7 Tips on How to Ship Your Car to Another State

Shipping your car from one state to another is much easier than you think. A smooth auto transport experience all comes down to the company you choose and how you prepare your car for the journey. Follow these tips on how to ship a car to another state to enjoy a simple, stress-free move.  

Tip 1: Know your options

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to auto transport. Fortunately, an experienced car shipping company will know how to meet your vehicle shipping needs. The first step is knowing what options are available. There are multiple transport options you can choose from based on your needs and budget.

Open transport is the most popular and affordable method. With open transport, your vehicle will be quickly loaded onto a trailer and safely delivered to your destination. This method is safe but leaves your vehicle exposed to normal outdoor elements like dust, dirt and rain. You can look forward to a secure and timely delivery, but you might want to stop by a carwash afterward. 

Enclosed transport provides additional protection by shipping vehicles in trailers with walls and a roof, shielding them from most weather and road debris. This is the preferred shipping method for luxury, exotic, classic and highly modified cars—just keep in mind that it comes at a higher cost than open transport.

In your search, you’ll probably come across local businesses and nationwide auto transport companies. Learn more about these businesses to decide between a local or national auto transporter.

Tip 2: Prioritize quality 

Remember, this is your car we’re dealing with here—one of your most prized (and expensive) possessions. For the greatest satisfaction and peace of mind, you’ll want to choose a car shipping company you can trust. There are lots of moving parts when it comes to auto transport, so it’s important to choose a company with a good reputation and the expertise for the job.

An easy way to assess a company’s quality is by reading reviews. Check platforms like Google Reviews to see what customers are saying about their experience. The more reviews a company has, the better. 

It’s important to look at both good and bad reviews and take note of how the company responds to complaints or negative comments. Some occasional speed bumps are inevitable, but how a company resolves issues says a lot about its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. 

Another way to check a company’s reputation is by its Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. The BBB conducts thorough research into each business they review and provides a detailed report of their services. Online reviews and BBB ratings provide greater clarity in your search for a reliable auto transporter, but there are even more ways to improve your results. Find out what else to look for in a quality car shipping company.

Tip 3: Know what questions to ask

Before you book with a shipping company, make sure you’ve answered all the important questions about your specific shipment. A quality auto transporter will be easy to contact and ready to answer any questions you have.

For example, you may want to ask:

• Can I include personal items in my vehicle shipment?
• How long will I be without my car? 
• Do you include insurance in your pricing? 
• What is your cancellation policy? 

If you’re looking to ship a car to Hawaii or another island territory, you’ll want to ask if the company has experience with marine transport. Are there any rules or regulations when shipping a car on open waters? 

For more examples of questions you might want to ask an auto transport company, check out our FAQ section.

Tip 4: Be flexible with your dates 

If possible, stay open to the idea of adjusting your pickup and dropoff dates. It’s smart to book your order as soon as possible so your vehicle has plenty of time to get assigned to the best carrier for your needs.

Flexibility can potentially save you money too, as car shipping prices are subject to change based on seasonal demand and other factors. Keep in mind that the cost of your shipment will also depend on the size and weight of your vehicle and the type of transport you choose. Look for auto transport companies that can provide you with accurate, up-to-date quotes so you can stay informed about current auto transport rates.

Montway Auto Transport offers a free, instant quote calculator. Enter information about your vehicle and desired pickup dates and locations for the most accurate estimate.

Tip 5: Prepare your vehicle and paperwork

There’s a short list of tasks you should complete before your vehicle is picked up for transport. This includes removing unpermitted personal items, securing loose parts and making sure your gas tank is no more than ¼ full. If you drive an EV, standard practice is to have the battery charged between 45 and 65%. Refer to our blog 7 Tips to Prepare Your Car for Shipping to make sure your car is ready for its journey.

In addition to your vehicle, you’ll also need to have some paperwork and documentation prepared for when you arrive at your destination. You’ll need your driver’s license, vehicle registration and title when you arrive in your new state, along with proof of insurance. One of the first things you should do is head to the DMV to transfer and update your paperwork. Learn how to prepare for the DMV in your new state and enjoy a stress-free move.

Tip 6: Take safety precautions

Shipping a car to another state is safe, and any professional auto transporter will prioritize the secure handling of your vehicle. However, there are extra steps and precautions you can take to make the trucker’s job easier and further protect your vehicle:

• Remove valuable items from the vehicle. Auto transporters are not responsible for any personal belongings left inside. If your items are loose and move around during transit, they may break or damage your car’s interior. 
• Secure or remove loose parts like bike racks, roof racks, off-roading lights and antennae. These parts can make it difficult and unsafe for the trucker to load and unload your vehicle onto their transport truck.
• Run your fuel level down to around a quarter tank. Gasoline can add significant weight to a vehicle, and weight will affect the safety and efficiency of the auto transport truck. Excessive weight can contribute to your auto transport price and reducing the fuel in your tank is an easy way to reduce your vehicle’s weight.

In addition to protecting your vehicle, you should also know how to protect yourself from illegitimate car shipping companies and potential scams. Read our blog Car Shipping Safety and Security Tips for more.

Tip 7: Don’t base your final decision on price alone

We all like a good deal, and there’s great satisfaction to be had in finding a bargain after hours of hard work and research. But remember, if the price of car shipping seems too good to be true, it probably is. Even if an auto transport company does deliver on its thrifty price, its service will likely be lacking in other areas. Be aware of a potential “bait and switch” scenario.

When you use a low-cost car shipping service, you’re likely missing out on important parts of the process like reliable customer service, comprehensive insurance or licensed carriers with the equipment and experience to complete your shipment safely. Every vehicle has its own special needs for safe shipment, and it’s important you work with a company that can meet those needs. 

Safe and easy state-to-state auto transport

Entrust your vehicle to a seasoned auto transport company. One of the biggest benefits of shipping your car with a reliable professional is the peace of mind that comes with a stress-free shipping experience.

Montway has earned its reputation as one of the top-rated auto transport companies in the country. Our commitment to outstanding service is clear, with a 4.7-star average rating across 100,000 reviews. Since our start in 2007, we’ve arranged safe and efficient transport for over one million vehicles.

Curious about how auto transport works or car shipping costs? Our dedicated advisors are here to answer questions and help book orders 365 days a year. Get in touch by calling 888-666-8929 or start a live chat.