Moving to a new place raises a big question: do you drive your car all the way there, or hand it to a professional shipper? This guide walks through the benefits, the drawbacks, and the things to consider so you can decide with confidence.
When shipping makes sense
Long-distance moves are the obvious case, but not the only one. Arriving at a new home rested instead of road-weary. Getting a car you bought out of state delivered to your door instead of flying out to drive it back. Temporary work assignments, car shows, escaping a seasonal storm. In all of these, shipping buys convenience and peace of mind.
Is it worth the cost?
The quote can look steep until you add up the alternative. Every mile you drive costs fuel and adds wear. Long trips mean hotels and meals and the possibility of a breakdown far from home. For moves beyond about 800 miles, shipping is often the cheaper option outright. And the benefits go past money: arriving fresh and ready to deal with the move instead of collapsing at the finish line.
Choosing a company
Do not hand your keys to the first company you find. Look for brokers with a long track record, strong customer reviews, and a transparent quote process. Industry reports and consumer feedback point you to the reputable ones.
Options and costs
Open vs. enclosed
Open carriers are the cost-effective default: your car rides on a multi-car trailer, exposed to the weather but secured by experienced drivers. Enclosed carriers put the car inside a closed trailer, protected from weather, debris, and attention. They are the right choice for luxury, classic, and high-value cars, at a higher price.
Door-to-door service
The carrier collects the car at your current address and delivers it to your new one, which eliminates terminal trips and extra loading. It may cost a little more than terminal-to-terminal, but for most people the convenience is worth it.
What moves the price
- Distance. Longer trips cost more in total.
- Vehicle size and weight. Bigger vehicles take more space.
- Extras. Expedited pickup and additional coverage add to the bill.
- Season. Summer is peak; off-season rates are lower.
- Fuel prices. Diesel costs flow straight into quotes.
- Remote locations. Hard-to-reach addresses cost more.
- Special vehicles. Oversized or modified cars may need special equipment.
See what it costs to ship a car for the full breakdown.
Preparing the car
- Clean the interior and remove everything loose: sunglasses, toll tags, documents.
- Secure loose cables and floor mats.
- Read the shipping company's paperwork and understand the inspection, insurance, and claims process.
- Discuss any modifications, low clearance, or special needs with the company ahead of time.
- Leave the tank no more than a quarter full.
- Make sure the battery is charged.
- Disable alarms and immobilizers if they could interfere with loading.
- Photograph the car and document its condition with the shipping company before pickup.
- Do a final walkthrough: windows up, doors locked, valuables out.
Additional considerations
- Gap coverage. Your broker confirms the carrier is insured, but ask about gap protection plans that cover what the carrier's policy does not.
- Personal belongings. Do not leave them in the car. The DOT prohibits it and nothing covers them.
- Documentation. Keep quotes, contracts, and bills of lading.
Deciding
It comes down to your situation. Weigh the cost savings and convenience against the time and risk of driving yourself. Consider how you feel about long drives and how much you value arriving ready to go. Whichever you choose, preparation and informed decisions are what make it go smoothly.