Moving across the country or buying a car from another region brings up a lot of practical questions. How do you get the vehicle to your driveway without racking up high mileage? What should you do if the body gets dinged along the way?
Whether you are relocating for work, buying a project car, or just sending a vehicle to a family member, managing shipping and repairs smoothly comes down to a few basic steps.
Why Shipping Is Often Better Than Driving
When faced with getting a car across multiple state lines, driving it yourself seems like the obvious choice at first. However, once you factor in fuel costs, hotel stays, food, and long hours behind the wheel, driving isn’t always the cheapest or easiest option.
Long highway runs also take a toll on your vehicle. Driving thousands of miles causes tire wear, puts extra stress on your engine, and leaves your front bumper exposed to gravel, insects, and harsh weather. Hiring a car transport company lets you avoid all that wear and tear while keeping your schedule open for the rest of your move.
Step-by-Step Prep Before Handing Over the Keys
If you need to figure out how to ship a car to another state, it helps to start your research a few weeks ahead of time. You will generally choose between two options: open-carrier transport or enclosed transport. Open trailers are cheaper and fine for standard daily drivers. Enclosed trailers cost extra, but they shield classic or high-value cars from road debris and weather.
Before the driver loads your car onto the trailer:
- Wash the exterior so you can clearly see the condition of the paint.
- Take detailed photos of all four sides, including the roof and wheels.
- Clean out all personal belongings to prevent items from shifting around inside.
- Leave about a quarter-tank of gas—just enough for loading and unloading—to keep the vehicle light.
What to Do After Your Car Arrives
When the transport truck arrives at your destination, do a full walkaround of the vehicle in good daylight before signing off on the delivery paperwork. Check the bumpers, side doors, and mirrors against the photos you took before shipping.
If your car picked up a scratch during transport or if you simply have older dents and faded paint you have been meaning to fix, bring it to a trusted local auto body shop. Professional technicians have the right tools to fix minor panel damage, pull out small dents, and match fresh paint to your exact factory shade. Taking care of small body issues early stops surface rust from forming and keeps your car looking great for the long haul.
Keeping Your Vehicle in Good Shape
Transporting a vehicle does not have to be stressful. By taking good photos beforehand, picking the right shipping option, and working with a solid repair shop when needed, you can keep your car in top condition no matter where your move takes you.
