Are you moving across the country and wondering what to do with your car? If you want to save your car from wear and tear or aren’t able to drive it long distances, you’ll need to look at your options.
The good news is though shipping a vehicle can be stressful, there are different options you can consider. All of these options have pros and cons, but they’re not as complicated as you might think. You’ll easily be able to determine the best route to take once you do a little research.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about your options for moving cars across the country!
Overview of Cross-Country Vehicle Transport
Cross-country vehicle transport or shipping involves the process of moving your car long distances without needing to drive it yourself. It’s especially helpful if you’re moving from one coast to the other. In the US, many people opt to use vehicle transport services if they’re making a move from New York to California or even Florida. You can choose from a variety of methods to ship your vehicle, which will determine the cost. These shipping methods include:
Enclosed Car Trailers
Shipping via enclosed car trailers is a popular option that many people turn to. It’s also one of the most common methods and typically the least expensive too. Basically, enclosed car trailers consist of covered trailers that offer protection for your vehicle. They can also usually deliver your car right to a specific street address, making things easier for your move.
If you go this route, you’ll need to find a reputable company that has nationwide retailers you can work with. These types of retailers offer various options for enclosed car trailers in every state, and you’ll be able to easily check their reputation online. If you want to save even more money, you can choose an uncovered trailer, but it’s important to understand that your car won’t be as protected along its journey.
Rail Vehicle Shipping
Shipping by rail is also a good option to consider when you have to move a long distance. Depending on how far you’re going, you’ll usually be able to choose between an enclosed rail carrier or an open rail carrier. Enclosed rail carriers protect your car from debris and weather, so if you have a newer or luxury vehicle, you should consider this option.
Shipping your vehicle by rail is also one of the most cost-efficient ways to move your car across the country. This is because trains move a large amount of cargo at a time and are already going across the country. Keep in mind although you’ll save money, you may have to wait longer for your vehicle to arrive.
Finally, when rail shipping is a more eco-friendly way to ship. Trains emit less carbon dioxide than trucks do and are more energy efficient overall. When you choose rail shipping, you’re helping reduce the effects of global warming since you aren’t using a truck.
Boat Vehicle Shipping
Boat shipping is usually reserved if you’re moving somewhere else entirely. For example, if you’re in the US and need to move across the globe, boat shipping would be a reasonable option. Also, it’s the only realistic way to move your car to somewhere like Hawaii.
You’ll find most boat shipping companies offer service from most major coastal cities in the US and Canada, and also European companies. Vehicle shipping by boat can be more difficult to find, but typically most major shipping services that carry freight will offer the option to transport vehicles as well.
Costs vary with boat shipping, but you can often find deals with certain shipping companies that make it worthwhile.
Air Vehicle Shipping
You may not have heard of this option, but it’s more popular than you may realize. It’s the safest and fastest way of moving a vehicle long distances. However, the downside is, it’s one of the most expensive vehicle shipping options.
If you’re looking at international transport options and need to get your car to its destination quickly, then this might be an option to consider. Not only is it the fastest method, but if your car is extremely valuable or sentimental, it will receive the best level of care in a cargo plane. Keep in mind sea, or road shipments carry a higher risk of vehicle damage due to the more turbulent rides. Airplanes are much smoother, and there is much less risk of damage.
It’s also safer since your car will typically be loaded at one destination and offloaded at the next stop since these types of flights rarely stop midway in their journeys.
Average Costs of Vehicle Shipping
Now that you understand more about the different methods of moving cars let’s take a quick look at the costs involved. It’s important to realize this is a difficult question to answer because your costs will depend on various factors that include:
- Transport time and distance
- Time of the year
- Method of shipment
- Type of vehicle
- Value of vehicle
- Specialized services
In general, you’re looking at over $1,000 at minimum to ship from New York City to Los Angeles. For classic or collector cars, you can expect to pay at least $3,000 or more for the shipment, plus additional insurance.
You’ll need to start your research early to find the cheapest ways to ship a car across the country, like from NYC to California. If you’re shipping even further away, you’ll need to start getting price quotes as soon as possible. Be sure to do your research and read reviews to find reputable companies that have a lot of experience shipping vehicles.
It’s also a good idea to get at least 3 to 4 price quotes so you can get an overall estimate of what you’ll be paying.
Options for Moving Your Cars
Now that you know more about these options for moving your cars, you’ll be better able to determine which method will work best for your situation. Remember to begin your research early so you can get a list of reputable companies and price quotes together.
If you want to save even more money, you can consider renting a tow dolly and driving the car yourself. The downside to this is you could significantly damage your car, and you’ll have to spend a lot of time troubleshooting and learning more about this method if it’s your first time towing a car.
Finally, you can also consider shipping during the off-season or picking up your car from a terminal instead of having it delivered directly to your door.
