Complete the form to get your free coast-to-coast car shipping quote.
Complete the form to get your free coast-to-coast car shipping quote.
Whether you’re relocating for a new job, embarking on a cross-country road trip, or simply planning to
get your vehicle to a different part of the country, shipping a car over such a vast distance can be a complex and daunting task.
It’s not just about getting your car from East to West or vice versa; the task involves making an informed
decision that ensures the safety of your vehicle and choosing the right transportation method that suits your needs, budget and considering the time it takes for the transport to complete.
In this blog, we’ll shed some light on different methods to transport your car from one coast to another
and why car shipping can be the best option for you rather than self-driving.
What is Coast-to-Coast Car Shipping?
Coast-to-coast car shipping is the process of transporting your vehicle from one coast of the United States to another. It is a convenient solution for individuals or businesses who need to move a vehicle from one side of the country to the other but prefer not to drive it themselves due to time, mileage it
accrues on the vehicle, safety, and other considerations.
So, how can you effectively move your car from one place to another? Here’s when a car shipping
company comes into the picture.
These companies have the expertise and equipment to load, secure, and transport your car safely and efficiently, often using specialized transport trailers. The process involves careful planning, adherence to regulations, and considerations such as pick-up and delivery locations, the type of transport (open or
enclosed), and the overall cost.
Why Should You Choose Vehicle Shipping
Instead of Driving Across the City?
Opting for vehicle shipping instead of driving across the country can be a practical and advantageous
choice for several reasons. Let’s understand each one of them in detail.
Avoid Unsafe Road Conditions
We know the risks associated with long road trips, like inter-state driving. If your journey includes traveling through different states, it’s advisable to opt for a car shipping company rather than self-driving.
By doing so, you can spare yourself the anxiety of navigating unfamiliar territories and encountering unsafe road conditions. Handling this task with an expert car shipping company can reduce your mental load to a greater extent.
Renting a Car Can be Expensive
It may hinder your budget if you drop the idea of transporting your car and decide to rent a car instead.
Firstly, driving a car that isn’t your own can be uneasy; secondly, rental cars come with their own set of problems, including high rental costs and additional insurance fees.
Save Time on Your Journey
Driving from the East Coast to the West Coast can pose challenges like traffic, unpredictable road conditions, and interactions with other drivers. For instance, driving from New York to LA could take over 40 hours of continuous driving. To simplify things, consider shipping your car across the country.
Cut Down on Travel Expenses
Have you ever calculated the total expenses of a road trip across the country? Driving a car can be a costly affair as you need to spend on fuel, lodging, food, and any unforeseen circumstances. For instance, driving from one coast to the other likely requires you to pay for hotels, gas, and accruing nearly 3,000 miles on your vehicle. Shipping your car can not only save you time but reduce these expenses significantly
Make Your Travel Smooth
When embarking on long car journeys, weather-related holdups, poor road conditions, and vehicle troubles can all lead to delays ranging from a few hours to several days. Instead of going through all of this, hand over the task to a reputed car shipping company that can take all these headaches and give you a peace of mind while moving.
Steps to Ship Your Car from East Coast to West Coast
Shipping your car from the East Coast to the West Coast is not as daunting as it sounds. All it takes
is seven easy steps. Let’s go through each in detail.
Research About Car Shipping Companies
Do your research properly
When shipping your car from coast to coast, thorough research on car shipping companies is essential. Start by conducting online research, reading customer reviews, and gathering quotes from multiple providers.
Check for licensing and insurance
To ensure they operate legally verify their licensing and insurance. You can check their USDOT number on the FMCSA website and ask for proof of insurance. Seek recommendations from trusted sources and examine services, customer support, and contract terms.
Checking other requirements
Be diligent in understanding insurance coverage, checking for hidden costs, and getting all agreements in writing. This comprehensive research ensures you select a reliable car shipping company for a hassle-free coast-to-coast transport.
Choose the Right Shipping Method
Let’s make your decision-making process easier by helping you understand various car shipping
methods from which you can choose that best suits your requirements.
Terminal-to-terminal Shipping
Terminal-to-terminal shipping involves leaving your vehicle at a designated terminal for pickup and later retrieving it from another terminal at the destination.
Door-to-Door home delivery entails having your vehicle picked up from a residential or commercial address and delivered to another residential or commercial address.
Open auto transport is the most common and cost effective method of car shipping; vehicles are loaded onto open trailers, which lack sides and roofs, leave the vehicles on board exposed to the elements.
Enclosed car it provides the most protection for your vehicle and can be a more expensive mode of transportation; vehicles are protected from weather, debris and road hazards.
Regular Car Shipping
Regular car shipping operates on a standard schedule and can take several days to a few weeks for delivery.
If you are in a rush, you can choose express car
shipping services. While this method come at a higher price, it ensures your vehicle arrives on schedule.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping
Shipping your car involves more than just handing over the keys. There are usually some suggested
steps to take before sending off your car.
01
Vehicle Inspection
Prior to shipping your car, it’s important to get it inspected and perform routine maintenance tasks like inflating tires, checking fluids, and ensuring the battery is in good condition.
After a professional inspection, take photos of any existing dings, dents, scratches, or interior damage. This documentation is valuable in case your vehicle sustains any new damages during transport, especially on open carriers.
02
Clear Your Car of Items Both Inside and Outside
To enhance security and protect against damage during shipping, it’s best to empty your car of all items. This includes valuable belongings inside the vehicle, as car shipping companies’ insurance generally doesn’t cover personal property.
Don’t forget to remove external attachments like bike racks and roof packs, which can be easily damaged and obstruct the loading and unloading process.
03
Make the Quantity of the Fuel Limited
Your vehicle should have a quarter-and-a-half-tank of gas during the move. Avoid exceeding this range, as too much fuel can complicate loading and unloading and add unnecessary weight to the shipment.
04
Get the Spare Keys
If you don’t possess an additional set of keys, consider having a spare one created. Keep in mind that one set of keys must stay with the car. Having a spare set is essential in case the original keys are misplaced or stolen, ensuring you can retrieve your car upon arrival.
05
Book Your Car Shipment
This step involves contacting the car company and specifying the details of your shipment, such as pickup and delivery locations and dates and securing a spot of your car on one of their carriers.
Tracking Your Car Shipment
Car shipping companies often provide tracking services, which use technologies like GPS to give you real-time updates on your vehicle’s journey. This service includes details like the car’s current location, estimated arrival time, and key milestones during transport.
Having the ability to track your car shipment offers peace of mind, ensuring you stay well-informed about your vehicle’s progress and its expected arrival at the destination.
Inspect Your Vehicle
Upon receiving a notification from the car shipping company regarding the estimated arrival date and time, you should thoroughly inspect any possible damages that may have happened during
transit.
This inspection should be compared to the documentation from the initial assessment conducted at the pickup location. Additionally, ensure that any necessary paperwork is completed with the driver and that any outstanding payments or fees are settled as per the agreement.
Completing these steps ensures the safe and satisfactory receipt of your vehicle on the West
Coast, effectively concluding the coast-to-coast car shipping process.
What is the Cost of Shipping the Car From East to West?
The price for transporting your car from one coast to another is influenced by several factors, such as
Total moving distance
As the distance your vehicle needs to be shipped increases, the overall cost rises, but the cost per mile typically decreases.
Size of your Vehicle
Shipping costs for larger vehicles are generally higher due to their greater space requirements on the carrier, in contrast to smaller cars.
Type of Transportation
The type of transportation you select will have a great impact on the cost. Enclosed car carriers provide added protection and are typically more expensive than open ones.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
Shipping your car from metropolitan cities can be cheaper due to the higher availability of transport trucks
Seasonality
Cost fluctuations can occur depending on the time of year, with peak seasons such as the winter months (for snowbirds relocating) potentially leading to price increases.
Let us give you a brief view of the costs of shipping your car from the East Coast to the West Coast based on miles. These figures are approximate and intended to offer a general estimate of shipping costs. The actual cost may vary based on your unique requirements and the previously mentioned factors.
At ACERTUS, our experienced team can assist you in obtaining an accurate quote on your vehicle shipment.
How Long Does It Take to Ship the Car?
From the moment you hand your vehicle over to a car transport service, the usual timeframe for
interstate delivery typically ranges from 4 to 8 days, provided no unforeseen delays are encountered along the shipping route.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the exact duration of your car’s journey from one state to another can be affected by various factors like road conditions, weather climate, time, traffic conditions and others.
In cases where your car’s route covers multiple states, the transit time might potentially stretch to as long as 3 weeks before it reaches the final destination.
To have your car shipped and delivered early, we recommend booking pickup dates several weeks in
advance
What are The Most Popular Vehicle Shipping Routes?
Let’s explore the United States’ top 10 auto transport routes, which are consistently busy with a significant number of vehicle shipments.
• New York, NY to Miami, FL
• Los Angeles, CA to Orlando, FL
• Chicago, IL to Tampa, FL
• Houston, TX to Jacksonville, FL
• Atlanta, GA to Miami, FL
• Philadelphia, PA to Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Dallas, TX, to West Palm Beach, FL
• Boston, MA to Naples, FL
• San Francisco, CA to Sarasota, FL
• Washington D.C. to Saint Petersburg, FL
Conclusion
When you’re moving to a new state, you’ll likely want your car with you in your new neighborhood.
Driving it there is an option, but it can add stress to an already challenging task of moving.
Hence, the best alternative to transport your vehicle from one coast to another is getting it shipped. By choosing the right car shipping company and staying informed throughout the process, you can ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely and on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents should I need for car shipping?
The essential documents for car shipping include the vehicle title, bill of lading, proof of insurance, driver’s license, vehicle registration, pickup and delivery instructions, and contact information.
Can I track my car’s shipment during transport?
Yes, many car shipping companies offer tracking services that allow you to monitor your car’s shipment in real-time, providing information on its location and estimated arrival time.
Is It possible to ship multiple vehicles at once?
Yes, it is possible to ship multiple vehicles at once using an auto transport service. These services often offer options for shipping multiple cars on the same carrier, which can be more cost-effective if you have several vehicles to transport.
What are the best times of the year to ship a car from coast to coast?
The best times of the year to ship a car from coast to coast in the United States are typically during the spring and fall seasons. These periods generally offer more favorable weather conditions and milder temperatures, reducing the risk of transport delays due to extreme heat, cold, or adverse weather
What if I need to change the shipping dates after booking?
To change car shipping dates after booking, contact the car transport company, review the contract terms, and check for available alternative dates while considering potential pricing adjustments
