Road Trip Without the Driving – How to Ship a Car Cross-Country

Some journeys are best left to professionals, especially when they involve hundreds – or even thousands – of miles and a beloved set of wheels. Figuring out how to ship a car cross-country can seem complicated at first glance, but it’s surprisingly simple with the right plan. Here’s how to get your prized ride across the country without racking up the miles – or the stress.

Young woman in a self-driving autonomous electric car overlay
January 15, 2025 Posted in Car Shipping

With the right relocation company, auto transport is as easy as can be. All you have to do is pick between open and enclosed trailers, choose a delivery option, and prepare the four-wheeler. With expert help, this journey will be as smooth as the open road!

Why Ship Your Car Across the Country Instead of Driving?

In most households, cars are practically family members, with around 92% of homes owning at least one four-wheeler.

They take us to work, grocery runs, and the occasional late-night ice cream craving.

But unlike your favorite coffee mug, a car can’t just be popped into a moving box when it’s time to relocate.

It’s big, it’s heavy, and it comes with its own set of challenges when crossing state lines.

44% of people wish they had used auto transport for their move

And let’s face it, as much as we love our rides, they’re not exactly low-maintenance travel buddies. Driving it yourself sounds straightforward, but is it really worth it? Every mile adds wear and tear to the four-wheeler, not to mention the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. Booking auto transport is a smart move – pun intended.

A man trying to fix a car
The open road is full of surprises - some better than others

Why Not Hire a Long-Distance Moving Company to Handle It All?

Reliable cross-country movers will offer various services, so why not bundle everything together and kill two birds with one stone? They can handle car shipping, as well as move furniture, boxes, and that prized cactus you refuse to leave behind. It’s the ultimate combo – less hassle, more peace of mind. So, don’t just stop at booking long-distance moving services – get everything you need for a completely stress-free move.

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How to Find Reliable Long-Distance Movers That Also Offer Shipping a Car Cross-Country

Choosing the right moving company is much more than simply typing in “long-distance movers near me” and settling on the first search result. You need to make sure that they’re trustworthy, experienced, and ready for the job.

To ship a car across the country, the company has to be properly licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Also, check out reviews and make sure they offer transparent pricing – hidden costs are the first sign of relocation scams. With true professionals, shipping your car across the country, as well as your belongings, will be less of a gamble and more of a guaranteed win.

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Open vs. Enclosed Transport – What’s the Difference?

Most reliable companies, such as Trico Long Distance Movers, offer two shipping methods – open and enclosed transport. The first option is kind of like the economy class – affordable, reliable, and gets the job done. Sure, the four-wheeler rides in the open air, exposed to weather and road dust, but it’s still pretty safe.

Enclosed transport, on the other hand, is like flying first class. The vehicle is tucked away in a cozy trailer, safe from rain, wind, and curious bird droppings. It’s the right option for luxury, vintage, or high-value cars that deserve extra pampering.

An open trailer on the road
Open trailers are the cheaper option, perfect for your everyday car

Door-To-Door or Terminal-To-Terminal – Which Option Fits Your Move?

When it comes to delivery, you’ve also got two options. Door-to-door shipping is the ultimate convenience – the four-wheeler gets picked up at your old place and dropped off right at the new home.

Of course, this is pricier than terminal-to-terminal delivery, where you have to drop off and pick up the vehicle at designated hubs. It’s like choosing between takeout brought to your couch or grabbing it yourself – by looking at your relocation budget, you’ll easily know which option is the best for you.

How to Ship a Car Cross-Country and Prepare It for This Big Adventure

While the pros handle the heavy lifting – literally – you’ve still got some homework to do. It’s time to pack the car and get it ready for its cross-country moving journey. A little prep goes a long way in avoiding any unpleasant surprises during transport. Here’s what you should do:

  • Clean the vehicle inside and out,
  • Take clear photos of it to document its condition before transport,
  • Empty the interior and trunk of anything detachable,
  • Take the four-wheeler to your mechanic to get it checked out,
  • Leave only about a quarter tank of gas,
  • Check tire pressure to ensure stability during loading and unloading,
  • Disable alarms so they don’t get activated mid-transit.

Prepping the ride isn’t just about following rules – it’s about protecting it. A little effort upfront ensures a smooth journey, prevents avoidable damage, and gives you peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing it’s in good hands – but you’ve got to take care of your part too!

A black car in the rain
A clean vehicle makes it easier to spot any pre-existing damage

The Pickup Process – Handing over the Keys With Confidence

When the moving day finally arrives, the carrier will inspect the vehicle, making note of its condition in a detailed report. Double-check it for accuracy before handing over the keys. Then, the pros will load the four-wheeler with care, and you can rest easy knowing it’s in good hands.

What to Look For Before Signing off on Delivery

When the four-wheeler arrives, it’s inspection time. Start by comparing the condition with the photos you took before transport. Look for any new scratches, dents, or damage that wasn’t there before. Check that all features, like lights and windows, are functioning as they should. If everything checks out, sign the delivery paperwork to finalize the process. The journey doesn’t officially end until you’re 100% satisfied!

A person signing a document
Before you sign off, make sure everything looks as it should

The Road Is Long, but Your Stress Doesn’t Have to Be

Shipping a car across the country doesn’t have to feel like navigating rush hour traffic – with the right approach, it’s a smooth ride. Skipping the drive means no endless gas station coffee, no road trip playlist regrets, and most importantly, no added miles on your car.

If you’re looking for the right partner for this job, Trico Long Distance Movers has you covered – auto transport, packing services, and more! Ready to hit the road (figuratively)? Contact us today and let’s make this your smoothest move yet.

Maya Brown

Born in Atlanta, Maya has called many places home in her lifetime. She's a content writer and moving expert who loves to help people relocate smoothly

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