How does shipping a car to another state work?
Every month, thousands of people ship their cars from one state to another. Many are relocating for work, moving to a warmer climate for retirement or need to ship a vehicle for a variety of other reasons. Shipping a car from one state to another is a common occurrence, and when you use a reputable auto transport provider, the entire process can be simple. Whether your vehicle just needs to cross state lines or travel several states away, it all starts with obtaining a state-to-state car shipping quote. If you would like more information about how car shipping works, call a JRS Freight shipping advisor at (888) 666-8929.
Transport your car to another state in 3 easy steps with JRS Freight
Transporting your vehicle from point A to point B is easier than you may think! In fact, there are just three simple steps – watch the video to learn more.
Step 1: Quote & book order
Step 2: Vehicle pickup
Step 3: Vehicle delivery
Choosing the best state-to-state auto transport company
Your vehicle is very important to you and you’ll want to work with a trustworthy auto transport company. When starting your research, look for a company with years of experience, a good reputation and positive reviews from previous customers. Always confirm that the company you are considering is insured and licensed as well. Overall, they should work with you to understand your budget and timeframe and recommend the best auto transport option possible.
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How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
The cost to ship a car can vary depending on the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, the type of vehicle being shipped and the desired timeframe for delivery. On average, the cost can be anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more. It’s important to keep in mind that additional fees may apply for things like expedited shipping or enclosed transport, so it’s always a good idea to get a detailed quote before making any decisions.
What factors are used to calculate the cost of car shipping?
Distance
Total distance is the main factor in determining the cost of car shipping. A distance of less than 500 miles is around $1.85/mile, between 500 and 1,500 miles is about $.91/mile and distances more than 1,500 miles are roughly $.59/mile. While longer distances lead to a higher overall price, the per-mile cost is discounted.
Route
The route refers to what highways or roads the car carrier will need to travel to transport your vehicle. Do you live in a congested city? Or in a rural town up a steep mountain road? Both of these routes have unique challenges that may determine the type of carrier needed and impact transport time and costs.
Vehicle year/make/model
Cars, vans and trucks come in all different sizes—an economy car will be lighter and take up less space on a trailer than a full-sized, luxury SUV. Longer and taller vehicles and those with modifications like larger tires and roof racks may require vehicle transport adjustments that could increase the shipping cost.
Date
It’s best to book your auto transport service at least two weeks
in advance as the availability of carriers fluctuates during certain
seasons and geographic locations. Having a flexible date for shipment will be more economical, but if you do have timeline limintations, a guaranteed pickup date can be arranged for a higher cost.
Method of transport
Open and enclosed are the main auto transport options. Open transport is most commonly used, but means vehicles will be exposed to environmental elements and debris. Enclosed transport costs more, but provides some basic protection. It is typically used for classic or exotic vehicles or cars with low clearance
Condition of vehicle
It’s crucial to know the condition of the vehicle being transported. Fully operational vehicles are less expensive to ship as they can be driven and easily loaded and unloaded on and off trailers. Inoperable vehicles that require special equipment such as a winch, forklift or flatbed tow truck/wrecker to load, will increase shipping costs.
Learn more about your state-to-state car shipping costs
There are many factors that go into calculating a car shipping cost. Enter basic details about your vehicle, pickup and drop-off locations and transit date for the most accurate estimate.
How long does it take to ship a car to another state?
The duration it takes to ship a car to another state can vary depending on the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, the time of year and other factors. A vehicle traveling a distance of 500 miles may take two to four days while a distance of 2,000 miles may take a week or more. This does not include the pickup time required to load all vehicles.
Factors that affect how long your car shipping could take
Open car transport
Open auto transport is the shipping of vehicles on an open-air trailer that has no walls or roof. Your car is loaded onto the trailer, secured with straps and then transported from the pickup to the delivery location. Open auto transport is a commonly utilized method, that is readily available and generally less expensive than enclosed auto transport. It’s an efficient method of transportation for most vehicles. However, vehicles are not protected from outdoor elements or debris and will likely accumulate dust and dirt.
Learn more about open car shipping.
Enclosed car transport
Enclosed auto transport is a premium shipping option that involves shipping your car in a fully enclosed trailer, which provides extra protection from the elements and debris. This type of service is ideal for exotic or collector vehicles and luxury sports cars. The enclosed trailer is equipped with soft straps and hydraulic lift gates to load vehicles with low clearance. This method comes with higher costs as compared to open car transport and limited availability due to the number of enclosed carriers in the market.
Learn more about enclosed car shipping.
State-to-State Car Shipping Services
FAQs about transporting a car to another state
Your vehicle will be insured by the carrier’s cargo and liability policies as well as JRS Freight contingent cargo insurance, with protection up to $250,000 should the motor carrier and/or their insurance provider fail to fully cover a valid claim. This coverage is included in your JRS Freight car shipping service at no additional cost.
The cheapest way to ship a car to another state is with open transport. You can also save money by keeping your pickup date flexible and avoiding seasonal demand. Discover more interesting cheap car shipping tips to help keep money in your pocket.
To prepare your car for auto transport, it’s recommended to first wash and clean your vehicle for a thorough inspection before and after shipping. Remove all personal items including any valuables, bike racks and external accessories. Disable any security system that could cause problems during loading and unloading and remove or disable toll tags. It is recommended to leave a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle for loading and unloading purposes. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your car is well-prepared for a safe and secure journey.
No. Most auto transport companies, including JRS Freight, require the gas level of every vehicle to be near a quarter tank. This is because excessive fuel can add unnecessary weight to the trailer, which in turn can increase the overall shipping cost. Therefore, it’s best to keep the gas level low to ensure a safe and hassle-free shipping experience.
Ready to transport your car with JRS Freight?
Our car shipping advisors are available by calling (800) 360-1074 to answer all your questions.