How To Ship Car To Another State 1 month ago

Moving to a new state brings excitement and a fresh start, but it also involves a fair share of logistics. Whether relocating for work, school, or a lifestyle change, deciding how to get your vehicle to your new home is an important step.

Shipping your car can save you time, reduce stress, and spare your vehicle from the wear and tear of a long road trip. In this guide, we’ll explore the options for safely shipping your car to another state, so you can choose the best solution for your journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Shipping vs. Driving: Shipping a car can often be more cost-effective and less stressful than driving it to another state. It avoids additional expenses like fuel, lodging, and wear and tear on the vehicle, especially for long-distance moves.
• Types of Transport Options: Customers can choose between open and enclosed auto transport. Open transport is a more affordable option, while enclosed trailers provide greater protection, recommended for luxury or classic cars. Sherpa Auto Transport offers both options, with most customers opting to ship via an open trailer.
• Importance of Choosing a Reputable Transport Company: Selecting a trusted auto transport company ensures peace of mind and reliable service. Key factors include good industry reputation, sufficient insurance coverage, and transparent pricing. Sherpa stands out with its Price Lock Promise, ensuring customers don’t face unexpected price hikes after booking.
• Preparing Your Vehicle: Preparing a vehicle for shipment involves steps like removing personal belongings, checking for existing damage, and ensuring minimal fuel in the tank. Proper preparation helps protect the car and ensures a smooth transport experience.

In This Review:

• Shipping a Car to Another State
• Understanding Auto Transport Companies
• Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs
• Enclosed Car Shipping Options
• How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Car Shipping
• Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
• Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience
• Shipping to Another State FAQs

Shipping a Car to Another State

Moving to a new state often means big changes, from settling into a new community to adjusting to new surroundings. One of the biggest logistical questions during a long-distance move is how to handle transporting your car.

Shipping your vehicle to another state can save time, reduce wear and tear, and relieve the stress of a long drive. Whether you’re moving for work, school, or a fresh start, understanding the options for shipping your car will help you make the best decision for your needs.

Drive or Ship a Car

When deciding between driving your car to a new state or shipping it, there are several factors to consider. Driving might seem more affordable, but it comes with costs like fuel, lodging, food, and the added wear on your vehicle.

Long road trips also mean setting aside extra time, which can be a challenge if you’re on a tight schedule. On the other hand, shipping your car offers convenience and can ultimately be a safer, less stressful option.

With shipping, you can book a transport company to arrange your shipment, letting you focus on other aspects of the move. If you’re moving a long distance or have multiple vehicles, shipping may be the most efficient and economical choice.

Choose Your Transport Type: Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping

One of the first things you’ll need to do when researching how to ship a car to another state is choose how you want your vehicle transported, especially if you have more than one car.

There are two transport options to choose from: open auto transport and enclosed auto transport.

• Open auto transport: This is the most afforable way to ship a car, as car carrier trucks can hold between eight and 10 vehicles at a time. The car hauler can pick up and drop off many cars along the same shipping route. However, open carriers leave your car exposed to the elements and road debris.
• Enclosed auto transport: Shipping your vehicle in an enclosed carrier is more expensive, but it provides more protection. It’s recommended for shipping luxury cars or antique vehicles.

Expert Advice: over 90% of Sherpa Auto Transport customers opt to use an open trailer for shipping their car to another state.

You’ll also need to decide whether you want your car delivered via door-to-door transport or terminal-to-terminal shipping.

• Door-to-door transport: Shipping your car door-to-door means the trucker will pick your vehicle up and drop it off as close to your chosen addresses as possible.
• Terminal-to-terminal transport: With this shipping method, you drop your vehicle off and pick it up at more centralized locations, known as terminals. A moving truck can also be used to transport cars efficiently.

When you book with Sherpa Auto Transport, you’ll have door-to-door shipping, as most customers prefer its convenience.

Choose an Auto Transport Company

Once you’ve decided how you want your vehicle transported, it’s time to choose a moving company that offers car shipping services. The best car shipping companies have good reputations in the auto transport industry and vet the carriers they work with.

At Sherpa, we make sure each car carrier is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and maintains a high safety rating with the Department of Transportation (DOT). Each carrier we work with has at least $100,000 in cargo insurance coverage per shipment and at least $1 million in liability insurance.

When researching companies, use a car shipping calculator or other online tool to receive free quotes. Sherpa offers locked-in prices with our exclusive Price Lock Promise. This means that the quote we give you is the final price you’ll pay – no last minute price hikes or bait-and-switch pricing.

Book Your Shipment Early

For your peace of mind, it’s best to book your shipment at least two weeks in advance to avoid availability issues or higher prices. By locking in your vehicle shipment, you can reduce your stress and focus on other aspects of your move.

Understanding Auto Transport Companies

When it comes to shipping a car to another state, understanding the role of auto transport companies is crucial. These companies specialize in shipping vehicles from one location to another, offering car owners a convenient and stress-free experience.

Sherpa Auto Transport is a vehicle transportation broker, which means that we connect our customers with a professional driver from a reputable company. The auto transport carrier will load your vehicle onto a trailer to move it to your specified destination.

Auto transport companies typically provide a range of services, including open transport, enclosed transport, and terminal-to-terminal transport. They also offer insurance coverage for the vehicle, giving car owners peace of mind.

Selecting the right auto transport company involves thorough research and comparison. Look for companies with a solid reputation, excellent customer reviews, and a wide array of services. It’s essential to ask about their insurance coverage, shipping options, and pricing to ensure you get the best deal.

By doing so, you can find an auto transport company that meets your needs and budget, ensuring your car reaches its destination safely and securely.

Expert Advice: train shipping is an option for those moving to another state on the East Coast. Due to the limited train service in the United States, shipment by rail is not a viable option for most Americans.

Factors that Affect Car Shipping Costs

Many factors will influence the specific cost for your shipment. When you ship a car to another state, shipping distance is the biggest factor contributing to your car shipping costs. Long-distance and cross country vehicle shipments cost less per mile but more overall.

Other factors include:

• Pickup and delivery locations: Your specific locations for pickup and delivery will influence the shipment price. If you live in a rural area, consider meeting the carrier near a highway or more populated area for a cheaper quote.
• Time of year: Expect to pay more for vehicle shipping in January and the summer, when demand for car shipping services increases.
• Vehicle size: Larger and heavier vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, are costlier to ship. In addition, speciality vehicles like motorcycles, boats, or RVs will typically cost more due to their size.
• Vehicle operability: If your car is inoperable, it will require more time and labor to load onto the carrier truck, making salvaged car shipping a more expensive option.
• Trailer type: Enclosed carrier shipping is a good option for shipping a luxury or classic car, but it can cost up to 50% more than open auto transport.
  • Using a tow dolly can be a cost-effective option for those experienced in towing, but it requires skill and comfort in towing a vehicle safely.
• Fuel cost: As gas prices rise, so does the price to ship a car.

Expert Tip: Ask about available discounts, especially if you’re looking to ship multiple cars at once.

Enclosed Car Shipping Options

Enclosed auto transport is a premium option for car owners who want to ensure their vehicle is transported safely and securely. This method involves transporting the car in an enclosed trailer, protecting it from the elements and potential damage.

Enclosed car shipping is ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that require extra care and attention.

When choosing an enclosed trailer, consider the following factors:

• Type of trailer: Opt for trailers with a hard roof and walls to provide maximum protection for your vehicle.
• Climate control: Some enclosed trailers come with climate control, which helps regulate temperature and humidity levels during transport.
• Insurance coverage: Ensure the auto transport company provides adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit.
• Pricing: While enclosed transport is typically more expensive than open transport, it offers added peace of mind and protection for your vehicle.

By considering these factors, you can select the best enclosed car shipping option for your needs, ensuring your vehicle arrives in pristine condition.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Car Shipping

When shipping a car to another state, there are several steps you’ll need to take:

• Remove belongings from your car: Though the risk of theft is very low, you should remove all valuables from your car. Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal belongings stored in the trunk and below the window line. However, Sherpa and the carrier are not responsible for items you leave in the car during transit.
• Take care of routine maintenance: To prevent possible shipping delays, make sure your tires are properly inflated, your car’s battery has charge, and all fluids have been topped off.
• Don’t fill up the gas tank: A full tank of gas will add to both your vehicle’s weight and the shipping price. Your car shouldn’t have more than a quarter tank of gas when it’s shipped.
• Make an extra set of keys: It’s unlikely that the truck driver will lose your car keys, but it’s good practice to keep a spare just in case.
• Inspect your car for existing damage: When the trucker comes to pick your vehicle up, check for dents, dings, or scratches. Take pictures of existing damage to show the car shipping provider in the event your vehicle is damaged during the shipping process.

Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport

At Sherpa, we know the ins and outs of how to ship a car to another state safely, as we ship vehicles anywhere within the nation, including Alaska and Hawaii. We’ve established an excellent reputation in the car transport industry, holding an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The customer reviews section of the BBB’s website give us an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Nationwide Door-to-Door Service

Sherpa Auto Transport is a nationwide car shipping provider. We can pick up and deliver your vehicle anywhere in the U.S. We even facilitate transport by boat for vehicles going to or from Alaska and Hawaii. Door-to-door service provides the utmost convenience for our customers.

Price Lock Promise

When shipping a vehicle to a new state, make sure you’re getting the best price possible. Our Price Lock Promise means you won’t pay more than the price quoted for your shipment. If the shipping price changes, we’ll pay up to $300 of the difference.

Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience

To ensure a smooth shipping experience, follow these tips:

• Prepare your car: Clean your car thoroughly, limit personal belongings, and document any existing damage.
• Choose the right shipping option: Consider your budget, vehicle type, and shipping needs when selecting a shipping option.
• Research and compare auto transport companies: Look for companies with a good reputation, excellent customer reviews, and a wide range of services.
• Ask about insurance coverage: Make sure the car shipping company provides adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle.
• Plan ahead: Book your shipping well in advance to ensure availability and get the best price.
• Stay informed: Keep track of your vehicle’s shipping progress and stay in touch with the auto transport company to ensure a smooth delivery.

By following these tips and understanding the role of auto transport companies, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free shipping experience for your car.

Shipping to Another State FAQs