How to prepare your car for cross-country shipping?

Whether you are beginning a new life chapter all the way across the country, buying a car 2000 miles away, or taking it to a show on the opposite coast, these events have one thing in common. You need to figure out how to move your car to a far-away destination. A great companion and a reflection of your freedom and independence, your car deserves to be treated as such. The inevitable question of how to prepare your car for cross-country shipping emerges.

In this post, we will tackle some of the most common questions to help you plan, prepare, and successfully ship your car across the country.

Should I ship or drive my car across the country?

This is usually one of the first questions to cross one’s mind. Some factors to consider include time availability, the number of vehicles you need to transport, as well as the possibility of a flat tire, or costly speeding tickets, among others. For any distance exceeding 200 miles, we recommend hiring professional auto transport.

Shipping your car with a professional auto transport company will save your vehicle from unnecessary wear and tear. It will be safely delivered to a destination of your choice, ready for you to drive. Shipping your car can even cost you less than driving once you factor in all the expenses a cross-country trip entails.

1. How can I ship a car across the country?

Step 1. Research car shipping companies and get quotes. Finding reliable vehicle relocation agents that can connect you to experienced truck drivers can require some time. Reading online reviews, learning about other people’s experiences is a good way to narrow down your search. Next, get in touch with the companies to learn about their services and request a free car shipping quote.

Step 2. Prepare your car for shipping by checking its overall condition and performing any necessary maintenance services. Moreover, remove your personal belongings and any other objects. Leaving items inside the car can cause damage during transport. In addition, auto shipping companies do not have the license to transport anything other than cars. Certain items are even explicitly banned by law.

Step 3 – Verify the car shipping insurance with your vehicle shipper. Make sure you have all your vehicle paperwork on hand or can easily access it. It’s not a requirement to ship your car, but you will need it once the car is back in your possession.

Step 4 – Confirm the pick-up date and pick-up and delivery locations. The driver will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your door as legally possible.

Step 5 – Ask how to track your vehicle. And don’t forget about the pre- and post-delivery inspections. They are an important part of the process and help ensure the safety of your car.

2. How long will it take to ship my car across the country?

As you arrange the shipping for your car, it is important to know that there are two time-frames: the pick-up window and the delivery window. The pick-up window can be from one to a few days, depending on truck availability for a specific route, weather conditions, and also time of the year.

The delivery window mainly depends on the distance. For instance, shipping a car from California to New York on average takes between 7 and 10 days. If the destination is not along a major highway or city, it may take longer, as the truck driver will have to do a detour. However, in order to shorten the time, you can arrange to pick up your vehicle at an agreed spot, which is closer to one of the popular locations.

Considering all these factors, planning ahead can increase your time flexibility and minimize your shipping costs. However, if you are on a tight schedule, you can always choose an expedited shipping service, which will guarantee your car is delivered on a specific date.

3. How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?

Car shipping quotes depend on the exact distance and season, as well as on the vehicle and carrier type. For example, if you are shipping a modified Jeep, which may require extra equipment and skill, as a rule of thumb, it will cost you more. However, you can still lower these costs if you are flexible with the delivery time, for instance. Another way to lower shipping costs is to choose open carriers. And you can always inquire about special discounts your car shipping company may have.

Corsia teams knows that every car and situation is unique, which is reflected in the transparency of our quotes and service. We help you choose the best-fit carrier and service type, and our relocation experts offer guidance through the entire process. Whether you are ready to ship or still learning about car shipping, we are happy to help.