---

You’ve got your destination set!  Now let’s get you there. Whether you are shipping for a move, for vacation, or for a customer, a cross-country auto shipper can help complete your task. However, it’s important to stay flexible and knowledgeable with your plan.  The open road is always full of surprises and we want to help you stay on course.

Here’s a quick checklist of car shipping tips and tricks to help you plan Moving vehicles across the country

1. Commit to a shipping company

YIt’s a common mistake for new customers to book with several auto transport companies, thinking this will increase their chances of being picked up.  Unfortunately this can confuse and delay your process significantly since all loads are posted up in full transparency with the Department of Transportation.  When Companies see multiple listings for the same vehicle, they may not assign the order, thinking that it may have been picked up.  It’s best to choose a carrier and commit to them.

If you aren’t sure which Company to choose, do a price comparison and chat with a couple places to see which Company best understands your route and schedule.  Make sure the Companies you quote all have good ratings from online review sites or the Better Business Bureau.

2. Keeping a flexible and realistic time frame

The cost to ship a car across the country doesn’t have to be a strain on your budget.  Stand-by rates and a flex schedule can offer discounts for the move.  Companies will work with you to provide a variety of pricing for expedited vs flex scheduling.

Dispatching is a process of assigning drivers going your route at exactly the same time of your first available pickup date.  So always make sure to allow the dispatcher ample time to assign your driver by providing a pickup date with some buffer room around your schedule.  For example, if you know your flight is on the 5th, try to schedule your first available pick up date a week or more earlier.

3. Prep your pickup and delivery contacts

While your auto transport company will try to give you a window of time, you should still plan for potential delays as drivers face traffic, weather, or prior client delays along the way.

4. Know your locations

If your location has a cul de sac, check-in process, low-hanging trees, mountains or narrow driveways, be sure to communicate this with your auto transport company.  They will work with you to coordinate a safe arrival.  They may ask to meet at a secondary location to comply with zoning or location restrictions.

Complete a visual inspection of your vehicle before handing your car off to the carrier and again when receiving your car at the delivery point.  Your driver will present you with a Bill of Lading, which documents the condition of your car before and after the transport.

5. Prep your car for release

Make sure your gas is less than ¼ of a tank.  This is for your car and your drivers safety. If you’re packing items, make sure they are secured in the back or trunk and won’t obstruct the windows.  Ensure no flammable, explosive, or illegal items are in your vehicle as drivers routinely pass through checkpoints.

6. Remove any valuable items

Most often, insurance only covers transport of the vehicle and not any items inside.  So consider this when deciding what to pack.  Also, if you decide to pack your car, talk to your auto transport company about the rules per the Department of Transportation.

7. Get Coverage

Having the right insurance coverage is extremely important not only for your peace of mind, but also to ensure that any unfortunate damages that occur during shipment will be taken care of properly. If you’re shipping a vintage car or otherwise expensive vehicle, look into whether or not you should purchase additional insurance from a third-party provider to supplement the coverage offered by your auto transport company.

8. Be aware of fees

When receiving quotes from companies, be sure to ask upfront about any hidden costs, fees, taxes, and tolls.  A good broker will have those costs built into their pricing to avoid additional charges during and after your move.

Having your car shipped across the country is a bit different than driving it yourself. Though as long as you’re prepared, shipping your car cross-country can be a relatively smooth and pain-free process. If you’re in need of this service, contact Stateway Auto today to receive your free quote.

Return to Blog