How to Transport a Car to Another State

Are you relocating to another state? In many cases, it makes the most sense to ship your vehicle from state to state, instead of driving it yourself. In order to transport your vehicle to a different state, you need to figure out all the logistics of auto transport and how to fit the cost into your overall moving budget.

Aside from moving, there are a number of other reasons why you might want to ship a vehicle from state to state. Perhaps you’ve recently purchased a new car online and you need the vehicle transported to you. Or, maybe you’ve just sold a car and are looking for a seamless transfer to its new owner. Whether it’s your first experience with auto transport, you need to ship a car for a recent job transfer, or you’re sending a car to your kid in college, you’re likely going to have a lot of questions about the process. That’s where we come in! We’ll outline everything that you need to know in order to successfully ship a vehicle from state to state, with a few tips and tricks that will ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.

How much does it cost to ship a vehicle from state to state?

There are many different factors that determine what you will pay to ship a vehicle to another state, though the average auto transport costs are $600 to $1000 for a standard four-door compact vehicle and between $800 and $1,070 for an SUV, pickup or smaller sized van. These numbers can vary quite a bit and the estimates are based on a New York to California relocation.

The price per mile rate to ship a vehicle from state to state is roughly $1 per mile for up to 500 miles and the cost generally drops down to $0.75 cents a mile for transports over 1000 miles. Depending on the distance, you could end up paying as little as $0.40 cents per mile to ship a vehicle from state to state – talk about affordability!

 It’s important to keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates and will vary based on a number of influences. The following factors will affect the total cost of shipping a vehicle:

• The distance the car needs to travel. While the price per mile is lower for longer distances, you can expect to pay more because of fuel charges, labor, and tolls.
• The vehicle’s make and model. Vehicle specifics are a factor that influences auto transport costs. For example, classic, luxury or exotic vehicles require specialized attention and will be more expensive to transport.
• The size and weight of the vehicle. In general, the larger and heavier the vehicle, the more you will have to pay to ship it.
• The time of year. Overall, you can expect to spend more in to ship a vehicle from state to state in the summer than in the winter. This is due to the higher demand for auto transport services.
• The chosen transport method. Costs will differ depending on whether you opt for an open or enclosed carrier.

For the most accurate price evaluation, it’s always best to contact your auto transport company directly to request a free quote. At Ship Vehicles, we provide fully customized auto shipping quotes based on your particular situation. Our estimates are always no-cost and no-obligation!

Another important thing to consider is insurance. While all reliable auto transport companies are required by law to have insurance, what is offered may not be adequate enough for your needs. Check with your vehicle shipper in regards to insurance and if you need purchase additional coverage, factor this into your budget.

How long does it take to ship a vehicle from state to state?

If you’re considering having your vehicle shipped to another state, the duration of the transport will most likely be one of your top questions. Overall, drivers generally cover around 500 miles in a day. To ship a vehicle from state to state, you can expect it to take anywhere from 1 to 6 calendar days, depending on distance and a variety of other route related factors. Vehicles are typically picked up for shipment within 2 to 7 business days of when the order was placed. For an additional cost, you can opt for express vehicle transport and this will bring the pickup time down to a mere 24-72 hours.

If you’re planning your relocation in advance or your transport dates are flexible, you are much more likely to receive a better rate for auto shipping services. However, if you need to have the vehicle shipped before a certain date or as quickly as possible, purchasing express vehicle transport can offer you the peace of mind of having your vehicle delivered in a timely manner. With express shipping, pickup of the vehicle is guaranteed within 1-3 days and the delivery will occur within the shortest possible time-interval.

Open Air Transport vs. Enclosed Transport

When you’re shipping a vehicle from state to state, you have two options for transport methods: open air and enclosed. The method of transport that you choose is a major cost determinant. Open air carriers tend to be the most popular and affordable way to ship a car between states. However, there are a number of other factors to keep in mind besides cost when deciding on how you want your vehicle shipped.

Open air transport: If you’ve ever seen a large trailer hauling multiple cars in two levels on the road, you’ve seen an open-air carrier. They usually house about nine to ten cars at a time on two distinct levels; each vehicle is secured safely to the base so it does not move during transport.

These carriers are very common and much more readily available than enclosed, making open air transport the most affordable option for shipping a vehicle state to state. That being said, with open air transport, your vehicle is completely exposed to the elements, inclement weather and any possible road hazards on the route. While it’s rare, your vehicle is much more susceptible to damage on an open-air carrier.

Enclosed transport: To ensure the utmost protection for your vehicle during the entire shipping process, opt for an enclosed carrier. While it will cost you considerably more, your car will be protected from the elements and secured inside a fully enclosed carrier during the duration of its journey. Since there are only about three to five cars on an enclosed carrier at a time, you may even end up receiving your car much faster than if you were to choose open-air transport.

The biggest drawback for enclosed transport is the price tag. Overall, you can expect to pay around $0.25 to $0.50 cents more per mile when you use an enclosed carrier to ship your vehicle from state to state. However, if you’re transporting a luxury, or otherwise valuable, vehicle, the additional costs are well worth it to ensure the full protection of your investment.

Why hire Ship Vehicles for state-to-state auto transport?

At Ship Vehicles, we’ve been in the auto transport business for over 30 years and we know how to get your vehicle across the country safely, timely and at the best value. We provide excellent service throughout the entire process and work hard to ensure that you are happy with the overall experience. Shipping a vehicle from state to state should not be a stressful endeavor. When you partner with us, we will manage the entire shipping process so you can redirect your efforts to more important tasks. With our years of experience and noteworthy reputation, there’s no doubting that we are the best choice to ship your vehicle state to state. Fill out our online quote request form or call us today to find out how you could save 15-20% on your next auto transport!