To transport a car out of state, you’ll need to find a trusted transport company that provides you with insurance, offers tracking, storage if needed, and options between open or enclosed shipping.
When you move to another state, one of the biggest questions is how to get your car there safely and efficiently. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or family, the process can be stressful if you don’t plan ahead. Transporting a car isn’t as simple as shipping a package. It requires understanding the logistics, costs, and different transport methods available. This guide explains every major option and draws from the experiences of real people who have gone through interstate moves, sharing what worked and what to avoid.
How Does Car Transport Work
Transporting your car out of state sounds tricky and might force you to weigh out different options. Driving it yourself may seem easier, but long-distance relocation brings wear, fuel costs, and logistical stress. That’s where car transport services come in. These are specialized moving solutions that ship your vehicle from one state to another, often alongside household moving plans.
In Texas, California, and Florida, car shipping requests spike every summer, when thousands of people relocate for work. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, nearly 40% of all long-distance moves include vehicle transport. Companies use enclosed carriers or open trailers, depending on the vehicle’s value, size, and the route.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping: What You Need to Know
Open transport is the standard choice; it’s faster, more affordable, and easy to schedule. Your car will sit on a multi-vehicle trailer, exposed to weather and road conditions, but handled carefully by licensed transporters.
Enclosed transport, on the other hand, protects your car entirely from dust, debris, and sun exposure. It’s what most luxury or classic car owners choose when moving between states. However, enclosed shipping typically costs 30–50% more and may take longer to schedule due to limited carrier availability.
People on moving forums often debate the real value of enclosed carriers. A common theme among past customers is that enclosed transport is worth it only if the vehicle’s paint or body condition is a major concern. For standard sedans or SUVs, open transport usually does the job without issues.
What Changes The Car Shipping Costs?
Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for car transport. The most common factors are the distance, vehicle type, size, and weight.
Other key factors include:
- Route popularity: Major routes like Dallas to Phoenix or Los Angeles to Austin cost less because carriers travel them frequently.
- Season: Prices rise during summer and early fall, when demand peaks.
- Pickup flexibility: If you’re flexible with your dates, you can save by joining an existing carrier route instead of booking a dedicated slot.
Reddit threads about car shipping show a consistent pattern: people who plan 3–4 weeks ahead usually pay 10–15% less than last-minute bookings. Early scheduling gives carriers time to match loads efficiently, lowering overall rates.
How to get the car ready for Interstate Transport?
Before the carrier arrives, make sure your car is clean inside and out. Take photos from every angle and note any existing damage in case of inspection disputes later. Remove all personal items and extra accessories, since most companies don’t allow them inside the vehicle for insurance reasons.
Next, reduce your fuel level to about a quarter tank. This keeps the vehicle lighter and safer to load. If your car has mechanical issues or leaks, inform the company in advance. Professional auto transport services can still move non-running cars, but they need specialized equipment, and costs are higher.
On forums like Moving.com and City-Data, users often share stories of carriers refusing vehicles that weren’t properly prepped. It’s a simple fix: spend an hour inspecting your car and documenting its condition before shipping day.
Choosing the Right Moving Company for Car Transport
Selecting a reliable moving company or auto transport provider is the most critical step. Always confirm that the company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and carries valid insurance. You can check their credentials on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website.
Avoid brokers who can’t provide a firm delivery window or ask for large deposits upfront. According to multiple Reddit users, a common scam involves brokers quoting very low prices and then raising costs after pickup delays. Reliable companies provide written estimates and keep communication open throughout the trip.
Look for reviews that mention punctual delivery and transparency rather than just low prices. Local directories or word-of-mouth recommendations are often more reliable than paid review sites.
How to deal with the house move and vehicle transport at the same time?
If you’re using a full-service moving company, ask whether they coordinate vehicle shipping too. Some large providers bundle car transport into their moving packages, which simplifies logistics and billing.
Some moving companies, even if they don’t do vehicle shipping, can keep in touch with the vehicle transport company you hired and make an effort to keep you updated on both ends. For example, there are long-distance movers in California with tight partnerships with vehicle transport companies, ensuring streamlined communication.
This approach works best for families relocating with multiple vehicles. Instead of juggling separate contracts, you’ll have one point of contact for all items. However, not all moving companies have the equipment or licensing to handle car shipments directly; some outsource to partner carriers.
When comparing quotes, make sure you know who’s actually transporting your vehicle. You should always have access to the carrier’s USDOT number and insurance certificate.
What to do when the vehicle arrives?
When the vehicle arrives, the carrier will do a final inspection before unloading your vehicle. Check the vehicle and compare it to the photos you took earlier. Check the inspection and see if it’s consistent with what you see. If you notice new scratches or dents, record them immediately and note them on the Bill of Lading (BoL).
Most insurance claims are solved quickly when you have clear before-and-after documentation. The key is to do the inspection during daylight and before signing off.