How to Ship a Car Across the Country: A Guide for First-Time Shippers

How to Ship a Car Across the Country: A Guide for First-Time Shippers

When shipping a car across the country, you might wonder about the shipping process and how it works. Understanding the ins and outs of shipping is important if you are a first-time shipper. This is the most significant to ship a car across the country, making the shipping process easy and smooth. Here, we have shared a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the car shipping process.


How To Ship A Car Across The Country?

Here, we have given quick steps to ship a car across the country and to get the shipping quote.

  • Choose The Experienced Company: Choose the experienced car shipping company and submit the details of your vehicle, trailer type, pickup, and delivery. Then, enter your contact details.

  • Get The Shipping Quote: Confirm the date and time of the shipment, get an answer to your query if you have any, and get the shipping quote.

  • Schedule the Shipment: Once you get the shipping quote as per your budget and requirements, book and schedule the car’s shipment.

  • Vehicle Pick up: Prepare your vehicle before the day of shipment and pick it up from your address.

  • Vehicle Delivery: As soon as you get your vehicle, you have to inspect it properly, and then after completing the shipping process. Ensure the condition of your vehicle and pay the shipping payments. 

Research Auto Shipping Options

Before you dive into the world of auto shipping, it is most important to understand the different types of auto shipping services offered by the auto transport company. The shipping services include:

  • Open Transport: This is a cost-effective shipping method. This shipping method involves shipping your vehicle in an open trailer along with other vehicles. Open car transport is safe for standard vehicles, but there is exposure to vehicles.
  • Enclosed Transport: This option is pricier but offers high protection to your vehicle. In an enclosed auto transport, your vehicle will be transported in a fully closed trailer, protecting it from weather and external elements. This is the best method for the transportation of high-value cars or any other vehicles.
  • Door to Door Shipping: Door to door shipping involves picking up and delivering your car to your given destination.
  • Terminal to Terminal Shipping: Terminal to terminal car shipping requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle at a designated terminal port.

Get The Auto Shipping Quote

Once you have decided on the auto-shipping method, it’s time to get quotes from car shipping cost calculator. The process of getting the shipping quote includes:

  • Pickup and delivery distance

  • Vehicle size and weight

  • Auto shipping method

  • Date and time of shipping

Get a quote from a reputed car shipping company and look for customers' ratings and reviews to get real insight into the company.

Research About The Company

Prepare Your Vehicle for The Shipment

Understand The Auto Shipping Contract

Inspect Your Vehicle At The Time of Delivery

Important Car Shipping Tips 

When planning to move a car across the country, it is crucial to understand the shipping process and to consider these expert car shipping tips.

  • Research the auto transport company you are going to choose and look for their experience and reputation in the market.

  • Decide the right auto shipping service for the shipment of your car based on your budget and requirements.

  • Look for the car shipping cost and ask for the insurance coverage. Read the guidelines of the company carefully and sign the contract after reading it carefully.

  • Get ready with the documents required for the shipment, such as vehicle identification number, license, and other necessary documents. Auto transport companies ask for the documents to verify that the vehicle belongs to you.

  • Prepare your car before the pickup day, and get ready with your vehicle.  Start the shipping process by preparing your car. Wash and clean your car, and remove your items because the company won't be responsible for the loss or damage.

  • Be flexible with the date and time of the shipment; this will help you get the trailer of your choice and budget.
  • Inspect your car before and after transportation to ensure its condition. Make use of the photographs you have taken at the time of the shipment.

Follow the abovementioned guide and ship your car securely to your address. Shipping a car across the country should not have to be a stressful process. By following these steps, you can ensure the successful shipment of your vehicle. Plan your vehicle shipment and get your car ready for the shipment.