If you purchased a car from out of state, the next step is to have it shipped to your state, ideally to the front of your home. Conversely, if you have just sold a car to someone out of state, the next step is to have it shipped to the buyer.Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, it is important to understand the shipping process as this is a one-time-thing where both parties are reaching for one goal at the same time.

This guide comprises all the steps of how to ship your car from one state to another.

Understand Shipping Options for Your Car

There are several methods available to ship a vehicle across states. However, you need to choose the one that best aligns with your time, budget, and protection for the vehicle to be shipped. Here’s a list of the various shipping options and descriptions on how they work:

Open-Air Transport: This is the most common and cost-effective way to ship a car. Your car is transported on an open carrier alongside other vehicles. While this method is economical, it comes with the risk of physical wear and tear as the car remains exposed to weather and road conditions throughout the journey.

Enclosed Transport: If you are conscious and want a no-risk delivery, enclosed transport is the mode you should opt for. In this mode, your car is completely shielded within a trailer and it is the most suitable one for luxury, vintage, or high-value vehicles. However, it is a pricey option.

Transport by Train: If you are located in an area that is close to the rail hub, you can also get your car shipped by train. Although you may need to arrange additional arrangements for drop-off and pickup transporting your car via rail is generally a safer and affordable option if the routes align.

Air Transport: Air transport is the most premium method and if you want urgent delivery or looking for relocation of high-value cars, this is the most reliable option. However, this mode of transportation can be significantly more expensive than other options due to the value it offers.

Drive-Away Services: Another option for shipping your car from one place to another is hiring a professional driver who can drive your car to its new location. This option could be economical but comes with the drawback of adding miles and wear to the car.

Estimate the Shipping Cost

There are lots of factors on which the cost to ship a car depends, such as distance, mode of transport, vehicle size, and the season. Here’s a basic breakdown of potential costs:

Open-Air Transport: $500 - $1,500

Enclosed Transport: $1,000 - $2,500

To secure the most competitive shipping rates, it is best to request quotes from several reputable car shipping companies. Additionally, shipping costs can fluctuate based on the season, as demand tends to increase during the summer and around holidays, which may result in higher prices. Planning ahead and scheduling your shipment during off-peak times can help you minimize costs.

Select a Reputable Shipping Company

A shipping company is the key player in the whole process of car relocation, so choosing one wisely is crucial. Before finalizing any, look for options, research thoroughly, check reviews, confirm their licensing with the Department of Transportation (DOT), and verify insurance coverage. Don’t forget to ask for the reviews in your circle to learn more about the services.

Get Your Car Ready for Shipment

Here’s what you need to do before handing over your car to the shipment company:

Document the Car's Condition: Take photos of the exterior and interior to record the car's condition. This helps resolve any disputes if damage occurs during transport.

Reduce Fuel Levels: Leave the gas tank about one-quarter full to reduce vehicle weight, which helps prevent extra charges and minimizes fire hazards.

Remove Personal Items: For safety and compliance, remove all personal belongings from the car. Some shipping companies may allow a small number of items, but confirm this in advance.

Check for Maintenance Issues: Ensure that tires are properly inflated and any loose parts, like antennas, are removed or secured.

Disable Alarms: Prevent any accidental alarm triggers by disabling the system before shipment.

Arrange for Drop-Off and Delivery

Your car shipping company will typically provide options for delivery:

Door-to-Door Service: This convenient service brings the car directly to your new location. However, check for accessibility; added costs may vary.

Terminal-to-Terminal Service: If cost savings are a priority, terminal-to-terminal service might be available. This requires drop-off and pickup at designated locations but is generally less expensive.

Review Delivery and Inspect the Vehicle

Upon arrival, carefully inspect the car for any signs of damage. Compare its condition with the pre-shipment photos to ensure there is no unexpected damage. If you notice anything unusual, document it immediately and report it to the shipping company to start a claims process if necessary.

Other Key Considerations

Shipping Timeline: Be prepared for a range of delivery times, typically between 1-2 weeks for cross-country shipments. Factors like weather, transport type, and distance can affect timing.

Insurance Coverage: Your vehicle should be insured under the carrier's policy during transit. However, check your own auto insurance for additional coverage options.

Pros and Cons of Different Shipping Methods

Open-Air vs. Enclosed Transport: Open-air shipping is affordable but leaves the car exposed to the elements. Enclosed transport offers protection but at a premium.

Train vs. Truck Transport: Trains offer a stable and often more affordable option, but accessibility may be limited. Trucks can provide door-to-door service and are generally faster but may cost more.

For a more comprehensive understanding of which mode is better for the transportation of your car, take a look at this comparison:

Open-Air Transport

• Pros: It is a more affordable option compared to enclosed transport.
• Cons: The vehicle is exposed to weather conditions and road elements, which may lead to potential damage.

Enclosed Transport

• Pros: Offers protection from weather and road debris, providing a safer option for valuable or delicate cars.
• Cons: It tends to be more expensive than open-air transport.

Train Transport

• Pros: Often a more affordable and stable form of transport for vehicles over long distances.
• Cons: Accessibility can be limited, as vehicles need to be dropped off and picked up at specific depots.

Truck Transport

• Pros: Provides door-to-door service and generally delivers faster than other transport methods.
• Cons: It usually costs more than train transport, making it a more expensive option.

All in all, relocating your car is not a hassle if you understand the process completely. However, you need to be very careful while finalizing the shipping company, as selecting the wrong one can risk the safety of your vehicle.