Relocating to another state often requires transporting personal belongings across long distances. For many people looking to move, shipping a vehicle can be one of the biggest tasks to plan and coordinate. Between scheduling transportation, sorting paperwork, and overseeing loading and delivery, moving a car yourself between states is a process that takes significant time and effort.
This article will break down the key steps for hiring a professional auto transport company to move your car efficiently and reliably.
By following these steps to ship your car to another state, you can save yourself hours of hassle and stress and feel confident your vehicle will arrive safely at its new home.
Decide Whether to Ship or Drive Your Car
The first step is determining if shipping your car is preferable to driving it yourself between states.
Driving can be more affordable if the distance isn’t too far, but you’ll need to factor in the costs of lodging, food, and your time on the road.
Shipping may be a better option if your car is valuable, the distance is long, or you do not want the stress of a multi-day road trip. Consider your budget, timeframe, and whether you want the vehicle readily available upon arrival.
Research Auto Transport Companies
It is important to not just choose the first transport quote you receive. Research reputable auto shipping companies online, check review sites, and ask friends for referrals.
Look for companies that have insurance coverage and years of experience in the vehicle transport industry. Narrow options down to 3-5 companies and request written quotes to compare estimates, including fees, mileage rates, and other terms.
Reputable quotes will come via email with detailed information about their services, not just over the phone.
Get Vehicle Shipping Quotes
When getting auto transport quotes, be sure to provide accurate details about your vehicle like make, model, year, VIN, odometer reading, and any modifications. Also specify pickup/delivery ZIP codes, dates and address information.
Some companies might offer to inspect the vehicle free of charge before providing a firm quote. Ensure that the quotes include base price, extra fees, and estimated delivery window. Compare thoroughly before choosing a transport company within your budget that meets all your shipping needs.
Contrary to popular opinion about odometer reading being about the engine, the factual point is that it indicates the total distance traveled by the vehicle, not the mileage on just the engine. Click here to read more information about an odometer reading.
Prepare Your Car for Transport
Once you’ve chosen a company, prepare your vehicle for the trip by ensuring the following for safety reasons:
- Ensure to fill up the vehicle with tanks of gas to prevent fuel sloshing.
- Remove loose items from the interior and trunk.
- Check lights, tires, and fluids and address any issues.
- Don’t forget to back up your electronics or disconnect battery cables to prevent drain. This is an important safety measure when transporting cars to another state with your carrier. Another crucial task is to advise the transport company of any custom or expensive parts to ensure careful handling.
- Consider protective products like bracing, pad wraps or cartop carriers for added protection during transit.
Schedule Pickup and Delivery Dates
After choosing a transport company and receiving quotes, contact them to schedule pickup and delivery dates. Ask about their typical delivery windows and aim to schedule within that estimated timeframe.
Weekday service is generally the fastest as weekends can see delays. Be sure to provide your contact details to the company and keep your phone available during transit in case any issues arise that require coordination.
Complete Required Shipping Documents
Paperwork must be 100% accurate and complete or it can delay shipment. The transport company will supply contracts, condition reports, and other forms to fill out before pickup.
On your end, go along with your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Note mileage, options, and existing defects on condition reports to establish vehicle status.
Sign contracts digitally or in person and get copies of all documents for your records. Recording is an important part of the entire process as it ensures proper tracking of the shipping.
Track Shipment Progress Online
Most transport companies provide online shipment tracking portals via their website or email updates. Use this to monitor projected arrival windows and track your vehicle en route. Ensure to also save tracking numbers for prompt customer service assistance if needed during transit. Visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracking_number to learn more about tracking numbers.
Inspect Vehicle Again Upon Arrival
Even if you oversaw loading and tracked shipment progress, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle again upon final delivery. Check for any new damage not previously noted and take additional photos as evidence.
Following these steps will help to conduct a further thorough inspection:
- Test that all vehicle functions still work properly.
- Note the odometer reading upon arrival.
- Make the transport company aware of any post-transit issues within the timeframe outlined in shipping documents, usually 2-3 days.
- Don’t sign delivery paperwork or release the transporter from responsibility until you’re fully satisfied.
Your final sign-off confirms the vehicle arrived without incident. If problems arise down the line, refer back to your inspection records for proof the issues did not exist before shipping.
Preparing for Your Move
In addition to inspecting your vehicle upon arrival, here are some tips to help prepare for your move to another state:
- Do thorough research on your new location. Learn about costs of living, job opportunities, attractions, culture, and safety before your move. Good research makes the transition much smoother.
- Create a detailed moving budget. Account for all estimated expenses such as housing, utilities, insurance, transportation, furniture, and other significant purchases associated with the relocation.
- Start decluttering and packing in advance. Downsize possessions through selling, donating, or discarding unused items. Begin packing weeks before the move to minimize stress and costs. Label boxes clearly with their contents and destinations.
- Inventory all possessions. Create a comprehensive list of all items including estimated values. This helps with keeping track of belongings and simplifies any future insurance claims process if needed.
- Coordinate utility transfers. Contact current and new utility providers like gas, electric, water, etc. to disconnect existing services and set up new accounts at your future home. Ensure a seamless transition for essential utilities.
Overview
Proper planning is key when shipping your vehicle to another state. Important considerations include researching auto transport companies, obtaining accurate shipping quotes, and properly preparing your car for transit. It’s best to start the process early by contacting transporters, comparing estimates, and scheduling pickup/delivery dates ahead of time.