved forinternational car shipping, you can still ship your car by boat domestically, too. Just like moving your car by train, this isn’t the most common method to move your car, but it could be right under certain circumstances. (For example, if you’removing to HawaiiorAlaska.)
Tips for getting your car ready for interstate transport
To ensure your transport goes off without a hitch, prep your car before it hits the road. A professional auto transport company you work with will generally go over the specifics that you need to do before pick-up, but be prepared to do these tasks either way:
- Check your fuel gaugeand ensure that it is no more than one-quarter full.
- Empty all items from your car.The company you hire may require your car to be empty or may just have a set weight limit.
- Remove all valuables, including those documents in the glove compartment and standalone GPS devices.
- Check your car’s tiresto ensure that they are inflated and in good condition.
- Check your car’s batteryto ensure that it is fully charged.
To be safe, it’s also a good idea to check your car closely for any existing damage and to photograph it from all angles. That way, if it incurs any damage on the road, you will have proof that it was not pre-existing and can go through the appropriate insurance channels to be reimbursed.
How to save money when you ship a car to another state using professional car shipping services
- Choose an open-air carrier transport.This option will leave your car exposed to the elements, but it’s the most cost-effective option.
- Be flexible with car shipping drop-off and pickup dates. Auto transport companies will typically have some flexibility in letting you pick your dates, but if you can swing it, be open to staying flexible on the dates.
- Get multiple quotes. Get free auto transport quotes and a quick look at reputable companies in ourauto transport center.
FAQs about vehicle shipping
Keep reading to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about shipping cars using an auto transport company.
How do I ship a car to another state?
If you’re not driving a car yourself or hitching it to the moving truck you’re driving, you can use aprofessional auto shipping companyto move it for you either in an open-air or enclosed carrier. Other car transport services include using a professional driver to drive it for you and shipping your car by boat or train. The last two are less common, with limited options.
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
If you’re using a professional car shipping company, there are a lot of factors that make up the total cost to ship a car to another state, thoughaverage car shipping costsare about $600-$1,000 for a four-door sedan and $800-$1,070 for a small van, pickup, or SUV (based on a New York to California move). You’re more likely to hit the lower end of the range if you move in the off-season winter months. Likewise, expect to spend more if you’re moving in the summer.
Other factors that will affect the total cost of shipping a car to another state include:
- The size and weight of your car.The bigger and heavier your car is, the more it’s going to cost to move.
- The distance of your move.As you would probably expect, long-distance moves cost more due to increased labor charges, fuel charges, and tolls.
- The make and model of your car.The type of vehicle and specifics of your car do factor in when it comes to the total cost. Expect to spend to transport a luxury or classic car. Those types of cars will require more individualized attention from the shipping service.
- The time of year you’re moving.You’ll spend more to transport a car to another state if you’re moving in the summer than in the winter. There’s a higher demand for auto shipping services at that time.
- The type of transport you choose.Costs vary depending on whether you opt for an enclosed or open-air carrier. We’ll get into more detail on those below.
An important additional cost to consider is insurance. All legitimate auto transport companies must carry insurance, but it may not be sufficient for your needs—especially if your car is very valuable. Check with your existing auto insurance policyholder to see if your plan covers long-distance shipping, or consider purchasing supplemental insurance that will protect your car in the event something happens on the road.
Enclosed transport vs. open-air transport
A big cost determinant will be thetypeof transport method you choose—i.e., an enclosed carrier or an open-air carrier. Open-air carriers tend to be the most popular shipping method since they run cheaper than enclosed carry transports, but there are a few variables to keep in mind aside from just cost.
Open-air carriers
You’ve likely seen a lot of open-air carry transport vehicles on the road. Typically, they hold about nine to 10 cars on two separate levels, each car safely secured to the base so it doesn’t move around.
These types of carriers are more readily available, which is part of the reason that they’re the more affordable option. Having your car completely visible during the entire trip is also an advantage in that it allows the driver to notice any signs of damage immediately. That being said, open-air carriers mean that your car is exposed to the elements during transport, including any inclement weather. This makes it more susceptible to damage in the first place.
Another notable aspect of open-air transport is timing. Because open air carriers transport nearly a dozen vehicles at a time, they’re usually making multiple stops on their trips. This can push back your vehicle’s delivery date and may also mean that your car is dropped off at a central hub in your area instead of directly at your door. Inquire about delivery specifics when sourcing quotes so that you don’t inadvertently sign up to get your car a week or two after you expect to.
Enclosed carriers
If you want your car to be completely protected during the shipping process, you’ll want to go for an enclosed carrier, though it will cost you more. Enclosed carriers have a few big advantages that warrant the price hike, including a lack of exposure to outside elements and higher overall security. And many times, there are only about three to five vehicles on the carrier at a time, which means you get your car back faster.
The biggest con, of course, is the price tag. According to A-1 Auto Transport, shipping your car on an enclosed carriercosts about an additional $0.25 to $0.50 per mile, which adds up quickly if you’re sending your car across the country. If you’re worried about exposure to the elements or are shipping a luxury or classic car, it’s worth looking into.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car to another state?
The cheapest way to move a car, in most cases, is to drive it yourself. But if you hire a professional car shipping company, costs depend on the car’s size, weight, the distance of the move, the time of year you’re moving, and other factors. But, typically, the cheapest way is by an open-air carrier.
What factors impact the cost of shipping a car to another state?
Thecost of auto transportwhen using an auto transport company typically depends on several important factors, including the time of year (the demand is higher in the spring and summer months), the size, weight, the make and the model of your car (for example, a luxury car will cost more to transport), the distance traveled, the type of auto transport, the level of service (door-to-door service transport rates will cost more than picking up your car from a specific delivery location), and any added insurance cost.
Can I ship personal items in my car to another state?
No. The car transport company is not a moving company and doesn’t have a license for this type of service. Plus, its insurance policy covers your vehicle only, not your belongings inside it.
Can I have a full gas tank?
It’s preferable that you only have one-fourth of fuel in the tank, as it adds to the car’s overall weight.
Should I use an enclosed car carrier to ship a car to another state?
It’s safer than the open-air carrier but also more expensive. If you are shipping a vintage, luxury or rare car, or your car has sentimental value across state lines, then opt for the better protection of the enclosed carrier.
What kind of paperwork is needed by the car shipping company?
Typically, two documents. The bill of lading and the insurance terms and conditions. You might also get asked for things like your ID and title and registration, but it’s not legally required to ship a car.
How can I prepare my car for transport?
Check that your car’s tank is no more than one-quarter full, remove all personal belongings (especially valuables), check your car’s tires and battery, disable the alarm, wash your car (that way, any damage will be more visible at the before-and-after inspections), and give your key to the carrier.
How does auto transport insurance coverage work?
The carrier must have auto transport insurance that will cover your car (but not your belongings inside it) during loading, transport and unloading. You can also purchase additional insurance if there’s a need for it. You don’t need your personal car insurance to ship your car, but you need it to drive it away and in case you need to file a claim.
Resources
- The Best Car Shipping Companies
- AmeriFreight Review
- AutoStar Transport Express Review
- Fidelity Auto Shipping Review
- Montway Auto Transport Review
- Nexus Auto Transport Review
Related Articles:
- How to Move a Car to Another State
- Before You Rent a Car Trailer: The Cost and Helpful Tips
- How to Ship a Car by Train
- Can I Move My Leased Car Out of State?
- How To Do a Nebraska DMV Change of Address
- The 411 on Using a Car Dolly Rental to Move Your Vehicle
- Car Trailer vs. Tow Dolly: Which Should You Choose?
- How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country?
- Here’s How Much Your Interstate Move Will Cost
- A Checklist for Moving Out of State – Moving to Another State
FAQs
How do I ship a car from one state to another in the US? ›
- Drive it yourself. ...
- Hire someone to drive it for you. ...
- Use a train shipping service. ...
- Use an airplane shipping service. ...
- Use an auto transport service. ...
- Open car shipping. ...
- Enclosed car shipping. ...
- Guaranteed pick-up.
Toyota Car Shipping Rates
Next time you need auto shipping services to ship your vehicle anywhere in the country, call 855-422-4141 or send us an email. We offer free auto transport quotes on any vehicle.
And safely move and steer the car at the same time and be able to do it. Alone. So set your shoulder
How much is it to ship a car from Texas to California? ›Shipping from Texas to California is approximately between $1,050 and $1,250, depending on whether you use an open carrier or an enclosed auto carrier. The distance between Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California is about 1557 miles, and shipping your car takes about 3-5 days.
How long does it take to ship a car? ›It takes about two weeks to deliver a car. However, timelines can be shorter or longer depending on your delivery location, auto transport company, and shipping method.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car? ›We found that the best cheap car shipping companies in 2022 are Easy Auto Ship, Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and uShip.
Who are the best auto transport companies? ›...
#3: SGT Auto Transport
- Open and enclosed shipping.
- Door-to-door service.
- U.S. shipping.
- Expedited shipping.
- Instant quotes online.
- Guaranteed pick-up.
The other causes of a no-move condition usually have to be diagnosed by a professional. They include hydraulic pump failure, cracked flywheel, failed sun-gear shell, worn out clutch plates, linkage problem and a variety of other internal problems.
How many people does it take to move a car? ›People can lift around 20-25kg safely, but many can lift a lot more than that (NOT RECOMMENDED) so it could take 20 people to lift a vehicle or maybe even 5 or 10 people if each of those people could lift 2 or 4 times their recommended amount.
Can car be transported by train? ›With the help of Indian Railways, your car will be delivered to your destination city and charges are also economic. You can choose any container, it wants cost much as compared to the private car shifting companies. Indian Railways provide two types of Containers for your car shifting.
Can 1 person push a car? ›
Unfortunately, you can't push a car by yourself. Besides the large amount of force it would take to push the car by yourself, you wouldn't have someone to steer the vehicle. Anyone who attempts to push a car alone could find themselves in physical danger.
How do you pack a car to move? ›- Figure Out What You Need to Move.
- Use Bags as Much as Possible.
- Invest in Vacuum Storage Bags.
- Avoid Large Boxes.
- Make Use of Every Space.
- Use an Overhead Carrier.
How to roll or move an Automatic car without starting it. BMW - YouTube
How much does it cost to transport a car from Florida to Texas? ›The average cost to ship a car from Florida to Texas is $631, This average price is based on user-entered estimates on trasnsportreviews.com.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Dallas to San Francisco? ›Shipping a car from Dallas TX to San Francisco CA usually takes about 5-7 days and it cost around $900 and up, depend on type of vehicle.
How do I transfer a car from Texas to California? ›- A Completed Application for Title or Registration (Form REG 343).
- The Vehicle's Out-of-State Title.
- The Vehicle's Out-of-State Registration.
- Proof of Insurance.
- A Valid Smog Certificate.
- Payment for Fees (see "Fees" below).
It is not illegal to ship personal items in your vehicle when it is being moved by a shipping company. There might be some personal items that you cannot remove from your vehicle. Some shipping companies will also allow you to put other items in your vehicle that you want to move with your car.
How long does it take to ship a car 200 miles? ›| Distance to travel | Length of shipment |
|---|---|
| 1-200 miles | 1-2 days |
| 201-600 miles | 2-4 days |
| 601-1,000 miles | 3-5 days |
| 1,001-1,500 miles | 4-6 days |
Cross-country car shipping usually takes between one and two weeks. This is because the car needs to be hauled across the country on an auto transport carrier. During transit, unpredictable factors such as traffic and weather play an important role on the actual final transit time for your shipment.
Is enclosed car shipping worth it? ›Yes, enclosed transportation is safer than open shipping. Because your car is shipped inside of a closed trailer, enclosed auto shipping better protects your vehicle against bad weather and road debris than open auto shipping.
How much does it cost to transport a car from California to New York? ›
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to NYC | $1349 | 2789 miles |
| San Francisco to Albany | $1499 | 2995miles |
| San Diego to Long Island City | $1499 | 2900 miles |
| Long Beach to Brooklyn | $1400 | 2798 miles |
The best car shipping companies in 2022 are #1 Montway Auto Transport, #2 Sherpa Auto Transport, #3 SGT Auto Transport, #4 American Auto Shipping, #5 AmeriFreight, and #6 Easy Auto Ship.
How does auto shipping work? ›The process is extremely straightforward. All you have to do is schedule a time for your vehicle to be picked up, mark down your desired destination, and then arrive to reacquire your delivered vehicle from the destination point. It's as simple as that and the entire process is safe and efficient.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Chicago to Los Angeles? ›| Shipping To/From | Cost | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA | $950 | 4-6 days |
| Aurora, IL to Glendale, CA | $935 | 4-6 days |
| Naperville, IL to Long Beach, CA | $900 | 4-6 days |
If you think about how much to ship a car from California to Michigan via air, it can cost you anywhere between $2000 and $4000.
How much does it cost to transport a car across the US? ›The average cost to ship a car is approximately $1,290. Move.org analyzed nearly 700 car shipping quotes to calculate industry averages. We found that costs range from about $630 to transport your vehicle a few hundred miles on an open carrier to around $1,810 to send your car across the country in an enclosed truck.
What is the most popular shipping company? ›American Auto Shipping is one of the best and most highly rated transport brokers in the business. This is easy to see by their A+ BBB rating and 4.4-star customer rating. They offer great benefits such as their price lock guarantee and $500 damage coverage.
Does pressing the gas pedal do anything when the car is off? ›4) The accelerator pedal.
On a modern electronically fuel-injected car, absolutely nothing happens at all when you press this while parked. The fuel systems are controlled by the engine electronics, and are not active until the engine starts running.
The parking brake mechanism engages the teeth on the output to hold the car still. This is the section of the transmission that hooks up to the driveshaft. If this part can't spin, the car can't move.
Why do automatic cars not stall? ›
The reason that an automatic doesn't stall out while "in gear" and at a stop, while a manual transmission does, is that automatic transmissions use a hydraulic torque converter to connect the engine to the transmission, while manual transmissions use a friction clutch.
What is the world's famous car? ›Since then, the Aston Martin DB5 has become known as the most recognizable Aston Martin ever built – Sotheby's calls it “The Most Famous Car in the World.”
What can lift a car but not a feather? ›A garage can hold a car but can't lift a feather. A garage can hold a car but can't lift a feather because a garage is not at all designed to lift a feather. There are other examples that are used in the same context. A garage is used for parking or holding cars.
How long does it take to ship a transmission? ›A: Typical shipping time usually takes between 7-14 business days, but could be a little longer due to unusual circumstances (such as weather, volume, etc...) Q: How does my part arrive?
Can I put my car on a train to Florida? ›The Auto Train transports you and your car (or van, motorcycle, SUV, small boat, jet-ski or other recreational vehicle) nonstop from the Washington, DC area to Florida, just outside of Orlando.
Does Amtrak do freight? ›We offer small package and less-than-truckload shipping services between more than 100 cities. For more information about rates, schedules and permitted items, call 1-800-377-6914 (8 am - 8 pm ET, Monday through Friday).
How do you travel in a car by train? ›You can simply call up a railway company and tell them your address, and they will pick up the car and deliver it to your doorstep. You can also book train tickets online, and get the best deals on your trip.
Is it OK to push an automatic car in neutral? ›Can automatic cars be pushed? Yes, automatic cars can be pushed, but they can't be pushed to start. To push an automatic car, you just have to put the car in ignition and push the gear lever to Neutral (N) position. When the lever is in this position, you can push the car in either direction as long as you want.
Can you roll start an automatic? ›If you cannot get line pressure (even in old transmissions) you cannot start an automatic transmission via pushing it (no matter how fast you push it). The only auto trannies which you could do this with are really old, in fact some of the first automatics which had the pump at the rear of the transmission.
Does pushing a car in neutral add mileage? ›Most often, RVers will pull vehicles that have a transfer case that can be shifted into neutral. So long as the transmission output shaft in most cars is not turning, or the ignition is off, it will keep the same mileage.
What is the most efficient way to pack a car? ›
- Donate Things You Don't Use. ...
- Sell Some Stuff. ...
- Eat All of Your Food. ...
- Use Bags Instead of Boxes. ...
- Vacuum Storage Bags. ...
- Put Heavy, Durable Stuff on The Bottom. ...
- Clean Out Your Car Beforehand. ...
- Plan Out Your Trips.
Generally, a vehicle's maximum capacity will be around 800 pounds. If you look on the panel of the drivers side door, there should be a sticker which gives the maximum capacity for your vehicle specifically.
How many boxes can I fit in my car? ›If you have a standard sedan, you can fit many boxes in your car: 77 small, 38 medium, 25 large, or 6 extra-large boxes. This assumes that you use the area behind the driver and passenger seat and the trunk and doesn't account for leaving space around the windows to have a clear view while driving.
Can you put a car in neutral with dead battery? ›Dead battery cant get your car in neutral well this will help - YouTube
Why can't I push my car when its in neutral? ›Recommended Services. The brakes are locked, the transmission is not actually in neutral (check the shift cable and/or manual lever on the transmission case) or the parking pawl has somehow gotten stuck or is mispositioned.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Washington DC? ›How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car from California to Washington? Depending on your origin and destination cities, the price for shipping a car or truck from California to Washington can range from $600 to $1,500 or more.
How reliable is Mercury Auto Transport? ›Mercury Auto Transport holds accreditation and a B rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Customers on the BBB website give it an average score of 4.8 out of 5.0 stars from more than 400 reviews.
Can car be transported by train? ›With the help of Indian Railways, your car will be delivered to your destination city and charges are also economic. You can choose any container, it wants cost much as compared to the private car shifting companies. Indian Railways provide two types of Containers for your car shifting.
Can I ship my cat to another state? ›Yes, you can. But, a comfortable carrier is what your cat will require while mailing. Be it ground or air transportation, apart from ensuring your cat's travel comfort, you need to select a carrier that facilitates the airline or cat transporting agent to securely handle the cat during the journey.
How much does it cost to ship a car from PA to FL? ›In general, shipping a car to Florida will cost somewhere between $500 to $2,000. So most people will pay somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500 to have their car transported to Florida. But we have a national average pricing chart for you below which you are welcome to explore.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to New York? ›
The average cost to ship a car from Florida to New York is $705, This average price is based on user-entered estimates on transportreviews.com. If you want to know the exact estimate for shipping a car from Florida to New York, use our online calculator to get a free and instant quote.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Seattle to Los Angeles? ›| Shipping To/From | Cost | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Seatlle, WA to Los Angeles, CA | $799 | 2-3 days |
| Tacoma, WA to Glendale, CA | $700 | 2-3 days |
| Lakewood, WA to Long Beach, CA | $749 | 2-3 days |
All car shipping companies have to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA will issue them with a motor carrier number. If an auto transport company doesn't have this number, they're not authorized to operate. You should be able to find this number on the company's website.
Is Sherpa auto transport legit? ›Sherpa Auto Transport is a reliable car shipping provider. The company currently holds an A+ rating from the BBB and has received very few complaints from customers on the site over the last three years.
Is American Auto Transport legit? ›American Auto Shipping is one of the best and most highly rated transport brokers in the business. This is easy to see by their A+ BBB rating and 4.4-star customer rating. They offer great benefits such as their price lock guarantee and $500 damage coverage.
Can I put my car on a train to Florida? ›The Auto Train transports you and your car (or van, motorcycle, SUV, small boat, jet-ski or other recreational vehicle) nonstop from the Washington, DC area to Florida, just outside of Orlando.
Does Amtrak do freight? ›We offer small package and less-than-truckload shipping services between more than 100 cities. For more information about rates, schedules and permitted items, call 1-800-377-6914 (8 am - 8 pm ET, Monday through Friday).
How do you travel in a car by train? ›You can simply call up a railway company and tell them your address, and they will pick up the car and deliver it to your doorstep. You can also book train tickets online, and get the best deals on your trip.
Does FedEx ship live animals? ›A. FedEx Express does not accept live-animal shipments as part of its regular-scheduled service and does not transport household pets such as dogs, cats, birds and hamsters.
Can UPS ship live animals? ›Live animals will only be accepted for transportation when shipped by any UPS service that guarantees delivery the next day. Shipments must not be offered to UPS on Fridays or before a holiday in the origin or destination country. All live animals offered for transportation must be in a new box.
Does USPS ship live animals? ›
526.31 General. The following live, day–old animals are acceptable for mailing when properly packaged: chickens, ducks, emus, geese, guinea birds, partridges, pheasants (only during April through August), quail, and turkeys. All other types of live, day–old poultry are nonmailable.