There are several relocation hacks and options available when it comes to car shipping across the country. And even if you are in the middle of a last-minute relocation, these options can be performed. As we mentioned, which way you will choose mostly depends on your relocation budget. So let’s see what your options are.
How to Transport a Car When Moving Across the Country
Moving cross country is exciting, but it can also be stressful. One of the most challenging parts of a long-distance move is figuring out how to transport a car from one place to another. There are several options available and it really depends on your budget and timeline to determine which one works best for you. So, if you’re wondering how to transport a car across the country, read on for some great tips!
How to Transport a Car in the USA? Options to Explore
If you’re moving to another state alone or maybe with family, there will be a lot of things you need to organize and consider to make this journey stress-free and efficient. And one of those thighs is transporting a car across the country. Fortunately, there are several options available for people in the USA who need to ship their cars. We’ll go through each of the options below and discuss their pros and cons so that you can pick the one that’s most suitable for you.
Driving It Yourself
One option is to drive your vehicle yourself. This may seem like an obvious choice, but there are some important factors to consider that can make you see the benefits of car shipping instead. First, you will need to factor in travel expenses such as gas, lodging, and food costs. You will also need to consider the cost of tolls (if any) along with wear and tear on your car from extended use on highways or interstate roads over a long distance. Finally, don’t forget about any additional insurance that may be required if you choose this option.
Hiring an Auto Shipping Company
Another option is to hire an auto-shipping company. There are many companies that specialize in transporting cars across the country, and they have the experience and equipment necessary to get the job done quickly and safely. With this option, however, it is important to do research ahead of time as rates can vary significantly between companies, so make sure you’re getting the best deal possible before signing a contract! Also, one of the downsides of this option is that you will have to coordinate vehicle shipping with your long-distance moving services so you can have all your possessions at the same time.
Renting a Trailer or Tow Vehicle
There is always the option of renting a trailer or tow vehicle. If you choose this method, keep in mind that it requires additional planning as well as skill and experience when it comes time to load and unload the trailer or tow vehicle safely. Additionally, make sure your vehicle has proper insurance coverage for any unexpected damage that may occur during transport.
Hire Cross Country Moving Company
Another option is to hire a professional long-distance moving company to transport your car. Since you are probably going to take some cross-country moving services, the most convenient option for many people is to hire the same company for auto shipping services. Most companies offer door-to-door service, meaning they will pick up your car from your current location and deliver it right to the new address. Many companies also offer insurance to cover any damage that may occur during the transportation process.
All You Need to Know About Cross-Country Moving Service and Car Shipping Options
Relocation across the country can be an overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to transporting your car. Many people opt to drive their car long-distance, but this is not always feasible or economical. Instead, hiring a moving company that offers exceptional car shipping services can be a great way to transport your car while saving you time and money.
When it comes to selecting a cross-country moving service, it is important to research the company and its services. You should make sure that the company is legit and that it is licensed and insured for your protection. You need to do a USDOT number check because all long-distance moving companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or FMCSA to get this number. Most companies offer both enclosed trailers or open-air carriers, which can be customized to your needs.
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What Are the Costs of an Auto Shipping?
Transporting a car when moving across the country can be a complicated task. Depending on where you’re going, how far away it is, and the size of your car, there are several different options for transporting your car to its new destination.
One of the most popular choices is hiring a professional auto-shipping company. This involves having a company pick up your car, transport it to its new location, and then deliver it safely at the end of your move. Unfortunately, this can be a costly process. If you hire movers to ship a car for you, the cost of shipping will be between $1,200 and $1,500, or even more, depending on where you are relocating to.
The cost of auto-shipping depends on several factors, including the size and weight of your car, distance traveled, time of year (summer months are more expensive due to the increased demand,) and added services like door-to-door delivery. Here are the average prices of auto transport from the East to the West Coast.
| Average cost to transport a car | $1,500 |
| The highest cost | $2,000 and more |
| The lowest cost | $1,200 |
How to Prepare Your Car for Cross-Country Movers?
When you’re moving across the country, having your car safely transported is essential to your journey. As you prepare for the move, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that your car arrives at its destination in the same condition as when it left. Here are some tips on how to prepare your car for cross-country movers.
- Clean the car: Before your car is moved, make sure to give it a thorough clean-out. Remove all personal items from the inside of the car and any debris from the exterior. This will help ensure that your car arrives at its destination free of damage or additional dirt and grime.
- Prep your car: Have your car serviced before the move. Make sure all fluids are topped off and that tires are properly inflated to prevent any malfunctions during transport.
- Take photos: Before loading your car onto the truck, take photos of it from multiple angles. This will make it easier to notice any dents or damages once you receive it at your destination. Also, take a photo of the odometer in case you are worried your car will be taken by strangers for a joy ride.
- Leave the gas ¼ full: Even though most professionals will not ride your car, they will have to place it on and off the trailer. So you will need to have gas for this purpose. The lighter your car is, the better it will be for the trailer. But if you have more gas in the tank, you don’t need to drain it.
- Remove non-essential items: You don’t want to overburden the mover with items that are not needed. If there are any parts of your car that can be easily removed and reinstalled, do so before loading your car onto the truck.
- Prepare an inventory list: Write down the condition of your car before it is transported, such as paint color and any visible damage. This will help you identify if there are any changes once the car arrives at its destination.
Why You Should Ship Your Car Instead of Driving When Moving Cross-Country?
Driving your car across the country when you’re moving is often seen as a more economical option than having it shipped. However, there are several benefits to shipping your car instead of driving it cross-country that may outweigh the cost savings.
First and foremost, shipping your car can save you time and energy. Driving long distances can be exhausting and time-consuming, and if you have a long move ahead of you, it may be best to consider having your car shipped. This will give you more time to focus on the other aspects of your move, such as packing or paperwork. Also, you need to consider other expenses, such as paying for a motel, gas, and food along the way, whether you are relocating alone or with family.
Additional Benefits of Auto Transport
Although, if you are relocating with kids, this could be a fun way to spend some quality time together. However, in most cases, families own more than one vehicle, so you can always ship one and travel with the other one. This way, you can reduce some relocation costs and have a fun week with your family if you are willing to spend this long on the road.
Shipping your car also reduces wear and tear on the vehicle that comes with long-distance driving. Driving long distances can take a toll on your car, and the cost of shipping will likely be less than the additional maintenance and repairs you may need after driving it across the country.
Finally, having your car shipped can provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your car is in capable hands. Relocation companies have experience in shipping cars across the country safely and can provide additional services to ensure your car arrives on time and in good condition.
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Find Movers That Can Provide You with All the Necessary Services
The best way to make your relocation easier is to find a company that can provide you with all the necessary services at once. This can help ensure that your belongings are transported safely and securely. A good mover, such as Cross Country Moving Company, should be able to provide packing services, storage, as well as transportation of both personal belongings and vehicles. Having a single service provider for all your relocation needs can save you time, energy, and money in the long run.
Make sure that when choosing a moving company, you get one with experience transporting cars. This will ensure that your vehicle will be handled properly during transit. The mover should also be able to provide you with an insurance policy for any damages or losses incurred during the move.
Once you’ve found a mover that can meet your needs, make sure to read the contract thoroughly to ensure that everything is understood and agreed upon before signing. Additionally, it’s also important to get quotes from multiple companies so that you can compare prices and services offered. This will help you get the best deal for your relocation.
