Car Shipping Guide for Movers: What to Know Before You Transport Your Vehicle

Why Car Shipping Matters During a Move

If you’re getting ready to move, you’ve probably planned your packing and hired movers to get you to your new home. What people tend to overlook, though, is vehicle logistics. Shipping your car has many advantages. In fact, it can be more than a convenience: it can be a smart strategy.

Driving cross-country can bring with it several negatives: extra fuel costs, nights at hotels, having to take time off work, and wear and tear on your vehicle.

Here at MoveAdvisor, we can help coordinate moving services, and we make car transport a natural part of the process. By using one of our trusted partners like A1 Auto Transport, you can go with a dedicated transport company that handles logistics professionally.

Let’s take a look at car shipping and who it makes sense for when you’re relocating.

What Is Car Shipping?

Car shipping is transporting your vehicle via a commercial carrier truck. These specialized vehicles are made for this purpose and will safely and securely get your car to its destination. These trucks are either open carriers (which are the most common) or enclosed carriers, which are often used to move luxury or classic vehicles.

These commercial carriers operate under strict professional standards and regulations, mainly under the DOT and FMCSA (companies must have a USDOT number and cargo insurance, for example). During transit, your vehicle is insured, so you can breathe easier knowing your car is covered while on the road.

When Car Shipping Makes Financial Sense

There are many situations where shipping your car can be a smart financial move. Here are some common scenarios:

• Long-Distance Moves (500+ miles)

Traveling long distances can eat into your relocation budget pretty quickly. You should factor in things like the average cost of gas per mile, hotel stays if you’re on a multi-day drive, meals on the road, and added mile depreciation concerns. Shipping costs are often similar after you’ve totaled up all the costs of driving yourself.

• Multi-Vehicle Households

If you have multiple vehicles to relocate, like families with 2-3 cars, it can be a logistical headache. If you only have one driver in the family, it gets even more complicated.

• Specialty or High-Value Vehicles

Do you own a classic car, electric vehicle, collector vehicle, or low-clearance sports car? You may want to look into enclosed shipping, which adds extra protection for the transport of your valuable vehicle.

You may also like to read: How to Ship a Motorcycle to Another State. In this guide, we take you step-by-step through the process of shipping your motorcycle out of state.

How the Car Shipping Process Works

When you’re ready to commit to shipping your car, here’s a step-by-step explanation of how the car shipping process goes.

Step 1: Request a Quote

You (the customer) provide pickup and drop-off locations, your vehicle type, and the preferred timeline you are hoping to have. Pricing is based on distance, the size of your vehicle, transport type, and route demand.

Companies like A1 Auto Transport can give you online quotes to get you started in the process.

Step 2: Carrier Assignment

In this step, you’ll decide on a carrier. You may notice mention of brokers vs. carriers. The difference is that brokers coordinate your transport, while carriers operate the trucks. Whichever assigned carrier you go with will confirm the pickup window, and you’ll be on the right path.

Step 3: Vehicle Inspection at Pickup

When the carrier comes to pick up your vehicle, they’ll create a Bill of Lading and document the condition of your vehicle in a report. It’s recommended that you take several pictures of your car to show the condition at the time of pickup in case any damage shows up later. If you’re satisfied and ready to release the vehicle, you’ll sign the inspection form.

Step 4: Transit

Transit times vary depending on how far away your final destination is. Short routes can range from 1-3 days, while longer, cross-country transports can take 7-10 days. These trucks may make multiple stops along the route, which can impact your transit time.

Step 5: Delivery and Final Inspection

Once your vehicle arrives at your new home, it’s just a matter of a final inspection, including a final walkaround, comparing the final vehicle state to the original condition report, and then signing off once you confirm.

What’s the Difference Between Open and Enclosed Transport?

There are two main types of vehicle transport, open and enclosed. Here are the key differences.

Open Transport	Enclosed Transport
Most common (80–90% of shipments)	Fully covered trailer
Cost-effective	Protects against road debris, weather
Same type used by dealerships	Higher cost
Exposed to weather but very safe overall	Used for high-end or rare vehicles

There are perks and drawbacks to each, and every situation is different.

What Affects Car Shipping Costs?

While every transport will have different costs, there are common factors that affect your car shipping pricing. The distance matters, as per-mile pricing decreases on longer routes. If you relocate in the summer, you may face peak rates due to seasonal demands. Fuel prices are a major factor, as is urban vs. rural pickup. Expedited shipping costs more. Finally, inoperable vehicles may require special equipment, which will boost costs.

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport    

So, you’re ready to roll, and you think you’re prepared to transport your vehicle. Make sure by going through this final checklist first:

• Remove personal items
• Leave 1/4 tank of gas
• Disable alarms
• Check for leaks
• Remove toll passes
• Document condition with photos
• Have a spare key available

You should be ready to go if you can check all these boxes.

You may also like to read: How to Change Vehicle Insurance After Moving. In this guide, we share the do’s and don’ts of changing your vehicle insurance after moving to another state.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes people make during the car shipping process include: booking last-minute (adds stress and possibly costs), choosing the lowest quote without checking out the company, and not verifying insurance coverage. Other mistakes include forgetting to coordinate your vehicle’s arrival with your moving schedule and leaving valuables in the car.

Why Car Shipping Should Be Part of Your Moving Plan

Car shipping can be essential to a smooth, efficient relocation. By coordinating your moving company and vehicle shipping together, scheduling your vehicle delivery near closing dates at your home, you can reduce your stress on moving day. It’s also a huge benefit to protect your car from cross-country wear and tear.

If you’re adding vehicle shipping to your relocation checklist, work with an experienced company like A1 Auto Transport. Get a quote early to coordinate your household move and vehicle transport.

You may also like to read: How to Register Your Car in a New State. In this guide, we take you through the process of registering your car after moving to another state.

Final Thoughts

Car shipping can be a safe and cost-effective move to make if you’re relocating. Be sure to plan early to lower your stress, and use reputable providers you know and trust to protect your vehicle – and your budget.

With MoveAdvisor and A1 Auto Transport, you can compare your moving options and get multiple car shipping quotes. Coordinating both services ear

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