Move a Car to Another State: Comparing Your Options
Relocating a vehicle between states isn’t as simple as hitting the road. Driving it yourself may seem straightforward, but costs like fuel, lodging and wear and tear can make it less appealing for long distances. Fortunately, there are several methods to move a car to another state, each with its own pros and cons.
1. Drive It Yourself
This option gives you control over the schedule and lets you enjoy a road trip, but it adds mileage to your car and incurs fuel, tolls and potential hotel expenses. For cross-country relocations, the time commitment and costs often outweigh the benefits.
2. Hire a Professional Driver
You can pay a chauffeur or driveaway service to drive your vehicle. It’s convenient because you don’t have to travel with the car, and you can even request extra services like detailing. However, the cost of paying a driver plus additional mileage on your car makes this option expensive.
3. Auto Transport Services
Auto transport companies use specialized open or enclosed carriers to ship vehicles safely across long distances. It’s typically the most efficient and cost‑effective method because it doesn’t add mileage or wear and tear to your car.
- Open transport: Best for everyday cars; it’s the most budget‑friendly option.
- Enclosed transport: Offers added protection for luxury or classic vehicles but costs up to 40 % more.
- Door‑to‑door vs. terminal‑to‑terminal: Door‑to‑door service picks up and delivers at your chosen addresses; terminal service requires you to drop off and pick up at a terminal, often saving money.
Factors That Determine the Cost
- Distance: Longer routes mean higher total cost but lower cost per mile.
- Vehicle size & weight: Larger vehicles cost more to transport.
- Transport type: Open vs. enclosed carriers and door‑to‑door vs. terminal services influence pricing.
- Season & demand: Peak moving seasons drive up prices, while off‑peak times may offer discounts.
- Pickup/delivery locations: Remote or hard‑to‑access areas require more logistics and often higher fees.
How to Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company
- Verify the company’s credentials; look for DOT registration and proper insurance.
- Read customer reviews on trustworthy platforms like BBB and Google.
- Compare quotes and services; ensure there are no hidden fees and that the service matches your needs.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Clean your vehicle inside and out, remove personal items, document its condition with photos, check fluid levels and tire pressure, and keep the fuel tank about one‑quarter full. Be present during pickup and delivery to inspect your car and note any damages on the Bill of Lading.
FAQ
- Is it cheaper to drive my car or ship it to another state?
- Driving may be cheaper for short distances, but for long trips the cost of fuel, lodging, tolls and vehicle depreciation often makes professional shipping more cost‑effective.
- How do I choose between open and enclosed transport?
- Open carriers are less expensive and suitable for most cars; enclosed carriers offer protection and cost up to 40 % more, ideal for luxury or classic vehicles.
- What’s the difference between door‑to‑door and terminal shipping?
- Door‑to‑door service picks up and delivers at your addresses, offering convenience but costing more; terminal shipping requires you to drop off and pick up at terminals, saving money.
- How far in advance should I book transport?
- Book at least two weeks in advance to secure the best rates and carrier availability.
By understanding your options and choosing a reputable carrier, you can move your car to a new state confidently. See our related guides on shipping costs, cost per mile and cross‑country shipping for more insights.
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.