Getting your car to your new home is easy if you’re staying in the same city but not when you’re moving cross country. Time, cost, planning and even weather can all affect your decision. Don’t stress though — there are plenty of ways to ship a car to another state, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Hire a Moving or Auto Transport Company

The easiest and least stressful option is to hire professionals. A moving or auto transport company can handle everything for you. To make sure you get a good deal, contact at least three companies before making a decision. Once you share details about your car, timeline and destination, they’ll give you a quote. The cost usually depends on your vehicle’s size, how far it has to go and the type of carrier you select.

  • Open Carrier. This is the typical two-level trailer you often see on highways carrying multiple cars. It’s the cheapest option but your car will be exposed to weather and road conditions.
  • Closed Carrier. This option costs more but offers better protection. Your car is kept inside a covered trailer, safe from rain, dust and debris — making it ideal for luxury, vintage or classic cars.

Once you choose your option, the company will set up a time to pick up your car and start the transport. Before loading, the driver will carefully check the car and note its condition, then give you a Bill of Lading as a record. Delivery usually takes about 2 to 9 days, depending on the distance.

STI Auto Moving provides full, door-to-door shipping. You can contact the STI team anytime to check on the status of your vehicle or confirm drop off times. Their drivers are fully trained in proper loading and unloading, so you can trust your car’s safety. Once they arrive, they’ll arrange a drop off at your house, office, garage, storage facility or any location that’s most convenient for you.

Hitch It To Your Trailer

Many moving trucks have a trailer hitch which lets you attach your car and tow it yourself. This option costs less than hiring professionals but it makes driving and handling the vehicle harder. It’s best for people who feel confident driving a big rig.

Hire a Driver

You can use a concierge service to hire a professional driver who will take your car cross country for you. This will add extra miles to your car but it can be a more budget-friendly choice. Just make sure to use a trusted transportation service, since they carefully check their drivers and include insurance for the trip.

Send It By Train

Shipping your car by train gets it to the new location without adding mileage or causing wear and tear. You can ride along on the train or pick up your car when it arrives. In some cases, trains are cheaper than carriers but they don’t offer much flexibility. Routes are set and drop-off spots are fixed which is why not many people choose this option. Another drawback is that providers are limited — aside from Amtrak, most rail companies mainly work with businesses instead of individuals.

Drive It Yourself

This is the cheapest option but not always the easiest. Driving across the country can take days and even longer if the weather is rough. If you have more than one car, your family may need to travel separately. Plus, a coast-to-coast trip can be exhausting for both you and your car — which is why many people moving interstate prefer to hire professionals instead.

How to Ship a Car to Another State

Auto transport professionals know how to move cars safely but there are still a few things you can do on your end to make sure the process goes smoothly.

  • Empty Your Gas Tank. A heavier car costs more to ship and is harder to load and unload. Since a full gas tank can add almost 100 pounds, it’s better to reduce the fuel. Don’t drain it completely though — leaving it about one-half or one-quarter full is enough.
  • Note Your Vehicle’s Mileage and Condition. To avoid disputes if any damage happens during shipping, record your car’s current condition. Take clear photos of both the inside and outside, focusing on areas like the doors, bumpers, fenders, trunk lid and hood since they are more likely to get dents or scratches.
  • Remove Personal Belongings. To avoid theft or damage, take all your personal items out of the car. Most auto transport companies have insurance but it usually only covers the vehicle itself, not the things left inside.
  • Disable Your Alarm. Since the ride can be bumpy, your alarm will likely go off if it’s left on, so it’s best to disable it.
  • Check Your Tires. Even though your car will be secured on the truck, it can still shake around during the trip. Make sure your tires are filled properly to prevent any wheel damage.
  • Remove Accessories. Take off items like bike racks or luggage carriers. These add-ons can get in the way and might cause damage during transport.
  • Make An Extra Set of Keys. Things can easily get lost during a long move, so having a spare set of keys makes sure you can drive your car once it’s delivered.

STI Auto Transport

You can count on STI to move everything in your home — from clothes and furniture to cars, and SUVs. They can even ship motorcycles, snowmobiles and jet skis. Get in touch with them today for a free quote.