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Whether you are moving for a fresh start, have purchased your dream car online or sold one to someone in a distant city, there are many reasons you may be wondering how to transport a vehicle across the country.
We’re here to help. When shipping a car across the country, there are multiple shipping and delivery methods for you to choose from:
- Open Trailer Transportation
- Enclosed Container Transportation
- Door-to-Door Shipping
- Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
In this blog, we’ll tackle all the topics related to cross-country transportation, including the costs of shipping a car, different types of transport, and how to select a logistics provider, giving you a clear understanding of how to transport a vehicle across the country.
What is Cross-Country Vehicle Shipping?
Cross-country shipping is a vehicle transport method for moving vehicles from city to city or state to state anywhere in the country. Typically, cross-country shipping typically takes 6-8 days.
People ship their vehicles across the country for various reasons: to start a new job, relocate to a different city, receive a car they have purchased or ship it to a distant buyer. Regardless of why you want to ship your vehicle across the country, we’re here to help you get the smoothest shipping experience possible.
The Steps Involved in Cross-Country Vehicle Shipping
Before we go any further, let’s understand the various steps involved in cross-country vehicle shipping. Here’s how it works:
Research logistics providers
The first thing you’ll want to do is make a list of your cross-country vehicle shipping needs. This could include shipping insurance, expedited shipping or white-glove handling.
Based on this, research the different logistics providers that provide such services for crosscountry vehicle shipping.
You can choose different shipping methods, such as open, enclosed or expedited shipping. You can also select from different delivery methods: such as door-to-door delivery or terminal-to-terminal transportation.
Finally, you can choose from among a host of national, subnational or regional carriers that offer cross-country shipping services.
Choose the best logistics provider for your needs
Next, based on your preliminary research, select the transport provider that best fits your cross-country vehicle shipping needs.
To do this, we recommend making a list of the services you need and choosing a shipping company that checks all of your boxes.
Book the transport
Now, it’s time to book the transport. To get the smoothest possible shipping experience and the best rates, we recommend booking the transport as far in advance as you can.
Ideally, you should look to book the pick-up at least 15 days in advance. This will help you prepare your vehicle for its pick-up and transit.
Booking in advance will also help the shipping provider schedule your vehicle’s pick-up as conveniently as possible, thereby minimizing the chances of a delay.
Prepare your vehicle for transit
As the scheduled pick-up date gets closer, it’s time to prepare your car for its transit. Prepare your vehicle for pick-up in five easy steps:
- Thoroughly clean your vehicle inside and out; inspect your car for any existing damage, such as scratches, dents or marks.
- Take pictures of your vehicle from different angles, including pictures of the pre-existing damage; ensure that the pictures are stamped with the time and date for your record.
- Next, take all your personal belongings out of the vehicle. These may include electronics or toll transponders: since personal belongings are not covered by the transit insurance, removing them will help you minimize chances of financial loss.
- Remove or secure any loose parts, such as spoilers and antennas. This will further help you avoid any damage during the transit.
- Lastly, perform a maintenance check on your vehicle. Confirm that the battery is charged and that the tires are inflated and in working condition. Make sure that the gas tank has some fuel so that the carrier can move the vehicle in case of an emergency.
Meet the carrier for pickup
Now, it’s time to meet the carrier and hand over your car for transit. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork for the carrier to verify.
The carrier will perform an inspection of the car during the pick-up to document any existing damages.
After conducting the inspection, the carrier will record the details of your vehicle onto the Bill of Lading. This document is important as it states the details of your vehicle, including its size, weight, model, condition and destination.
Once the details are filled out, the carrier will submit the Bill of Lading electronically via a mobile app. You will need to go through the document and sign it: a copy will be emailed to you for your records.
Track your vehicle as it travels to your destination
No matter how far your vehicle has to travel, ACERTUS’ powerful technology and carrier connectivity enables you to easily track its journey from pick up to delivery.
We will also send status updates for key milestones, such as pick up, transit status, and estimated delivery time.
Accept your vehicle delivery
Lastly, it’s time to accept your car’s delivery: the carrier will notify you when your vehicle is nearing its delivery. You or someone you trust must be present for the delivery.
This is because you and the carrier will inspect the car for any damage that might have occurred during the transit. We recommend that you compare your car with the pictures you took while preparing it for transport.
If you notice any new damage, ensure that the carrier records it on the Bill of Lading. This will help you when making an insurance claim.
What is the Best Way to Ship a Vehicle Across the Country?
There are different ways to ship your vehicle across the country. Certain vehicles, such as motorcycles, powersports vehicles, ATVs, and golf carts, require special services and equipment. On the other hand, car shipping has dedicated transportation methods and routes.
However, there are three standard types of shipping and delivery methods you can choose from:
Open Carrier vs. Enclosed Container
Open container shipping is the cheapest way to transport your vehicle across the country. Your vehicle travels aboard an open trailer with several other cars and follows a common route. This method requires more time, as the trailer may have to make several stops to load and unload vehicles on its route.
Enclosed container shipping is more expensive but protects your vehicles from extreme weather conditions and natural elements like rain, heat, snow and hail. Use this method if you’re looking to ship a classic, rare or expensive vehicle.
Enclosed car transport is popular with users who want to eliminate any risk of damage to their precious vehicle, whereas open car transport is the most widely used method of transporting cars across the country.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Door-to-door shipping service is the most convenient method of delivery. The carrier will pick up and drop off your car at any residential or business location of your choosing.
However, this method costs more because the carrier may have to pick up or drop off your car from remote locations with poor highway connectivity.
Terminal-to-terminal vehicle transportation is cheaper but requires more effort. You will have to drop off and pick up your car at the terminal or hub from which the carrier ships cars to different locations.
While it is cost-effective, you’ll have to spend time delivering and picking up the vehicle from a terminal.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Carrier for Cross-Country Vehicle Transportation
When every shipping company claims to provide the best, industry-standard cross-country shipping services, choosing the right carrier can be daunting. Consider the following factors when comparing different carriers and choose the one that best suits your needs:
Transport Time
Timing is the first consideration for cross-country transportation. Even if you are flexible on your pick-up and delivery time (which we recommend to get the best deal), you should consider the transit time a carrier offers.
The average carrier covers 400-600 miles a day. So, for neighboring or nearby states (such as New York to Michigan, Florida to Texas, or Oklahoma to Colorado), vehicle transportation may take 4-5 days. For faraway states (New York to California, Michigan to Washington or Georgia to Nevada), vehicle shipping may take 7-9 days.
Vehicle Type, Size and Condition
If you want to ship a truck, golf cart or motorcycle, make sure the shipping provider has the equipment and experience necessary to move these types of vehicles.
Your vehicle’s operability is also a factor that may affect your choice in shipping companies. Many companies will not ship broken-down or non-running vehicles. So, choose a company that understands the condition of your vehicle and will cater to its requirements.
Insurance Coverage
While almost all companies provide transit insurance, you must choose a shipping company that covers your car bumper to bumper from the time it is picked up to the time it is dropped off.
ACERTUS provides industry-leading car transport insurance that will help you eliminate outof- pocket expenses in case of damage to your vehicle during transportation.
Seasonal Consideration
Vehicle transportation companies charge varying prices according to the season in which you’re shipping your vehicle. Summers are busy for vehicle transportation companies: people are starting school, joining new offices or moving across the country. So, the prices are higher during this time.
On the other hand, February, March and April are bearish for the vehicle transportation industry. So, if you’re flexible on your car’s transportation timeline, schedule a pick-up as far in advance as possible to get the cheapest deal possible.
Reputation of the Shipping Company
Before booking with a shipping company, check its reputation. Read the company’s customer reviews on a shipping marketplace, Google or its own website.
Focus especially on the reviews that detail the company’s customer care services and the insurance claims process. You might have to contact the carrier’s customer care in case of delays in pickup and drop-off or file a claim for insurance in case of damage. So, you should know what to expect from the carrier.
Lastly, note down the carrier’s MC number designated by the US Department of Transport and ensure that the carrier follows the FMCSA rules and regulations that govern transportation companies across America. That way, you can be sure your vehicle is in safe hands.
With ACERTUS, you can be sure that your vehicle will be transported by a carefully vetted, reliable carrier that has experience in cross-country vehicle transportation. We use our decades of experience in the cross-country vehicle shipping industry to deliver the best possible transit for your vehicle.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Cross-Country Shipping
Once you have scheduled your vehicle’s cross-country transport, it’s time to prepare it for its transit. To prepare your vehicle for its journey, follow these simple steps:
Wash Your Vehicle
First, thoroughly wash and clean your vehicle inside and out. Be sure to remove any personal belongings as these can add weight to the vehicle.
Take Pictures of Pre-Existing Damage
Next, examine the car for any existing damage, such as scratches, marks or dents. If you notice any damage, take pictures of it from different angles.
Ensure that the images are stamped with the date and time for your record. These images will help you avoid any disputes with the carrier in case of damage during the transit.
Remove or Secure Loose Parts
Further, secure or remove any loose parts from your vehicle. These may include spoilers or antennas. Removing and/or securing these parts will help you minimize the possibility of damages.
Perform a Maintenance Check
Lastly, perform a maintenance check and ensure that the gas tank is at least 1/8th full, as this will help the carrier move your car in case of unforeseen emergencies. We recommend that you record your vehicle’s mileage, check for leaks and inform the driver if there are any mechanical issues.
Further, ensure that the tires on your vehicle are inflated and that the battery is properly charged.
If you’re looking for a smooth cross-country vehicle transportation experience, ACERTUS is here to help. We specialize in cross-country car shipping and vehicle transport solutions to help you move safely.
Get an instant, commitment-free quote or connect with one of our cross-country vehicle shipping experts to get started on your vehicle’s cross-country journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cross-country vehicle shipping?
Cross-country vehicle shipping is a method of transporting your car from city to city or state to state across the country. It helps you cover long distances in less time, saving money and providing you with your precious car just when and where you need it.
What are the best methods for shipping a vehicle long distances?
The best shipping method for long-distance vehicle transport depends on the car you are moving. For standard cars, open trailer transportation is the cheapest method, whereas for rare, expensive and classic cars, we recommend enclosed container shipping.
How long does it take to transport a vehicle across the country?
The average carrier travels 400-600 miles a day. Thus, vehicle transport to a neighboring or nearby state can take 4-5 days. Vehicle transport to a faraway state (like New York to California or Florida to Washington) can take around 7-9 days.
What factors affect the cost of cross-country vehicle shipping?
The cost of cross-country shipping is affected by the type, make, model, size and weight of your vehicle, the distance to the destination, the prevailing fuel prices, the method of transportation and delivery, and accessory services like insurance and instant tracking.
How do I choose the right vehicle transport company?
To choose the right vehicle transport company, make sure that it is registered with the US Department of Transportation and has a valid Motor Carrier number. Next, verify that the carrier has experience shipping cars using your preferred transportation method. Then, go through the carrier’s customer reviews that detail people’s experiences with the customer service and claim filing process.
Is my vehicle insured during cross-country shipping?
Yes, ACERTUS provides comprehensive liability and cargo-contingent insurance coverage on all moves.
What should I do to prepare my vehicle for shipping?
To prepare your vehicle for its transportation, follow three simple steps. First, remove all personal belongings from the vehicle. Next, thoroughly clean it from inside and outside. Lastly, perform a maintenance check: check the battery, tire pressure and odometer of your car. Don’t forget to take pictures from different angles to compare with your car’s condition at time of delivery.
Are there any additional services I should consider?
When selecting a transport provider, you may consider accessory services like shipment tracking and status notifications, expedited shipping, door-to-door service and more. Ensure that the accessory services suit your priorities, meet your needs and fit your budget.
Can I track my vehicle during the shipping process?
Yes, ACERTUS makes tracking your car’s journey easy. You’ll receive status updates throughout the shipping process that notify you of your car’s progress.
