The Ultimate Guide to Ship a Car to Another State in 2024

Moving cars can be a real headache. Finding a reliable transport company, prepping your vehicle, and navigating fees, often leaves owners feeling frazzled as someone who has shipped vehicles more times than I can count. I have learned a thing or two about making the experience as smooth as possible.

Whether you are relocating cross-country or gifting your clunker to a family member out-of-state, I’ll walk you through choosing a transport method, prepping your car for shipment, working with your auto transport company, and more in this article.

Preparation Before Shipping A Car

Before handing over your car for transport, ensure you remove all personal items and important paperwork. This includes items like your registration, insurance card, and garage door opener. Additionally, clear out any loose items such as phone chargers, tissues, or loose change from the cupholders.

Exterior Inspection

Check the exterior of your vehicle thoroughly. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated and examine them for any signs of abnormal wear and tear. Inspect other exterior features such as windshield wipers, mirrors, and lights to ensure they are intact and functioning properly.

Wash and Detail Your Vehicle

Give your car a comprehensive wash and detailing both inside and out before shipping. Not only does this enhance the appearance of your vehicle upon arrival, but it also facilitates easier inspection for any existing scratches, dents, or paint flaws by the transport driver.

Document the Condition

Take photographs of your vehicle from all angles to document its condition before transport. This documentation serves as valuable evidence in case of any damage disputes that may arise during or after transit.

Prepare the Engine Bay

Disconnect the battery under the hood to prevent drainage during transit. Additionally, top off essential fluids such as oil, transmission fluid, and coolant to optimal levels. While the transport company may conduct a final inspection and top off fluids if necessary, starting with adequate levels ensures smooth transit.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your vehicle is properly prepared for transport, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring a smooth journey to its destination.

Step-By-Step Guide of Shipping A Car

When beginning the process of shipping your vehicle, it’s essential to start by researching and selecting a reputable auto transporter. Here are some key steps to follow:

Get Multiple Quotes: Reach out to 3-4 auto transport companies to compare pricing and services.
Evaluate Reputation: Look for companies with positive customer reviews, proper licensing, insurance, and a solid track record.
Driver Screening: Inquire about the company’s driver screening process to ensure professionalism and safety standards.

Booking and Payment

Once you’ve selected a reputable company, the next steps involve booking your shipment and making the necessary payments:

Provide Key Details: Supply the transporter with essential information such as pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, and preferred dates.
Choose Pickup/Delivery Options: Decide between door-to-door service or transport terminals, considering cost savings and convenience.
Reservation and Deposit: Book your spot by paying a deposit, but refrain from paying in full until pickup is confirmed.

Vehicle Pickup and Inspection

As the shipping day approaches, prepare for the pickup of your vehicle:

Document Existing Damage: Take photos of any pre-existing damage for documentation purposes.
Vehicle Inspection: The driver will conduct an inspection of your vehicle, and you’ll need to sign release forms authorizing pickup.
Note Discrepancies: Ensure any existing damage is noted on the inspection report to avoid disputes later.

Transit and Updates

Once your vehicle is on its way, stay informed about its transit progress:

Transport Process: Depending on distance, your vehicle may transfer between multiple drivers during transit.
Communication: The transport company should keep you updated on the status of your shipment.

Vehicle Delivery and Inspection

Upon arrival at the destination, follow these steps for a smooth delivery:

Inspect for Damage: Thoroughly inspect your vehicle with the driver for any new damage incurred during transit.
Finalize Payment: Pay the remaining balance only after confirming the vehicle’s condition matches the pre-shipment inspection.
Receive Keys: Once payment is made and keys are handed over, your vehicle shipment process is complete.

By following these steps and maintaining clear communication with the auto transport company, you can ensure a hassle-free shipping experience for your vehicle.

Pricing of Shipping A Car

Shipping a car typically ranges from $550 to $2,450, averaging $1,150, contingent on factors like vehicle type, distance, and chosen transportation mode. This translates to a cost of $0.60 to $1.70 per mile, with an average of $1.15 per mile.

Cost	Amount
Average Cost to Ship a Car	$1,150
Highest Cost	$2,450
Lowest Cost	$550

Cost per mile:

Shipping a car can cost between $0.60 and $1.70 for every mile it travels, and this depends on different things. If you’re sending your car far away and it’s light, it will be cheaper. But if it’s going a short distance and you want it in a closed truck, it will be more expensive.

Cost	Amount
Car Shipping Cost Per Mile – Lowest	$0.60
Car Shipping Cost Per Mile – Highest	$1.70

Cost by vehicle size:

The bigger your car, the more it might cost to ship. Each time your vehicle size goes up, the shipping cost could increase by $150 to $250, depending on the shipping company. For a 1,000-mile trip, here’s an idea of how much shipping might cost based on your car’s size.

Vehicle Size	Car Shipping Cost Range	Average Price
Sedan	$600 – $1,700	$1,150
Compact SUV	$750 – $1,950	$1,350
SUV	$900 – $2,200	$1,550
Truck	$1,050 – $2,450	$1,750

Cost by transport type:

The method you choose to transport your car affects the total cost and has its own advantages and disadvantages.

For enclosed shipping, where your car is kept inside a container for the whole trip, you’ll pay around $1,000 to $2,450, but your car is better protected from the weather.

Open carrier transport is cheaper around $550 to $1,600, but your car is exposed to the weather, which might increase the risk of damage.

Transport Type	Average Cost Range	Average Cost Per Mile
Enclosed	$1,000 – $2,450	$0.90 – $1.70
Open carrier	$550 – $1,600	$0.60 – $1.10

Final Words

Shipping a car involves various costs depending on factors like vehicle size and transport method. On average, it ranges from $550 to $2,450, with an average of $1,150. Cost per mile falls between $0.60 and $1.70. Larger vehicles and enclosed shipping tend to increase expenses, while open carrier transport offers a more budget-friendly option. Ultimately, careful consideration of these factors ensures a smooth and cost-effective car shipping experience.