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If you’re moving a long distance or need to move a vehicle a long way, shipping your car or vehicle instead of driving it to your destination could be a great option. Not only is it usually cost-effective, but it will also save you a significant amount of travel time and reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle. Plus, it could be useful if you have multiple vehicles.
Specialized car shipping companies know exactly what they’re doing, enabling them to transport your vehicle in a safe, efficient way. You will usually be billed by the mile, which means that you can expect to pay more the longer your move is.
We’ll take a closer look at the best car shipping companies. From long-distance movers to smaller, more cost-effective options, we’ve outlined everything you need to know to get your next big move underway.
Auto shipping, such as car shipping and motorcycle shipping, is designed to help you transport a vehicle from one location to another without driving it yourself. Most auto shipping companies are fully licensed and come with the equipment and know-how to get your vehicle moved in a safe, efficient manner.
In some cases, regular moving companies offer auto shipping as part of a complete package. But most don’t do this, because vehicle shipping is quite different from moving regular household goods. Because of this, you will often have to look for a specialized car or motorcycle shipping company if you have a vehicle to move.
Typically, auto shipping companies use trucks to transport vehicles from one location to another. However, some movers may use shipping containers and sea routes if they are more cost-effective. Sea freight can be cheaper (especially between coastal locations), but it generally takes longer.
There are dozens of car and motorcycle shipping companies out there, and it can be hard to choose one. Here are a few essential things to do to help you choose the right option for your big move.
The auto shipping industry is heavily regulated in the US, and all companies have to comply with a variety of licensing and regulatory requirements. To ensure you’re using a reliable company that you can trust, check their registration to prove they’re properly licensed for auto moving.
It’s also important to decide how much you’re willing to pay to have your vehicle moved. It’s always worth shopping around because different companies can charge significantly different amounts for the same job. Having a clear budget enables you to immediately reject options that are out of your price range.
Different moving companies offer different payment options, and we’d recommend looking for one that offers a payment method you find convenient. This might be as simple as accepting cash payments in person—which some older companies certainly still do—or being able to pay online with your credit card.
Pay close attention to online car shipping reviews from past customers. Websites like TrustPilot and BBB.org are excellent sources, although you may have to filter through some fake reviews at times.
Because these are so common in some places, you can’t always rely on the overall star rating itself. Instead, it’s a good idea to read the text reviews from verified customers to see how good (or bad) a company really is.
In simple terms, auto shipping services are designed to help people move vehicles from one location to another. Your transporter will usually pick your vehicle up or meet you at a pre-arranged location. From there, the vehicle will typically be dropped off at your desired location within a few days.
It’s actually a little more complicated than this. For one, there are a few different ways for vehicles to be shipped.
Open transport is the most popular and cost-effective auto shipping method. It involves vehicles being loaded onto an open trailer, where they are exposed to the elements, and may result in your car becoming quite dirty.
Enclosed trailers have the added benefit of protecting your vehicle from the elements during transport. Enclosed transport is usually more expensive because fewer vehicles can be loaded onto a single truck.
Once you’ve selected a shipping method and a transport company, you will be able to work alongside them to develop the right moving plan. This can include:
Scheduling pickup and drop-off
Completing a pre-transport inspection and checklist
Cleaning your vehicle
The pre-transport inspection is a super important step, as it provides evidence of your vehicle's condition before it was moved. This will be useful if it’s damaged during shipping and you need to make an insurance claim.
How much does auto shipping cost?
Auto shipping is usually charged on a per-mile basis. For short distances up to a few hundred miles, you can expect to pay somewhere around $1.50 to $2.00 per mile, but this can drop to well below $1 per mile for longer distances. This also varies significantly between companies and vehicles, and it’s worth shopping around for the best quote.
What is the best auto shipping company?
The auto shipping company I’d recommend is Montway Auto Transport. It offers flexible transport solutions throughout the US, and it’s known for its reliable service and competitive prices. Other options worth considering include Country Mile, Native Van Lines, and uShip. Of course, it can also be a good idea to check out your local movers.
Does the vehicle need to be empty before shipping?
It’s usually a good idea to empty your vehicle before shipping with an auto transport company, as your belongings could get damaged during the move. That said, it is technically legal to leave things in your car, but different companies have their own policies that you will need to follow. It’s best to speak with your mover about this in advance to prevent any misunderstandings or problems.
uShip is a transport marketplace that makes finding and closing on great deals for shipping a cinch. With a network of tens of thousands of service providers, all backed by thousands of user-generated feedback valuations, customers can easily select a professional moving service to get the job done well. And with competitive pricing and multiple bids per shipment, uShip customers can get the best price for their move.
uShip offers insurance, helpful moving guides, and convenient online payments for a variety of moves, including pet transport, auto transport, heavy furniture, and specialty item moves. The company even has a tailored turnkey solution for Etsy shop owners. And if you’re into doing things on the go, the uShip mobile app (good for Android and iOS devices) will be a natural choice for you.
Moving cross country? Montway Auto Transport is the way to go. With more than 40,000 trucks that are insured and vetted, an online tracking system, and reliable truckers, Montway will move your vehicle from one location to the next with expertise and efficiency. Whether you are interested in budget-friendly open vehicle transportation, or prefer the more secure enclosed method, or whether you are moving across the country or across the globe, or whatever other preferences you have, Montway has the reputation you can rely on to transport your valuable cargo with ease.
Montway has an incredibly simple online process. You can receive a free quote online and even book the pickup directly from your computer or cellphone. What’s more, Montway pricing is affordable and competitively priced compared to others in the auto transport industry. Expedited pickups, online buys, and door-to-door service are just a few more reasons to choose Montway.
American Auto Shipping is a specialist auto transport company with 22 years of industry experience. Its detailed website takes you through every stage of the vehicle moving process, making it an excellent resource for first-time customers. With upfront, binding quotes and 24/7 customer service, American Auto Shipping is a great option if you want to transport a car, motorcycle, or even heavy machinery anywhere in the contiguous US and Hawaii.
You can use American to book a door-to-door vehicle shipment or save money with a rail shipment and train station pickup. You can also choose between enclosed or open transport, with open being cheaper but exposing your vehicle to the elements. With its broad range of options and versatile fleet of partners, American has something for everyone.
