Moving to a new place is always challenging. Along with packing up your belongings, you’ve also got to figure out how to transport larger items - like your car. You want to move across state lines with your trusty set of wheels. But how to send your car to another state to your new home safely and hassle-free?
If you’ve ever had to ship a car long distance, then you know the uncertainty and stress involved. Will it get there on time? Will it arrive in one piece? How much will it cost? The logistics of vehicle transport can seem daunting. But what if I told you there was a way to ship your car between states with absolute certainty?
We’ll share the exact steps you need to take to get your car from Point A to Point B without worrying. We’ll cover everything from choosing a reputable shipping company to shipping your ride to saving money while doing it.
Sound too good to be true? Keep reading to discover how easy and stress-free transporting your car to a new home can be. Your moving day just got a whole lot smoother.
Reasons to Ship a Car to Another State
- Seasonal Residence (Snowbirds): Those who migrate to warmer climates during colder months, also known as “Snowbirds,” often opt for State to State Shipping of their vehicle. This is more convenient and less tiring than driving long distances, especially for retirees.
- College or University Attendance: Shipping a car is a common choice among students moving out of state for college. It not only saves up on wear and tear but also allows time to focus on settling into a new academic environment.
- Special Events Attendance: Have you ever planned a road trip to a concert or a sports event in a different state? How To Send Your Car To Another State could be a great solution to avoid long and exhausting drives.
- Car Shows or Exhibitions: Car enthusiasts participating in out-of-state shows or exhibitions can ensure their prized possessions reach the venue in prime condition by opting for car shipping.
- Vintage or Classic Car Collection: Transporting vintage or classic cars often needs extra care and attention. Shipping these beauties can help preserve them in their original condition.
- Temporary Work Assignments: During temporary work assignments in different states, shipping your car can provide a sense of familiarity and convenience.
- Vehicle Restoration: If you’ve found the perfect specialist for your car restoration project, but they’re in a different state, you might want To Ship A Car To Another State.
- Avoiding Long-Distance Driving: Long-distance driving can be stressful and tiring. Shipping a car to another state can help you avoid this hassle, ensuring you and your vehicle arrive safely.
- Military Relocation: Military personnel often relocate to different states. Shipping their car can make the transition smoother, allowing them to focus on their duties.
- Easier Relocation with Multiple Vehicles: For families with multiple vehicles, shipping can simplify the moving process, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
- Avoiding Wear and Tear: Shipping a car reduces unnecessary mileage and wear and tear, especially when moving to a distant state.
- Vacation: If you’re planning a lengthy vacation in another state, having your car shipped can add convenience and flexibility to your travel plans.
- Job Relocation: Job relocation often involves moving to a different state. Shipping your car can make the transition smoother and less stressful.
- Sale/Purchase of Car: When buying or selling a car out of state, shipping can ensure the vehicle arrives in its purchased condition.
- Dealerships Moving Inventory: Dealerships often ship cars to balance their inventories between locations, ensuring a diverse and appealing selection for their customers.
- Inherited Vehicles: Inheriting a vehicle from a relative in a different state can necessitate shipping the car to its new home.
- Divorce Moves: During a divorce, one party may need to relocate and ship their car to a new state, ensuring they have their own transport in their new location.
5 Methods of Car Transport to Another State
Hire a Driver
When doing state-to-state shipping for your car, hiring a driver is a viable option. You get to ensure that your car is in safe hands, and it is as if you’re driving the car without physically doing so. It’s like having a personal chauffeur for your car! This method is particularly handy if you’re short on time and prefer a hands-off approach. You can hire a professional driver from agencies that specialize in this service. They are trained to handle all types of cars and drive under different weather and road conditions.
Shipping via Train
Another method on how to send your car to another state is shipping via train. It’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly way of transporting your car. According to research, shipping via train can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% compared to driving the same distance. Your car gets its own spot on a train, and you can be sure it’s safe while in transit.
Drive It Yourself
If you’re up for a little adventure, why not drive the car to the destination state yourself? This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a fun road trip, explore various cities, and make memorable stops along the way. Plus, it gives you absolute control over the whole car movement process.
Hitch It To Your Trailer
If you plan to move using a trailer, you can consider hitching your car to it. This way, you can move your belongings and your car all at once. It is a practical and convenient method for moving your entire household to another state.
Hire a Moving or Auto Transport Company
The safest and most trusted way to ship a car to another state is by hiring a professional moving or auto transport company. This method takes the transportation burden from your shoulders. These companies have specialized equipment and expertise to ensure that your car arrives in the destination state in the same condition it was when it left. According to a report, the car transport carrier industry in the U.S. is expected to grow by 2.7% from 2023 to 2032, showing a significant trust factor among users for this method.
| Option | Costs | Benefits | Risks | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Yourself | $465 | Complete control over schedule, stops along the way, no need to coordinate with a third party. | Driving for long distances can be tiring, and there is a risk of accidents, breakdowns, and traffic delays. | It’s the most convenient option. |
| Hiring a Truck Transport Company | $600 | The transport company handles all logistics; the vehicle is secured on an enclosed truck, | Potential for damage in transit and delivery delays are possible (though rare). | Highly convenient |
| Hiring a Driver | $350-$550 | Comfortable ride-along, the driver handles all aspects of the drive. | Higher costs than transport companies, risk of issues with a hired driver. | Convenient |
| Ocean Shipping | Cost ($500-$1,000 for 800 miles) | Lowest cost for long distances, no concerns about roads/access. | Long transit times (2-6 weeks), risk of damage in transit, strict documentation requirements. | Least convenient |
| Train Transport | Cost ($200-$580) | Low cost, fast transport | Only one route of Lurton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida | Low convenience |
Remember, whichever method you choose, do your homework, consider your budget, and ensure it aligns with your needs and preferences.
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
Transporting your vehicle from one state to another within the U.S can cost as low as $150 to as high as $3,000+ depending on the total distance, vehicle type, time of year, the transport company you choose, and so on. Here’s a general idea of the costs:
| Shipping Route | Total Distance | Transport Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipping a car from Birmingham, Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia | 146 mi via I-20 E | $150 | 1-2 Days |
| Transporting a car from Augusta, Georgia to Jacksonville, Florida | 255 mi via US-25 S | $255 | 2-4 Days |
| Hauling a car from Miami, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina | 583 mi via I-95 N | $437 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a car from Greenville, South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina | 102 mi via I-85 N | $150 | 1-2 Days |
| Moving a car from Raleigh, North Carolina to Richmond, Virginia | 170 mi via I-95 N | $170 | 1-2 Days |
| Shipping a car from Richmond, Virginia to Charleston, West Virginia | 317 mi via I-64 W | $320 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Shipping from Morgantown, West Virginia to Columbus, Ohio | 204 mi via I-70 W | $200 | 2-4 Days |
| Vehicle Transportation from Cleveland, Ohio to Frankfort, Kentucky | 327 mi via I-71 S | $330 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Shipping from Lexington, Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee | 213 mi via KY-9002 W | $215 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Transport from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi | 383 mi via I-59 S | $399 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Shipping from Gulfport, Mississippi to Little Rock, Arkansas | 418 mi via US 49 N | $420 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a car from Fort Smith, Arkansas to Baton Rouge, Louisiana | 498 mi via I-40 E | $500 | 2-4 Days |
| Move a car from Lafayette, Louisiana to Houston, Texas | 217 mi via I-10 W | $220 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a Vehicle from San Antonio, Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | 466 mi via I-35 N | $470 | 2-4 Days |
| Hauling a Car from Lawton, Oklahoma to Wichita, Kansas | 246 mi via I-44 E | $250 | 2-4 Days |
| Transporting a Car from Topeka, Kansas to Grand City, Nebraska | 263 mi via US-75 N | $270 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Lincoln, Nebraska to Sioux Falls, South Dakota | 236 mi via I-29 N | $250 | 2-4 Days |
| Hauling a Car from Rapid City, South Dakota to Fargo, North Dakota | 495 mi via I-94 E | $500 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Transportation from Bismarck, North Dakota to Billings, Montana | 415 mi via I-94 W | $450 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Shipping from Helena, Montana to Boise, Idaho | 486 mi via I-15 S | $499 | 2-4 Days |
| Moving a Vehicle from Boise, Idaho to Cheyenne, Wyoming | 735 mi via I-84 E | $550 | 3-5 Days |
| Car Shipping from Jackson, Wyoming to Denver, Colorado | 511 mi via US-191 S | $383 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Boulder, Colorado to Albuquerque, New Mexico | 475 mi via I-25 S | $480 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Transportation from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Phoenix, Arizona | 479 mi via I-40 W | $480 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Shipping from Tucson, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada | 412 mi via I-10 W | $420 | 2-4 Days |
| Move a car from Reno, Nevada to Los Angeles, California | 472 mi via US-395 S | $480 | 2-4 Days |
| Ship a car from Sacramento, California to Portland, Oregon | 579 mi via I-5 N | $435 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Shipping from Eugene, Oregon to Spokane, Washington | 460 mi via I-84 E | $460 | 2-4 Days |
| Vehicle Shipping from Seattle, Washington DC to Anchorage, Alaska | 2,260 mi via Alaska Hwy | $1,130 | 6-8 Days |
| Ship a car from Anchorage, Alaska to Honolulu, Hawaii | 2,782 mi from Port of Alaska to Honolulu Port | $1,112 | 6-8 Days |
| Car transport from Houston, Texas to Miami, Florida | 1,187 mi via I-10 E | $712 | 4-6 Days |
| Auto shipping from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Tampa, Florida | 1,270 mi via I-65 S | $762 | 4-6 Days |
| Ship a car from Buffalo, New York to Los Angeles, California | 2,532 mi via I-80 W | $1,012 | 7-9 Days |
| Transport a car from Columbia, South Carolina to San Francisco, California | 2,696 mi via I-40 W | $1,078 | 7-9 Days |
| Shipping a car from Boston, Massachusetts to Seattle, Washington | 3,044 mi via I-94 W | $1,217 | 8-10 Days |
| Ship a car from Salem, Massachusetts to San Francisco, California | 3,113.2 mi via I-80 W | $1,245 | 8-10 Days |
| Ship a car from Richmond, Virginia to San Diego, California | 2,601 mi via I-40 | $1,040 | 7-9 Days |
| Haul a car from Houston, Texas to Sacramento, California | 1,931 mi via I-10 W | $1,158 | 5-7 Days |
| Car Shipping from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to San Jose, California | 2,199 mi via I-80 W | $1,099 | 6-8 Days |
| Car transportation from Olympia, Washington to Miami, Florida | 3,365 mi via I-80 E | $1,346 | 8-10 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Newark, New Jersey to Orlando, Florida | 1,065 mi via I-95 S | $639 | 4-6 Days |
| Car Shipping from Juneau, Alaska to Tacoma, Washington | 1,742 mi via BC-37 S | $1,045 | 5-7 Days |
| Shipping a Car from San Oakland, California to New York City, New York | 2,899 mi via I-80 E | $1,159 | 7-9 Days |
| Auto Transportation from San Diego, California to Miami, Florida | 2,655 mi via I-10 E | $1,062 | 7-9 Days |
| Ship a Car from Los Angeles, California to Houston, Texas | 1,547 mi via I-10 E | $928 | 5-7 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Honolulu, Hawaii to Los Angeles, California | 2,554 mi via Port of LA to Port of Honoulu | $1,021 | 7-9 Days |
| Auto Moving from San Francisco, California to Chicago, Illinois | 2,132 mi via I-80 E | $1,066 | 6-8 Days |
| Car Transportation from Pensacola, Florida to Columbus, Ohio | 821 mi via I-65 N | $615 | 3-5 Days |
| Vehicle Shipping from Tampa, Florida to Detroit, Michigan | 1,178 mi via I-75 N | $706 | 4-6 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Destin, Florida to Denver, Colorado | 1,495 mi via I-20 W | $897 | 4-6 Days |
| Auto Transportating a car from Florida City, Florida to Cambridge, Massachusetts | 1,517 mi via I-95 N | $910 | 5-7 Days |
| Vehicle Shipping from Jacksonville, Florida, to New York City, New York | 930 mi via I-95 N | $697 | 3-5 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Madison, Wisconsin to Tallahassee, Florida | 1,111 mi via I-65 S | $666 | 4-6 Days |
| Transporting a Car from Vancouver, Washington to Austin, Texas | 2,057 mi via I-84 E | $1028 | 6-8 Days |
Step-By-Step Process of Shipping a Car to Another State
Research Your Options
- Decide if you want to use open air or enclosed auto transport. Open is cheaper but less protected. Enclosed is more expensive but more secure.
- Compare costs and reviews of different auto transport companies
- Check pricing and availability of regional auto transport companies. These are often cheaper for shorter distances.
- Consider whether you want to use a broker or carrier. Brokers act as middlemen, and carriers own the trucks. Brokers can offer more options, but some prefer direct carrier service.
Get Quotes
- Get free quotes from 3-5 companies, providing details like make/model, pickup/drop-off locations, and desired pickup date.
- Provide detailed information on your car, like modifications, damage, or mechanical issues. This helps drivers prepare.
- Compare costs, services, and carrier reputations. Get a sense of the market rate.
- Ask clarifying questions about costs not included in quotes, like origin/destination fees.
Hire a Car Transporter You Can Trust Yourself - Don’t Just Look at Reviews
- Choose the company you feel most comfortable with and confirm pickup and drop-off dates.
- Verify their USDOT number and insurance policies. Make sure coverage is at least $100,000.
- Ask about their driver screening and training processes. Well-trained drivers are safer.
- Request photos of previous shipments and inspect carrier equipment if possible. This helps avoid scams.
- Trust your gut feeling when speaking to company representatives on the phone. Professionalism is a good sign.
Paying for Your Shipment
- Expect a deposit of around 20-30% at booking to secure your spot. This can be paid using your debit/credit card or wire transfer.
- The remaining balance will be due 1-3 days before pickup after the carrier has dispatched a driver.
- Ask about and understand cancellation and modification policies should your plans change.
Preparing Your Vehicle For Shipping:
Vehicle Inspection
- Check your car for any existing damage and capture photos/video. This protects you in case of disputes.
- Check and top off all fluid levels - oil, transmission, coolant, brake fluid, wiper fluid. This prevents leaks.
- Ensure vehicle tires are inflated and have adequate tread depth. Helps avoid flats or blowouts.
Remove Personal Items From on and in Your Car
- Take out any valuables, electronics, cash, registration paperwork, or insurance documents.
- Remove toll transponders, parking passes, and easily stolen items.
Empty Your Gas Tank
- Only keep 1/4 tank or less. This reduces the overall weight and risk of spills/fires.
- Disable or drain gas-powered accessories like generators. Gasoline vapors are dangerous in enclosed trailers.
Get an Extra Set of Keys Made
- Provide keys to the driver at pickup so your car can be secured and moved on/off the truck.
- Keep a spare set handy for when you pick up the car. Drivers do not accompany every shipment.
Pick-up & Delivery Procedures:
Meet Your Carrier and Sign the Bill of Lading
- Do a final inspection of your car with the driver at pickup and note any new damage on the BOL.
- Sign the BOL confirming pickup and noting your destination. The carrier will sign, too. Keep your copy.
Stay Updated on Your Shipment
- Confirm when your car is loaded by the carrier and request updates every 2-3 days until delivery.
- If transport takes more than 7 days, inspect your car in transit if possible. Check fluid levels and battery charge.
After-Delivery:
- Inspect your car thoroughly at delivery before signing off. Note any new damage on the BOL.
- Pay any remaining balance either electronically or with a certified bank check.
- Update your insurance and registration for your new state if necessary.
Documents Required to Ship Your Car to Another State:
Although transport companies do not need a lot of documents when you ship with them, having some crucial ones handy will definitely help.
- Ownership Proof: The title of the car with your name on it is required just in case the hauler is stopped for a routine inspection by law enforcement. If the car has a lienholder, get a permission letter from them.
- Registration: An up-to-date vehicle registration copy should be available.
- ID: Identification of the car owner, such as a valid government passport, driver’s license, or ID card.
- Bill of Lading: The bill signed by you and the carrier who picked up your car. Keep a copy of it.
- Bill of Sale: If you purchased a car and moving it, keep the bill of sale copy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
Trust us when we say that you do not want to work with the cheapest car transport company out there. Their auto shipping quotes might be low, but their actual auto transport service will be the absolute worst. They’ll cut corners to make their profit, and you know what happens when corners are cut; compromises need to be made. Instead, you need a company that offers a fair pricing model based on you get what you pay for. Easy Auto Ship works on this model.
How much does it cost to ship a car from one state to another in the USA?
The average cost to ship a car between states within the continental US ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on the distance, size, and value of the vehicle. Transporting a sedan-sized car over distances of 500-1,500 miles typically costs $5,00-800.
What month is the cheapest to ship a car?
Generally, the Fall months of September through November tend to be the cheapest times to ship a car, as there is less demand during this period. Transport companies can sometimes offer 10-20% discounts if you schedule a shipment during the off-season.
How long does it take to ship a car from New York to California?
Driving a car from New York to California takes approximately 4 days. Shipping by an auto transport company usually ranges from 7-10 business days, depending on the carrier and route. Coast-to-coast shipments like NY to CA travel through multiple states and take about a week on average.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Texas?
The cost to transport a car from Florida to Texas is approximately $700-1,000, depending on the vehicle size and company chosen. The driving distance between these states is over 1,200 miles, and transport times average 4-6 days.
How much does it cost to ship a car from NY to TX?
Shipping a car from New York to Texas costs around $1,000-1,500 on average. The distance between these states is over 1,800 miles, and door-to-door transit times range from 7-10 business days via auto transport carrier.
What is the best way to ship a car to Texas?
The most convenient and secure methods for shipping a car to Texas involve using an enclosed auto transport carrier for door to door transport if the cas is expensive (over $50k in value), otherwise open carrier . Checking online reviews and comparing multiple quotes helps find reliable carriers offering competitive rates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Texas to LA?
The cost of shipping a vehicle from Texas to Los Angeles ranges from $750 to $1,000 depending on the origin city within Texas, drop-off location in LA, vehicle size, and transport company selected. The typical driving distance is around 1,200 miles, and transit times average 4-6 days.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Miami to Houston?
Shipping a car from Miami, Florida, to Houston, Texas, usually costs between $1,000-$1,300, depending on factors like vehicle size. The driving distance is approximately 1,550 miles, and door-to-door transit times average 4-6 business days with auto transport companies.
How much does it cost to ship a car from NYC to Dallas?
To transport a car from New York City to Dallas, Texas, generally costs $1,200-$1,500. The distance spanned is over 1,800 miles. Most carriers complete this cross-country relocation within 5-8 business days using open auto haulers.
Can I send my car to Florida?
Yes, it’s very possible to ship a car to Florida from other states. Many auto transport companies specialize in relocation within the US and between Florida and other destinations. Costs vary depending on origin, vehicle size, and distance, but shipping to Florida is a routine service offered industry-wide. Proper documentation such as vehicle title, bill of sale, ID and insurance proof might be required.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Antonio to Houston?
The cost of transporting a vehicle from San Antonio, Texas, to Houston, is approximately $200, depending on size. The driving distance is only around 200 miles between these two cities in Texas. Door-to-door transit times average 1-2 days using open car carriers.
How much is it to ship a car from Mass to Florida?
Shipping a car from Massachusetts to Florida ranges from $800-$1,000, depending on the specific location and size of the vehicle. The driving distance between these states is over 1,350 miles, and transit times vary from 4-6 business days.
How much does it cost to ship a car 150 miles?
Transporting a vehicle 150 miles generally costs $150-200 depending on factors like vehicle size, current demand, and company selection. Most auto haulers complete short 150-mile shipments within a single business day.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Texas?
Shipping a car from California to Texas averages $850-$1,000 depending on the specific origin/destination cities and current fuel rates. The driving distance between the West and South Central states is over 1,400 miles. Door-to-door transit times are 7-9 business days via enclosed auto transport.
How do I transport my car from Florida to Texas?
To ship an automobile from Florida to Texas, first obtain shipping estimates from at least 3 licensed auto transport companies. Provide details of your car, pickup/drop-off points, and schedule. Confirm all paperwork is ready - title, registration, bill of sale.
Book transport, pay deposit, and full charges. The company will send a driver/truck on the appointed date to pick up and deliver your car. Track its progress online or via updates from the carrier. Proper auto transport is the safest way to relocate a vehicle between these states.