Moving to a new state means juggling a million moving parts. Amid the chaos of packing boxes, transferring utilities, and scouting new coffee spots, there’s one often underestimated item: your car. Should you drive it yourself? Hire a shipping company? Is it worth paying extra for door-to-door service?
Most people don’t realize how much there is to know about car shipping until it’s too late—and mistakes can cost you time, money, or even damage to your vehicle.
Key Highlights
- Pick the Right Car Shipping Company – Don’t just go for the lowest quote. Work with trusted providers who offer transparency, strong carrier networks, and real customer support.
- Timing Matters – Shipping during off-peak seasons and being flexible with pickup can save you up to 20% and speed up delivery.
- Know Your Insurance Coverage – Standard carrier insurance may fall short. Understand the fine print and consider extra protection for valuable vehicles.
So instead of giving you the same old “book early and compare quotes” advice, we’re going deeper. Here’s a no-fluff, value-packed guide to shipping your car safely, affordably, and smartly when relocating across state lines.
1. Understand the Auto Transport Industry: Brokers vs. Carriers
Let’s start by untangling a major point of confusion: auto transport brokers vs. carriers.
- Carriers own the trucks that move your vehicle.
- Brokers are middlemen who connect you with available carriers.
Most people looking to ship a car to another state will go through brokers—and that’s not a bad thing. A good broker has access to a vast network of vetted carriers and can negotiate better rates. But a bad broker? They may post your job on a load board and forget about you until someone picks it up… or doesn’t.
Insider tip:
Ask brokers how many carriers they work with regularly. A well-connected broker can be the difference between a quick pickup or a week of radio silence.
2. Not All Quotes Are Created Equal: Beware of “Low-Ball Bait”
When you request quotes online, you’ll often get a wide range—from a few hundred bucks to well over $1,000 for the same route. The temptation is to go with the cheapest. Resist it.
That super-low quote is often a placeholder to get your attention. Many brokers quote low, hoping they can later find a carrier to take the job at that rate. If no one bites? Your pickup date slips. Or they come back asking for more money.
Red flags in a quote:
- No breakdown of service type (open vs. enclosed, door-to-door vs. terminal)
- Vague timelines like “pickup within 5–10 business days”
- No mention of insurance
3. Open vs. Enclosed Transport Isn’t Just About Price—It’s About Risk Tolerance
Most people default to open transport because it’s more affordable—but it’s not always the right call.
Open Transport Pros:
- More common = faster scheduling
- 30–40% cheaper than enclosed
- Reliable for everyday vehicles
Cons:
- Exposed to weather, road debris, and other risks
- Not recommended for high-value or collector cars
When Enclosed Makes Sense:
- Your car is worth over $75K or is a collector’s item
- You’re shipping during winter through snow-prone states
- You’re relocating from/to a coastal or humid region (salt + sea air = rust risk)
Many top rated car shipping companies offer both options, but only a few specialize in enclosed transport. If you’re transporting a luxury, exotic, or vintage car, look for companies with enclosed carrier experience and high-value cargo insurance coverage.
4. Timing is Everything: The Best (and Worst) Times to Ship
The auto transport industry is seasonal. Prices, availability, and reliability fluctuate depending on the time of year.
- Peak Season (Summer & Early Fall): High demand = higher prices & longer waits
- Winter (Holidays, Snow States): Delays due to weather, limited routes
- Best Windows: Late winter (Feb–March) or early fall (late Sept–Oct) = fewer moves, better rates
Pro Move:
If you can be flexible with your pickup window by just 2–3 days, carriers are more likely to bundle your car into an optimized route—lowering your price by up to 20%.
5. Door-to-Door Isn’t Always Truly “Door-to-Door”
Door-to-door transport means the carrier picks up and delivers your car at or near your home. But many customers are caught off guard when the driver asks to meet them a few blocks—or miles—away.
Why? Large transport trucks can’t legally or safely navigate tight residential streets.
Before you book:
- Confirm if your neighborhood is truck-accessible (look for low-hanging trees, narrow turns, or weight restrictions)
- If not, arrange a safe and legal meetup location ahead of time (grocery store parking lots are common)
Pro Tip: For a complete overview and in-depth details on door-to-door car transport, review the blog How to Make Door-to-Door Car Shipping Hassle-Free and Affordable.
6. Insurance: The Fine Print People Miss
Yes, carriers are required by law to carry insurance—but that doesn’t mean you’re fully protected. Here’s what to ask:
- What’s the coverage limit per vehicle? (Some policies cap at $50K)
- What’s the deductible? (You might be liable for the first $500–$1,000)
- Are aftermarket modifications or personal items covered? (Usually not)
Extra Protection:
If your car is particularly valuable or you want peace of mind, ask your regular auto insurer if they offer a rider for transport coverage. It’s usually cheap and fills in the gaps.
7. The Real Prep List: What Carriers Wish You’d Do Before Pickup
A clean car and ¼ tank of gas is just the beginning. Here’s what will make your shipper’s job easier—and reduce your risk:
- Document Everything: Take timestamped photos (exterior + undercarriage if possible)
- Disable Alarms: So the driver doesn’t have to call you at 3am
- Remove Toll Transponders: These can trigger fees as the truck passes toll points
- Fold Mirrors & Remove Antennas (if possible): Prevent breakage during loading
- Don’t Overload the Car: Carriers are fined for overweight loads. Keep personal items under 100 lbs if allowed.
8. Real Costs: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2025
Here’s a more nuanced breakdown based on real data (as of early 2025):
| Route | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
| NYC to Miami (1,200 mi) | $750–$1,050 | $1,200–$1,500 |
| LA to Dallas (1,450 mi) | $800–$1,200 | $1,300–$1,600 |
| Seattle to Chicago (2,100 mi) | $1,100–$1,500 | $1,800–$2,300 |
| Boston to San Francisco (3,100 mi) | $1,300–$1,800 | $2,000–$2,700 |
9. Should You Use U-Haul Auto Transport or a Professional Carrier?
If you’re driving a moving truck, U-Haul offers tow dollies and auto transport trailers. But this isn’t for everyone.
Consider DIY towing if:
- You’re an experienced driver comfortable hauling 5,000–8,000 lbs
- Your car has high clearance (sports cars can scrape or get stuck)
- You understand trailer weight distribution and braking
Otherwise? Professional carriers are safer and often not much more expensive when you factor in fuel and added stress.
10. The Golden Rule: Communicate Early and Often
Once you book, stay in touch. Confirm pickup details 24 hours ahead. Get the driver’s direct number if possible. Be reachable during the delivery window—delays can cost carriers time, and they will move on if you’re unreachable.
Final Thoughts
Shipping your car during a state-to-state move shouldn’t be an afterthought—it’s a critical part of protecting your investment and avoiding logistical headaches. By understanding how the industry works, asking smarter questions, and planning ahead, you can ship your car confidently, affordably, and without surprises.
Whether you’re heading cross-country or just a few states away, knowledge is your best tool—and now you’ve got it.
