How to Ship Your Car Across the Country

If you are relocating across the country and you want to bring your vehicle, you’ll need to decide weather to drive it there or have it shipped. Calculate the cost of gas to drive it there and the time it will take you, compared to the cost and time involved with car shipping. If your car is old and shipping it to the new location costs more than the car is worth, you may want to consider selling it and buying another car at your new location.

When having a vehicle shipped across the country, you have the choice of open trailer or closed trailer shipping. Open trailer is cheaper but it means that your vehicle will be uncovered and therefore exposed to the elements. With a closed trailer, the vehicle is covered, which is a better option if your car is expensive or if it is a bad time of year weather wise.

The price can be determined by several factors, depending on the company. Most commonly it’s determined by distance. Other issues that can factor into the price include the popularity of the route, the type of vehicle, the weight of the vehicle, the condition of the vehicle, the time of year, etc. They will most likely charge extra to have it arrive on a specific date. The rates can also fluctuate according to the current cost of gas and insurance.

What to do once you’ve decided to have your car shipped:

• Make the arrangements at least two weeks in advance.



• Figure out what day you would like it to arrive at the new location. Most companies can’t guarantee the arrival time but there’s no harm in asking.



• Make sure that you or someone else will be there to accept it and sign for it when it arrives.



• Get quotes from several companies to find the best price; it’s worthwhile to shop around.



• Choose a company that is well qualified, licensed and bonded.



• Check your company of choice with the BBB to make sure it is reputable.



• Read the entire contract carefully.



• Find out what the insurance coverage is with the shipping company and with your own insurance company to make sure your car will be properly covered. Most shipping companies will cover up to the Kelley Blue Book value only.



• Most shipping companies will inspect the car when they are picking it up, it’s very important for you to also note the condition of the car, scratches, etc. It will be easier to see scratches and dings if you wash it first. As an extra precaution, you could also take date stamped pictures.



• Make sure nothing is leaking; some companies will not accept a leaky vehicle because the fluids could leak onto other cars that are being transported.



• Remove personal belongings from your car, or put them in the trunk. Do not use your vehicle to transport household items, this is prohibited. Also remove extras such as removable racks, etc.



• Disable the alarm system.



• Don’t fill the gas tank, it will add weight.



• Ship convertibles with the top up.



• You must provide a complete set of keys to the company.



• Check the car carefully when it arrives to make sure there has not been damage.

International shipping is a little more complicated and expensive. Some foreign governments impose duties on shipping and have laws that can affect shipping. You’ll want to get that information first by checking with the consulate of the place you are moving to. Find a shipping company that will help you with your export documents and your inbound customs clearance, etc.