Car Transportation Out Of State

The car shipping industry is very lucrative. This is why there are a ton of vehicle transport companies scattered across every state, all of which offer pretty much the same services to customers looking to make a move out of state, and even out of the country.

It does get intimidating as a first-time customer/client, especially when combined with other aspects of the move that can be quite stressful and overwhelming. Besides providing regular services, hauling company is responsible for giving their customers peace of mind.

A1 Auto Transport company has been offering peace of mind and affordable services to customers for decades. Whether the job is to ship a car to another state or transport multiple vehicles overseas, we've always placed responsible business practices and basic common decency at the forefront of this enterprise.

This allows us to be respected as one of the best auto shipping companies in the U.S, and a brand customers can trust for car delivery service.

If you're interested in relocating to another state, these are the steps you must take to have your auto delivered safely, and at an affordable rate:

Find an auto transport company

A lot of us are into DIY these days and cutting corners here and there to save money. Relocating outside the state with a tow dolly or driving it yourself isn't always a good idea especially when traveling long distances. The wear and tear to your vehicle can be avoided by finding a vehicle shipping service to get your car shipped where you need it to go.

It's pretty easy to find an auto transport business. All you have to do is type in "auto transport services in my area" or something of the sort into a search engine and you'll find a ton of results.

Unfortunately, this does not mean that you'll find the best company by just picking a random one. If you care how your shipment will be handled, do your research. There are a ton of car shipping companies with a track record of disappointment and disingenuous practices. Avoid them like a plague.

How to find the best hauling company

The best hauling company is the one you can comfortably afford, and that has a good track record. Here are the things you should look for in the car shipping companies you're considering:

Years of experience

You're always better off choosing a major auto transport company with tons of experience to ship a car. It doesn't matter if it is a regular or a luxury vehicle. These shipping companies have a legacy and are dedicated to upholding their good name by providing quality service through expertise. They know different roads that make the journey faster and smoother. They don't make the same mistakes as other auto transport companies and are on their Ps and Qs in every aspect of vehicle shipping.

Shipping Equipment

You should deal with companies who own their shipping equipment, not agents, brokers, or companies who depend on other companies. When dealing with a company, check the logo and brand name on their trucks and trailers whether it matches the one they've been using to communicate to you.

Modern customer interface

Run for the hills if you encounter an auto transport website that is outdated, riddled with spelling errors, and have little information about themselves and about shipping cars.

A professional and trustworthy American auto shipping company will always have a modern customer interface and options that allow you to provide all the details without having to come in to the terminal.

Positive customer reviews

No matter how great their website looks, and how low prices are, always check the customer reviews. This gives you an opportunity to see what other customers have to say about the shortcomings of the company, or about how good of an experience they had with this auto transporter. There are online resources and websites you can check to read reviews about shipping companies. Better Business Bureau and Yelp are examples of such.

Flexible payment, transport, and delivery options

The majority of companies will require a deposit upfront for auto shipping services after you have been given a transparent moving estimate, but oftentimes, well-established companies give you the option of paying in installments. Note that this may add up to more in the end, but it gives you greater flexibility when considering other costs that are involved in moving to another state. Get estimates from at least three companies to compare and pick the best price.

Open transport is the most basic transport method and is offered by most, if not all auto transport companies. A well-established, reputable company will likely have more flexible options, particularly for more expensive vehicles.

While all companies have designated delivery locations, a major company will give you the option of having your auto delivered to your door.

Insurance coverage

A lack of insurance coverage is a big no-no in the auto transport industry. Every reputable American auto shipping company will offer some level of coverage in case anything happens while the vehicle is in their possession and provide clarity on how to make an insurance claim.

In some cases, you will may to purchase supplemental insurance if your personal auto insurance does not cover auto transport.

Hauling companies you should avoid

The harsh reality is that not all auto transport companies are up to industry standards. These often have many red flags that you can easily spot before you ship your car with them. Some of the most common red flags include:

Cheap moving option

Low prices are not always a red flag, but when they are extremely low, you might want to give that company the side-eye. Learn to recognize things that are too good to be true in life and especially when it relates to auto shipping. Usually, the lowest prices are offered during off-seasons and for certain members of society like military personnel and students.

The best way to find out if low prices are legit is to compare them with online quotes from other auto transport providers.

Poor customer service and communication

Poor customer service will always be a huge red flag when dealing with any business. This is a sign of what is to come with your auto transporter and how the shipment will be handled. Some signs of poor customer service include:

• Slow response times
• Inability to answer questions regarding your shipment
• Negative attitude from staff
• Delays in pickup
• Bad customer reviews

Poor communication on the part of transporters must also be taken into consideration. If it's too hard to find someone to speak to about vehicle shipping, you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be gaps in communication when you transport a car with them. This can be especially nerve-wracking if you have no idea where your vehicle is and if it is not delivered on time.

Wire transfer requests of huge deposit

Which legitimate company would ever ask you to pay a huge amount upfront as a wire deposit? These are usually trademarks of scammers or businesses just trying to make a quick buck.

Most reputable companies will ask you for a check or will allow you to use your credit card. In some instances, wire transfers may be an option, but they are never the primary method.

If you are being pressured to make a wire transfer, and other red flags are present, do not use this auto shipping company.

Bad reviews

Bad reviews are usually a red flag. Use these as a means of weeding out the good auto shipping companies from the bad ones.

It's important to note that some customers are actual trouble makers and 'Karens', and will actually exaggerate situations. So, pay attention to their comments or why they've left a bad review. Perhaps their shipment was delayed because of bad weather or circumstances outside of the vehicle shipping company's control and the customer had taken out their frustration in the form of a bad review.

No valid USDOT and MC number

It is illegal to operate an American auto shipping company without a valid USDOT (US Department of Transport) and an MC number (motor carrier number). Any company that does not have these is being operated illegally or is simply fraudulent.

No reputable company would refuse to produce proof of legitimacy on any grounds. Some companies may even provide fake ones to dupe unsuspecting customers.

If you are suspicious, you may verify these numbers with the U.S Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Electronic Records website.

Ours are as follows:

USDOT number: 1918913

MC number: 686999

Choose:

Vehicle condition:

Car operable

It's assumed your vehicle is operable unless you declare it otherwise. An operable vehicle can brake, steer and go forward and reverse under its own power.

Car doesn't run

Inform the car transporter that your car is inoperable before the pick up date. If you don't you will likely face a delay and will be charged an extra fee for loading your car onto the carrier.

Car shipping method:

Enclosed auto transport

If you need to ship your dream auto or even a classic car, we recommend using an enclosed carrier for the job. While all carriers will get your car safely to its destination, enclosed auto transport adds an extra layer of protection.

Enclosed transport protects modified vehicles and expensive luxury cars from the elements and the eyes of nosy motorists and passersby. The enclosed transport method is the most expensive of the two since fewer vehicles can hold in the carrier. However, it is a small price to pay when you consider how far the vehicle has to travel and if you're willing a risk a scratch or two from stones and other particles that get thrown about in the air during transport.

Open transport

Open transport is the cheapest way to go when auto shipping. The concept is pretty simple. The truck driver loads your vehicle, along with multiple vehicles onto the truck and sets off.

Open transport literally means there are no walls or roof on the truck. They are set in place and are transported exposed to the elements, inclement weather conditions, and road debris.

Open transport keeps safe, but it may not be the best option for a classic car that is in mind condition.

Delivery type:

Door-to-Door

Door-to-door delivery is the more expensive option. It involves a professional driver arriving at your home or business to retrieve your vehicle for transport. It is either loaded on the truck there or driven to the terminal for loading. Instead of being delivered to the terminal, it is brought to your home or a destination of your choice.

Terminal-to-terminal

Terminal-to-terminal delivery is the cheapest way to ship a car. You help to reduce the final price if you are willing and able to bring the car to one of our conveniently located terminals and pick it up when it is delivered.

Mixed (door-to-terminal/terminal-to-door)

If for some reason you cannot bring it to the terminal on the pick up date, you can always have your car picked up at your home. Then, when you're all settled in your new home, you can go to the delivery terminal yourself to get it.

Similarly, if you're okay with bringing it to the terminal in your home state, but you're not too keen on picking up up yourself for whatever reason, the professional driver will bring it to your new home.

Delivery location

The delivery location or distance plays a huge role in the overall shipping cost. The farther your car needs to go is typically the more it will cost. Shipping cost to a neighboring state is typically cheaper than relocating to another state that is across the country.

For example, hauling from Salt Lake City, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada(420miles), is going to be cheaper than say transporting to Los Angeles, California over 700 miles away.

Bear in mind that the most expensive service is international car shipping. We're more than capable of providing that relocating service should the need arise.

Pick up date

Even though A1 Auto Transport is a nationwide auto transport agency with multiple auto transport carriers, we require ample time for all requests. Choose a pick up date in advance, this way we can guarantee car shipping services and a solid delivery date.

We may be able to accommodate last-minute requests, however, this may not always be the case, especially during peak season when demand is high and other customers have scheduled pickups way ahead of time.

How much does it cost to ship out of state?

Once you provide all this information, we can come up with an accurate price quote for the transport service. The cost to ship a car out of state depends on a few key factors.

Always inquire about the cheapest way to ship out of state if you're on a tight budget. Auto transport does not have to put a dent in your financial plans.

Seasonal demand and discounts

The vehicle shipping industry experiences a spike in demand around the spring and summer months for a few reasons. Typically the good weather plays a huge part, but major events like the start of academic semesters and job opportunities have something to do with it as well.

Winter is the slowest season because of the harsh weather and road conditions. This means fewer people are trying to ship a car and vehicle shipping companies will try to attract business by offering lower rates and discounts.

Some of these discounts are year-round, in particular for military personnel and students. Don't forget to ask about getting a discount when it's time to ship your car.

Vehicle condition and size

If your car is inoperable, you will face additional charges to transport a car to another state. The reasoning behind this is that the driver will have to employ different tactics and specialized equipment to get your car onto the carrier. This takes more time and effort than it would a vehicle that is operable.

The size of your vehicle also plays a role in the price to ship to another state. Large vehicles can take up more space than the standard and can even take up two whole spots. You will have to pay for the extra space. The same is true for heavy vehicles as they require more fuel than the standard to be transported.

Relocation and delivery method

How you choose to ship your car has a major influence on the price. Open transport is the cheapest way to transport a car, especially over long distances, but if you need to keep a classic or luxury car safe from the elements, enclosed shipping is the best bet. Enclosed transport comes at an additional cost.

Car transport costs are also influenced by the delivery method. If we have to pick it up from your old home and bring it to your new home (door-to-door shipping), you will have to pay more than if you brought it to us and picked it up yourself (terminal-to-terminal shipping).

Distance traveled

Every car transport business takes fuel consumption and mileage into consideration, especially when shipping a car to another state. The more gas used, and the farther the carrier has to travel is the more expenditure on the company's part, thus the customer will have to pay more.

Additional carrier's insurance

If your car insurance does not provide coverage for car transport, and you find that the insurance provided by your auto transport agency is not enough, you may have to purchase additional insurance.

This added layer of security does increase the overall cost to ship, but the peace of mind it provides can be invaluable.

The company you choose to ship your car

Some car transport companies are more expensive than others. That's the case across the board for every industry, not just those in the American auto shipping business. This is why doing research is so important.

The most effective of gauging how much it will cost to ship a car to another state is by using online quote tools to compare different car transport companies. Remember that cheaper isn't always better, and the most expensive isn't always the best.

A1 Auto Transport has a free quote tool that is easy to use and readily available for all customers. Click here to access our quote tool right now.

How long will it take to transport?

The time to transport a car out of state will be based on four factors:

The distance between the states- The farther away it is, the longer it will take for your car to arrive. The same is true for car shipping to remote areas. For example, it takes 1 - 3 days to ship a car from New York to North Carolina while it might take a range of 4 - 6 days from New York to New Mexico. It will take longer days to ship to Hawaii. Since multiple highways lead to a state, the specific route taken by the shipping company can also be a time factor.

Road conditions and other factors beyond our control- Weather, traffic, accidents, construction, and so on may result in delays or detours.

Driver's hours- Drivers are only allowed to drive 6 days per week and must take breaks each day.

Customer preparation- Customers play a vital role in preparations as no shipment can take place without the necessary documentation and car prep for transport.

Preparation for transport

Once you've made your decision on how and when you'll have your car shipped, it's time to play your part in preparing for car transport. Car shipping has never been easier with the help of A1 Auto transport.

There are a few things you need to do for your car shippers to be able to transport your car and for the shipment to go on without any delay. These include:

Gathering the necessary documents

To ship a car legally, you must be able to produce certain documents for any legitimate American auto shipping company you decide to work with. You likely already have most of these documents at hand, but here's a list of the specific things you must have for car shipping with us:

Vehicle registration and Title- We need these documents to prove that the car belongs to you before we can ship a car. If the car does not belong to you, and you are helping someone else, you must provide official authorization to move on their behalf.

Certificate of insurance- We cannot legally move a vehicle that is not insured.

Photo ID- Use a current passport or driver's license as proof of identification.

Bill of lading- This document is prepared for car shipping purposes following an inspection of the vehicle in your presence. It must be signed by yourself and the truck driver and may be used as evidence in case anything happens during auto transport.

Relevant Statistics

• Approximately 2.5 million vehicles are transported out of state annually.
• Over 80% of companies offer door-to-door pick-up and delivery services.
• The average cost of moving out of state is $1,200.
• Around 95% of moving out of state are completed within 10 days.
• More than 70% of vehicle owners opt for enclosed transport to ensure maximum protection during transit.

General Facts

• Auto Relocation out of state involves the process of moving a vehicle from one state to another.
• There are specialized companies that provide services for transporting vehicles across state lines.
• The most common methods of shifting out of state include open trailers, enclosed trailers, and vehicle shipping by train.
• Before transporting out of state, it is important to thoroughly inspect and document the condition of the vehicle.
• Car transportation out of state often requires proper planning, coordination, and understanding of legal requirements and regulations in both the departure and destination states.

Preparing your vehicle

There are several things you need to do to prepare for your car shipping process. These things can usually be completed within an hour or so and don't take much on your part.

These are the things you must do before you ship a car:

Remove all personal belongings- Take your stuff out of your vehicle before you ship a car. Your vehicle transport company is not responsible for damage or loss of these items. Remove other unnecessary accessories that may become a hindrance during transport.

Wash your vehicle and clean the inside- We recommend cleaning your vehicle prior to hauling for inspection purposes. Ask about a free wash before pickup! A clean car will show any dent, scratch, discoloration, etc that should be photographed as proof of its condition. This will help to produce an accurate Bill of Lading.

Deactivate alarm and GPS- Your alarm and GPS going off during the middle of transport can be both distracting and annoying for your truck driver, especially if it goes off in the middle of the freeway.

Check your fluids- Your gas tank shouldn't be more than a 1/4 way full. This is enough to drive it as needed for relocating purposes. If the tank is too full, it will likely be removed and you will be charged extra. Other fluids should be at optimal levels for operation during hauling.

Get spare keys- The driver will need a set of keys to operate it during shipping. Secure an extra set of keys for the driver so you won't be left without one.

Being ready for pickup day

Once you submit the necessary documents and prepare for transport, pickup day will be a breeze.

All you have to do is basically hand off the keys, talk things over with the driver about the inspection, and send it on the way.

After pickup, you will be updated on your shipment and can track its location. Look out for the message that says "car arrived" on the expected date of delivery,

Why choose us?

At A1 Auto Transport, we ship cars to different states and cities across the United States, and indeed around the world We serve individuals and corporate clients and we can ship single or multiple cars at a time in an open or enclosed trailer. The fastest way to learn how much shipping cars with us will cost is by using our online quote form. We do recommend speaking to a representative who will walk you through everything involved, and help to understand which transportation services are right for you.