Collector cars or rare models that require shipping can benefit from being safely and economically transported; it also reduces wear-and-tear, sparing them the stress and wear associated with long drives.
Get a Quote
Millions of people relocate their cars annually for work- or life-related reasons, making the process both stress- and cost-efficient. If this applies to you, doing your research ahead of time is key for an easy experience. Compare quotes (https://www.wikihow.life/Compare-Shipping-Rates) from multiple auto transport providers online by filling out simple forms on each provider website.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, evaluate each company based on experience, services offered, pricing and customer reviews as well as insurance policies and customer service experiences. Also visit the Department of Transportation website to check their USDOT number.
Rates can fluctuate widely depending on the season. Holidays and peak travel seasons like snowbird migration tend to drive up rates as fewer carriers are available to transport vehicles between pickup and delivery points. Furthermore, rates tend to increase for routes that require drivers to travel long distances from home to collect or return vehicles.
If you are unhappy with your quote, do not hesitate to negotiate for a better one. Many providers will be open to working out an agreeable arrangement; plus it doesn’t hurt to inquire if discounts might apply based on being a regular customer or offering additional services.
If you plan on shipping your car yourself, be aware of its potential expense. Before taking this route, compare gas, food, and other expenses before making your decision. If fuel costs become prohibitive for you personally, perhaps hiring someone else to drive may be a more economical option.
Get Behind the Wheel
Considerations must be given when planning to transport a car across state lines, from time and cost constraints to risks involved with long distance driving.
Shipping your car through a professional company can often be the most cost-effective, secure and time-efficient means of moving to another state. Your chosen professional will pick up and transport it directly from its current location to its final destination; taking care to take care of any paperwork while guaranteeing its safe arrival back at its current point of origin.
Driving can be an ideal solution if the distance to travel is relatively short; however, for longer journeys it can often be more cost-effective to ship rather than drive your car – saving on things such as current gas costs (which you can see here) accommodation expenses and food while avoiding wear-and-tear repairs on long drives.
Hiring a driver can be risky; make sure that the person is trustworthy and experienced behind the wheel before hiring them. Also ask about their driving history and any accidents they have been in as well as how they plan on treating your car during its travels.
Book Your Shipment
Once you’re ready to book your shipment, reach out to a transport company. They can answer any queries and assist in filling out all necessary paperwork. Proof of ownership as well as information from your car title are required before shipping a car to another state can commence. Additionally, if there is a lienholder on your car, they may require authorization for transport as well.
Your car shipment payment options include credit cards or bank checks; some shipping companies even provide alternate options such as PayPal or wire transfer payment services. Please read all terms and conditions thoroughly as some will charge additional fees for certain payment types.
Shipping your car door-to-door may take weeks; for faster service, expedited services offer quicker deliveries; these may cost more but could prove worthwhile if you need your new place quickly or have purchased it online and want it as described.
Be Available
Moving states is no small undertaking, with changing your address, packing up your house and finding new work occupying much of your time and energy. Hiring an auto shipping company may help take one thing off your plate; but to get the best car shipping price you must be available when they request to pick up your vehicle.
Size, weight and distance of your vehicle are the main deciding factors when it comes to transporting it cross-state. Insurer companies also factor in make and model as they determine how much the insurance will cost. If possible, off-peak seasons offer lower prices due to less demand.
Prior to your car being collected by transport companies, it’s advisable to remove all personal belongings and clean it thoroughly. Transport companies usually will not accept possession of vehicles with items still inside; additionally, cleaning will help identify any preexisting damage and allow you to report it accordingly.
Be sure to bring proof of ownership and photo ID. A transporter needs this information in order to verify your identity as the legal owner and verify whether there are any lienholders that would prevent shipping of the vehicle.
