Are you an online car buyer feeling overwhelmed by the shipping process? Fear not, we’ve got you covered! Shiping a car long distance across the country can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and planning, it can be a hassle-free process.
Get ready to become a car shipping expert! Our article covers everything from researching and selecting a car shipping company to ensuring a safe and smooth delivery. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced online shopper, we’ve got the tips and tricks to make the process a breeze. So buckle up and let’s get started!
What is Long-Distance Car Transport?
A service called long-distance car transport assists you in moving your vehicle from one place to another, usually across a great distance.
It could be from one city to another, from one state to another, from one coast to another, or from somewhere else. Your car is picked up by an auto transport company, which then places it into a trailer. It is shipped across the nation and delivered to the address of your choice.
What are the reasons to buy a car out of state?
- Cost Savings: In some states, cars may be less expensive due to lower taxes, lower overhead costs for dealerships, or a larger supply of used cars. Check out our latest article on the cheapest states to buy a car.
- Wider Selection: Buying a car out of state may allow you to access a wider selection of vehicles, particularly if you’re in the market for a rare or hard-to-find model.
- Better Deals: Dealerships in some states may offer better financing or lease options than those in your local area, making it advantageous to purchase a car out of state.
- Avoiding Local Market Conditions: If the local car market in your area is particularly competitive or crowded, purchasing a car out of state may help you find a better deal and avoid the stress of negotiating with multiple dealerships.
- Relocation: If you’re relocating to a new state, purchasing a car out of state before you arrive may be a convenient option, especially if you’re moving to a rural or remote area where there are limited dealership options.
What is the process to ship a car long distance?
- Requesting a Quote: Long-distance car transport often starts with a consumer contacting an auto transport company to request a quote.
- Vehicle Details: The customer gives details such as the brand, model, year, and condition of the car to be transported as well as the pick-up and delivery locations.
- Shipping Company Offers a Quote: After that, the shipping company offers a quote for the transport that typically includes the transport’s price, the delivery date, and any other costs or services that might be necessary.
- Pick up The Vehicle: The vehicle is picked up from its location and loaded onto a trailer for transport after the customer accepts the quote and makes arrangements with the shipping company.
- Updated Client by Shipping Company: As the vehicle is being transported, the shipping company will keep the client updated on its location and anticipated delivery date.
- Vehicle Delivery and Final Payment Settled: When it is delivered, the car is taken off the trailer and checked to make sure it arrives safely. The transfer is formed and the customer is in charge of paying any remaining fees or charges if the customer is happy with the state of the vehicle.
Read our latest article to find out how much to tip a truck driver after receiving your car
How long does it take to ship a car long distance?
Depending on how far they have to go, a different span of time is required to deliver your car. If your car needs to be transported a long distance, it can take a week or even more than a day. If the pick-up or delivery locations are far away from a city, it can take much longer.
Other factors that could impact the timeframe include:
- The number of stops
- The flow of traffic
- Weather conditions
- Road construction and diversions
- Traffic jams
Estimated Time to ship a car Long Distance
| Distance in Miles | Estimated Delivery Time in Days |
|---|---|
| 0 - 500 Miles | 1 - 3 Days |
| 500 - 1000 Miles | 3 - 5 Days |
| 1000 - 1500 Miles | 4 - 6 Days |
| 1500 - 2000 Miles | 5 - 7 Days |
| 2000 - 2500 Miles | 7 - 9 Days |
Additionally, the Department of Transportation has established a limit of 70 hours per week that a truck driver may legally spend driving. This is another factor that impacts how long it takes to ship a car across the country.
What is the estimated cost to ship a car long distance?
A number of factors determine the car shipping cost, such as the model and weight of the car, as well as the distance and mode of car transportation. However, you should plan on spending about $600 – $1000 for short distances, and up to $1,600 – $2000 for long distances.
Estimated Cost to Ship a Car Long Distance
| Distance in Miles | Estimated Cost in $ |
|---|---|
| 1 - 300 Miles | $100 - $450 |
| 300 - 600 Miles | $550 - $600 |
| 600 - 1000 Miles | $600 - $750 |
| 1000 - 1500 Miles | $750 - $1100 |
| 1500 - 2000 Miles | $1100 - $1200 |
| More than 2000 Miles | $1200 - more |
How much does it cost to ship a car long distance internationally?
The average cost of shipping a car internationally can range from $2,000 to $5,000 for ocean transportation and from $5,000 to $40,000 for air transportation depending on the distance and type of car.
The final cost of shipping a car overseas depends on many factors, such as the distance between your destination, timeframe, type of vehicle, and its condition.
AutoStar Transport Express will give you an instant quote using a car shipping calculator if you want to know the exact cost of shipping your car. Chat online, or call 888-802-8250.
Want to know the exact cost to ship a car long distance?
What are the safety measures to ship a car long distance?
Once you’ve decided on a shipping service, it’s time to get your car ready for transport. You should also make sure your car is in good running condition, clean, and free of any personal items. Here are some tips to help you get your car ready:
- Clean your car inside and out.
- Remove all valuables and personal things like Clothing, electronics, and jewelry are frequently prohibited by shipping firms from being sent with your vehicle.
- Turn off the automobile alarm. This will stop it from sounding while being transported and distracting the driver.
- Check your car’s oil, batteries, brakes, and tires to make sure it is prepared for the trip. Your car should be in good condition.
What are the services used to ship a car long distance?
There are various options available when you book a long-distance car transport service. One or more of the following services may be provided, depending on the company.
- Open Car Transport: is the most common type of shipping service and involves placing your car on an open trailer for transport. It is typically the most affordable option, but it does expose your car to the elements and potential road debris.
- Enclosed Car Transport: involves placing your car in a fully enclosed trailer for added protection during the journey. It is more expensive, but it provides added protection for your car and is a good choice for high-end or luxury vehicles. When choosing a shipping service, consider the value of your car, the distance of the shipment, and your budget.
- Door-to-Door Car Transport: This process involves picking up and delivering your car to the addresses of your choice. The convenience of a close drop-off will cost more, but for many people, it’s worth the extra money.
- Terminal-to-Terminal Car Trasport: This less expensive method of car shipping involves shipping your car off at one location and picking it up at a different one. If you must leave your car at a shipping port for any period of time, there can also be storage charges.
How to find a reliable transport company to ship a car long-distance?
Finding a trustworthy car transport company can be difficult, but by simply following the following instructions, you can improve your chances of doing so:
- Conduct Research: To learn more about various auto transport companies’ reputations and quality of service, start by reading customer reviews. Additionally, you may look up their rankings with agencies like the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Get Referrals: By asking friends, family members, or coworkers if they have ever used a car shipping company and how satisfied they were with the service. A good informational resource is a personal recommendation.
- Obtain Several Quotes: Get rates from several auto transport companies. Compare the prices and services given between the quotes, and be sure to inquire about any additional fees or hidden costs.
- Verify Their Credentials: Confirm that the auto transport company has the necessary insurance and licenses. Consult the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to confirm their credentials (FMCSA).
- Verify Their Experience: Choose a company with experience in the kind of travel you require, and make sure to enquire about their expertise in long-distance auto transport.
- Carefully Read The Contract: Make sure to read a contract thoroughly before you sign it, and if you have any concerns, ask them. Make sure you understand the contract’s provisions, including the cost, delivery time, and any additional services.
- Communicate With the Company: In order to ensure a smooth and effective transfer, it is important to communicate with the company. Make sure you are familiar with the company’s policies and procedures and don’t hesitate to speak up about any concerns or ask questions.
You can improve your chances of selecting a reputable and qualified car transport company by paying attention to these tips. It’s also important to keep in mind that the most reasonably priced choice might not always be the best and that you might have to pay a little bit more for good service and confirmation.
Hassle-Free Long Distance Auto Transport with AutoStar Transport Express
Are you in the business of buying or selling cars? AutoStar Transport Express has got your back! We make transporting your car a breeze, no matter if you’re a dealership, auction house, or individual.
Our team is committed to providing top-notch customer service, ensuring that your vehicle is handled with care and delivered safely and on time. Plus, we provide an efficient and reliable shipping solution for cars purchased online, so you can focus on what really matters – your business.
But before you hit the road, it’s important to understand what’s involved, what it can cost, and your options with AutoStar Transport Express. Moving your vehicle a long distance can be a major matter, but with our expert guidance, it can be a hassle-free experience. Contact us today to learn more and let’s get your car moving!
