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
Reviews
So glad I contacted Lisca. There's a reason they are so highly rated. Older car or brand new car, any distance, I'd recommend them to anyone. They transported my old Rover from Oregon to Colorado fast and without a scratch. Thanks so much for the fantastic service and communication!
Transporting an expensive motorcycle is nerve racking. I researched a lot of companies, perhaps close to 20. I was bombarded with emails and texts from all these companies. I found out that Google and TrustPilot reviews are not to be trusted as they can be manipulated. I researched on Yelp and Found LISCA. Albert from the initial phone call, took time to explain the process and established a trust promising
It was a smooth transaction and my car arrived safely from Southern CA to Houston, TX. Kudos to the truck driver Gabriel and of course to Lisca Auto Transportation for a job well done. We'll definitely using this company again.
From beginning to end, they were very professional and told me step-by-step how the process works and delivered my vehicle just like they promised. I would highly recommend this company. The prices are fair and the service is great.
Autounboxed
3. February, 2026.
Been doing business with this company for years now and no other transport company can come close. Albert is upfront and honest, always on time and has the best prices. Don't waste your time with other dishonest companies only wanting to get the deal but lie about the time frame and don't come through. Thank you for years of excellent service!
Gabriela H
3. February, 2026.
From first communication to delivery I received excellent service. I had to reschedule car transport due to moving company shenanigans buyer be ware at my home. Everything with Lisca worked like a dream and my car made it 4 days early cross country. The driver communicated en route he was pleasant and unloaded my car in a blink of an eye. I will use Lisca again thank you for your excellent service.
Terrell Moran
3. February, 2026.
Our cars were delivered safe and without any damage.
Hovo Bogaryan
3. February, 2026.
I had a great experience with Lisca, they were very easy to deal with and prompt in their responses and happily answered my many questions. As a first time shipping an exotic car I had a lot of worries and they made me feel secure in my decision with working with them.
Colleen Kelly
3. February, 2026.
LISCA stood behind me as a Broker when the company they assigned me to, GES Auto Shipping in NE Philadelphia, damaged my car and didn’t want to pay for it. LISCA made sure I was taken care of. Thanks again, Albert!
Edu Talavera
3. February, 2026.
Can't give enough praise to Martin, the truck driver who delivered my car! 100/10, super good communication, punctual, respectful, and handy. in a world full of scammers, do business with someone you can trust! LISCA is the only way to go.
Tamara Dawson
3. February, 2026.
Albert at Lisca Auto Transport was absolutely fantastic!! He helped me transport my son’s truck from CO to CA on the exact date that I needed, in the exact type of trailer I needed (enclosed!) and for a very reasonable price. I highly recommend Lisca Auto Transport!! 🙂
Brandi Ward
3. February, 2026.
Very easy and smooth process! We got our car right on time that they told us it would be, everyone communicated throughout the whole process and kept us updated the whole time. Amazing prices! Will definitely use this company again!
Carlos DJ Cortez
3. February, 2026.
Excellent service and good company to work with it
Michelle Wu
3. February, 2026.
I found Albert from my friend, they already shipped car with him twice. Very caring, no extra after pay. Honest, responsible. From Indiana to California. I’ll definitely using this service for rest of my life lol🥰 btw, I asked tons of questions (as an owner he’s really busy)and he answered one by one,day by day. Great experience overall!
Arkady Grigoryan
2. February, 2026.
From beginning to end, they were very professional and told me step-by-step how the process works and delivered my vehicle just like they promised. I would highly recommend this company. The prices are fair and the service is great.
LB Carl
2. February, 2026.
It was a smooth transaction and my car arrived safely from Southern CA to Houston, TX. Kudos to the truck driver Gabriel and of course to Lisca Auto Transportation for a job well done. We'll definitely using this company again.
A Stranger Abroad
2. February, 2026.
Transporting an expensive motorcycle is nerve racking. I researched a lot of companies, perhaps close to 20. I was bombarded with emails and texts from all these companies. I found out that Google and TrustPilot reviews are not to be trusted as they can be manipulated. I researched on Yelp and Found LISCA. Albert from the initial phone call, took time to explain the process and established a trust promising
Ted Reade
2. February, 2026.
So glad I contacted Lisca. There's a reason they are so highly rated. Older car or brand new car, any distance, I'd recommend them to anyone. They transported my old Rover from Oregon to Colorado fast and without a scratch. Thanks so much for the fantastic service and communication!