Are you looking to transport your car to Florida, California, New York or anywhere else in the United States? In this guide we will go over the process of how to ship your vehicle anywhere in the country. While the process of shipping a car can be a somewhat stressful endeavor, it by no means needs to be complicated. Whether you are looking to have a truck haul your vehicle across the country or if you have a container to ship across the Pacific Ocean, there are several options available with each having their own set of pros and cons. We will attempt to explain these here in an attempt to better educate you about the transport process so you can make the right decisions. Shipping Car Across The Country
If you’re in a hurry or just don’t feel like driving the vehicle across the country yourself, then hiring a transport company to ship your vehicle will likely make the most sense. In any case, let’s take a look at some of your options and their associated costs so you know which shipping method will be best for your needs.
Can A Car Be Shipped car Across The Country?
Of course! You can totally ship a car across the country. Most auto transport companies offer coast to coast shipping options using either truck or in some cases rail. The price of your transport will ultimately depend on the distance needing to be travelled, the type of transport method, as well as the time of year you are shipping your vehicle.
Ways To Ship A Car In The USA Or Overseas- Car Across The Country
Wherever you end up on the shipping spectrum will largely depend on the type of vehicle you need to ship. Obviously if you need to ship a family sedan that is several years old, it will have different requirements as opposed to shipping say an antique vehicle. The great news here is that you will have several options available to you for shipping a vehicle whether it’s in the United States or overseas.
Some of the most popular shipping methods available are:
- Truck: Transporting a vehicle by truck is probably the most popular way to get your vehicle from one location to the next. Transport by truck is generally less expensive compared to shipping by rail. Depending on the transport company, you may have the option of door to door delivery and can have your vehicle shipped right to your home or place of business. There are also enclosed carriers that provide the most protection to your vehicle during transport as opposed to open carrier shipping where your vehicle is loaded with up to 9 other vehicles on a trailer. Open carrier is the most popular and affordable shipping option however it does leave your vehicle exposed to the elements and any potential road debris and hazards during its transport.
- Rail: Transport via rail can often be a faster and safer option compared to transport by truck, but the costs usually reflect this additional convenience. You will find that there are fewer companies available offering transport by rail compared to by truck and there is often times additional insurance required before a vehicle can be loaded onto a train car.
- Boat: In the event that your vehicle is an import, there’s a pretty good chance that it came here by boat. So given this, it would make sense that moving your vehicle anywhere in the world would also require the use of a shipping vessel to move your vehicle. This shipping method is usually reserved for internal car transport but if you are shipping your vehicle to Hawaii or Alaska or any other offshore domestic location it would realistically require the use of a boat for the transport.
- Air: While it may sound crazy, transporting a vehicle by air is an option, albeit the most expensive shipping option available. While getting something as heavy and large as an automobile loaded onto an airplane is a complicated endeavor, it is also the fastest and safest method of transport available for your vehicle.
What Does It Cost To Ship A Vehicle Cross Country?
This is a great question and one not easily answered as the costs will depend on several factors. The type of transport as well as the time of year you need to ship your vehicle can play a big part in the cost. Just like shopping for anything else, it pays to get quotes from several shipping companies first to make sure you are getting the best options and most affordable rates. Choosing the right transport company is just as important as the services they provide since at the end of the day, it’s your car riding on the back of their trailer. You also should be aware that insurance, taxes or any other fees might not be included with your initial quoted rates. And who will cover repairs in the event your vehicle is damaged during transit? You should check with your own insurance provider to see if they will provide coverage during transport or see about obtaining supplemental insurance in case the transport company’s insurance falls short. Sometimes damage caused by harsh weather or any other unintended damage may not be covered by the transporter’s insurance plan.
