The thought of shipping your car to another state can be challenging; questions and concerns are associated with it. Whether you’re moving states, buying a car from out of state, or sending a car to a loved one, the process of auto transport can seem overwhelming.

We understand the challenge, and so we are here to make it easy. With our expert tips, one can navigate through the complexities of car shipping confidently and easily. Picture being able to relax and rest your mind, knowing that a reliable company is moving your car.

The following tips will help you make the right decisions to make the process easy overall and ensure you do not have any bad experiences. Below, we look at the 10+ essential tips to consider when shipping your car to another state.

Shortlist a Few Car Shipping Companies

First of all, you should find an auto transport company that is reputable and has at least five years of experience in automotive logistics. Please be sure to look for companies with good reviews that have a license and insurance in place. Websites like BBB, Yelp, Transport Reviews, and Google help check how an organization has been rated by its customers.

At JP Auto Transport, we pride ourselves on our excellent reputation and customer satisfaction, as seen below:

Excellent service! The team was professional, prompt, and handled my vehicle with care. The entire process was smooth from start to finish. Highly recommend for reliable and efficient auto transport!

– Alfred Koroma

Get Several Quotes and Compare Prices

Do not just settle for the very first quote that comes your way. Ask for quotes from different companies and compare both prices and services. Be leery of prices that seem exceedingly reasonable, as they could reflect either bad service quality or hidden costs.

Be sure to understand each quote and inquire whether there are extra charges.

Shipping a Car to Another State Increases the Mileage

Just so you know, the number of cars that need to be transported daily greatly exceeds the number of trucks available. If you are located in a metropolitan area, you will likely get a better price because more car carriers are servicing that area.

Try JP’s instant car shipping calculator to estimate your vehicle shipping price.

 

Distance in miles	Average cost per mile	Distance in miles	Total Average Cost
0 – 500	$1.25	250	$312.5
500 – 1,000	$1.00	700	$700
1,000 – 1,500	$0.75	1,000	$750
1,500 – 2,000	$0.70	1,750	$1.225
2,000 – 2,500	$0.60	2,400	$1.440
2,500 – 3,000	$0.50	2,700	$1.350

Please note that these are average estimates and actual costs can vary based on the factors mentioned earlier. Check JP’s FREE quote calculator to estimate your vehicle shipping price to another state.

Verify Licensing and Insurance

Make sure you hire a licensed and insured transport company. Of course, you will need to validate their USDOT number and, when required, an MC number, by checking these numbers on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. More than that, be sure they have the right insurance that will cover your vehicle during transport.

JP Auto Transport is a licensed and insured carrier-broker vehicle logistics company authorized by the Federal Carrier Safety Administration under USDOT number 3215610.

Every car carrier partnering with JP Auto Transport undergoes a rigorous vetting process and must fully comply with all Department of Transportation regulations. To qualify working with us, each carrier is required to maintain a minimum of $1 million in liability coverage and at least $100,000 in cargo coverage.

 

 

Select the Right Type of Transport

Depending on the needs of your vehicle and your budget, you have a choice between open transport and enclosed transport.

Open transport is the most common and cheapest way of transportation, although it exposes your car to outside elements;

Enclosed transport, though relatively more expensive than open transport, offers additional protection and is appropriate for luxury, classic, or high-value cars.

JP Auto Transport provides door-to-door, open, and enclosed transport.

Book in Advance

Make your booking as early as possible to avoid unavailability and get the best rates. Planning ahead will be helpful, especially during peak seasons, which mainly occur in summer and at the end of the year. Early bookings will give you further options on pickup and delivery dates.

JP Auto Transport has a FREE vehicle shipping calculator that gives you an instant price quote. Fill out the required information about your vehicle and desired pick-up dates and locations for a more accurate estimation.

10 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping

What do you need to prepare before picking up your car?

Wash Your Car	A clean car makes it easier to inspect for any pre-existing damage.
Take Multiple Photos	Once the car is clean, it’s the ideal time to take high-definition photos. Don’t just focus on any damaged areas -capture general shots of the vehicle from various angles.
Take a Photo of the Odometer	It’s not mandatory, but it’s recommended.
Check the Battery and Tires	Ensure that the battery is fully charged and the tires are inflated adhering to the recommended tire pressure by the manufacturer. Here’s an example: 34 psi for 17-inch wheels;  36 psi for 19-inch wheels.
Secure or Remove Accessories	To prevent damage to your car or the accessories themselves, you should remove accessories such as bike racks, luggage racks, ski racks, custom spoilers, and others.
Personal Belongings	Most carriers do not allow personal belongings above 100 lbs. in the trunk of the vehicle due to safety regulations and liability issues.
Check the Car for Fluid Leaks	Ensure your vehicle is free of fluid leaks to avoid complications during transport.
Disable Alarms	Deactivate any alarms to prevent them from going off during transit.
Deactivate or Remove Toll Tags	Whether your vehicle is being driven or transported on a trailer, the toll tag will likely register the fee if it passes through a toll road.
Leave the Gas 1/8 to 1/4 Full.	Your car only needs enough gas to drive
	on and off the car trailer. The lighter your vehicel is for interstate car transport, the better as it will save a bit of weight for the car hauler.
Charge your Electric Vehicle (EV) above 50%	If you’re shipping an EV, make sure the battery charge is between 45-65% and don’t forget the charging cables.

Document Your Car’s Condition

Take very detailed pictures of your vehicle and its condition. Note any damages or scratches, dents, or whatever form of damage that could be. In the event that you make a claim for the type of damage that may happen while your vehicle is on the move, this will play an important part. The carrier himself will make an inspection and note the condition on the Electronic Bill of Lading (eBOL).

Understand the Bill of Lading (BOL)

Another key form of car transport is the BOL. The BOL is a receipt, a contract, and a condition report combined into one. Make certain everything is noted correctly and that you receive a copy. When they are going to deliver at the destination, double-check your automobile, compare it with the first report of conditions, and sign the final BOL.

Communicate Clearly with the Transport Company

Keep the communication lines open with the transportation company you choose. Confirm the pick-up and delivery dates, and provide contact information in case an individual from the pick-up and delivery locations must be reached. Clear communication will avert misunderstandings and pave the way for a smooth transaction.

Plan for Pickup and Delivery

Coordinate with the carrier to ensure that someone is available to give and receive the vehicle at both ends of the trip. They should be informed about the vehicle’s state and empowered to sign the BOL. Some preparation for that step will eliminate delays and other drawbacks.

Inc. 5000 Award

Over the years, JP Auto Transport has built a strong reputation in the automotive logistics industry. Our consistent track record of reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction has earned us the trust of countless customers.

JP Auto Transport is proud to be recognized by Inc. 5000 magazine as one of the fastest- growing companies in America. This prestigious honor highlights our commitment to exceptional service, customer satisfaction, and continuous growth in the auto transport industry.

Let’s Ship Your Car

Shipping your car to another state doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful auto transport experience.

At JP Auto Transport, we are committed to providing top-notch service and support throughout the entire process. From selecting the right transport option to ensuring your car arrives safely, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to ship your car with confidence? Visit JP Auto Transport to get a FREE quote and learn more about our services. Let us handle your car shipping needs with professionalism and care, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience from start to finish.