How long does it take?
The time frame for transporting your car depends on a few (obvious) constraints: distance, weather, and time of year (or busy seasons). Notification is subjective based on the company and the availability of their trucks, but you should contact the company 2-4 weeks before you need their services. In general, shipping dates will look like this:
-South to North: 5 to 8 days
-Midwest to East Coast: 5 to 8 days
-East to West Coast: 7 to 14 days
Pricing
The cost is calculated based on:
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Distance
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Size of car (SUVs may cost more. If your car is over a certain height [like 7 feet], there may be more fees.)
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weight of car (maybe! especially if the company allows boxes to be in car)
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functionality of car (if car doesn’t work or can’t even roll, additional fees will be added)
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Additions to car (camper shells)
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Gas prices also affect the pricing
The type of service provided will be priced differently, too:
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Door-to-door service more expensive than terminal-to-terminal service
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Enclosed transporting is more expensive than open vehicle transporting
Ballpark Pricing
Although pricing may vary based on the above variables, a shipment from Massachusetts to Florida would typically cost you about $800-$1000.
Car Preparation
The company you use will give you a list of how to prepare your car for transporting. Some of these include:
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Removing everything personal from car (boxes, removable CD players) This is especially important since, usually, any items stolen are not covered by insurance or the company.
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Taking off bike, skiing, and luggage racks
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Winterizing your car if traveling through cold states
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Disconnecting alarm systems
Protect yourself:
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Contracts: It’s imperative that you read all contracts thoroughly before signing. If any agreements were made over the phone or by e-mail, make sure that they are written into the contract. Also, call your insurance company to make sure you know what is or is not covered by them. That way you won’t be double insuring your car. Also, ask the company thoroughly about their insurance and what it does or does not cover.
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Paper work: Unless you’re leaving the country, the car company should only need your signature. DO NOT hand over your title or registration. If the company says they need it, make them a copy of it.
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Take pictures: Just to make sure you’re protected, take pictures of the car at the company’s location or with the truck in the background. This will give you some footing incase there’s a discrepancy.
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Take a double look: When your car is delivered, check it thoroughly in day light. If the car arrives at night, insist that you be able to check it during the day.
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In the below example we compare the costs of shipping your car and flying versus driving your car and stopping along the way.
