For a move across town, getting the cars to the new house is an afterthought. For a move across several states, it is a real piece of the plan. A household with two vehicles and one or two drivers has to decide who drives what, whether to ship a car and how to keep everything on schedule. Thinking it through early avoids last-minute scrambling.
Drive or ship?
Driving gives you control and a way to carry essentials, pets and valuables, and your car arrives when you do. It also takes time, adds wear to the vehicle and requires a driver for every car. Shipping makes sense when a move is very long, when there are more vehicles than drivers, when someone is flying ahead to start a new job or when a car is not suited to a long trip. Many households combine the two, driving one vehicle and shipping another.
How auto transport works
Most vehicles travel on open carriers, the multi-car trailers often seen on highways. Enclosed carriers protect vehicles from weather and road debris and are often chosen for classic or high-value cars. Some companies are carriers with their own trucks, while others are brokers that arrange transport with a carrier. Both are legitimate, but you should know which one you are dealing with and who will actually pick up your car.
Interstate auto transporters and brokers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and you can look up a company’s registration and complaint history on the FMCSA website. Get written quotes from more than one company, ask what insurance covers your vehicle during transport and be cautious about large upfront deposits or quotes far below the others. Pickup and delivery usually happen within a window of days rather than at a set hour, so ask how that window works.
Preparing a vehicle for shipping
- Wash the car and photograph every side, the interior and the odometer before pickup.
- Remove personal belongings, toll tags and garage door openers. Many carriers do not allow personal items in shipped vehicles, and they are generally not covered if lost.
- Leave the fuel tank low, as many carriers request, and make sure the battery is charged and the tires are properly inflated.
- Note existing scratches and dents on the condition report with the driver, and keep a copy.
- At delivery, inspect the car carefully, ideally in daylight, and note any new damage on the paperwork before you sign.
If you are driving
Have each vehicle serviced before a long summer drive, including tires, brakes, fluids and the air conditioning. Plan the route with rest stops and overnight stays, and agree on how two cars will stay in touch, since caravans tend to separate in traffic. Keep medications, documents and valuables with you, and never leave pets or children in a parked car in the heat.
After you arrive
A move to a new state usually means a new driver’s license and vehicle registration, and possibly a vehicle inspection, each with its own deadline. Check the official motor vehicle agency website for your new state, and call your auto insurer to update your address and coverage. With the cars sorted out, the rest of the move has one less moving part.
A Vehicle Moving Timeline
Lining up vehicle logistics alongside your closing and moving dates helps everything arrive in the right place at the right time.
Six to eight weeks before the move
- Decide which vehicles will be driven and which will be shipped.
- Request written quotes from several auto transport companies, and check each one’s registration on the FMCSA website.
- Ask each company about its pickup and delivery windows, insurance and payment terms.
Three to four weeks before
- Book the transport and get the agreement in writing.
- Schedule service for vehicles you plan to drive.
- Plan your driving route, including overnight stops, pet-friendly lodging and rest areas.
- Check whether your new home has enough parking for all vehicles and whether the HOA or city has rules about street parking or oversized vehicles.
The week before
- Clean the shipped vehicle, remove personal items and photograph it thoroughly.
- Make sure you have spare keys for the driver and that you know who will hand the car over and receive it.
- Pack an emergency kit for vehicles you are driving, including water, snacks, a phone charger, a flashlight and basic tools.
After arrival
- Inspect the delivered vehicle before signing the paperwork.
- Update your insurance, registration and driver’s license within your new state’s required timeframes.
- Find a local mechanic for routine service.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Vehicles
- Choosing the lowest quote without research. An unusually low price can lead to delays or problems. Compare registrations, reviews and terms.
- Packing the shipped car with belongings. Extra items may not be allowed, can add weight and are usually not covered if damaged or lost.
- Skipping the condition report. Without documented photos and notes, it is hard to show damage occurred during transport.
- Forgetting the car’s toll tag. Leaving it in a shipped car can result in unexpected toll charges.
- Driving two cars without a plan. Agree on stops, routes and how you will communicate before you leave.
- Waiting too long to register in the new state. Missing deadlines can create problems with insurance or traffic stops.
Questions Readers Ask About Moving Vehicles
Can I ship a car that does not run?
Many carriers will ship non-running vehicles, often with additional equipment or fees. Tell the company in advance so they can plan.
Should I tell my lender or leasing company about the move?
If your vehicle is financed or leased, check your agreement. Some require notice of a change of address or of moving the vehicle out of state.
What about motorcycles, boats or trailers?
Specialized transport options exist for each. Ask about requirements for preparation, insurance and loading.
Does my auto insurance cover the car while it is being shipped?
Your own policy may or may not apply while the vehicle is in a carrier’s care, and the carrier’s coverage has its own limits. Ask both your insurer and the transport company how coverage works during transit, and get the carrier’s insurance information in writing.
Is it safe to fly ahead and have the car delivered?
Many people do this. Arrange for a trusted person to release the car at pickup if you have already left, and make sure someone will be available to receive it and complete the inspection at your new home within the delivery window.
