What to Know When You Transport a Car Across the Country

In the US, almost 229 million people have their driver’s licenses. It’s clear we’re a nation that’s heavily dependent on our cars for transportation, and you’d be hard-pressed to find an area where you don’t really need one.

For that reason, it’s a no-brainer that you need to transport a car across the country when relocating. And thankfully, there are professionals who can ship it for you so you don’t have to make a long and arduous drive.

But what should you know first before you book? And what should you expect so there aren’t any surprises?

Here are the things you should know when you transport a car for a cross-country move.

Your Options

Believe it or not, but cross-country car shipment isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. You’ve got options here, so make sure you explore them!

Below are some of the things you should think about.

Type of Hauler

You can pick either an open or enclosed hauler. Most people go with an open hauler since these are more affordable and have better flexibility.

However, if you have a classic or luxury car, consider an enclosed hauler instead. These can protect your precious vehicle from the elements, as well as prying eyes. Just make sure you book early since it’ll be more difficult to find drivers.

Speed of Delivery

When you ship a car, you can decide how quickly you want to receive it. Your options are economy, standard, and expedited.

Obviously, if you’re in a hurry, then you might want to pick expedited shipping. But this will cost a pretty penny, which can make it worth your time to book extra early and pay for standard shipping instead.

You Pay by the Mile

When looking at the cost to ship a car across the country, you’ll pay by the mile. Since you’re moving long-distance, you might be afraid that the cost will rack up.

But the good news is, the farther you go, the cheaper it’ll be per mile. Most companies will charge $2.00 or more per mile for moves under 200 miles, while they’ll charge around $0.50 per mile for moves over 1,500 miles.

So even though you’re traveling a lot farther for a cross-country relocation, the price per mile will be a lot cheaper, which means your overall shipping costs will be minimalized.

Different Factors Impact the Cost of Shipping

While you’ll pay by the mile, there are some other factors that’ll also impact how much you pay for auto transport. In addition to the type of hauler you choose and the speed of shipping you’d like, the time of year will affect pricing too. For example, summer is a peak season, so you’ll pay a lot more for car transport here than in spring or fall.

Also, what car you have matters too. A small operable one will cost less than a large inoperable vehicle.

This is because smaller cars take up less space and are lighter, which means less fuel used for the trucker. Also, non-operable vehicles must be moved by special equipment, which will take more time and money to source and use.

It’ll also cost less to have your car picked up from and dropped off at major metropolitan areas. Rural destinations will take longer to get to, which the driver will charge you accordingly for.

You Need to Prep Your Car for Auto Transport

You can’t just hand over the keys and your car when the big day arrives. There are some things you need to do in advance for the best experience possible.

First, you’ll need to wash and clean your vehicle, both on the outside and the inside. This will also involve removing all trash and junk too.

When your car is clean, it’ll be easier to see where preexisting damage is. That way, if your car gets damaged somehow while in transit, it’ll be simpler for you to make an insurance claim.

Removing all junk and trash will also decrease the chances that your vehicle’s interior will get damaged while on the move. Removing outside accessories will decrease exterior damage as well.

Book an appointment with your mechanic to ensure everything’s working fine. If not, get the necessary repairs done before auto shipping.

In addition, you’ll want to remove toll tags and parking permits. You also need to disable your alarm system. All of this will help you avoid paying unnecessary fees and prevent the trucker from having your car’s alarms screaming at them.

Lastly, you’ll need to leave just 1/4th of your gas tank full. That’s enough for you to get to and from the pickup and dropoff points. Anything more, and it’ll just be excess weight for the driver to haul around.

Inspections Happen at Both Pickup and Dropoff

When the trucker arrives for pickup, you’ll do a walkthrough with them to verify the condition your car’s in. This is why it’s important to wash your vehicle; existing damage will be easier to spot and document. You’ll then sign a bill of lading and get a copy before they leave with your car.

At dropoff, another inspection needs to happen before they hand over the vehicle. This is to confirm no additional damage was sustained during transit. If you find new damage, then you’ll have to file a claim with the auto shipping company.

Transport a Car Across the Country With Ease

If you’re moving long-distance, then you’ll want to transport a car across the country. Not only will this save you time, but it’ll also prevent unnecessary wear and tear from happening.

Now that you know about the basic things to expect from the car shipment process, you’ll have a better time booking this service. So you can go forth with confidence!