What’s the Best Way to Transport a Car Across States?

When moving across states, whether for a new job, relocating, or simply escaping for a long vacation, how to transport your car is one of the critical decisions you must make. Driving it yourself is one option, but it's not always feasible—especially for long distances. Luckily, various professional services offer safe and reliable ways to transport a car across states. The best option depends on factors like your budget, time, and vehicle type.

Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best ways to transport a car across states.

Hire an Auto Transport Company

One of the most popular options for moving a car across state lines is hiring a professional auto transport company. These companies specialize in shipping cars over long distances and provide door-to-door service in most cases. The two primary types of auto transport are:

• Open Carrier Transport: This is the most common and cost-effective method. In this option, your car is loaded onto an open trailer with other vehicles. While this is typically cheaper, it leaves your car exposed to the elements and potential road debris during transit.
• Enclosed Carrier Transport: If your car is a luxury vehicle, classic car, or you simply want extra protection, enclosed carrier transport is the premium choice. In this method, your vehicle is shipped in a closed trailer, protecting it from weather and road hazards. However, this option comes at a higher price.

Auto transport companies offer a range of options, from expedited shipping to guaranteed delivery dates. Before hiring a company, ensure that it is licensed and insured, and check for customer reviews to gauge its reliability. You can find a reliable auto transportation service online that fits your needs.

Use Driveaway Services

Driveaway services hire professional drivers to drive your car to the destination. This option provides a more personal touch, as your car is driven rather than transported on a trailer. It can be a more affordable option since you’re only paying for the driver’s time, fuel, and expenses, without needing to rent a transport truck.

One benefit of driveaway services is flexibility; drivers can often deliver your car directly to your new location within a quicker timeframe. However, this method adds wear and tear to your vehicle and requires trust that the driver will handle your car safely and professionally. Make sure to work with a reputable driveaway company that vets its drivers and provides insurance coverage.

Shipping by Train

Shipping a car by train can be an economical and efficient way to transport it across states. Certain rail companies allow you to load your vehicle onto freight trains for long-distance travel. One of the main advantages is cost; rail transport is often cheaper than using a car transport company. It is also relatively safe, as vehicles are loaded securely in enclosed spaces.

However, one downside is that shipping by train can be less convenient because you need to transport your car to the railway terminal and pick it up at the destination terminal. Some services offer vehicle delivery to a specific address, but this comes at an additional cost. Also, the availability of train routes may be limited, depending on your locations.

Towing or Using a Car Trailer

Another option is towing your car using a tow dolly or flatbed trailer. This is a practical choice if you are driving a moving truck and want to bring your car along. You can rent a trailer from companies like U-Haul or Budget, hook it up to your truck, and tow the vehicle behind you.

While this method gives you control over your vehicle and timing, it does require some experience with towing and comes with the added stress of handling the trailer for long distances. Additionally, it can slow you down and increase fuel consumption.

Professional Relocation Services

Many moving companies offer car transport services as part of a full relocation package. If you’re hiring a moving company to transport your household goods, it may be convenient to include your car in the same service. Professional relocation services handle all logistics, giving you peace of mind, though they tend to be more expensive than using a standalone car shipping service.