Complete the form to get your free out-of-state car shipping quote.
Complete the form to get your free out-of-state car shipping quote.
If you are wondering how to transport a vehicle to another state because you’ve been relocated to a new city, you’re a snowbird traveling south for the winter, maybe you found the car of your dreams, but it needs to be shipped in from another state, or perhaps you want to sell your old car but need to ship it across the country. Whatever your reasons for shipping a car across the country, ACERTUS has a solution.
The vehicle transport process is simple; here’s how it works:
Step 1 Determine transport mode
Step 2 Choose the transport type
Step 3 Select pick-up and drop-off locations
Step 4 Obtain a free quote and compare shipping costs
Step 5 Prepare the vehicle for transit
Step 6 Track vehicle en route
Step 7 Meet the carrier to hand over your keys
Step 8 Accept the delivery of your vehicle
Step 1: Determine Transport Mode
Driving Yourself vs Shipping the Vehicle
If you’re deciding how to transport a vehicle to another state and are unsure if you should drive or ship it, consider the distance and the vehicle’s condition. If you’re looking to move a car, truck or motorcycle across the country, consider the convenience of shipping rather than driving hundreds of miles.
- Long trips can cause wear and tear on your vehicle, leading to potential mechanical issues.
- Additionally, adding unnecessary miles to your vehicle can reduce its value and lifespan.
So, instead of wear and tear and extra mileage on your vehicle, truck, or motorcycle, consider using our vehicle transport, motorcycle shipping or powersports shipping services.
Step 2: Choose the Transport Type
Different types of vehicles warrant different types of shipping. You can choose between open or enclosed trailer shipping based on your vehicle and requirements.
Open vs. Enclosed Shipping:
Open Car Transport:
This is the easiest and cheapest way to transport your vehicle. It will travel along a common route with several other vehicles aboard an open trailer.
Enclosed Car Shipping:
This method will cost a premium because it provides maximum protection. Your vehicle will be shipped in an enclosed trailer to protect it from the elements and other threats along the way.
Factors to Consider:
Vehicle Type
If you have an antique, vintage, rare, collectible, or expensive vehicle to transport, opt for enclosed shipping.
Budget
If you want a cost-effective way to transport your vehicle across state lines, choose an open car transporter.
Level of Protection
If your car is in a delicate condition or needs extra protection, enclosed shipping will best suit your needs.
Step 3: Choose the Pick-up and Drop-off Locations
There are three common delivery options for transporting your vehicle:
Door-to-Door Delivery:
Your vehicle will be picked up and dropped off at your preferred residential or business location. This delivery method is convenient but will cost more.
Public Location Pickup and Drop-off:
This method involves meeting the carrier at a convenient and accessible location, typically a public parking lot or other spacious area where the truck can easily enter and exit. It simplifies the pick-up and drop-off process, making it a common choice for vehicle shipping.
Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery:
You must drive your vehicle to and from the terminals at the point of handover and pickup. While this method is more tedious, it will also be cheaper.
Choose a preferred location depending on your budget and desired destination.
Step 4: Obtain a Free Quote and Compare Shipping Costs
After deciding on the shipping and delivery method for your vehicle, the next step is to get a free quote and compare different logistics providers based on the prices.
How to Request a Quote
To obtain a quote from a shipping company or an online shipping marketplace, you’ll have to provide them with the following information:
- The make and model of your car
- The condition of your car
- Pick-up and drop-off locations
- Your name and contact information
After receiving a quote, compare different vehicle transport companies based on the following factors:
Experience
Ensure you choose a logistics provider with experience in transporting vehicles and your preferred shipping method.
Reputation
Verify that the company has positive customer reviews and a good customer service record.
Licensing
Prefer a carrier with a USDOT Motor Carrier Number, which follows FMCSA regulations governing vehicle transportation.
Insurance
Make sure that the company provides liability insurance for the vehicles it ships.
Step 5: Prepare the Vehicle for Transportation
Next, as you get closer to the pick-up date, prepare your vehicle for transportation in these steps:
Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle to avoid unnecessary damage during transit.
Wash the vehicle thoroughly, both inside and out.
Examine the vehicle from all angles and take pictures from different angles. This will help you inspect your vehicle for damage at the drop-off location.
Note your vehicle’s vital information, including the battery level and tire pressures. This will help you determine if your vehicle was damaged during transit.
You can keep a 1/8th tank of fuel but not more than 1/4th tank of fuel in case it needs to be moved during emergencies.
Step 6: Meeting the Carrier and Signing the Bill of Lading
On pick-up day, the shipping company will send carriers to inspect your vehicle, verify the documentation and pick it up for transit.
Here’s what to expect during the pick-up procedure:
Inspection:
Carriers will notate existing damages and take inspection photos of the vehicle within their electronic proof of delivery app.
Documentation:
The carrier will verify the documents, including your driver’s license, the car’s registration and the proof of insurance. While some companies don’t require these documents, many do and may refuse to accept your car without such documents. So, if your shipping agreement states that you will furnish such
The Bill of Lading:
Finally, your carrier provides you with a Bill of Lading via our carrier’s electronic proof of delivery app. You will need to sign digitally and receive an emailed copy. The Bill of Lading is the most important document for transporting your vehicle. It contains the details of your shipment, including its type, weight, condition, destination and more.
Step 7: Tracking Your Vehicle During Its Transit
Most vehicle transport companies offer several ways of monitoring your shipment:
- Apps with instant tracking options and notifications.
- Tracking updates through texts and emails.
- Regular notifications and alerts during transit.
- Timely emails and text updates.
While a carrier ideally covers 350-500 miles in road transport, transit can be delayed due to weather conditions or diversions.
Step 8: Accepting the Delivery of Your Vehicle
Once your car has reached its drop-off location, it’s time to accept the delivery. Here’s how the process of accepting your vehicle usually works:
You will be updated about the delivery of your vehicle via your selected logistics company’s process.
You can verify the delivery time and location with the logistics provider.
Once your vehicle arrives, you and the driver will inspect it as you did during the pick-up process. Compare your vehicle with the pictures you took before shipping it.
If you notice any damage to the vehicle, make sure it is documented on the Bill of Lading. This will help you file an insurance claim.
Finally, you can sign the Bill of Lading. This is the last act in shipping your vehicle and signals that you have accepted its delivery
Cost Considerations
When it comes to vehicle transport across state lines, cost is important. Usually, car shipping costs start around $1,200 and go up to a few thousand dollars, depending on different factors.
Here are the parameters that affect the cost of vehicle shipping:
Distance
The most important factor in shipping your vehicle is the distance. The longer the distance, the less the per-mile cost. So, the per-mile cost to ship across state lines will be cheaper than in-state shipping.
Transit Season
Vehicle transportation during early fall and early winter typically costs less as the carrier industry is bearish, whereas shipping in summer, when everyone is on the move, will likely cost more.
Transport & Delivery Method
Open car transport costs less than enclosed or expedited shipping. Similarly, door-to-door delivery costs more than port-to-port or terminal-to-terminal delivery.
Transit Time
Expedited or urgent shipping will cost much more than a pick-up scheduled in advance. So, if you’re flexible on the date and time of shipping, you can save a lot of money on shipping.
Vehicle Type
The more expensive or rare your vehicle, the more it will cost to ship. Bigger vehicles that take up more space will also increase the shipping costs.
Vehicle Condition
A vehicle in smooth operating condition costs less to ship than a broken-down vehicle, which requires more effort.
Pickup Location
Companies usually charge more for pickups from rural regions due to the lack of availability of trailers or carriers. So, the more disconnected your pick-up or drop-off location is from the highway network, the higher the shipping cost.
Fuel Costs
The prevailing fuel costs can drive costs up or down.
More Things to Know
Licensing and Registration
Once you and your vehicle safely arrive at your desired destination, you must register your car with the state. In most cases, the states require you to register your vehicle within 30 days of moving.
Insurance Coverage
While you can ship a car without insuring it, it is not recommended as you might have to pay out-of-pocket if your vehicle sustains damage during transportation.
Filing for an Insurance Claim
Shipping companies usually have dedicated claims departments that help customers file their insurance claims. ACERTUS offers comprehensive liability insurance on all car transports, and our dedicated team makes filing a claim easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of transport company is best for my vehicle?
You should select a transport company for your vehicle based on experience, reputation, licensing, insurance, services and price.
What is the cost of shipping a car across state lines?
The average cost of shipping a car across state lines between 500 to 3000 miles is $1,350. The price may vary depending on the prevailing fuel costs, distance to destination, transit time and the season in which you are transporting your car. sually, carriers charge between $0.50 and $0.60 for long-distance shipping.
How do I compare vehicle shipping quotes effectively?
To compare vehicle shipping quotes effectively, consider the price of shipping based on the services that are covered. Sometimes, carriers offer lower prices but exclude hidden charges. This might lead to you paying more later on. So, sometimes, a higher up-front cost helps you save money later on.
How do I prepare my vehicle for transport?
Prepare your vehicle for interstate transportation in four easy steps. First, remove all personal belongings. Next, thoroughly wash the vehicle from inside and out. Next, check the vehicle’s vitals, including the battery level and tire pressure. Last, leave a 1/8th of gas in the vehicle if it needs to be moved during emergencies.
Can I track my vehicle during shipment?
Yes! Most vehicle transportation companies offer instant tracking facilities through their app, text and emails. They will also send you alerts and notifications when your vehicle crosses important milestones on its journey to its destination.
What should I do upon accepting the delivery of my car?
Before accepting the delivery of your vehicle, inspect it for any damage that might have occurred during the transit. Compare it with the pictures you took before shipping it. Document any damage and record it on the Bill of Lading. Lastly, file an insurance claim if there is any damage to your vehicle.
How much to ship a vehicle to another state?
The cost of car shipping depends on factors such as the distance to the destination, the location of the vehicle, the season in which you are shipping the car, the type and condition of the vehicle and the prevailing fuel costs.
