August 15, 2022

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

1. Hire an auto transport company
2. Transport your car with a moving company
3. Hitch your car to a moving truck
4. Hire a professional driver
5. Drive it yourself
6. Ship your car by train
7. 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 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website 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 the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Good online reviews.

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’re driving a moving truck to your destination, you may be able to hitch your car to the back using a tow dolly or car trailer. Check with your truck rental company 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, always go 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 the Amtrak Auto Train to be transported to their destination.

Car transport by boat

While this is mostly reserved for international 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’re moving to Hawaii or Alaska.)

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 gauge and 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 tires to ensure that they are inflated and in good condition.
• Check your car’s battery to 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.

Original Post: How to Ship a Car to Another State