If you’re planning to move to another state soon, you must figure out how to send your car to the new location. You may have secured a new job, or are moving for university, whatever the reason this is a hefty task to undertake when moving. You might be concerned with the safety and logistics, or you might find yourself completely lost regarding your options. Either way, this post guides you on shipping your car to another state with minimal hassle.
Ways to Ship Your Car to Another State
There are multiple ways you can ship your car to the new state. Your method of shipping can also depend on why you need to ship your car. If you’re moving to the new location, then one option is to drive the car yourself. You will have to prepare for a road trip by planning your stops. This is also the cheapest option to have your car shipped, but it comes at the cost of the added stress of long-haul driving.
Another option if you’re moving to the location you’re sending your car to is hiring a professional driver. This is a good option as you won’t have to drive yourself, and it is often cheaper than hiring a transport company. However, you will have to vet your chosen driver to ensure that your car is transported smoothly.
The most flexible option you have for shipping your car is hiring a reputable auto transport company. These companies lighten your workload substantially as you only have to work on selecting the right package for you. Once you’ve selected a company for transport, you can sit back and relax until your car reaches it’s destination. The company will coordinate with you to pick your vehicle from your location, and send it to the state you need it transported to.
Auto transport services are a viable method of shipping if you’re moving to the new location or selling your new car. It eliminates the need for you to be present during the shipping process, making it convenient. However, this option can be pricy depending on factors such as the size of your car, the model of your car, your chosen shipping method and route.
How to Ship Your Car to Another State
The first step to shipping your car to another state is researching and analysing your options. Whether you plan to drive, hire a concierge or auto transport service, you need to figure out what suits your convenience and budget.
You can search the web to investigate car shipping prices or ask your friends and family who have shipped their car to another state. This will allow you to compare between the different options available, and choose what is best for your circumstances. The rates for shipping a car to another state vary based on shipping distance, the size of your car and the shipping method. Open carrier shipping methods cost less than enclosed shipping. You will also need to consider factors such as seasonality, the condition of your vehicle and your pickup date.
Once you’ve locked down on your shipping method, the next step is to prepare your car for the journey. While your chosen shipping company will also provide you with guidance, these are some tips to follow:
- Document the condition of your car and note existing damage
- Check your car for mechanical issues or leaks such as oil or coolant leaks
- Remove accessories and items that are valuable or can come loose during shipping
- Try and reduce your car’s weight by emptying the gas tank
- Make and retain an extra set of car keys with yourself
The next and final steps to shipping your car to another state involve coordinating the pickup and delivery dates with your chosen shipping company. You will have to make sure that when your car reaches its destination, someone is available at the location to receive and inspect your vehicle on your behalf.
Final Tips
With many shipping options available, you might wonder how to ascertain that a company is reliable and trustworthy. Firstly, look for positive reviews and client feedback. Also, look for transparency in pricing policies and shipping processes. Good shipping companies are transparent about how they conduct their business to give confidence to their client. You should also check if the shipping company has appropriate insurance and licensing for transporting your vehicle.
There are also some red flags you can look out for, such as lack of customer ratings or reviews. If you find very little information about a company, or if they haven’t explained their processes transparently, this can be considered a red flag.
Also, don’t forget to look up guides to long-distance moving companies so that you’re fully prepared for your big move!
