To choose the best car shipping method, you need to understand the step-by-step process that enables you to make an informed decision. The process involves choosing the right car shipping service, exploring the different freight options available along with their pros and cons, and setting a clear budget. It also includes selecting appropriate tracking options and evaluating how long the shipment might take, as well as the various factors that can affect delivery times. Most importantly, deciding whether to choose open or enclosed transport is a key consideration. Be sure to read through to the end of this article to learn everything you need to know about choosing the right shipping method.
Following is the four steps method to find the best car shipping service and method for your needs:
To select a reliable car transport company you need to use your online search search abilities; find top rated car shipping services on GMB, contact each one of them and discuss your shipping needs with them. After the talk, look them up on different review platforms like BBB, TrustRadius, and GMB; check for the rating and authentic customer reviews. Check if the company has both enclosed and open shipment methods.
After you choose the vehicle transport carrier, deciding between open or enclosed transport methods is also crucial. To exactly know which method you really need, you have to evaluate the size, and worth of your car, and how much time you need to ship it. Because in open shipment your car may be prone to dents, debris, scratches, while in enclosed shipment, the car will be safe and protected but may take more time to ship. If your vehicle is a luxury or exotic, you must avail enclosed car transport for added security. While air transport only for urgent or high‑value shipments; it is expensive, and less common.
The auto shipping company you contacted should offer you a detailed quotation based on car size and type, rate per mile, broker fees, terminal transfers, and insurance details. You can also use an online Car Shipping Cost Calculator tool to generate a nearly accurate quote for your needs. The key factors that come into play while setting a budget is knowing seasonal rates; summer and holidays impacting pricing. Moreover, open shipment type is cheap, and enclosed is costly but adds a safety layer. It is smart to choose the one that fits your needs and pocket.
Since we already have the best car shipping methods available, we must choose the right one. Air shipping is fastest but by far the costliest, it is usually reserved for urgent or luxury moves. Trucks, especially open carriers, are flexible and widely available; they can be competitively priced for door‑to‑door. Rail may cost less per mile for long routes, but limited routes and added logistics may offset savings. Lastly, sea shipments also cost less but sea routes may not be available or due to longer transit times, you may not want to wait that long. As a result, cost effectiveness is the key. Air transport may be the safest option but it is of no use if your vehicle is not high-value.
While most people don’t ship a car cross country by train, it is one of the best car shipping methods. It is a great option for shipments to far flung destinations. It has positive and negative aspects, so let's explore them and understand it well.
Car transport by train is super cost‑effective for long distances; operating costs shared across many vehicles. It is highly energy‑efficient and has a lower environmental impact and uses less fuel/mile than trucks. It is generally secure and has a stable cargo environment with lower risk of theft or road‑hazards damage.
It has extremely limited availability like Amtrak Auto Train is the only U.S. service between D.C. and Orlando. There is no Door to Door Car ShippingOpen Car Transport, only terminal‑to‑terminal service is available; adds separate transport to or from terminals. It can easily get delayed and the schedules can be unreliable which may cause you to suffer if you are in a rush.
You will have to deliver to the pickup terminal and retrieve at the destination, normally there is no door‑to‑door transportation. You must also check vehicle size restrictions tolerated by autoracks; some trucks or SUVs may not qualify. You should keep track of train schedules to get your delivery on time. Lastly, if your car is high-value, consider getting an enclosed method to protect it from elements.
If you want to ship to another state, particularly the ones along the East coast, you can consider shipping by Amtrak. You can get this service to enjoy the luxury of traveling along your vehicle, so you do not have to worry about the transit and delivery hustles. There are many reasons you should get Amtrak service:
While you normally travel separately while moving your car to other destinations, with Amtrak you get to get your car shipped on the same train. It also offers enclosed service, you don’t need to worry about debris and elements. It has a predictable schedule on well known routes, no fear of delays mostly.
While it rarely faces delays, it is reported that sometimes it faces up to 12 hours lateness. You can only avail this service for Virginia to Florida. You cannot ship all kinds of cars, in particular oversized vehicles are taken onboard. Moreover, a ticket for a car doesn't include a passenger cabin or coach seat. Optional cabins come at extra cost.
The vehicle fares exclude accommodation such as major added costs for rooms or bedrooms. You must pack separate luggage since you can’t access the vehicle during the trip so pack extras in carry‑on. Lastly, plan for possible delay disruptions and don’t schedule events the same day as arrival and there will be no door-to-door delivery service.
To prepare for Amtrak, charge your vehicle battery fully; make sure the tires are inflated and paperwork is ready like ID, title, and registration. You should remove valuables and personal items from the car, even if allowed in the trunk, carry them with you. Moreover, inspect and capture vehicle condition by taking photos and videos before loading, and verify Bill of Lading on both ends.
Car transport by truck is the most viable and preferred shipping option offered by all vehicle transport carriers. From its cost-effectiveness to safety and timeliness, you have many reasons to get it. Here are important angles to know:
Truck transport is a go-to option mainly because it has door-to-door delivery options, and it is flexible and widely available with great added services. Additionally, it has both open and enclosed shipping methods; open transport is the cost-efficient one and generally approved for everyday vehicles. However, you can easily get your luxury vehicles shipped by enclosed shipping services offered by best auto transport carriers.
Truck shipments don’t necessarily meet with too harsh conditions but there may be some common challenges which should be kept in consideration especially when you are in a hurry. Your vehicle can be exposed to bad weather, elements like dust and debris, minor scratches in open shipments. They can also face potential delays due to weather, road conditions, or traffic.
Once you have decided to ship by truck, consider these few thing:
In case of heavy and high-value vehicles, prefer enclosed shipping
You must ensure pre-existing damage inspection
Must get bill of landing, and post delivery inspection
Make sure there is liability insurance to cover for the damages
It is important to prepare your car before the pickup by removing personal stuff, clean it inside out, reduce the fuel to a quarter of the tank, remove the toll tags, and getting good quality images of the vehicle for damages
While shipping by plane is the best car shipping method of all, it is not preferred by most movers due to its high-cost and is also not needed unless otherwise certain conditions apply. This is why you need to know when and why you should avail the service:
You must avail the air shipping service when you need Expedited Auto Transport service because you want your vehicle to deliver in the fastest way possible. The vehicle may be too expensive to be risked by rail or road transport due to various reasons. In air shipments, your vehicles are kept in dedicated containers mostly.
There are some solid constraints attached to air shipments. It is extremely high-cost as compared to road, rail, or sea shipments, and it is not widely available. The logistics are complex and a very low number of auto shipping companies offer air freight.
You must estimate the worth of the car along the urgency to ship it by air cargo. If your vehicle is too expensive to be risked by other shipping methods, and you need to send it on a certain date on which truck or train cannot deliver, you should avail air cargo. Additionally, you must check cargo limitations or custom charges can also overburden your budget for international shipments.
You need to prepare your car before the air cargo by securing and bracing the vehicle appropriately such as removing loose parts; drain fluids if required. Also verify paperwork like ownership, customs documentation and inspect car’s condition for pre‑pickup.
To track your car shipment using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a smart and necessary choice. The VIN is a special code that belongs only to your car, making it easy to follow its journey and stay updated on its current location and condition throughout the entire delivery process.
Using VIN gives you peace of mind because it is a transparent feature which helps you track your car in real time, and get to know the precise location of your car. You are able to plan your car’s delivery and receive it on time.
All vehicle transport carriers do not provide VIN features to track your car, some offer ETA service. You can also face technical glitches while using VIN due to network issues or the provider's limited tech facility, which may cause delayed updates of the vehicle. This is why going for the best vehicle shipping services who can offer state-of-the-art VIN technology would be a smart decision.
Firstly, choose a company that is tech-savvy and has a robust VIN tracking system. After you receive the VIN, navigate to the company’s portal, log in with your credentials, and enter the VIN to track your car. You may also receive updates on sms or email if provided in the company’s package.
You must provide your accurate contact info for monitoring updates before pickup and during shipment. You can also clarify response protocol if tracking shows delays or discrepancies. Always keep in touch with the provider in case of glitch in the VIN.
In the United States, on average it takes about 7-10 days to transport a car from coast to coast. However, there are other factors involved which impact the transit times:
The length of the route significantly affects the transit time. While highways and transport routes reduce the transit, remote locations and bad roads can double the transit time. For a coast-to‑coast with 3,000 miles distance may take up to 14 days.
Choosing open transport type means faster delivery while enclosed transport may take 1-2 extra days, but above all air transport is the fastest with 15-20 hours transit time.
Bad weather conditions like snow and hail storms, heavy rain causing floods, hurricanes can cause long delays. Beside that, heavy traffic, and small and narrow roads which are not highways can also affect the delivery time.
Strict delivery and pickup dates can affect the transit time, because it will take the company more time to fix their schedules accordingly. But if your dates are flexible, delivery may take less time to arrange for you car shipment.
Open Car Transport comes with great benefits like speed and cost efficiency, here are some important aspects of open carrier shipping.
Open carrier auto shipping is generally the most affordable option available. Because these carriers can transport multiple vehicles at once, the cost per unit is significantly reduced. This makes open transport especially appealing for standard vehicles.
Since the vehicle is not enclosed, it remains vulnerable to external elements such as rain, sun, bird droppings, dust, and road debris. While the risk of severe damage is minimal, minor wear or dirt accumulation is common during transport.
Open carriers offer basic protection, but it is more limited compared to enclosed options. Insurance coverage may not fully protect against minor cosmetic damage. That is why it is crucial to carefully inspect your vehicle before and after shipping.
In terms of speed, open carriers are typically fast and flexible. With more trucks available and popular routes frequently serviced, pickup and delivery can be scheduled relatively quickly. However, timing can still depend on the carrier’s route and the number of vehicles being shipped.
Enclosed Car Shipping Services are known to be the best car shipping methods for both rail and truck transport. Here are some benefits you need to know:
Enclosed transport provides significantly better protection for your vehicle. Cars are shielded from harsh weather, road debris, and environmental elements throughout the journey.
This method is highly recommended for shipping classic, vintage, exotic, or luxury cars. These vehicles often require special handling and additional safeguards, making enclosed carriers the best option to preserve their value and condition.
Enclosed shipping also offers privacy and discretion. Vehicles are not visible to passersby during transit, which reduces unwanted attention; especially useful for transporting high-profile or collectible cars.
Customized and Specialized Service
Enclosed carriers often provide more personalized service. This can include lift-gate loading, soft tie-downs, and even the option to choose experienced drivers who are familiar with handling delicate or high-value vehicles.
If you follow this below ultimate guide to ship your car, you will never face any obstacles doing it:
Before choosing a shipping method, assess your specific shipping requirements. Consider the distance, delivery timeframe, your car’s make and model, and whether you prefer door-to-door or terminal delivery. Set your budget and pocket limit. Understanding your priorities will help you select the most suitable service.
Now you need to research reputable car shipping companies online and offline. Verify their credentials through FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), check car transport reviews by clients, and compare their quotes you requested to choose the best company for shipping a car.
Next, decide between open and enclosed transport. If you are shipping a standard car and looking to save money, open transport is sufficient. However, for luxury or delicate vehicles go with enclosed transport.
Finally, getting your car ready is a vital step. Clean it thoroughly, remove all personal items, check tire pressure and fluid levels, disable any alarm systems, and take detailed photos of its condition. This will help with insurance and ensure a smooth handoff to the shipping company.
