Ship Truck Across Country

How to Ship Truck Across Country?

If you need to ship your truck across country, there are some factors you need to consider. You will need to find an auto transport company, that is not only reputable and reliable as a car transport company but is also familiar with truck shipping procedures and requirements. If you have a standard size pick-up, you will have plenty of options available, but if you have a more specialized truck, such as a dually or extended bed, you may need to do a little more research to find the right fit for a stress free shipping process.

While most cross country moving companies will assure their customers they can handle your particular style of truck, it is in your best interest to find one that already has the expertise, experience, and equipment required, otherwise, you may find that the rates and price go up drastically. Using a simple Internet search will yield you hundreds, if not thousands, of options, but it is up to you to use the following tips and steps in order to narrow down the potential truck transport companies and make your moves with peace of mind.

Make a list of requirements.

List out everything you want to achieve with your truck shipping. This is a good step to get an idea of exactly what you are looking for in a vehicle shipping company. Most truck and car shipping companies will need to know the year, make, and model of your truck, and if it has any particular customizations, such as lift, dually, or aftermarket additions. They will also want to know the pickup and delivery or destination address and the date you would like to schedule your move. If you need a closed container versus the more common and much more affordable open carrier, you will also want to be upfront about that. Begin reaching out to a number of promising companies in advance to obtain quotes and make a list of all the potential shipping options you find. You can also have flexible moving dates or to get reduced car shipping costs. Open carrier is less expensive and it's a perfect option for your shipment if the distance or mileage is not too far but if you don't want your asset to be exposed to the elements, bad weather conditions, and road debris, you can choose an enclosed trailer.

Do not go with the first company you contact.

Even if they seem like a great fit, it is in your absolute best interest to consider a range of other things and get a variety of quotes and estimates before making a decision. Also, do not assume that more expensive companies will give you the best service. There are often brokers and other middlemen, for example, who are involved in vehicle transport, so your money is not likely going straight to the transport driver. For this reason, shippers that ask for higher payment may actually be utilizing the same drivers as companies that charge much less.

Cross check references to ensure good reputation.

If you think you have found a trustworthy and affordable truck transport company, make sure to thoroughly vet them prior to making a commitment. You want to deal with a company with significant shipping experience, probably covered significant distances across the country and from one East Coast to the West Coast and vice-versa, earning the reputation of its customers. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to start checking out information and details about companies shipping trucks, cars, and other vehicles. You can also check consumer reviews on other websites, such as Yelp. Just remember that not every experience will be positive, so unless you see a clear pattern of inefficiency, the occasional negative review should be taken with a grain of salt.

Make final decision and prepare your truck.

After diligent and thorough research, you have finally selected the one company you find worthy to be tasked with the cross-country shipping of your truck, so what do you do next? Many companies will let you know their exact requests for preparations, but a general rule of thumb is to drain your gas tank to less than ¼, possibly empty all other fluids, remove any aftermarket items that could be subject to damage in transit, and take all valuables and personal belongings out of the cab and bed. It's important to get insurance coverage to protect your shipments against damages, loss, or other side issues during shipping and handling.

Relevant Statistics

• Approximately 2 million trucks are transported across the country each year.
• The average cost of shipping a truck across the country is $2,500.
• More than 90% of truck shipments arrive at their destination on time.
• Over 85% of trucking companies prefer to use door-to-door delivery services.
• It is estimated that 1 in every 10 households in the country has used truck shipping services at least once.

General Facts

• Shipping a truck across the country involves transporting a vehicle from one end of the country to another.
• There are specialized shipping companies that offer services specifically for transporting trucks.
• Trucks can be shipped using various methods, including open transport or enclosed transport.
• Prior to shipping, it is important to prepare the truck by removing personal belongings and ensuring it is in proper working condition.
• The cost of shipping a truck across the country can vary depending on factors such as distance, type of transport, and any additional services requested.

Related Information & FAQ.

• How much does it cost to ship a truck across the country?
• Shipping a Straight Truck