The average American moves 11.7 times in their life. So if that number's still at 1 for you, you probably have many relocations to look forward to!
When you do move, you'll want to bring your car. It's a vital mode of transportation and you'd be horribly inconvenienced without it, after all.
Moving down the street or even to a nearby city is a cinch. But relocating to another state? That's a whole different story!
How can you transport a car easily, no matter how far you're moving?
Here are your options when it comes to state-to-state transport for vehicles.
Drive Yourself
Many people think the cheapest option is to drive their own car from point A to B. At first glance, it is; you're not paying anyone to transport your vehicle and all you have to pay for is gas, food, and lodging if necessary.
However, there are many disadvantages to DIYing auto transport.
First of all, you need to take time off of work. Some state-to-state drives can be done in a day, so that won't affect your income too much.
But if you're moving from one coast to the other, then this can heavily impact how much money you're putting in the bank. In fact, the money to hire a professional auto transporter would be just a fraction of the income you're losing!
Making long drives on your own can be dangerous as well. Drowsy driving is even more dangerous than drunk driving, so if you're not used to driving long distances, your chances of an accident are higher.
Also, you're putting wear and tear on your vehicle. Even if it's brand new, that mileage is unnecessary, especially since you can just load it up on a hauler.
Lastly, wouldn't you rather spend your last few days in town with loved ones rather than driving across the country?
Hire a Car Shipper
Hiring a professional is the better way to go. Not only can you continue working without interruption, but you can also trust that your car will be shipped safely.
So how do you go about hiring a pro? Here are the steps.
Check Out Your Options
Before you commit to one car shipping company, take a look at the options available first. Not every auto shipper will provide services in every state, so you want to make sure you're not wasting your time in your search.
Not only should you look at their available auto transport services and service area, but you should also check the companies' reputations. Browsing customer reviews will give you a good idea of whether you can trust these businesses.
Request Quotes
Once you've narrowed down your choices, it's time to request quotes. This is an important step, as you'll get a rough idea of how much it'll cost to transport a car.
When asking for quotes, you'll be able to fill out your preferences.
For example, do you want open or enclosed transport? Would you like economy, standard, or expedited shipping? Where do you want your car picked up and dropped off?
Your answers all have their own pros and cons, so play around with the estimator tool if there's one.
More importantly, you'll be able to weed out more businesses at this step. Those who charge too little might be lowballing their costs to draw you in, and they'll likely add extra charges when you choose them. And there are just companies that plain overcharge for their services.
Set up the Pickup and Dropoff Dates
Lastly, when you've picked your state-to-state auto transport company, confirm with the agent when and where you'd like your vehicle picked up and delivered. You won't have to pay for anything until you receive your car!
The agent will go over the things you'll need to do to prep your car for transport. For instance, you'll need to thoroughly clean it out, remove all personal items, and make sure there's only 1/4th tank of gas left.
Pickup Day
On pickup day, you'll meet the trucker to do a pre-drive check. If there's any existing damage to your vehicle, it'll be noted.
Once the inspection's done, you'll both sign the inspection report and the bill of lading. Your vehicle will be loaded up and it's the start of transporting a car to another state!
While it's in transit, you can check in on the status by inputting your order number on the car shipper's site. You can also contact the driver if you have any questions or concerns.
Dropoff Day
When the trucker's reached your destination, you'll receive a notification. You'll meet up with them to do another inspection to determine whether your car's sustained damage during its trip.
If everything's fine, you'll both sign another bill of lading. Then, you're free to drive home!
However, if you believe your vehicle's been damaged in transit, contact the car transport company. By filing a claim, they'll be able to reimburse you. You'll then have enough money to cover the costs of auto repairs.
For State-to-State Transport, Trust the Pros
State-to-state transport for cars can be a whole ordeal. Don't try to go it alone, as it'll be a hassle.
Instead, turn to professional car shippers. They'll be able to connect you with a skilled and experienced driver who will get your vehicle to you in one piece. And better yet, it'll be affordable too!
So don't make the same mistake others have made before you. Speak to an expert and make your move an easy one.
