Moving from coast to coast can be overwhelming. And if you're taking your SUV with you, your concerns may skyrocket. You will need to find out which is cheaper: driving the SUV or sending it via a shipper. And then you will worry about the shipping costs if you choose the latter.
But shipping an SUV from New York to California can be done, with several viable options to choose from. Here, we'll examine some factors affecting the cost when shipping an SUV. We'll also provide an estimation of what your overall fees could be.
If you want to discover more about how much shipping an SUV across the country costs, read on.
SUV Shipping from New York to California
Moving from New York to California covers over 2,000 miles through numerous states. It takes a long time and a sizable budget to transport your car.
But professional auto transport services make long-distance SUV shipping simple. They allow drivers to rest easy, knowing their vehicle will reach its destination safely and securely.
Most auto transport services provide both door-to-door deliveries and customized shipping solutions like open or enclosed truck transport, depending on the size and type of vehicle being transported.
Paperwork services also exist to ensure that your car arrives legally registered with all necessary documentation at its destination.
As part of any move from New York to California, auto transport services will give you comfort in saving time and money when moving the car across state lines. Hiring one will allow for an effortless move without worry or disruptions.
Types of Shipping
When transporting a vehicle, one of the first decisions you will need to make is whether to transport it via open or enclosed transporter.
Ultimately, your choice can depend upon several factors. Vehicle type and budget constraints are among them. But you should also think about your timeline, as well as personal preference and comfort level.
Open transporter
Open Transporters are usually the simplest, cheapest option when it comes to shipping vehicles. An open transporter resembles an enclosed truck with multiple levels for transporting up to ten cars at one time.
Open transport usually uses tie-downs to secure vehicles during transportation without providing extra protection from elements like dirt or rain.
Although open transport may not be suitable for classic car transport needs, it usually suffices when protecting newer models with factory warranties. Your regular SUV will have no problems with this method.
Enclosed transporter
Auto transport carriers using enclosed transporters are more costly but provide added protection from dirt, dust, and the elements while in transit.
This option is preferable for transporting high-end, classic, or exotic vehicles that may need special consideration during shipping. This method is the way to go if your brand-new SUV needs more protection.
Cost of Transporting an SUV
Average rates associated with shipping an SUV between New York and California will depend on the vehicles' size and type and the distance required.
The service option you choose will also influence the final part. The price for open carriers will be more affordable than enclosed shipping. But the latter will protect your car from weather elements.
The cost to ship an SUV, or larger vehicles, on an open carrier, should range between $500 and $1,500.
Meanwhile, enclosed shipping can cost anywhere between $2,000-$3,000, depending on which company provides this service.
Furthermore, pricing varies based on where your SUV needs to be shipped from and to each state.
Research thoroughly and compare prices before making any decisions to get the best price.
Preparing Your SUV for Transport
Transporting an SUV requires more than simply handing it off. You must also ensure it is ready to be shipped.
- Inspect your SUV and clean it up. You can guarantee no road hazards will arise by performing all repairs in advance. Then, clean your SUV thoroughly before transport.
- Record the state of your car before shipping. Before giving over your car for transport, it should be completely documented. Taking multiple photos from various angles and recording any damages will give you proof in case any unexpected events arise during transit.
- Avoid leaving anything behind by emptying out your vehicle. You should also remove personal items like electronics or jewelry. But if you have a private GPS unit, you may leave it in the car to track it personally.
- Leave the gas tank a quarter full. Once your car arrives at its destination, the shipping company may have to drive it to your final address. But filling up the tank is not ideal as you will want to avoid leaking.
- Deactivate your alarm system. If you've chosen a trustworthy company to ship your SUV, you can stop worrying about security. Simply hand over the keys so the transport company can deliver its safe transportation.
After taking these precautionary steps, your SUV should arrive without incident and in its original state. Spending some extra time prepping it for transportation goes a long way toward protecting its value upon delivery.
Get a Reliable Auto Transport Company to Send Your SUV
Finding a trustworthy auto transport shipping company when moving your car from NY to CA is of utmost importance. Conduct research before selecting one by:
- Reading customer reviews
- Comparing services offered
- Asking any pertinent questions before making your choice
Once you've identified the company best equipped to assist in transporting your car, contact them immediately. Discuss the following things with them:
- Payment methods
- Insurance coverage
- Taxes
- Additional shipping rates
- Relevant documents
- Delivery arrangements (pickup and dropoff)
Make sure that all details are established early to ensure clarity and communication during car transport. This action will guarantee an efficient and straightforward experience for you and the transport service recipient.
Scheduling Pickup and Delivery Dates
Planning pickup and delivery dates are integral to the auto shipping business. When moving from New York to California, consider the timeline carefully by choosing the most suitable dates with the auto shipper.
Your auto shipping company should provide an estimated date range for both pickup and delivery services for delivery locations and all auto shipping routes.
Remember, estimates should allow for delays due to unexpected factors. But ultimately, it's your responsibility as the customer to ensure all items are packed up when your pickup date rolls around.
Once you know exactly when your vehicle will reach its final destination, inform both the auto transport company and any individuals waiting at the address of its arrival date and time.
Assuring everyone involved with unloading quickly is of utmost importance when scheduling pickup and delivery dates with any transport company. Any unexpected delays could end up costing more than expected.
Thus, communication among parties involved must remain top of mind to avoid unnecessary expenses associated with delays.
Gather the Proper Documentation
Before shipping your car, you must prepare all the necessary documents. This goes beyond registration papers. You must also think about things like the official shipping contract signed by you and the shipping company among the documents.
It's also a good idea to make copies so everything stays organized when shipping day rolls around.
Another crucial document is your insurance papers. Yourinsurance covers the shipment of your SUV, thus giving it a great deal of protection. Read your coverage closely to understand its limitations and whether there will be an extra shipping cost associated with transporting it.
Before signing the shipping company agreement, you may consult with the shippers about what documents you must provide to ensure a smooth shipment. Submit all paperwork with accurate and trackable information to avoid issues.
Wrapping Up
Shipping an SUV from NY to CA is like sending any other car. The distance and transportation method will play a part in deciding the cost. But to avoid problems or costs surging out of control, you must do your part in preparing the SUV for transport.
Don't hesitate to find a reliable shipping service that properly completes the job. With a trustworthy partner, you can have a safe trip from New York to California.
Whether you are planning to move to CA from NYC or not, the auto-shipping process for your car shouldn't be stressful. Make moving across state lines simple with A1 Auto Transport's help. Whether you're sending an SUV or an ATV, let us do the hard work.
Discover our services and read customer testimonials about their experiences before getting an instant quote today.