Car owners might sell a vehicle online to someone living in another state or buy a new car from a distance and need it shipped from that location. Auto transport has the potential to be complex unless you do due diligence with research. Learn how to ship a car at https://www.progressive.com/answers/how-to-ship-a-car/. 

With that adequate knowledge, the process can be navigated with greater ease and allows you to stay within the budget you set for the service.  

When securing a car shipping service, the auto transport company should be credentialed with licensing and insurance, plus a stellar reputation backed by a solid following of past and current car owners. Each shipping company will have its own protocol for transport and costs for services. 

When researching, prioritize the auto transport service that most readily suits your needs and fits within your budget. The steps to follow for preparing the vehicle for shipment will be laid out for you once you book, which should be done roughly a month ahead of departure. 

Tips For Shipping a Car to Another State 

Whether a car is transported to or brought from another state, finding a credentialed, reputable, and reliable car shipping service to handle the transport should be prioritized.  

The company’s qualifications and stellar reputation should be solidified by a following of satisfied car owners with successful deliveries from the service. When armed with sufficient knowledge of the car shipping service and the processes, the transport should be smooth and straightforward. 

When you transport a car to another state, there will be many questions and concerns to pose with a shipping service before the departure date. 

• How long will transport take from one state to the next – average

On average, the time it takes to ship a car from one state to the next will vary based on a few variables, including the location for pick-up/drop-off, the destination distance, and the transport method. It can range from “a few days to a few weeks” for state-to-state transport. 

A reputable, qualified car shipping service will supply the car owner with an idea of the duration and will apprise them of delays or problems while the vehicle is in transit. Some conditions that can result in delays include severe weather and peak seasons. 

• What documents will a car owner need for auto transport

When transporting a car to another state, the shipping service will need a few documents for adequate processing. The company needs to prove that you have the authority to move the vehicle. That will mean producing the vehicle registration along with proof of insurance. 

If you won’t be with the car when it’s picked up, the auto transport company will need a letter of authorization, notarized, saying that another individual will be available in your place. 

For oversized, heavy autos, some states mandate a specific permit. It will be your responsibility as the car owner to check on this detail and to obtain this permit. 

• What cost factors will affect the auto transport process

If a car is shipped to another state, the cost will be a primary factor since it will need to fit within your set budget. Auto transport has the potential to be a considerable expense; learning what impacts the final price point will allow better planning and a more realistic budget. Here are the primary factors to consider when developing your budget. 

The destination’s distance

The distance from the point of pick-up to the final destination is a primary factor when determining the final cost of car shipping. Auto transport services typically charge an average rate per mile.  

The size and type of vehicle 

The auto size and weight will have a significant bearing on the final price point. An oversized, heavy truck or SUV will take up much space on the trailer. It will also weigh the transport down. This will be reflected in the cost of service with a higher rate. 

The timing  

The peak or off-peak time of the year will affect the car shipping service costs. These are different from one carrier to the next. Some will charge higher rates from approximately April to the fall due to the snowbird season.  

Others will have a higher demand in the summer months, specifically July, when vacations are in full swing. Many transport companies will raise rates in the winter when road conditions are at their worst, typically in December and January.  

As a car owner, you’ll want to book about a month before the departure date to receive a better rate and ensure your spot on the carrier. 

The extras 

Auto transport companies supply basic insurance, but some car owners prefer to add extra for added protection.  

There’s also the benefit of door-to-door shipping instead of dropping off at the terminal and an expedited delivery where you can receive your vehicle when needed. Still, all these services add to the final cost. Go here for what’s involved in moving a car to another state. 

Final Thought 

As a car owner, shipping your car anywhere, whether in another state or even to the other side of the country, requires knowledge, which means researching to become informed. With sufficient details, the services can be handled with relative ease to suit specific needs and fit a set budget. 

That will require the services of a reputable, credentialed, and reliable car shipping service, solidified details through authoritarian sites, third-party unbiased reviews, and a following of car owners with positive customer experiences that resulted in successful deliveries.