Millions of Americans move every year, and about 14% of those Americans are moving to a completely new state. Moving from one state to another presents difficulties that a shorter move does not.
For example, what should you do about your car? Maybe you have a moving company handling all of your personal belongings and you want to fly your family to your new home. Can someone else take care of your car for you?
Car shipping is the perfect solution for anyone who doesn’t want to drive from their current home to their new one. However, there are a few key considerations to make about shipping your car before deciding on a specific game plan.
Read on to learn five key factors to consider when you’re considering car shipping.
Car Shipping Factors to Know
1. The Type of Car You Want to Ship
Most car shipping companies will offer two types of shipping options. The first and most popular mode of transport is called “open auto.” However, you may also be interested in learning about “enclosed auto” options, too.
An open auto method of transport involves an open-air trailer. Your car is strapped in a safe and secure manner to this open-air trailer, which is then hauled by a standard truck cab. This method costs less and is perfectly suitable for most standard vehicles.
However, if you have a high-end luxury vehicle, you may want to pay more for more protection. If so, you will want to make sure that your car shipping service offers enclosed auto transportation. An enclosed trailer will protect your car from dirt and debris as well as any weather events your driver encounters along the way.
2. Your Ideal Shipping Schedule and Destination
Timing is key when you’re planning a move. Chances are, you have a date for your move as well as a date for when all of your belongings must be taken off of the property you’re leaving. Plus, you will also have a date in mind for when you’d like to have access to your car at your new home.
Talk to different car shipping services about their availability and scheduling. Your destination will play a role in how long it will take to receive your car. However, many services do offer expedited services to get your car faster no matter where you’re moving.
Keep in mind that your destination, itself, will limit you to specific car shipping services. Many car shipping companies offer services that are limited to specific states.
3. Vehicle Requirements in Your New State
Believe it or not, some cars are not legal in every state. While most states have not adopted strict regulations regarding personal vehicles, states like California require personal vehicles to pass strict emission tests. Plus, different states may have different regulations regarding things like vehicle registration, inspections, and so forth.
Keep in mind that this information may fall under the jurisdiction of different government agencies in your new state. For example, the Georgia Department of Revenue is in charge of Georgia vehicle registration. However, vehicle registration in Arkansas falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Finance and Administration.
Before you sign on the dotted line with a car shipping company, make sure you know the requirements of your new state. The last thing you want to do is sign up for car shipping only to realize that your new car won’t meet your new state’s regulations.
4. Car Shipping Services Offered by Different Car Shipping Companies
Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a handful of car shipping companies that meet the needs we’ve listed above, it’s time to take a closer look. What services does each company offer? Can they meet all of your needs and, ideally, some of your desires, as well?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to different companies to learn more about their services. Double-check that they offer things like enclosed auto transportation and expedited services if these are priorities for you.
You should also find out more about their pick-up and drop-off services. Will they pick up your car from your current home or do you need to take it to a location of their choosing? Will they drop off your car at your new home or do they drop it off at a central location nearby?
Enquiring about services is one of the most important car shipping tips we can offer. Many companies will default to their most commonly requested services unless you make a special request for something else. Get the facts about what full car shipping services look like.
5. How Much You Can Spend on Car Shipping
There are tons of benefits of car shipping but those benefits don’t outweigh your budget. Make sure that you have a solid budget in mind before making your choice.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, there are ways to spend less on car shipping by forgoing the highest-end services. However, you should always request quotes from the companies you’re interested in working with. While you don’t want to go with the cheapest company if it means sacrificing the safety of your car, you do want to ensure that you stay within your budget.
Use These Car Shipping Tips to Make an Informed Decision
Moving from one state to another comes with hurdles you may not have faced in closer moves. One of the biggest questions you might face is, “What will I do with my car?” Car shipping is a great solution for anyone who doesn’t want to drive all the way to their new home, and these tips for car shipping will help you secure the best services for you.
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