Need to Ship Your Car? Here’s Why You Should Use the Top-Rated Car Shipping Company

Harish Makam

19 Sep 2022 2 years ago


If you own an expensive or luxury car, you probably don’t want to drive it more than you have to. And if you’re going on vacation, moving to another city, or just having your car worked on at the mechanic, you certainly don’t want to leave it behind. Fortunately, if you use the top-rated car shipping company in your area, moving your vehicle from one place to another will be the least of your worries!

SAKAEM is a top-rated car shipping company that offers hassle-free auto transport services designed to make this process simple and convenient. While also ensuring that your vehicle arrives in the same condition it was when you sent it off to us. If you’re looking for an easy and stress-free way to ship your car, give us a call today!

But before you make a final call, read this actionable guide to learn about shipping companies and their services. Explore everything about the car shipping process, the benefits of working with a professional and reliable company, and some do’s and don’ts.

When to look for a shipping company?

An auto shipping company can come to the rescue in many scenarios. Some of these include:

  • In case you want to move your car across the country. This is an excellent option if you don’t have the time or money to fly out and drive your vehicle back. It’s also a good option if you’re moving across the country and must transport your car.
  • When you’re moving and need to transport your car. If you’re moving within the same state, having your vehicle shipped might be cheaper and more accessible. But if you’re moving out of state, it’s probably best to use an auto shipping company so that you don’t have to drive long distances with all your belongings.
  • When you buy a car online from another state: Auto shipping companies are great for this because they can pick up the vehicle from wherever it’s being sold and deliver it right to your doorstep.
  • If going on a long road trip. This is an economical way to travel! You can save money on gas, food, and hotels by having someone else drive while you relax in the comfort of your vehicle.

Five Ways to Ship a Car from One State to Another 

Drive yourself

Drive car

It can be daunting if you have never done this before. You need to research the route you will take and ensure there are no vehicle issues that could prevent you from making the trip. There are also costs associated with driving yourself. You will need to pay for gas and possibly lodging along the way. If you are unfamiliar with the area, this can consume a big chunk of your budget.

Challenges to driving yourself

  • Time
  • Cost of gas
  • Tiredness from driving long distances

Some tips: 

  • Leave earlier to start the drive so you can take more breaks and not feel rushed.
  • Pack snacks and drinks for the drive to save money on stops.
  • Take turns driving with someone else so that you can both stay rested.

Hire a professional driving service

You can always hire a professional driving service if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving your car across state lines. A professional driving service will have the experience and expertise to safely get your vehicle to its destination. They will also likely be insured, so you won’t have to worry about any damages that may occur during transport. However, hiring a professional driving service can be pretty expensive. And if something goes wrong, you may not be able to hold them accountable since they’re not technically your employees.

It’s really up to you whether or not hiring a professional driving service is worth it. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

Ship by train

The train is a more environmentally friendly car transport service than by truck. But it is also a slower method, which means it will take longer for your car to reach its destination. It would help if you kept some things in mind when shipping your car by train.

  • Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork before sending your car off.
  • Be aware that there is always the possibility of damage during transit, so make sure you have insurance coverage just in case.
  • Not to ignore the fact that there are only specific routes that trains can take, which means that you may have to drive your car part of the way before you can ship it.

Hire Air Plane Services

The main advantage of shipping your vehicle by air is that it is the fastest way to transport it from one state to another. Through other methods, your car will usually arrive at its destination within a few days, as opposed to weeks or even months. This can be important if you need to get your car back quickly for any reason. However, this method can be hazardous; after all, accidents happen, and if something were to go wrong during transport, your car could easily be damaged beyond repair. Additionally, while most reputable companies ensure that their aircraft are well-maintained and safe for use, there have been cases where faulty equipment has led to accidents. So this is something worth considering before making your final decision.

Use an auto transport company.  

This is a door-to-door service where your car will be loaded onto a truck and transported to your destination. An auto transport company can move your vehicle from one state to another for you. This is especially helpful if you are moving to a new state and do not want to drive your car there. Instead, you can have the vehicle transported on a truck and delivered to your new home. 

  • You don’t have to put miles on your car, which saves wear and tear
  • You don’t have to worry about driving in unfamiliar territory or bad weather
  • Your vehicle will receive insurance coverage during transportation
  • You can ship other items with your car (within reason), such as boxes of clothes or small pieces of furniture

Types of car shipping options

There are two types of car shipping – open and enclosed. Open shipping is the most common and typically the cheapest option, while enclosed shipping offers more protection for your vehicle but comes at a higher price tag.

Open shipping

Open auto shipping is the most common type of car transport service since it’s also the most affordable. Professionals will ship your vehicle on an open trailer, exposing it to the elements during transport. But don’t worry. Experts will securely fasten your car on the trailer so it won’t go anywhere!

Besides, because these carriers can fit more vehicles at once, they tend to be cheaper than enclosed carriers. Open transport is probably your best bet if you’re looking to save money on shipping your car.

Enclosed car shipping

Enclosed Car shipping

If you want an extra layer of protection for your vehicle (or if you’re shipping a luxury or classic car), then enclosed car shipping services might be a better option for you. As the name suggests, the service provider will ship your vehicle in an enclosed trailer, which protects it from inclement weather and road debris. Of course, this added protection comes at a higher price tag.

Different types of car shipping services

With so many options available for auto shipping, it’s essential to know which type of service is right for you and your vehicle. Here’s a look at the different types of car shipping services:

Guaranteed pick up

Auto transport services that offer guaranteed pick-up provide customers with a set date and time for when they will pick up their vehicle. This service is ideal for those who need to ship their car on a specific schedule.

Express shipping

If you are in a hurry to get your car shipped, then an express auto transport service is the way. You can have your vehicle picked up a few days after booking the service, and it will be delivered in just a couple of days. This is perfect for those running ahead of schedule and needing their car shipped as soon as possible.

Benefits of hiring a top-rated shipping company

Top-rated car shipping companies have years of experience and know how to pack and securely transport your vehicle without any issues.

Not only will you be dealing with someone who knows what they are doing, but you will also be saving money on the process overall. These auto shipping service providers typically charge lower prices than their competitors, which means you can get more value for your money. Here are some key benefits of hiring a top-rated company to fulfill your shipping needs.

  1. They make use of the most recent technologies. It ensures a streamlined and efficient shipping process.
  2. They have a well-trained and experienced staff. A well-trained and experienced staff ensures correct and prompt handling of your system.
  3. They have excellent customer service support. Excellent customer service support means you can always get help when you need it, whether it’s tracking your shipment or resolving any issues that may arise.
  4. Their vehicles are in good condition, and they also provide shipping insurance. Their cars are in good condition, so you can trust that your shipment will arrive safely and on time. They also offer shipping insurance to give you peace of mind if anything goes wrong during transit.
  5. You can also count on them for express shipping services. Avail express shipping services if you need your shipment to arrive even faster than its usual timelines.

Tips for hiring an auto transport company

There are several ways to ship a car from one state to another. The most common way is via an auto transport company. Here are five tips for choosing the right auto transport company:

  • Get multiple quotes: It’s essential to get multiple quotes from different companies to compare pricing and services.
  • Read reviews: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, take the time to read reviews of each company. This will give you a good idea of what others have experienced with them regarding customer service and overall satisfaction.
  • Door-to-door service: If you’re looking for convenience, look for an auto transport company that offers “door-to-door” service, meaning they will pick up your car at your house and deliver it right to your new home – no need for you to go out of your way or make any additional arrangements.
  • Terminal-to-terminal service: On the other hand, if the price is more important than convenience,” terminal-to–terminal” might be a better option. With this service, you drop off your car at a central location (usually near airports) and then pick it up at another central location when you arrive at your destination.
  • Ask about insurance: Ask the company what type of insurance coverage they provide if something happens to your car during transport.

How much does it cost to ship a car to the USA?

The cost of shipping will vary depending on the company you use, what type of vehicle you’re shipping, and where it’s going. Here’s a quick rundown to help you out.

  • Location: The further the distance, the more it will cost to transport.
  • Vehicle Type: Larger vehicles require special equipment and more space, which can impact costs.
  • Time of Year: Seasonal demand can impact pricing for both fuel and highway tolls.
  • Mode of Transport: Shipping by rail is often less expensive than shipping by truck but may take longer.
  • Shipper’s Reputation: Pricing can vary based on the company you choose to ship your vehicle to. Make sure you research companies thoroughly before selecting one.
  • Driver’s Experience: More experienced drivers may be able to get your vehicle to its destination more quickly and safely, which could impact the cost.
  • Insurance Coverage: Your auto shipping company should have insurance to cover any damages that may occur during transport. Be sure to ask about this before you choose a company.
  • Payment Method: Some companies offer discounts for specific payment methods, so ask about this when getting quotes.

How much time does it take to transport your vehicle?

Car shipping in train

When you want your vehicle transported from one state to another, a few key facts will impact the amount of time it takes. Here are 5 of the most important ones:

  1. The distance between the two states. The further apart the origin and destination states are, the longer it will take to transport your vehicle. This is due to logistics and simple physics – it just takes longer to travel a greater distance!
  2. Weather conditions. Inclement weather can slow down travel times, both for the truck driver and also due to possible road closures. If you want your car transported during winter, be prepared for some potential delays.
  3. Time of year. The time of year can also impact transport times, as there tends to be more traffic on the roads during the summer months (when people are taking vacations). This can increase transit times, although not always by a significant amount.
  4. Your vehicle’s size. Larger vehicles take up more space on a truck and may need to be transported in a less-than-full load. This can also impact transit times, although not always by a significant amount.
  5. How many vehicles do you want to ship: If you are looking to have multiple cars transported at the same time, the shipping service provider can carry all of them on the same truck. It helps them minimize extra costs and hence offer lucrative deals on thier shipping services. However, if you are only shipping one vehicle, it may need to be transported on a smaller truck which can impact transit times.

How do auto shipping services work?

Shipping your vehicle is pretty much straightforward. All you need to do is follow a few steps:

  • Get an estimate: This is the process’s first and most crucial step. You will need to get an accurate estimate of the cost of shipping your vehicle from one state to another. Get quotes from multiple companies to compare and get the best deals.
  • Choose a company: Once you have your estimate, you will need to choose a reputable company that offers auto transport services. Make sure to research each company thoroughly before making your final decision.
  • Schedule pick-up: Be sure to be available at the scheduled time and have all of your paperwork ready.
  • Drop off vehicle: Once the company has arrived, you must drop off your vehicle at their designated location (in case you didn’t opt for door-to-door auto transport services). Ensure you remove all personal belongings from the car before handing over the keys.
  • Wait for delivery: The last step is simply waiting for your vehicle to be delivered safely to its destination. You should receive a tracking number from the company to follow its progress along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What documents do you need to ship a car to another state?

  • You’ll need the following documents:
  • Your driver’s license
  • The car’s registration
  • A bill of sale or title transfer paperwork from the seller
  • Proof of insurance

These are just a few examples – check with your state’s DMV or auto shipping company for a complete list of requirements.

Can I send a car to another state with personal items?

Yes, you can. Several reputed companies allow you to transport a few boxes with your car to the destination. Make sure to check it with your service provider before finalizing anything.

What are the average transit times for car shipping in the USA?

The average transit time for car shipping in the USA is around 7-10 days. However, this can vary significantly depending on where you are located and the size and weight of your vehicle.

What are the various modes you can use to make the payment?

The most common method is to use a credit card, which you can do either online or over the phone. Some companies also accept checks, money orders, and even PayPal.

How does door-to-door car shipping work?

A vehicle owner ships his car to a transport company, which takes care of all the details of getting the vehicle transported from point A to point B. This can include everything from finding a carrier that has space available to loading and unloading the car at the destination location. Door-to-door shipping is usually quick and easy, making it an attractive option for those looking to get their car shipped quickly.

What is terminal-to-terminal car shipping?

It involves shipping cars from one terminal to another terminal. The main benefit of terminal-to-terminal car shipping is that it is convenient for customers. Customers can pick up their vehicles at the same terminal where they were shipped from. One downside of terminal-to-terminal car shipping is that it can be more expensive than other car shipping services.

What should I do if something goes wrong during shipment?

If something goes wrong during shipment, here are a few tips to follow:

  • Contact the driver immediately. Contact the shipping company or your transport provider if you cannot reach the driver.
  • Document what went wrong and when it went wrong. Take photos of any damage, evidence of foul play, or faulty equipment. This will help with later claims if there is an issue with your shipment.
  • If anything is missing, document this and file a claim with the car shipping company or transport provider as soon as possible.

Harish Makam