There are many things to consider when moving to a different state. Packing up your belongings, forwarding your address etc. But what about your vehicle? Maybe driving it there isn’t an option for you. Perhaps you are flying into your new city or may have children and need to get to your job right away.
Shipping a car can be the best option if you want to move your vehicle to another state. Here are some things you should know when shipping your car across the country.
Why People Ship a Car to Another State
Shipping isn’t just for people who hate long drives. It’s a common choice for a lot of situations:
- Relocating for work or family. Long drives eat up vacation days you’d rather use for unpacking.
- Buying a car online or at an out-of-state auction. The seller isn’t always down the street.
- Sending a car to college. Parents often ship a vehicle to a student rather than have them drive it alone across several states.
- Seasonal moves. Snowbirds who split time between two states regularly ship a car back and forth instead of putting thousands of extra miles on it each year.
- Shipping a classic or high-value car. Some vehicles just aren’t meant for long highway stretches.
Whatever the reason, the process works about the same way. Let’s break it down.
How to Ship Your Car to Another State: Step by Step
Here’s the short version, then we’ll go deeper on each part.
- Get quotes from a few auto transport companies.
- Decide between open or enclosed transport.
- Book your shipment and confirm a pickup window.
- Prepare your vehicle for pickup.
- Inspect your car at pickup and again at delivery.
Step 1: Get Quotes and Compare Your Options
Get quotes from several different companies. It will depend on how far your car needs to be shipped, size of vehicle and if you have flexible dates. Onyx Auto Transport and many other reputable shipping companies allow you to get an instant quote online. Just enter the information of where your vehicle will be shipped from and to, along with what you are shipping and when. You will receive prices within minutes.
When receiving a quote make sure to ask what is included. There are things that you want to know if it’s included such as insurance. A quote that has these will be a bit higher but it’s worth it.
Step 2: Choose Open or Enclosed Transport
Open transport is the standard option, and it’s what most auto transport companies use. Your car rides on an open trailer alongside several other vehicles. It’s the more affordable choice and works fine for daily drivers.
Enclosed transport puts your vehicle in a covered trailer, shielded from weather and road debris. It costs more, but it makes sense for classic cars, exotics, or anything with a high price tag.
If you’re not sure which one fits your situation, this is a good moment to check out the difference between open auto transport and enclosed auto transport before you book.
Step 3: Book and Confirm Pickup
After selecting a company and mode of transport you will be given a pick up date range. Depending on the distance your vehicle will need to be transported you may not get an exact date. Most long haul trucking companies work off of dates so they can pick up multiple vehicles and deliver to other locations. So a couple days is average.
Also ask if the company will require any payment beforehand. Some companies such as Onyx Auto Transport will not ask for any money until a transporter is assigned to your vehicle.
Step 4: Prepare Your Car Before Pickup
A little prep work goes a long way here. Before the carrier shows up:
- Wash your car so any existing scratches or dents are easy to see.
- Remove personal items and toll transponders like an EZ Pass.
- Keep the fuel tank around a quarter full. That’s enough to load and unload without adding extra weight.
- Check for fluid leaks and fix anything obvious.
- Take photos of your car from all angles, including close-ups of existing damage.
Step 5: Inspect at Pickup and Delivery
When your driver gets there you should walk around the vehicle with them. Write down any damage that you see on the bill of lading. This will be used as your proof of what condition your car was in when shipped. Do this at delivery as well. If everything looks good go ahead and sign. If you notice anything wrong make sure to write it down before your driver drives away. You never know if you may have to make a claim.
What Affects the Cost to Ship a Car to Another State
Auto transport pricing isn’t random. A few factors drive the price up or down:
- Distance. Longer routes usually cost less per mile than short ones, since carriers can plan more efficient trips.
- Vehicle size and weight. A pickup truck or SUV takes up more trailer space than a compact sedan.
- Transport type. Open transport costs less than enclosed.
- Route. Shipping between major cities is often cheaper than shipping to a rural address, since carriers run those routes more often.
- Season and timing. Prices tend to rise during peak moving months, and booking early with flexible dates usually gets you a better rate.
- Vehicle condition. A car that doesn’t run needs special loading equipment, which adds to the cost.
If you want a ballpark figure before you request a quote, Onyx Auto Transport’s car shipping cost calculator gives you an estimate based on current market pricing.
How to Pick an Auto Transport Company You Can Trust
Not every company that shows up in a search result is one you should hand your car to. Before you book, check a few things:
- Confirm they’re licensed. Auto transport brokers and carriers in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look up a company’s MC number through the FMCSA’s SAFER system to confirm active operating authority and insurance status.
- Ask about insurance. A licensed carrier should carry cargo insurance that covers your vehicle in transit. Some companies add extra contingent coverage on top of that.
- Read recent reviews. Look for patterns, not just star ratings. Comments about communication, on-time pickup, and vehicle condition on arrival tell you a lot.
- Get everything in writing. A written quote and confirmed pickup window protect you from surprise fees later.
Onyx Auto Transport operates as a licensed broker (FMCSA MC-1604295) and works with a network of more than 21,000 vetted carriers across all 48 contiguous states, so you’re not stuck hunting for someone willing to run your specific route.
After Your Car Arrives: What to Do Next
Getting your car delivered is only half the job. Once you’re settled in your new state, you’ll need to handle a few administrative steps:
- Register your vehicle. Most states give you a window of 10 to 30 days after establishing residency to register your car and get new plates, though the exact timeline depends on where you’re moving.
- Update your driver’s license. This usually happens at the same DMV visit as registration.
- Switch your auto insurance. Contact your provider before you move to confirm your policy covers you in the new state, or shop for a new one if it doesn’t.
- Keep your bill of lading. Hold onto this paperwork until you’re sure there’s no damage to report.
Check your new state’s DMV website for exact deadlines and required documents, since rules vary from state to state.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a car to another state takes some planning, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Get a few quotes, pick the transport type that fits your vehicle, prep your car properly, and inspect it carefully at both ends. If you’re planning a move and want to see what shipping your vehicle would cost, Onyx Auto Transport’s cross-country car shipping page walks through the process and lets you request an instant quote. You can also read more about the company’s background and licensing if you want to know who you’re working with before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to ship a car to another state?
Transit time depends on distance. A cross-country shipment can take about a week, while shorter regional routes often deliver in a few days. Your carrier will give you an estimated window at booking.
Is my car insured during shipping?
Yes, as long as you use a licensed carrier. Cargo insurance covers your vehicle while it’s in transit. Ask your transport company for proof of coverage before you book.
Can I leave personal items in my car during shipping?
Most carriers allow a small amount of personal items, often up to 100 pounds in the trunk. Check with your specific company first, since this isn’t guaranteed and heavier loads can affect pricing.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
You or someone you authorize needs to be there to hand off the keys and sign the inspection paperwork at both pickup and delivery. This confirms the car’s condition on record.