Heading to college far from home? Shipping your car can be more practical than driving it yourself. Here’s what students and parents need to know.
Choosing a Budget-Friendly Option
Students often have tight budgets. Open carriers and flexible pickup dates can help reduce costs.
Planning Around Move-In Dates
Schedule your shipment well before classes start to avoid last-minute stress. Carriers may experience high demand at the start and end of semesters.
Insurance and Liability
Check that the transport company’s insurance covers your vehicle and confirm whether your own auto policy extends to shipping.
Other ways people ask this question
student car shipping, ship car for college, moving car for college students.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is shipping a car cheaper than driving it to college? In many cases, shipping can be comparable to the cost of driving long distances, especially when factoring in hotels and fuel.
- Can students get discounts on car shipping? Some companies offer student discounts or lower rates during off-peak times. Always ask when requesting quotes.
- Do I need to be present when my car is picked up? You or a trusted representative should be available to sign paperwork and hand over keys at pickup.
Related Resources
- How to Ship a Car to Another State
- Car Shipping Cost & Pricing
- Vehicle Transport Options
- State-to-State Car Shipping Guide
More Resources
For additional insights, read our latest articles: Car Shipping Los Angeles to New York: Cross-Country Guide, Car Transport Florida to California: Distance, Costs & Tips, Car Shipping Georgia to Texas: What to Know.
When shipping a car across states, there are numerous factors to consider beyond simply booking a carrier. In addition to the route and service type, you should research the reputation of various auto transport companies, compare quotes carefully and read customer reviews. Seasonality can influence prices, with higher demand during summer and snowbird migrations. Always confirm the carrier’s insurance coverage and ask about communication during transit. A reputable broker or carrier will answer your questions, provide clear documentation and help you prepare your vehicle properly.
Preparing your vehicle involves cleaning it inside and out, removing personal belongings, disabling toll transponders and checking for leaks. Document the car’s condition with photos and ensure the gas tank is around a quarter full to keep weight low. On the day of pick‑up, inspect the vehicle with the driver and sign the bill of lading, which serves as your receipt and inspection report. Upon delivery, re‑inspect your car, note any changes on the bill of lading and make final payment. To learn more about the car shipping process, visit How to Ship a Car to Another State.