Student’s Guide to Shipping a Car to Your College Campus

Preparing for the big move to college can be stressful for students. There is a lot of planning involved and factors to consider. Tuition, books, class schedule, dorm room necessities and transportation when you arrive, are just some of the thoughts going through a college student’s mind as they prepare to head to campus. For the majority of students that opt to attend an out of state school, having your car with you is strongly preferred. It makes your college experience much more enjoyable and convenient.

However, how are you going to get your car safely to campus? Driving it seems like the obvious option but, choosing to ship your vehicle is safe, fast and completely secure. Auto transport also offers parents peace of mind knowing that their child isn’t out stuck on the highway as they head to college. A long cross-country road trip can be very unsafe and difficult, especially if you’re under a time constraint. In this guide, we’ll present why choosing to use an auto transport service to ship your car to college is an excellent choice. We’ll also outline everything that you need to consider during the process.

Why is an auto transport service better than driving to college?

The risk of a potential car crash or theft on the road are some of the main reasons that make auto transport more desirable. Also, the convenience and safety of shipping a car is why many people are choosing this option instead of driving it themselves.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 100,000 car crashes every year are caused by drowsy, or fatigued driving. These crashes lead to more than 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries. If you’re moving to college, it’s likely that you’re on a time crunch. Also, let’s face it, you’re very excited and want to make it there as soon as possible to start meeting new friends and engaging in all of the welcome activities. Trying to rush through your trip and driving through the night, can cause you to become fatigued. Since this is one of the leading causes of car crashes, your car and yourself will be in better hands if you decide to use an auto transport service.

If you’re driving, you’re definitely going to stuff your car to the brim with all of your belongings. Although this may seem convenient, you’re actually putting yourself at a greater risk of theft or loss from an accident. There will be moments that you will have to step away from your vehicle and that’s all the time a thief needs to break in. Also, if your car is packed so full that it disrupts your view, you’re putting yourself and other drivers on the road in danger. Not to mention, an accident can ultimately damage or completely destroy your belongings.

Moving your car via a car transport service is becoming more common. The roads are not as safe as they used to be for students. Thankfully, shipping your car to college is fast, safe, secure and convenient. Your car will be ready to pick up on your preferred date and will arrive in the same condition as when you dropped it off.

How much does it cost to ship my car to college?

The pricing will vary depending on distance, destination, preferred shipping method, and time of year. However, shipping a standard sedan from coast to coast will run you about $800-$1000. The price of shipping your car is comparable to driving it yourself. Auto transport pricing is very reasonable when you consider the gas, food, hotel and other travel expenses involved in a long-distance road trip. After all, even if you end up paying a little bit more, the peace of mind and sense of safety is priceless.

How do I prepare my car for shipment to college?

Before you hand over your car for shipment by the vehicle hauler, you’ll need to make sure that it is properly prepared. Moving companies may tack on extra fees if it isn’t dropped off in acceptable condition. As a college student, you’ll especially want to avoid any unnecessary charges. Follow these tips:

• Make sure your car is clean. This goes without saying, but wash the exterior of your vehicle and make sure that you clean out the inside as much as possible. This includes removing any personal belongings. Any items left in your car will not be insured against theft or damage.
• Gather your car’s necessary documents. This includes your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, bill of sale (or other proof of ownership), original vehicle title, and your unexpired identification (driver’s license or passport).
• Document the condition of your vehicle. Whether you choose open or enclosed shipping, it’s doubtful that your car will be damaged by the transportation process. However, it’s still wise to take photos of your entire vehicle and make note of any pre-existing damage. This will also make it easier to fill out the condition report when you pick up your car.
• Perform any essential maintenance. Check your vehicle’s tire pressure, battery charge and make note of the mileage. Also, look out for any leaks, mechanical issues and top off fluids. Make sure that it’s operable and if you notice any issues, fix them prior to drop off.
• Empty your gas tank. Your car is not being driven so filling it up before shipment is unnecessary. Additionally, extra fuel will add to the weight of your vehicle and can increase your shipping price. Instead, leave your tank about a quarter full. This will be enough gas for moving it on and off the transport truck.
• Remove any outside accessories. Any extra fittings on the outside of the vehicle can be easily damaged during the shipping process. Protect your car, and your accessories, by removing or securing them before transport. Some examples include: luggage racks, ski or bike mounts, antennas and custom spoilers.

How do I schedule shipping my vehicle to college?

To ensure that your car makes it to your college campus on your preferred date, you’ll need to start the shipping process in advance. Start speaking with an auto transport company as early as possible to discuss options, get a quote and answer any questions you may have.

One of the main factors to consider during the planning and scheduling process is your desired shipping method. At Ship Vehicles, we offer open and enclosed transport. Open is the faster, more affordable and most popular option. Whereas, if you’re extra concerned about the safety of your vehicle when it’s on the road, enclosed shipping is the best option for you. We also offer the ability to have your car transported privately instead of being on a transport with other vehicles.

After you’ve decided on the service you want, your next step is to call a qualified, professional transport service like Ship Vehicles. We will provide you with a personalized quote completely free of charge. Once you’ve called and requested one of our services, our experts will work with you to decide on a convenient pickup time. We will help to make sure that your car arrives safely and securely to your college campus on move-in day!