Everything You Need to Know About Shipping a Car to Another State
Whether you’re relocating for a new job, purchasing a vehicle online, or sending a car to a family member, shipping a car to another state is easier than most people think. Millions of vehicles are transported across state lines every year using professional auto transport services. This complete guide walks you through every step of the process, from getting your first quote to receiving your vehicle at its destination.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shipping Your Car to Another State
Step 1: Research and Choose a Reputable Auto Transport Company
The most important decision you’ll make is selecting the right car shipping company. Look for these qualities:
- FMCSA registration: Every legitimate auto transporter must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Verify their MC number and DOT number before booking.
- Insurance coverage: Confirm the company carries adequate cargo insurance. Reputable carriers maintain $750,000 or more in coverage.
- Transparent pricing: Avoid companies with vague quotes or prices that seem too good to be true. Low-ball estimates often result in hidden fees or delayed pickups.
- Customer reviews: Check Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau for verified customer feedback.
- Communication: A quality company provides clear timelines, tracking updates, and responsive customer support.
Autos Mover meets all these criteria and has earned the trust of thousands of customers shipping vehicles across the country.
Step 2: Get a Quote and Book Your Shipment
Contact your chosen transport company to receive a detailed quote. You’ll need to provide:
- Pickup and delivery zip codes or city names
- Vehicle year, make, model, and trim
- Vehicle condition (running or non-running)
- Preferred transport type (open or enclosed)
- Desired pickup date range
Request your free quote from Autos Mover online or call (279) 300-3808 to get started immediately.
Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport
Proper preparation ensures a smooth shipping experience. Follow this checklist before your carrier arrives:
- Clean your vehicle: A clean car makes it easier to document existing scratches, dents, or damage during the pre-transport inspection.
- Remove personal belongings: Carriers are not licensed to transport household goods. Remove all personal items, electronics, and valuables from the vehicle.
- Check fluid levels and tire pressure: Ensure your vehicle has adequate fluids and properly inflated tires for safe loading and unloading.
- Disable alarms: Turn off any aftermarket alarm systems to prevent them from triggering during transit.
- Document existing damage: Take detailed photos of all four sides, the roof, and close-ups of any existing damage. This serves as your pre-shipping condition report.
- Remove or secure loose parts: Retract antennas, fold in mirrors, remove bike racks, and secure any loose trim pieces.
- Leave minimal fuel: A quarter tank of gas is sufficient. Extra fuel adds weight and increases shipping cost.
Step 4: Vehicle Pickup and Inspection
On pickup day, the carrier driver will conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle using a Bill of Lading (BOL). This legal document records:
- Your vehicle’s current condition with noted damage
- Mileage reading
- Pickup and delivery addresses
- Agreed-upon price and payment terms
Review the BOL carefully and keep your copy. With Autos Mover’s door-to-door service, the carrier comes directly to your location for maximum convenience.
Step 5: Track Your Shipment
Once your vehicle is loaded, reputable transport companies provide tracking updates so you know where your car is at all times. Autos Mover keeps you informed throughout the journey with regular status updates via phone, email, or text.
Step 6: Vehicle Delivery and Final Inspection
When your vehicle arrives at its destination, conduct another thorough inspection before signing the delivery receipt. Compare the vehicle’s condition against the pickup BOL and your pre-shipping photos. Note any new damage on the delivery receipt immediately. If everything looks good, sign the paperwork and you’re all set.
Documents You’ll Need for Interstate Car Shipping
Having the right documents ready streamlines the process. Gather these before your shipment:
- Valid photo ID: Driver’s license or government-issued ID for the person releasing and receiving the vehicle.
- Vehicle registration: Proof of ownership or authorization to ship the vehicle.
- Proof of insurance: Your personal auto insurance policy information.
- Signed authorization form: If someone other than the owner is releasing or receiving the vehicle, a signed authorization letter is required.
- Keys: Provide a working set of keys to the carrier. They need them for loading and unloading.
How Long Does Interstate Car Shipping Take?
Transit times depend on distance and route popularity. Here are general estimates:
- Under 500 miles: 1 to 3 days
- 500 to 1,000 miles: 3 to 5 days
- 1,000 to 2,000 miles: 5 to 7 days
- Over 2,000 miles: 7 to 10 days
Need your vehicle sooner? Autos Mover offers expedited shipping with guaranteed priority scheduling for time-sensitive relocations.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Another State?
Interstate car shipping costs range from $500 to $1,500 for most routes. Key price factors include:
- Distance: Longer routes cost more but have a lower per-mile rate.
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles cost more due to weight and space requirements.
- Transport type: Open transport is the most economical choice, while enclosed transport costs 30% to 40% more.
- Season: Summer and January are peak seasons with higher demand and prices.
- Route popularity: High-traffic corridors like Florida to New York have more carrier availability and competitive pricing.
Autos Mover offers discounts for military members, students, seniors, and multi-car shipments to help make car shipping affordable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Car Interstate
- Choosing the cheapest quote: Extremely low quotes often mean poor service, delayed pickups, or bait-and-switch pricing.
- Not reading the contract: Always review cancellation policies, insurance terms, and payment schedules before signing.
- Leaving personal items in the car: Items left in the vehicle are not covered by carrier insurance and may violate DOT regulations.
- Skipping the inspection: Always participate in the pre-transport and post-delivery inspections to protect yourself.
- Booking at the last minute: Rush bookings limit carrier options and often cost more. Plan 2 to 4 weeks ahead when possible.
Ship Your Car to Another State with Confidence
Shipping a car to another state doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With the right preparation and a trusted transport partner, your vehicle will arrive safely at its destination. Autos Mover has the experience, insurance coverage, and customer service commitment to make your interstate car shipment seamless from start to finish.
Get a free quote at Autos Mover or call (279) 300-3808 to start shipping your car today.