Doing an out-of-state move requires a lot of work. Not only is there all the packing, but you need to determine how you're going to move as well as how you are going to get your vehicles over to your new home. You can choose to drive your car there, or you can use a car transport company.
Of course, there are plenty of other reasons why you might want to transport a car to another state. Maybe you just bought a car in another state and need to get it home? Or you are a car collector who is doing a car show in another state. Whatever the reason, we will help guide you through transporting a car to another state.
Where To Start
The first thing you’ll want to do is find a reliable transport company. You can use Movers.com to find car transport quotes on our "Auto Transport" tab.
When looking for a transport company keep these things in mind:
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Online reviews are good - check multiple sources when looking at reviews. You also want to look for companies with a high number of reviews.
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The transport company must be insured and licensed for interstate travel. You can look up the company’s U.S. DOT number either on their website or on the federal website.
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The company should be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
While doing your research keep those things in mind to lower your options that fit your criteria. We recommend that you get quotes from three to four different transport companies before planning.
What Is the Cost?
There are quite a few factors that go into the cost of transportation, but you can expect to pay anywhere between $500 to $2,000. The factors that can affect costs are:
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When you’re moving: If you move during the moving industry’s downtime (winter and spring), you might save more money than if you move during summer and fall.
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Type of transport chosen: Your cost will differ based on whether you opt for the open or enclosed transport. We will cover that later.
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How far away you’re moving: Obviously, the distance you’re moving affects the cost. This is because of labor costs, fuel costs, and toll roads that the drivers may have to take.
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What kind of car you have: Car transport companies use the exact brand or type of car you have to determine the price. If you have a luxury car, expect it to cost more than a rundown Chevy car.
Tip: Companies also use your car’s weight and size of your car to determine cost. If you’re transporting a massive Expedition you can expect to pay more.
Open Vs. Enclosed Transport
There are different types of vehicle transport, called open transport and enclosed transport.
Open transport is when your car is open to the outside. You have probably seen quite a few open transport trailers with about ten cars stacked on them. This route is typically much cheaper since they can haul more vehicles in a single trailer.
Enclosed transport is when your car is enclosed in a trailer and protected from the elements. While enclosed trailers are more expensive, your vehicle will be absolutely protected not just from weather, but for security purposes as well. Enclosed transport is great for your classic or unique car.
How To Get Your Vehicle Ready
Before you can get your truck loaded onto the hauler, there are some things you will need to do first. Usually, your transport company will inform you of their rules and policies, so be sure to read over the rules when you receive them.
In general, here are some important steps to follow when preparing your vehicle for transport:
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Remove all your valuables: this includes your GPS, any documents you might have in the glove box, and any extra stuff in your car.
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Check the tires: Even though you won’t be driving they must be not only inflated properly but are not dry rotted. You want to make sure your tires are in good condition before moving anywhere to avoid any blowouts.
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Check your fuel: Make sure your gas tank is NO MORE than a quarter full
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Check the battery: make sure your battery is charged
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Take pictures: We recommend taking pictures of your car at all angles, inside and out. This ensures that you have proof of what your car looked like before transport. If your vehicle ends up getting damaged then you can show whomever the condition of your car before the transport as proof.
If you’re driving your car to your new home, these guidelines are also good to follow. Of course, you’ll want a full tank of gas when you leave so you can travel as far as possible. Here are some other ways of getting your car ready for a trip if you are driving:
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Check fluid levels: This includes engine oil, coolant, Brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, as well as windshield washer fluid.
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Replace your wiper blades: Wiper blades do slowly deteriorate, so go ahead and get a new pair at your local auto store.
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Check belts and hoses: In general, you should be replacing your hoses and belts every 60,000 miles, so if you’re close to that, go ahead and swap them out. You can do it yourself pretty easily (YouTube and forums are a great help), or you can take your car to a shop and have a mechanic do it for you.
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First aid kit: We recommend always keeping a well-stocked first aid kit in your car. To learn more about first aid kits, click here.
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Brakes: Your brakes and rotors will wear down over time, and before you leave you might want to get those looked at if you feel any slipping, grinding, or vibration.
Overall, taking care of your car is essential to keep it on the road as long as possible. When shipping it, make sure your car is as ready as possible so when you receive it you can travel around your new neighborhood and city.