Ship a Car to Another State

When you need to transport a car from one state to another, you have a few options. You can use a tow dolly or trailer for a do-it-yourself move, hire an independent driver, or choose to work with a professional auto transport company. Utilizing a reputable car shipping company like Number 1 Auto Transport is the easiest and most reliable way to ship your vehicle. We handle all the logistics and potential issues, providing you with peace of mind. We exclusively work with licensed and bonded car shipping carriers who operate both open and enclosed auto transport trailers, ensuring your vehicle is in expert hands from start to finish

While it may seem convenient to pack personal items in your car when shipping it, professional car carriers are not licensed or insured to act as household movers. For safety and liability reasons, almost all state-to-state car shipping companies prohibit the transport of vehicles containing personal or household goods. This rule applies to both open and enclosed auto transport. At Number 1 Auto Transport, we allow a maximum of 100 pounds of personal belongings, which must be packed securely in the trunk or below the window line. It is crucial to understand that carrier insurance does not cover any damage, theft, or loss of personal items. You are doing so at your own risk. Any damage caused to the vehicle by shifting items will also not be covered.

The choice between enclosed and open auto transport depends on your vehicle’s value, condition, and your personal preference. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Open Car Transport: The most common and cost-effective method. Your vehicle is transported on an open trailer, exposed to the elements and road debris. This is a great choice for daily drivers, older vehicles, and utility vehicles.

• Enclosed Car Transport: Your vehicle is transported in a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and dust. This method is highly recommended for classic cars, luxury vehicles, exotics, and new vehicles valued at over $75,000. While it comes at a premium price, it provides maximum protection and peace of mind.

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured. At Number 1 Auto Transport, we only partner with carriers who have robust insurance coverage. On average, our carriers maintain $1 million in liability insurance and a minimum of $250,000 in motor carrier cargo insurance per incident. We understand that accidents can happen, which is why we vet our partners to ensure they have sufficient coverage to protect your vehicle throughout its journey.

The Bill of Lading (BOL), also known as the vehicle condition report, is the single most important document in the auto transport process. This is the legal contract between you and the carrier that documents the vehicle’s condition at both pickup and delivery. Before your vehicle is loaded, you and the carrier will conduct a thorough inspection. Any existing damage—such as dents, scratches, or cosmetic issues—will be logged and signed off on by both parties. This ensures a clear record of your vehicle’s condition, so any new damage that might occur during transit can be easily identified and documented upon delivery. Always keep your copy of the BOL and take your time during both the pickup and delivery inspections. Don’t let anyone rush you.

• Selecting the right auto transport company is a critical decision that goes beyond finding the lowest price. We advise customers to prioritize a company’s reputation, reliability, and commitment to customer service. At Number 1 Auto Transport, we may not always be the least expensive option, but our focus is always on being the best. We demonstrate our trustworthiness and expertise by:

  • Partnering with Licensed & Vetted Carriers: All our carriers hold a valid Motor Carrier (MC) number, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

  • Focusing on Customer Satisfaction: We encourage you to read our reviews and testimonials to see our commitment to service quality.

  • Providing Transparent Pricing: Reputable companies often have a price range ($100-$200 difference) based on service quality, not just the cheapest route.

The time it takes to ship a car from state to state is influenced by several key factors

• Distance – it doesn’t just increase the price, but also determines the time it takes. Carriers often travel around 500 miles in a day. With numerous vehicles on a carrier, this means a car that is picked up to travel 1000 miles can take 2-3 days. A 1,500-mile trip can take a truck driver 3-4 days.
• Road conditions – Poor Road conditions can slow travel or create the need to detour.
• Inclement weather – Bad weather can slow or even stop traffic, and add time onto transit.
• Stops along the way – If you want to pay for single-vehicle transport, it will reduce the time it takes but will have a premium price attached. Other vehicles and stops can add time.

To ensure a safe and efficient transport, we require that you leave no more than a quarter tank of fuel in your vehicle’s gas tank. This is a standard safety measure across the industry to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and minimize fire hazards. Every gallon of fuel weighs over 6 pounds, and this small step helps the carrier comply with weight regulations and ensures a smoother trip.

You will need a copy of the Bill of Lading (BOL), which the carrier will provide at pickup. This is the only document you need to sign and keep on hand throughout the transport process. Do not give the carrier your vehicle’s title or bill of sale. The auto transport contract legally allows the carrier to move the vehicle without proof of ownership. We recommend having your title mailed directly to you, especially if you are purchasing a vehicle from a dealer or auction. This protects your important paperwork from getting lost or misplaced during transport.

You’ve got everything set – now you need to prep your car for interstate auto transport! Do these five key things to prepare your car for shipping:

1. Wash the car. It may be going on an open-air, cross-country trip, but there’s a good reason behind this. A clean car allows you and the driver to note any chips, dents, nicks, or other cosmetic damage correctly. This will help determine old damage at pick-up, which will make it easier to note any new damage when you receive your vehicle at the final destination!
2. Clean out your interior. Don’t have more stuff in your car than you need to be in there, and remove anything dangerous or potentially illegal to transport.
3. Disable your alarm systems. Drivers don’t want random alarms going off during their auto transport service! Disable or turn off your car alarm completely. You can reactivate it when you retrieve your vehicle.
4. Hand over the vehicle and keys to the carrier. Make sure to keep a second set of keys for yourself, in case they are needed.
5. Conduct the inspection at pick-up alongside the carrier. Make sure your evaluations match and are noted on the bill of lading.

Your car is ready for transport – sit back and let the carrier load it up and get on the road!

By following these five simple steps, you’ll ensure your vehicle is ready for a seamless and stress-free transport experience with our professional carriers.

Once your vehicle is on the road, you can relax and wait for it to arrive. At Number 1 Auto Transport, we understand you want to stay informed. We provide regular updates on your vehicle’s status and are always available to take your call and check on its progress. We believe in complete transparency throughout the entire process. Trust us—we’re the professionals, and we’ll handle your vehicle with the utmost care.

You’ve met up with the carrier at the agreed delivery location… what next? Just like at the pickup, there’s going to be a list of items you’ll need to go through.

1. Before you even get to the delivery location, make sure you have your copy of the bill of lading/vehicle condition report at hand.
2. Upon arrival the carrier will unload the vehicle. This could take some time, but it’s all to ensure the car hits the ground safe and free of any damage.
3. Conduct a thorough inspection. Take your time to carefully inspect the vehicle with the carrier present. Compare the car’s current condition to the original Bill of Lading. Do not let the carrier rush this process.
4. Note any damage. Often, there is nothing to report, especially with experienced, reputable carriers like those we work with at Number 1 Auto Transport. But cars can get damaged on the carrier, from debris, rocks, or being bumped on the auto transport carrier with another vehicle.
5. In the rare case of damage, you will need to file an auto shipping claim with your insurance company. While the carrier bears the responsibility of the damage, the auto transport broker, whether it’s our team here at Number 1 Auto Transport or otherwise, will help you navigate the process.

You can accept delivery and move along once an agreed-upon condition report is signed off on by yourself and the carrier.

While we’re proud to report that damage occurs in less than 1% of the vehicles we ship, we know that incidents can happen. In the rare event of damage, we will assist you in working with both your insurance company and the carrier’s insurance to resolve the claim quickly and fairly. Our goal is to make the claims process as smooth as possible for you.