How to Ship a Car to Another State: 7 Tips for 2023

When you are moving to an apartment in another state, the process of bringing one or more vehicles with you can be overwhelming. There are several options to consider, and you, as the mover, must decide what is best for you. Luckily, this guide will go in-depth on how to ship a car to another state and why moving a car from state to state doesn't have to be as scary as it sounds.

1. Explore Moving Companies

Some moving companies can transport your car in addition to all your furniture and boxes. The advantage here is that this will help make the coordination of your actual move and the state-to-state car transport seamless. However, when you have one company moving your belongings and another transporting your vehicle, it can be difficult to align your move-in date with a delivery date for your car.

2. Hire an Auto Transport Service

You should also consider using an auto transport company when sending a car to another state because most companies have decades of experience moving cars from state to state. An official car shipping company can pick your car up at your front door and deliver it at the steps of your new apartment building. Auto transport services also offer upgraded protection options for your vehicle, such as enclosed car shipping and top-loading.

Auto Transport Service Saving Tips

Getting your car shipped to another state can sometimes be costly, but there are a few things you can do to help keep that moving expense as low as possible:

• Consider an open-air carrier transport: When you choose any upgraded auto transport options for your shipment such as enclosed car shipping, the overall price of your shipment may increase by a few hundred dollars.
• Keep drop-off and pickup dates flexible: Although this might not be possible when you are moving into a new apartment, do your best to be flexible on your drop-off and pickup dates because shipping on less in-demand dates will typically cost less.
• Review multiple quotes: Comparison shopping can help you save on almost anything and auto transport is no exception because different car shippers may charge different prices for the same shipments.

You can keep your cost low when shipping a car to another state, but you have other options for transporting your car that can cost even less than shipping it.

3. Connect Your Car to a Moving Truck

You might need to transport more than one vehicle during a move. If that is the case and driving the distance of the trip yourself is no issue, you can consider towing the second car yourself so that you can move both vehicles for as cheap as possible. Towing a car to another state requires you to hook up a tow dolly or trailer compatible with the car you are towing with and the car that you are driving.

4. Consider a Professional Driver

Professional driving services send someone to drive your car the entire length of your move so that you can fly or take a train to your new apartment. These services are one of the fastest options that you'll have because they do not have any other cars or cargo to pick up along the route.

5. Car Transport via Train

You may also be able to transport your car on Amtrak's Auto Train, allowing you to ride comfortably while your car comes with you safely in the train's cargo. The Auto Train only operates between Washington, DC and Orlando, FL (in either direction), so it may only be able to take you and your car part of the way, but it can still save a lot of driving.

6. Car Transport via Boat

Transporting your car on a boat is a more expensive and time-consuming option that is sometimes the only way to get your vehicle moved. For example, if you are moving to an apartment in Hawaii, your car will need to ship on a boat for part of the journey.

7. Drive It Yourself

Driving your car yourself may be the cheapest option, and it allows you to pack your car with as much as possible. If you move your car any other way, it must be empty while being transported.

How to Prepare to Ship a Car to Another State

When transferring a car to another state, the preparation is all that remains once you've booked your shipment. Fortunately, you can be fully prepared for the state-to-state transport of your vehicle within an hour or two:

• Check your fuel gauge: When an auto transport company is transporting a vehicle, there must be enough gas left in the tank for your auto transport driver to drive the car on and off the car carrier truck.
• Check your battery: Your car must be able to start driving on and off the carrier. Ensure that your battery is functioning correctly before pick up.
• Check your tire pressure: Tires must be properly inflated in order to avoid issues getting it easily on and off the car carrier.
• Empty your car: Remove all personal belongings from the car, such as small devices, phone chargers, and jewelry.
• Clean the exterior: There are a lot of insurance liabilities when you transport vehicles from state to state, so auto transport companies perform visual inspections of all vehicle exteriors just before shipping begins to avoid liability for any pre-existing damage.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are several efficient ways of shipping a car to another state when you're moving to a new city. No matter which options you choose, it's probably better than thinking you have to sell your car. And if you're still finding a place, no worries! Apartment List is here to help as well. Take our quiz above and find an apartment that fits your budget and style.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Another State?

Shipping a car to another state will cost between $0.50 and $1.00 per mile depending on several factors.

Is Shipping a Car a Good Idea?

Shipping a car is a good idea if comfort and time are more important to you than savings. It is also a good idea for more expensive vehicles that you do not want exposed to the depreciation of a long-distance trip.

What is the Cheapest Way of Moving a Car from State to State?

The cheapest way of moving a car from one state to another is to drive it yourself. When you drive the car yourself, you will not be responsible for paying the marked-up price for a service provided by someone else or a company.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Shipping a Car to Another State?

The cost of shipping a car to another state will be affected by the overall distance of the shipment, demand for car shipping at the time of the shipment, fuel prices at the time of the shipment and which shipping options were selected.

How Does Auto Transport Insurance Work?

Auto transport insurance is provided by your vehicle transport company and is completely separate from typical car insurance. It covers the vehicle (and only the vehicle, no personal items in the vehicle will be covered) in case of damage at any point from its pickup to its delivery.