Gone are the days when the only way to move a car across the country was to drive it yourself. Thanks to modern auto transport services, relocating a vehicle has become faster, easier, and far more convenient. Whether you’re a private car owner, dealership, or collector, auto transport is a practical option for transporting vehicles over long distances.
What Is Auto Transport?
Auto transport refers to the professional service of moving a vehicle from one location to another using specialized carriers. These services are commonly used when people move homes, buy cars from other states, or need to ship vehicles for seasonal use or business.
Vehicles can be shipped within the same state, across the country, or even internationally, depending on your needs.
Types of Auto Transport Options
You’ll typically have a few main choices when it comes to shipping your vehicle:
✅ Open Carrier
- Most common and affordable method
- Vehicles are transported on an open trailer
- Good for standard cars and daily drivers
✅ Enclosed Carrier
- Offers full protection from weather and road debris
- Ideal for luxury, vintage, or collectible vehicles
- Costs more but provides maximum security
✅ Door-to-Door Service
- The carrier picks up and delivers the vehicle as close to your specified addresses as possible
- Very convenient, especially for residential areas
✅ Terminal-to-Terminal Service
- You drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated transport hubs
- Slightly cheaper but less convenient than door-to-door
Why People Use Auto Transport
- Long-Distance Moves: Save time and avoid putting miles on your car.
- Online Car Purchases: Ship your newly bought vehicle directly to your doorstep.
- Seasonal Travel: Snowbirds often ship their cars to warm climates for the winter.
- Military Relocations: Service members frequently use auto transport for PCS moves.
- College Students: Parents ship vehicles to their kids at school instead of long road trips.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay:
- Distance: Longer trips cost more.
- Vehicle Type: Bigger or heavier vehicles are more expensive to ship.
- Time of Year: Prices go up during peak seasons (summer, holidays).
- Carrier Type: Enclosed carriers cost more than open ones.
- Pickup/Destination Locations: Remote or rural areas may add extra fees.
How to Prepare Your Car for Transport
- Wash the car to make pre-shipping inspection easier
- Take photos of any current damage
- Remove personal items and valuables
- Leave only about a quarter tank of gas
- Disable or remove toll tags and alarms
Choosing the Right Auto Transport Company
Make sure to:
- Verify licensing through the FMCSA (they should have a DOT number)
- Read customer reviews and check online ratings
- Ask about insurance coverage
- Get a clear, written quote with no hidden fees
A reliable auto transport company will be upfront, communicative, and transparent about their process.
Final Thoughts
Auto transport is a smart, efficient option for moving your vehicle—especially when time, distance, or logistics make driving impractical. By choosing the right type of service and a reputable provider, you can ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience that gets your car where it needs to be—safely and on time.
