Smartest Ways to Ship Your Car Cross Country: Tips and Options

By: Harrison Gough Last Updated: Jan 01, 2024

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Moving your car across the country can be a daunting task. You might be wondering what the smartest ways to ship your car are, how much it will cost, and which auto shipping company to choose.

Smartest Ways to Ship Your Car Cross Country: Tips and Options

Whether you’re moving to a new state, buying a car online, or sending your car to a family member, you want to ensure your vehicle arrives in the same condition as when it left.

We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best auto shipping option for your specific needs and budget. Here are some of the smartest ways to ship your car cross country.

Option 1: Open Auto Transport

Open auto transport is the most common and affordable method of shipping a car. This method involves transporting your car on an open trailer with other vehicles.

Open trailers can transport up to ten vehicles at once and are typically used for short to medium distances.

Pros and Cons of Open Auto Transport

  • Affordable: Open auto transport is the most cost-effective method of shipping a car. It is generally cheaper than enclosed auto transport because it can transport more cars at once.
  • Convenient: Open trailers are readily available, making it easier to find a carrier that can transport your car within your timeframe.
  • Fast: Since open trailers can transport multiple cars at once, they can deliver your car faster than other methods.
  • Risk of Damage: Your car will be exposed to the elements during transport, including dust, dirt, and weather conditions.
  • No Protection: Open trailers do not provide any protection from potential damage or theft.
  • Limited to Size and Type of Car: Open trailers have size and weight limitations, so oversized or modified vehicles may not fit.

When Open Auto Transport Might Be the Best Choice

Open auto transport might be the best option for you if:

  • You’re on a tight budget and need an affordable option.
  • Your car is a standard size and not a rare or luxury model.
  • You’re shipping your car for a short to medium distance.

Option 2: Enclosed Auto Transport

Enclosed auto transport involves transporting your car in an enclosed trailer that provides protection from the elements and potential damage. Enclosed trailers are typically used for luxury and rare cars, but they can transport any car.

Pros and Cons of Enclosed Auto Transport

  • Protection: Enclosed trailers provide protection from potential damage or theft, as well as the elements.
  • Peace of Mind: You can rest easy knowing that your car is safe and secure during transport.
  • Customization: Enclosed trailers can be customized to fit your specific needs, including climate control, hydraulic lifts, and GPS tracking.
  • Expensive: Enclosed auto transport is typically more expensive than open auto transport.
  • Limited Availability: Enclosed trailers are less common than open trailers, so finding a carrier might be more challenging.
  • Slower: Since enclosed trailers can transport fewer cars at once, it may take longer to deliver your car.

When Enclosed Auto Transport Might Be the Best Choice

Enclosed auto transport might be the best option for you if:

  • Your car is a luxury or rare model and requires extra protection.
  • You’re shipping your car over a long distance or through harsh weather conditions.
  • You want extra peace of mind and are willing to pay for it.

Option 3: Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

Terminal-to-terminal shipping involves dropping off your car at a terminal or depot and picking it up at another terminal. This method is typically less expensive than door-to-door shipping but requires more effort on your part.

Pros and Cons of Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

  • Affordable: Terminal-to-terminal shipping is typically less expensive than door-to-door shipping.
  • Flexibility: You can choose a terminal that is most convenient for you to drop off and pick up your car.
  • No Waiting Time: Your car will be ready for pick up as soon as it arrives at the terminal.
  • Limited Availability: Not all auto shipping companies offer terminal-to-terminal shipping.
  • More Effort Required: You'll need to drop off and pick up your car at the terminals, which can be inconvenient.
  • Risk of Damage: Your car will be exposed to potential damage during transport, including theft and weather conditions.

When Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping Might Be the Best Choice

Terminal-to-terminal shipping might be the best option for you if:

  • You’re on a tight budget and need an affordable option.
  • You have the time and ability to drop off and pick up your car at the terminals.
  • You’re shipping your car for a short to medium distance.

Option 4: Door-to-Door Shipping

Door-to-door shipping involves the carrier picking up your car from your location and delivering it to your desired destination. This method is the most convenient but also the most expensive.

Pros and Cons of Door-to-Door Shipping

  • Convenience: Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient method of shipping a car since the carrier picks up and delivers your car to your desired location.
  • Time-Saving: You don't need to drop off or pick up your car at a terminal, saving you time and effort.
  • Protection: Your car is protected from potential damage or theft during transport.
  • Expensive: Door-to-door shipping is typically the most expensive method of shipping a car.
  • Limited Availability: Not all auto shipping companies offer door-to-door shipping.
  • Potential Delay: The carrier may encounter delays due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

When Door-to-Door Shipping Might Be the Best Choice

Door-to-door shipping might be the best option for you if:

  • You’re willing to pay a premium for convenience.
  • You have a busy schedule and can’t afford to spend time dropping off or picking up your car at a terminal.
  • You’re shipping your car over a long distance or through harsh weather conditions.

Choosing the Right Auto Shipping Company

Choosing the right auto shipping company is crucial to ensuring your car arrives safely and efficiently. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an auto-shipping company:

  • Reputation: Look for an auto shipping company with a good reputation for reliability and customer service. Check reviews and ratings from previous customers to get an idea of the company’s track record.
  • Licensing and Insurance: Make sure the auto shipping company is properly licensed and insured. This will ensure that you’re protected in case of any accidents or damage during transport.
  • Cost: Get quotes from several auto shipping companies to compare prices and find the best deal.
  • Services: Consider the services offered by the auto shipping company, including tracking, delivery options, and communication.
  • Experience: Look for an auto shipping company with experience in transporting cars similar to yours. This will ensure they know how to handle your car properly during transport.

Smooth Sailing in Shipping Your Car Cross Country

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information on the smartest ways to ship your car cross-country. By weighing the pros and cons of each shipping option and considering your specific needs and budget, you can make an informed decision that will ensure your car arrives safely and efficiently.

Remember to take the time to research and choose a reliable and affordable auto shipping company to give you peace of mind throughout the entire process. With these tips and options in mind, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a smooth sailing experience while transporting your car cross-country.

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Written By Harrison Gough

Meet Harrison, a writer with a real passion for real estate and moving. For the past three years, he's been putting his writing skills to use for companies in these industries, but his experience with moving extends far beyond his keyboard. In fact, he's moved over a dozen times himself, sometimes with the help of professionals, and other times by taking on the move all on his own. Through these experiences, he's learned some valuable lessons about what can make a move a breeze, and what can turn it into a stressful nightmare. And when he's not busy writing, you can find him researching ways to make his next move as smooth and easy as possible.