Despite all the buzz around EVs, the real shift seems to be happening in the SUV realm. More and more consumers have been giving up their sedans in favor of Sport Utility Vehicles. Over the years, SUVs have gained popularity thanks to their enhanced safety and generous cargo space. As they are able to maintain control on any terrain with confidence, one may think they are indestructible.
Yet, if you are looking to successfully ship an SUV to another state, you need to follow a few simple tips to keep peace of mind. Read along as we guide you through the essential information on shipping SUVs.
Shipping an SUV to another state?
Know your vehicle specifics
SUVs come in different sizes and weights. SUVs are bigger and bulkier vehicles, some more than others. This is something you need to keep in mind when requesting quotes. Take, for instance, GMC Yukon that weighs close to 6,000 lbs. It would take up almost double the space on a multi-vehicle carrier, which, in turn, would reflect in the cost of auto transport. Also, if your SUV is modified, for instance, it has oversized tires or a roof rack, it might need extra equipment for loading and unloading and additional driver expertise.
That’s why it’s important to team up with an experienced car shipping company, whose agents are trained in asking the right questions. They will help you find a solution to meet the unique needs of your vehicle.
Verify the car shipping company’s reputation
While online reviews are a good way to learn about a potential auto transporter, it’s important to ensure that the company is compliant with federal rules and regulations. Reliable vehicle shipping companies should be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They should also have the U.S. DOT number, which you can easily verify online, and thus filter out dishonest companies.
Checking the Better Business Bureau is also a good step to verify the company’s reputation. At first, these may seem like extreme precautionary measures. However, it is better to take the time and check, rather than regret it later.
Plan in advance
As you might have noticed by now, shipping an SUV requires some advance planning. On a positive note, this will give you more flexibility with the delivery date, especially if you plan to ship it at busy times of the year. However, if you are truly in a rush, you can always inquire about an expedited shipping service.
How much does it cost to ship an SUV?
Usually, SUVs are more expensive to ship than regular sedans. Some of the major factors in determining the cost of shipping an SUV are:
Vehicle specifications – as a rule of thumb, the heavier and larger your SUV is, the more it costs to ship since the carriers are subject to weight limitations. Shipping modified SUVs may also cost more, as they may require additional equipment and driver expertise.
Distance – When the pick-up location is far from a major route or highway, prepare to pay a higher price. You can agree to meet a driver close to a major city or route to save on car shipping. Also, intuitively, shipping to a place 600 miles away will cost less than shipping your SUV across the country.
Service type – Premium services such as expedited shipping or enclosed auto transport are usually more expensive than standard delivery in an open trailer. However, if you own a luxury SUV such as a Porsche Cayenne or Cadillac Escalade, then you should look into hiring an enclosed carrier to protect your vehicle from road and weather elements during transit.
Supply and Demand – A price premium is applied when auto shipping requests exceed truck availability. One way to avoid this is to plan accordingly, avoiding busy periods.
Can I ship my SUV with personal items in it?
Car shipping companies are not allowed by law to ship anything other than cars. Although it might be tempting to ship a few extra items inside your SUV, it is strongly recommended for you to not do so. Moreover, leaving your SUV free of personal items might also protect it from any potential damage during transit.
However, some car shippers will allow you to include up to 100 lbs in your vehicle’s trunk space. Consult with your car shipping agent, should you need to ship extra items with your car.
Shipping an SUV to another state may seem challenging at first, but it does not have to be that way. If you have never shipped your SUV before, do not worry. You can call us any time at Corsia Logistics and our experienced agents will answer your questions and provide a free, no-obligation quote that will ship your car safely and efficiently.
