How to Ship Your Car from One State to Another? A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted by Corey on October 21st, 2019

Shipping car and trucks from one state to another are now a big business. There’re thousands of auto transport companies in the U.S that serve locally, as well as, nationwide. They work in conjunction with networks of truckers and transport vehicles from one state to another.

However, the sad part is that most companies over promise and leave out the part concerning customer satisfaction. That’s why it’s always better to endow the responsibility of transferring your car from one place to another to a reputable company. They know their job very well and always respect their customers. Read this blog to know which mode of transport is the best to ship car across USA.

• Terminal-to-Terminal – This is probably the cheapest way to transport a car. According to experts, terminals are a great option if you're short of cash. However, there's a drawback too. It is slow and inconvenient. Also, your vehicle will remain out of your sight, often for days or weeks.
• Open Transport – This is yet another pocket-friendly option to transport your car. There're lots of open carriers available that can get your car shipped from one state to another without any hassle through open-trucks.
• DIY Transport – If you’re looking for a cheap, yet safe option to transfer your car, then DIY is a great option! Rent a car dolly or trailer and a vehicle that can tow, like a moving truck. Make sure you have the will and stamina to drive the entire distance on your own.
• Enclosed Vehicle – Enclosed transports offer maximum protection to the vehicles. The enclosed carriers in the vehicles will protect your car from adverse weather conditions and road debris. If you own an expensive car or a vintage one, enclosed vehicles are the best option for you!
• Door-to-Door Shipping – Many auto transporters provide door-to-door service. If you live in a major city and want your car to be transported in a quick and hassle-free manner, it’s definitely the best option. Companies that offer door-to-door shipping of your vehicle offer quality services at reasonable rates.
• Railway – Though this is the most expensive option to transport a car from one state to another, this is also the quickest way. You should avail this option only if you want to ship your car in the least possible time-frame and the price is not an obstacle.

How to Choose the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car?

The first thing that you should decide while transporting a car is the time-frame. If there's no cap on the time limit, then you can avail the one that charges less and takes time in transporting a vehicle across country. For example, Terminal-to-Terminal is pocket-friendly but takes too much time.

However, if you want a maintain a balance between the two, then door-to-door shopping is a great option. And if you have a severe time constraint, then railways is what you should opt for. They’re fast, quick, and hassle-free.

Always remember that the price to transport a car depends on factors such as where you’re shipping from and to, what kind of vehicle you’re shipping, and the type of vehicle. The further the distance between origin and destination, the lesser will be the price per mile. Vehicle size also plays a key role, the larger the vehicle, the more expensive it is to ship.