Whether you’re relocating for a new job, moving for college, or buying a vehicle from a different state, the task of transporting a car over a long distance can be daunting. While you could drive it yourself, shipping your car with a professional transport company can save you time, mileage, and stress.

This guide provides a clear overview of the process and key considerations to help you find the best solution for your needs.

Shipping a Car vs. Driving: The Smart Choice

Before you decide to embark on a long-distance road trip, consider the full picture. Driving a car across states can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with a number of hidden costs and risks:

• Fuel, Food, and Lodging: A cross-country drive can be a significant expense when you factor in gas, hotel stays, and meals on the road.
• Wear and Tear: Every mile you drive adds to your vehicle’s odometer, increasing maintenance needs and potentially lowering its resale value.
• Time: A multi-day journey is a major time commitment. Shipping your car allows you to fly to your new home and handle other moving logistics, saving you days of travel.
• Risk: Driving long distances increases the risk of an accident, a breakdown, or personal fatigue.

For many people, the convenience and peace of mind offered by professional auto transport make it the smarter choice for a long-distance move.

The Two Primary Transport Options

Once you decide to ship your car, you’ll need to choose between two main methods.

• Open Auto Transport: This is the most common and cost-effective method. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier, similar to the trucks that transport new cars to dealerships. While your car is exposed to the elements, it is safely secured and fully insured. This is the ideal choice for most standard vehicles.
• Enclosed Auto Transport: For luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles, enclosed transport provides a higher level of protection. Your car is transported inside a fully covered trailer, shielding it from weather, road debris, and potential theft. This premium service offers maximum security and is recommended for collector cars.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Smooth Shipment

Here is a simple checklist to follow once you’ve decided to ship your vehicle.

1. Research and Choose a Reputable Company Start by researching auto transport companies. Look for companies with strong customer reviews and a good reputation. Confirm that they are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Getting quotes from several different companies will help you find a fair price.

2. Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping A little preparation goes a long way. Before the transport driver arrives:

• Clean your car: Wash and vacuum your vehicle. This allows you to easily spot and document any pre-existing scratches or dents.
• Remove personal items: For safety and insurance reasons, remove all personal belongings from the interior and trunk.
• Check fluids and tires: Ensure your vehicle has no leaks and your tires are properly inflated. The gas tank should be no more than a quarter full.

3. The Pickup and Delivery Process A professional transport company will arrange for convenient door-to-door service.

• Pre-shipment inspection: The driver will walk around the vehicle with you to complete a thorough inspection and document its condition on a Bill of Lading.
• Stay in touch: A reputable company will provide you with updates and a tracking number so you can follow your vehicle’s journey.
• Final inspection: Upon delivery, you will perform a final inspection to confirm the vehicle arrived in the same condition it was picked up in.

By choosing a professional auto transport solution, you can ensure your vehicle reaches its destination safely and efficiently, leaving you free to focus on your new journey.