So, you’re moving, you just bought a ride on the other side of the country, or maybe you’re finally ditching winter and heading south for a few months. At some point, you start wondering, How on Earth do I get my car there?
That’s car shipping in a nutshell. A straightforward shipping company hauls your vehicle the distance while you pack your bags, book your flight, or otherwise keep life rolling.
What Is Car Shipping?
Car shipping, also called auto transport, means handing off your set of wheels to a pro crew so they can drive, tow, or trailer it wherever you need. Most folks use a big open-haul truck, though a smaller enclosed rig is also an option if you want to baby a pricey classic or luxury ride.
People ship cars for all sorts of real-life reasons that pop up out of nowhere:
- A job transfer slings you to a new city, or military orders send you halfway around the globe.
- You drop a kid off at college and figure shipping beats the road trip.
- An online sale closes, and the buyer lives two states away.
- Snowbirds swap their summer coupe for a winter ride when the weather flips.
- Collectors refuse to risk a classic on the open highway, so they call for speciality transport.
How Car Shipping Works-Step by Step
- Request a Quote
Hit up two or three car shipping companies for numbers- it takes five minutes and costs zero.
Miles from pick-up to drop-off, the vehicle’s size, and whether you want open or enclosed are the main price triggers.
Busier months, like July or December, can spike the bill, while same-day rush adds even more.
Instant robot quotes pop up on most websites, but you still should eyeball driver reviews before clicking buy.
- Choose Open or Enclosed Transport
Open Transport-hauling the average sedan or crossover is routine here, so the price stays friendly.
Yes, the ride is exposed, which means rain, sun, and a stray bug get no vote in the matter.
Enclosed Transport flips the script by stuffing the vehicle inside an airtight trailer.
That extra curtain costs extra cash, but pure car geeks say the peace of mind is priceless.
- Lock In Your Shipment
When you finally pick a car haulier you like, make the booking stick. You’ll hand over a few quick bits:
- The rides make and model, plus whatever shape it’s in,
- exact pickup and drop-off addresses,
- and the time frame that works for you.
- Right after, the company sends over a prep list so you’re ready for the driver.
- Get the Car Ready to Roll
Doing a little cleanup now can save a headache later. Here’s a fast rundown before the keys change hands:
- Wipe down the paint; dirt likes to cover up little dings and scratches.
- Snap a quick phone-camera tour of the inside and outside, just in case.
- Clear out any personal gear, batteries, and gadgets inside, which usually aren’t covered.
- Be sure to turn off the alarm, so it doesn’t freak out everyone involved.
- Keep the tank below a quarter-full; lighter, safer, simpler.
- If the big move involves packing boxes, slide the car stuff onto that same to-do list.
- The Driver Picks Up and Checks the Car
The truck driver will give the car a look-over before sliding it onto the trailer.
That walk-around matters for proving what was already there and what might show up later.
You’ll sign the Bill of Lading; it’s the paper’s way of saying here’s the condition, the route, and the rules.
Before you book, shoot the company a quick note: Who pays if something gets wrecked? Can I see my ride moving on a map? What days do they promise to pick up and drop off my keys? Easy questions, big piece of mind.
As soon as the driver loads your car, it rolls out, though weather or a busted road sign can slow things down.
Rough miles, rough timeline:
- Local trip (under 500 miles): 1 to 3 days.
- Mid-distance (500-1,000 miles): 2 to 5 days.
- Cross-country haul (more than 1,000 miles): 5 to 10 days.
Post a note or ring you before the truck shows. You’ll want to be there, smartphone ready, so you can eyeball the ride and make sure it looks the way it should.
When the car hits your driveway, do a quick once-over. Pull out the pictures you snapped earlier and stack them against the Bill of Lading. If all is cool, you scribble your name and call it done.
Spot a scratch, dent, or weird mark? Jot it down right on the Bill and file a claim with the company’s insurance before the day is up. Timing matters.
Shipping costs swing with distance, size, and season, plus a few other things. Here’s the ballpark:
- Short hop: 300 to 700.
- Middle ground: 600 to 1,000.
- Long haul: 1,000 to 1,500-plus.
Want a cosy, enclosed box? Toss another 30 to 50 percent on top.
Lock in your booking early, stack a few quotes, and skip summer or the holidays if you dont want prices to jump.
Picking a Carrier to Ship Your Ride
Choosing the right car-hauling service can seriously change how calm or stressed out you feel during the move. Start here, then breathe a little easier.
- licensed and insured: count on FMCSA registration and proof of insurance only. Plain as that.
- Honest quotes: steer clear of anyone who suddenly jacks up the price after you sign the papers.
- Glowing reviews: snoop around Google, the BBB, and Transport Reviews; the customer stories usually spill the beans.
- Upfront cash request: Pump the brakes if they demand full payment before the truck is rolling.
- Real-time support: solid companies pick up calls and answer texts without ghosting you for hours.
- So what if something goes wrong? Smart reps spell out the backup plan for delays or damage without sweating. When to Ship a Car
- schedule the trip 2 or 3 weeks ahead, and try to dodge the seasonal rush- you know, summer vacations or winter relocations.
- Mid-month usually means cheaper rates, because everyone isn’t moving in or out on the first and last days.
If a moving crew is already yanking furniture, stack the car delivery on that same calendar or moving checklist.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a car sounds gnarly until you kick the research habit and pick a firm with a good track record. Whether snagging a new ride, relocating for school, or helping family across state lines, professional transport saves gas, tires, and all the little headaches.
If you map things out early and pick the right people, you’ll put yourself at ease and know that your car won’t be anything but fine. The next moment, you’re stuck asking how to move my car, just remind yourself that safe, speedy, and expert choices are waiting.
Craving Extra Info?
Still wrestling with side-by-side quotes or looking to line up a long-distance move? Hit up our all-in-one guide for a quick checklist that walks you from the first pickup to the final drop-off with almost no loose ends.