14 Reasons Why You Should Ship Your Car Across Country (and How it Works)
Several situations might call for shipping a car across the country. For example, you might have swapped your reliable vehicle for a newer model, be heading south for the winter, or getting ready for a life-changing move to the other side of the country.
Suppose you’ve never shipped a car before. You might be feeling a little nervous. Does this sound like you? There’s nothing to stress about, because this article explains it all.
What are your options if you want to ship a car across country?
Cross country car shipping is just one option, but before we look a little closer at what this entails, let’s examine your other options.
Driving yourself
This is the option most people consider first. A road trip sounds like a fantastic idea, but it does come with some disadvantages. For example, there will be additional costs to pay, making it more expensive than auto transport. Driving long distances can also be very stressful and dangerous.
Hiring a driver
It’s possible to hire a professional driver to drive your car across country, but this is a costly alternative to long-distance car transport. There’s also unnecessary wear and tear to take into account.
Shipping by rail
Shipping your car by train seems like a great idea, but the routes are minimal, which means it will not suit most people.
Using a dolly or trailer
Suppose you’ve never towed a trailer or driven with a dolly before. This is not a viable option, even though it might be one of the cheapest. There are also additional costs to consider, such as food, accommodation, and extra gas.
Letting a family member drive it for you
This is a very affordable option if you trust the driver. You’ll also be able to transport some of your personal belongings. On the downside, you’ll need to take out additional insurance to cover the driver. Also, driving the distance will mean additional mechanical bills because of the extra wear and tear. Finally, do you really know how good their driving skills are?
How does auto transport work?
Now you know your options, let’s look at the one we’re confident is going to work for you, whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, heading south for the winter, want to get your custom car to a show on the east coast, or going to college and want to take your car with you.
The auto transport process is very straightforward. It takes just three steps.
Get a quote and book your service
You can quickly and easily get a free quote using our online instant quote calculator. Alternatively, speak directly with one of our shipping advisors by calling (864) 546-5038 or using Live Chat.
If you’re happy with the price, book your order, and we’ll take care of the arrangements.
We pick up your car
You’ll be contacted a few hours before the arranged pick-up time to confirm the pick-up location and time. The carrier will also want to confirm the location is accessible for large commercial vehicles.
When the carrier arrives, you’ll carefully inspect your car with the driver and note any existing damage on the Bill of Lading. As soon as all the paperwork is complete, the driver will load your vehicle and be on their way.
You’ll be kept informed of your vehicle’s progress, but if you’re worried at any time, you can check in with the driver. However, be aware they might be driving and unable to answer the telephone straightaway.
We deliver your car
You’ll be contacted again when your vehicle is nearing its destination. The driver needs to be sure you’re available to accept the delivery of your car. Don’t worry if you’re going to be busy. You can nominate a third party to accept the delivery on your behalf. It might be a friend, relative, neighbor, or colleague.
When your car is delivered, spend some time inspecting it closely to make sure everything is in order. If everything is OK, sign the Bill of Lading, and the driver will be on their way.
What are the benefits of shipping your car across country with SGT Auto Transport?
There are several benefits you can enjoy if you decide to ship your car across country with us.
Let’s take a quick look at the top examples.
Competitive rates and attractive discounts
Our rates are very competitive and to make our services are even better, we also offer attractive discounts. For example, members of the military and returning snowbirds may be eligible for exclusive discounts.
Reliable and professional service
The carriers we use are fully vetted and subject to various background checks. We ensure your car is shipped safely and securely, the carrier uses the right equipment, and your vehicle is treated with the care it deserves. We aim to ensure your car arrives on time and there are no complications.
Saves time
If you’re thinking about driving yourself, be prepared for the journey to take several days, possibly a week, or even longer. Choose our auto transport service, and you can schedule your shipment for a time that suits you. You can also make sure you’ll be there at the final destination to accept the delivery of your car.
Saves money
Several of the other options previously mentioned will cost more than our car transport service. You don’t have to worry about the cost of unnecessary wear and tear or too many additional travel expenses.
Less planning and stress
Put your trust in us, and we’ll take care of all the arrangements. From the moment you get in touch to request a quote to the final delivery of your vehicle, every little detail is arranged on your behalf by our experienced shipping advisors and the trusted carriers that ship your car.
It’s a safe and convenient option
There’s no safer way to move a car from one location to another, and while your vehicle is being transported, you get to relax during the journey, safe in the knowledge that your vehicle will arrive safely at your door.
We ship from door-to-door
This feature is what makes car shipping such a convenient option. We arrange for the carrier to come as close as they can to your home when they pick up your vehicle. They will also drop your car off as close to your chosen destination as possible.
Your vehicle is protected
Driving your vehicle thousands of miles causes considerable wear and tear. This means additional costly repairs and a reduction in the vehicle’s resale value. You avoid all this extra mileage if you ship your car.
You can ship multiple vehicles
According to figures gathered in 2017, 33.1% of US households owned more than one vehicle. 14.9% have more than three vehicles, 6.1% have four, and 3.4% have five vehicles. Ship your car out of state with us, and you’ll be able to include more than one vehicle in the shipment.
The cost of insurance is reduced
Car insurance rates are often based on the number of miles you drive every year. Take a long-distance road trip, and it could seriously impact the premiums you pay for your car insurance.
What services are available?
A reliable and experienced auto transport company like SGT Auto Transport can offer a range of services. This ensures you get a service that meets your needs. Ship your car across the country with us, and you get the following options:
Open car transport
This auto transport service is the most widely used. Of course, the general public uses this service, as do countless car dealerships. They choose this service to transport both used and new vehicles across the country.
Choose this service, and your vehicle is shipped on an open trailer along with several other vehicles. Of course, your vehicle is exposed to the elements and the surrounding environment, but don’t think that means your vehicle isn’t safe. On the contrary, open car transport is one of the most secure and safest ways to transport a car.
Enclosed auto transport
This type of car shipping service is slightly different because the trailer used is enclosed on all sides. This means the vehicles inside are completely protected from traffic grime and the weather.
Enclosed auto transport is a popular choice for custom, classic, vintage, luxury, high-end, and modified vehicles. Vehicles inside the enclosed trailers are protected throughout their journey. As a result, when you receive your car at the destination, it will be as shiny and clean as the moment it was picked up.
This service costs around 30% to 40% more than open car transport.
Express auto transport
If you need to ship your car super quickly, our express auto transport service ensures it will be dispatched quicker than the standard timeframe, which is between 5 and 7 days.
With express auto transport, this timeframe can be reduced to between 1 and 2 days. However, on average, you can expect to pay around 30% more for this service.
Guaranteed pick-up
If you need to make a last-minute arrangement to ship your car across country, our guaranteed pick-up service means you can make your booking within a 24-hour window. The standard window is 1-4 business days.
Our guaranteed pick-up service is more expensive. Our shipping advisors will be able to provide a personalized quote.
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
Several factors can impact the cost of shipping a car across the country:
- Distance is the main factor: For longer distances, the rate per mile is lower, but overall, the cost is higher.
- Locations for the pick-up and delivery: Costs tend to be lower if these locations are in urban or metropolitan areas.
- Vehicle make and model: Larger and heavier vehicles tend to cost more because the carrier can move fewer vehicles.
- Condition of the vehicle: If your car is inoperable, the carrier will need specialist equipment which adds to the cost.
- Time of the year: Shipping your car during the summer months costs less than in the winter.
- Type of auto transport service: Open auto transport is the most popular service and usually the cheapest. Enclosed auto transport is more expensive because it offers added protection and security. Express car shipping and guaranteed pick-up also cost a little extra.
How long will it take to ship a car across country?
An auto transport carrier can usually cover several hundred miles in a day. However, the time it takes for your car to be shipped from one location to another depends on many things.
It depends on how far your car has to travel, for example. Shorter distances might be done in a day. However, if your vehicle has to travel much further, it could be a week, possibly even longer.
Distance is not the only factor that affects the timeframe. For example, traffic flow, weather conditions, heavy traffic, road constructions, detours, and the number of stops also make a difference.
Selecting the right auto transport company
One of the most important things to look for when choosing an auto transport company to ship your car across country is that they have an excellent safety rating with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can check this on their website using the company name, their DOT number, or MC/MX number. Our MC number is MC 873392, and our DOT number is 2521690.
If you need to move your car across country, get a quote today by calling (864) 546-5038, using Live Chat, or our instant quote calculator.
