How to transport a car to another state
Need to move the car to another state? With a large number of long-distance moves, it may make sense to send your things and fly, rather than driving everything over. And in this case, you need to figure out how to transport a car to another state, including logistics. There are other reasons why you may have to ship car from Florida to California other than just moving. For example, if you sell your car, demonstrate it in a show, or want to take it with you on vacation. In any case, we’ll cover everything you need to know to successfully transport a car from state to state.
Find a transport company to transport a car to another state
When you are moving, the first thing you do is finding the right long distance movers Delray Beach. The same applies here. The first thing you need to do if you want to move the car to another state is to find a reputable car shipping company. There are many good car transport companies to choose from. So your decision will most likely be based on affordability and overall cost. However, always be sure that the company you work with can check the following fields:
- Must be licensed and insured for interstate travel. To check licensing, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website and find their DOT number in the United States.
- Good rating with Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Good reviews online.
To start your search, start by narrowing your list to companies that meet all three criteria. From there, ask for quotes to make sure you get the best deal. We recommend that you receive offers from at least three auto transport companies before making a choice.
Closed transport vs. open-air transport
An important factor determining the cost will be the method of transportation you will use to transport a car to another state, i.e. a closed carrier or an open-air carrier. Open-air carriers are usually the most popular delivery method since they are cheaper than closed carriers. But there are a few variables to keep in mind in addition to the cost.
Open Air Carriers
You have probably seen many vehicles for open-air transporting on the road. As a rule, they hold from 9 to 10 cars simultaneously at two different levels. Each of them is securely fixed to the base so that it does not move.
These types of carriers are more available, which is one of the reasons that they are a more affordable option. Having full visibility of your car throughout the trip is also an advantage. It allows the driver to immediately notice any signs of damage. However, open-air carriers mean that your vehicle is exposed to elements during transportation, including any inclement weather that occurs. This makes it more susceptible to damage in the first place. That means you need to carefully prepare your car for shipping.
Another notable aspect of the open-air transportation is the timing. Since open-air carriers carry nearly a dozen vehicles at a time, they usually make several stops on their trips. This may postpone the date of delivery of your vehicle. And may also mean that they drop your car off at a central hub in your area, and not right at your door. When searching for offers, specify the delivery features so that you do not accidentally sign up to receive a car a week or two after you expect.
Closed carriers
If you want your car to be fully protected during the delivery process, you need to choose a closed carrier. Although, it will cost you more. Closed carriers have several big advantages that justify price increases, including the absence of external elements and increased overall security. And in many cases, from three to five vehicles are simultaneously on the vehicle, which means that you will get your car faster.
The biggest drawback, of course, is the price tag. The cost of delivering a car on a closed carrier is about an additional $0.25–0.50 per mile, which is pretty expensive if you send the car all over the country. If you are worried about the effects of the elements, and especially if you are sending a luxury or classic car, this is definitely worth a look.
Other ways to transport the car to another state
Auto transport companies are not the only option when it comes to interstate car shipping. Here are some other methods you can consider.
Hitch the vehicle to a moving truck
If you are driving a moving truck to your destination, you can hook your car to the back with a towing cart or car trailer. Consult your truck rental company to see if they permit that. If they do, most will also rent the equipment you need. However, note that this will add even more problems to your drive in terms of mobility. So if you already feel uncomfortable driving a large moving truck, you may not want to deal with a car trailer.
Hire a driver
Concierge transport companies (also called professional driving companies) allow you to hire a driver who will drive your car for you. Many of them will even take your pet with them, of course, stopping for many short breaks. This is certainly an expensive option – and it will accumulate miles on your car – but it can be a good option. Of course, if you intend to hire a driver, always contact the driving company, and not just find someone on the Internet. Concierge transport companies pre-check their drivers and cover the move with insurance.
Drive it yourself
This option definitely takes the most time, but it’s a good fallback if none of the other options work for you. And it will almost always be the cheapest way. If you absolutely cannot take your car with you on the day you move, you will have to arrange to return for it later. However, even if it means going back, it usually costs less than hiring professionals.
If you need to transport a car to another state, first study all the options before deciding. Keep in mind how much you can spend, including your costs for interstate movers Florida. And how long you can get by without a car in your new home. Always look for reviews of any transport or driving companies you use, as your car is probably one of your most valuable things.