LISCA Blog
Best Way to Move a Car From State to State
Driving your car between states is an affordable way to handle transportation. If you’re moving your vehicle over a long distance, turning it into a road trip allows you to explore along the way. For shorter moves to nearby states, driving might still be a worthwhile option for self-transport.
However, driving your car across state lines can have its challenges, such as dealing with driver fatigue. Weather conditions along your route should also be considered. For instance, those driving across the country in winter may find it better to take a southern route, while others might pass through regions where winter driving skills are necessary.
Furthermore, driving your car between states increases wear and tear, something you can avoid by opting for alternatives like auto shipping via a carrier. If you do decide to take the long drive, it's a good idea to have your vehicle inspected and tuned up beforehand to minimize the chances of issues such as breakdowns.
Moving a Car From State to State With an Auto Transport Company
Using an auto transport carrier is a popular option for moving a car between states, especially for long-distance moves like cross-country car shipping. Many auto haulers offer both open and enclosed transport options. An open carrier exposes your vehicle to the elements but is more affordable, while an enclosed carrier provides extra protection for your car. Most people opt for an open carrier when choosing an auto transport service.
It's important to check the reputation of a hauling company since these businesses must have certain credentials, such as a USDOT number. This number allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to track details like safety records and compliance. These companies also must meet insurance requirements and often provide additional insurance options.
While hiring an auto hauler for a state-to-state move can be more expensive than driving the car yourself, the average cost of car shipping is usually less than hiring an individual driver.
That said, depending on your trip's details, doing the job yourself could still end up costing more. Generally, working with an auto carrier is considered the best option for moving a car to another state, as it offers greater convenience, lower costs, and less hassle than hiring a personal driver.
Moving a Car From State to State With a Professional Driver
Hiring a professional driver to transport your car to another state differs from working with an auto hauler, as the driver will be actively driving your car, while an auto hauler will load your vehicle onto an open or enclosed carrier, often alongside other cars.
The main downside of hiring a professional driver is that the cost tends to be higher than using an auto hauler.
To find a professional driver, you can search online for companies that connect you with drivers or browse freelance listings. However, it can be more challenging to verify a driver’s reputation since they don’t have the same strict regulations as auto transport companies. Some services might even allow you to travel with the driver for added reassurance.
Like driving the car yourself, you'll face some wear and tear on your vehicle, but the advantage is that you’ll experience less fatigue, and the driver will be fully focused on transporting your car, whereas an auto hauler typically transports multiple vehicles at once.
Tips for Choosing a Reliable Auto Transport Company
It’s crucial to assess an auto carrier transport company’s track record, insurance coverage, and dependability, as some carriers may have poor reputations. You can conduct this research on your own or simplify the process by hiring an auto transport broker to review one or more carriers for you.
As previously mentioned, the FMCSA requires carriers to have an active USDOT number. Additionally, the FMCSA provides an MC number, indicating that the company is authorized to transport goods across state lines. An experienced auto transport broker will ensure that the carriers you choose meet these standards and have proper insurance coverage.
Brokers also evaluate carriers using various methods, including but not limited to:
- Technological solutions
- Verifying experience levels
- Reviewing on-time performance data to confirm reliability
- Checking CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) program scores