When you’re relocating from coast to coast, you often feel like you’re juggling too many things at once. Between stacking boxes, getting your utilities switched over, and preparing for your new job, the thought of driving your car the entire way can quickly slip your mind. The miles pile up, the weeks race by, and you want to keep your vehicle fresh for those weekend trips and errands back home. That’s when shipping your car turns into a no-brainer.
This guide lays out the top shipping methods and quick tips to keep your move efficient and worry-free. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how to book your car’s trip and feel good about it arriving at your new door, ready for the next adventure.
Why Shipping Your Car Is Smart When Moving Far Away
Transporting your vehicle during a long-distance move is way easier than making the drive yourself. Think of it as a clever way to save your sanity and a bunch of hours. Here’s why using a vehicle shipping company is a win-win.
- You Get Back Your Time and Energy
Driving across the country takes forever. You’ll hit drive-thrust, hunt for restrooms, and sleep in budget motels, and the cards, gas, and parking fees stack up fast. With one fast call to a shipping service, you can kick your feet up, finish packing, scout your kids’ new schools, enjoy a long dinner with family, or take a quick nap—all while a driver hauls your vehicle right to your new driveway.
- Your Car Arrives Looking Brand-New
A long trip can fade paint, cause uneven tire wear, or even chip a windshield from one bad bump. Shipping companies load your vehicle into a snug, covered trailer, pick the smoothest routes, and dodge the worst storms, making sure the finish, tire tread, and glass stay in the same mint condition as the day you bought it.
When the moving truck finally parks at the new home, the family car rolls off the ramp still glowing, wiper blades fresh, and the gas gauge smiling at a full tank ready for the first spin around the block.
- Bye-Bye Headaches
Honestly, relocating with four kids feels like feisty spaghetti juggling while a toddler sprays the roses. You’re mailing the new address, switching doctors, untangling streaming accounts, and still tracking down the pet sitter’s last leftover snack. Toss in an eight-hour highway haul and the stress level goes to “wide-open oven.” Ship the car, and voilà—890 miles of road rage and cranky beeps belong to someone else.
- Awesome for Big or Fancy Rides
Got a family-size SUV, a gleaming roadster, or a brand-new truck still bright with showroom dreams? Loading it up means zero worries about tire wear or road grime. The pros wrap every wheel, double-check every strap, and lock it down like it’s the last dessert at a potluck. No steep dealer ramps, no pop-up rain, no dents—just smooth glides.
So while the car travels the country, you keep your eyes on the kids, the dog leash in one hand, and the pizza app in the other. Your ride arrives mint, and one less worry rolls off the already miles-high to-do list.
Thinking about a cross-country move? Skip the long drive and hand the wheel to a pro. With car shipping, your vehicle will arrive at your new place clean and ready to go, while you fly, drive, or binge your favorite shows. Wave goodbye to gas station coffee, surprise flat tires, and the never-ending debate over playlists. Just unlock your car and hit the road.
Once you’re ready to roll, you can pick from two easy shipping choices: open transport or enclosed transport.
- Open Transport
Open transport is the tried-and-true favorite. It keeps your budget happy and still delivers the goods. Your car rolls onto a big flatbed truck alongside a few buddies—maybe a reliable sedan or a shiny new Mustang—and heads straight to your new zip code. Yes, the cars ride in the open air, but sturdy chains and wheel straps hold everything tight.
Why it’s a win for you:
– It’s the cheapest way to get your ride across the country.
– Trucks hit the road every day, so spots sell out fast.
– Your car often arrives a day or two sooner than with enclosed transport.
Open Transport
Rain falls. Heat beats down. Dust settles everywhere. This is what you get when you pick an open trailer. A set of straps keeps the vehicle from moving while the miles slide under the tires. This way of moving is popular for regular cars, typical SUVs, and light trucks.
- Open Transport
Open trailers keep the price tag friendly and keep the schedule moving. A truck parks, a ramp bites the tires, and—boom—your ride is back on the street faster than a coffee break. More drivers spend less time at the dock and more time gathering miles.
Perks
– Hurts the wallet less.
– Deck and ramp eat the dock clock.
– More miles, less dock time.
Trade-offs
– Your paint gets a spa day from rain, sunshine, and bugs.
– Not the best hug for a fire-engine red 2023 Lambo or the last perfect 1974 classic.
- Enclosed Transport
When the answer is “no compromises,” the enclosed ride speaks up. The trailer is a fortress on wheels, keeping rain, grit, and road salt outside, and leaving the inside as perfect as a showroom. Use this for hyper cars, priceless classics, and anything liability insurance asks to see a picture of before giving a quote.
Perks
– Nothing hits the paint but air.
– Super safe for evenly rebuilt engines.
– One driver, fewer stops, kinder on drivetrains.
Trade-offs
– The invoice is taller than for the open trailer.
Line up the pluses and the minuses, and the best transport mixes budget respect with worry-free miles.
Look for any new scratches, check that the windows are clear, and make sure the tires are properly inflated. Turn the headlights and brake lights on to confirm everything is working. If you find any minor issues, you can usually fix them quickly and avoid bigger surprises later.
- Trim the Tank and Charge the Battery
If you can, fill the gas tank to about a quarter full. That’s enough to load it onto the trailer but light enough to save on weight. If it’s an electric vehicle, make sure the battery is charged to a level that’s at least 30 percent but not at full capacity. This keeps the battery healthy during transport.
- Disable the Alarm and Secure the Floor mats
Most auto transporters can’t deal with alarms that keep going off, so turn it off or remove the fuse. If you have custom floor mats, make sure they’re secured or removed so they don’t slide around and get dirty or damaged.
- Get a Receipt and Track the Journey
When you drop off the car, ask for a receipt that details the vehicle’s condition and any extra fees. If the shipping company has an app or website, use it to check on your car’s location and get an estimated arrival time. This way, you’ll know when to expect your vehicle at your new address.
Following these tips can make your cross-country car move smooth, protecting your ride and giving you peace of mind for the trip ahead.
As soon as you finish washing your car, grab your phone and snap pics of any fresh scratches or dents you notice. Jot down notes if you don’t have a camera. Next, open the hood and check the battery clamps. Give them a wiggle—if they move at all, tighten them up.
Then, check the tires: the grooves should grab a half-penny and hold it, with the top of the coin sitting lower than Lincoln’s head. Use a digital gauge to double-check the pressure, and don’t forget the spare. Last, walk around and tap every light—brake, turn, and reverse—so you know all of them are glowing.
A car that won’t start at the pickup ramp can ruin your day. Rental agencies will usually call a tow truck, and that call can eat up an hour or more. If you’re on a tight schedule, that long wait can push you past your drop-off window and tack on extra charges.
Car alarms can delay loading and unloading. Always turn off the system before the driver arrives. You can use a small remote, a code, or a key—whatever works for your vehicle. Be sure to provide clear instructions to the carrier. This will keep the process quick and hassle-free.
Fill the gas tank to about one-quarter. This amount is just right for the loaders to roll the car on and off the trailer without moving the vehicle weight. A full tank adds extra weight you don’t need.
How Long Does Coast-to-Coast Shipping Take?
Transporting a car from one coast to the other usually takes about 7 to 14 days. Many things can affect that, including the distance, the type of trailer you choose, and the carrier’s route. Bad weather and road repairs can add a few extra days, too.
As you plan your transport, keep those shipping days in mind. If you need the car to arrive by a certain date, call the carrier right away. They will choose the best pickup and drop-off times so your car shows up when you need it.
Tips for Finding the Right Car Shipping Service
Moving your car across the country soon? Picking the right vehicle shipping service turns a big job into a small one. Keep these simple tips in your back pocket to match your car with the service that cares:
- Reputation and Reviews
Start your search for companies that keep winning five-star reviews. Check Google, Trust pilot, and the Better Business Bureau for real feedback from people who already shipped cars. When the same praises pop up over and over, that’s a sign the company knows how to deliver cars without a scratch—and keeps its drivers smiling, too.
- Insurance Coverage
Read the fine print on insurance that rides along. Most companies provide basic coverage, but you want to know what it really protects. If your car is a classic, a shiny new luxury ride, or just means a lot to you, ask about extra protection plans to keep it even safer.
- Cost Transparency
Get quotes from three or four different companies and put them side by side. A good service will give you a clear breakdown that shows the pickup charge, the transport fee, and the final delivery cost.
If anything looks fuzzy or looks like it’s hiding something, that’s a sign to keep looking.
Zero surprise fees—just straightforward numbers—means the final bill matches what you expected.
- Flexible Delivery Options
Imagine the day and time you want your car to arrive. If you need it yesterday, see if the carrier offers a quick-turnaround option. If you can wait a little, terminal-to-terminal delivery can usually save you some dough. The right company will adjust to your plan, not make you bend to theirs.
Some providers will drive your car right to your front curb for a small extra fee, while others ask you to swing by a terminal to pick it up. Double-check your calendar and your budget, then choose the delivery method that fits your upcoming move the best.
Services vary: some carriers deliver your vehicle right to your door, while others have you cue up at a nearby lot. Decide which approach fits your routine, and go with the service that best meets your needs.
Getting your vehicle shipped cross-country can be simple. Open transport cuts costs, while enclosed transport shields your high-value ride from wind and weather. Schedule your pickup early to avoid holdups and keep the whole move on track. A dependable carrier will bring your car to the new address safe and on schedule.
Car Shipping Source makes coast-to-coast vehicle shipping fast and hassle-free. With flexible solutions, upfront pricing, and a caring support staff, your car stays protected from the first pickup to the last drop. Ready to hit the road? Reach out for a free, pressure-free quote on cross-country car transport!
