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 Cayad shipping advisor at (469) 619-0747.
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 and book your order
Step 2
We pick up your vehicle
Step 3
Receive your vehicle
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Typically, the farther the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, the longer the shipping time. An experienced auto transporter will optimize the route to be as efficient as possible. Keep in mind that longer shipping distances increase the potential for delays caused by traffic jams, construction or rest schedules for drivers.
A direct route is usually the fastest, but ones with steep inclines or tight turns may require a different path or more time to navigate safely. A reputable auto transport company with experience in your intended shipping route can provide an estimated shipping time that captures potential challenges along the shipping route to ensure timely delivery.
Typically, the farther the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, the longer the shipping time. An experienced auto transporter will optimize the route to be as efficient as possible. Keep in mind that longer shipping distances increase the potential for delays caused by traffic jams, construction or rest schedules for drivers.
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 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.