If You Are Moving, Should You Ship or Sell Your Car?

Posted on 09/14/2020

Jump to section:
Shipping your car during a move
Selling a car before a move
Advice for shipping your car during a move
Conclusion

Shipping your car during a move

When you are moving, the last thing that you will want to worry about is driving hundreds or even thousands of miles. So, if you want to spare yourself that stress you have two options: you can ship the car where you are going, or you can sell it.

If you choose to ship the vehicle you can easily schedule the pickup and delivery of the car by going online or calling the car shipping company of your choice. In fact, some companies may even allow you to ship some of your personal items in your car so long as they collectively do not weigh more than seventy-five pounds and can remain below the window line.

Once you decide to ship your car and book your shipment, you just need to take a few steps to prepare, then you can start focusing on the rest of your move. In order to prepare for your shipment, you just need to make sure that the exterior of the car is clean, that you have your valid and unexpired license and that you will be ready to give away and receive your car during your particular pickup and drop-off dates.

Selling a car before a move

If you want to avoid driving across the country during a move, you do have another option: selling it. Selling your car does involve much more work on your end than shipping it does. It is also considerably more expensive if you plan on buying a car after your move.

If you have owned your car for several years, the value of that car has depreciated quite a bit. So, selling it will only get you a part of what you paid for it originally. In the end, you can expect to end up losing at least half of what you bought the vehicle for (assuming you did not buy the car in the past year).

Advice for shipping your car during a move

Before you get started with the auto transport process, there are a few things that you should know first:

Book your shipment early as you can – Booking your shipment earlier increases the chances that you will get the pickup and drop-off windows that you want. It also increases the likelihood of savings a few bucks because the closer you book to the actual shipping date the more expensive car shipping tends to be.

Get the car washed – When your car transport driver arrives, they will conduct a thorough inspection for pre-existing damage. If the car is dirty, this inspection will take much more time.

Discuss the pickup and drop-off locations with a car shipping rep – Sometimes local streets can be too narrow for car carriers to drive on, or local laws might forbid them from driving down a street. So, be sure that you discuss this with your rep and even your particular driver before you determine the exact pickup and drop-off locations for your shipment.

Remove your personal items – When you ship a car, if personal items are lost or damaged, they will not be covered by the car shipping insurance. You are much better off taking these things out of your car before it is picked up for transport. This includes things like sunglasses, jewelry, CDs, etc.

Try and book the shipment right after you get your quote – As we mentioned earlier, the price of the shipment will increase the longer you wait. If you think your quote is reasonable enough for you, you should book right away.

Conclusion

In the end, shipping your car during a move is much more efficient and cost effective than selling it and buying a new car once you arrive at your destination. When you decide to ship your car, you should take several steps to prepare for the shipment including getting the car cleaned, figuring out the exact pickup and drop-off locations and taking your personal items out of the car. If considering shipping your car, you can always get a free instant quote from RoadRunner today.

1Shipment Details

2Vehicle DetailsMultiple Vehicles?

3Shipper Details

Posted on 09/14/2020

Jump to section:
Shipping your car during a move
Selling a car before a move
Advice for shipping your car during a move
Conclusion

Shipping your car during a move

Selling a car before a move

Advice for shipping your car during a move

Before you get started with the auto transport process, there are a few things that you should know first:

Book your shipment early as you can – Booking your shipment earlier increases the chances that you will get the pickup and drop-off windows that you want. It also increases the likelihood of savings a few bucks because the closer you book to the actual shipping date the more expensive car shipping tends to be.

Get the car washed – When your car transport driver arrives, they will conduct a thorough inspection for pre-existing damage. If the car is dirty, this inspection will take much more time.

Discuss the pickup and drop-off locations with a car shipping rep – Sometimes local streets can be too narrow for car carriers to drive on, or local laws might forbid them from driving down a street. So, be sure that you discuss this with your rep and even your particular driver before you determine the exact pickup and drop-off locations for your shipment.

Remove your personal items – When you ship a car, if personal items are lost or damaged, they will not be covered by the car shipping insurance. You are much better off taking these things out of your car before it is picked up for transport. This includes things like sunglasses, jewelry, CDs, etc.

Try and book the shipment right after you get your quote – As we mentioned earlier, the price of the shipment will increase the longer you wait. If you think your quote is reasonable enough for you, you should book right away.

Conclusion

Calculate your instant car shipping cost and view carrier availability in your area.

RoadRunner Auto Transport Reviews

“RoadRunner Auto Transport did an excellent job shipping a car that I bought online. I spoke with multiple car shipping companies, but the folks at RoadRunner were the most helpful.”

Henry DNew Orleans, LA

“RoadRunner is the best auto transport company that we've used so far. The agent that we spoke with was very friendly and helpful. Our car was delivered on time and in perfect condition.”

Bruce YKansas City, KS

“When I needed to ship my car, I wanted to find the most reliable auto transport company possible. After calling around, I chose RoadRunner and couldn't be happier with the service they provided.”

Daniel AWhittier, CA

“I'm very happy with the service I received from RoadRunner Auto Transport. They picked up my car right from my home and I was able to track my automobile transport online very easily.”

Luis CSyracuse, NY

“I was looking for cheap car shipping quotes and RoadRunner provided me with a very fair price. The driver was friendly and my car delivery was on time with no issues. 5 star auto shipping service!”

Tara KPhiladelphia, PA

"I would definitely use RoadRunner Auto Transport again without a doubt. Excellent overall service from start to finish."

Trish A.

Miami, FL

"When I bought a car out of state I was unsure what to expect with the shipping. RoadRunner made everything so easy!"

Jenna D.

Lufkin, TX

"I called RoadRunner and was able to have my car picked up that same day and delivered over 500 miles away the next day!"

Joan B.

Boston, MA

"We needed 2 cars shipped across the country last minute and RoadRunner really came through big time for us!"

Amanda M.

Los Angeles, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.

How do I get a quote for car moving?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. To calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

When will my vehicle be delivered?

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Can I track the progress of my shipment online?

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

How do I pay for my auto shipping?

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Does someone have to be present for pick up and delivery?

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

Can I put personal items in my vehicle?

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

How do I get a quote for shipping my vehicle?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

How far in advance should I schedule my transport?

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

Where will my car be picked up and delivered?

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly to your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter, local car moving. There is a broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed car shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed vehicle transportation guarantees maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since carrier availability is limited. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport

What types of vehicles do you ship?

RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in shipping all types of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.

How much gas should I have in my car during transport?

You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.

What is the Bill of Lading and what exactly does it have to do with my shipment?

The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.

What is top load service?

Top load service is when your car is placed on the higher deck or level of an open auto transport trailer. This is considered to be preferable to the bottom load because the cars on the lower deck are at risk of possibly having fluid from the cars above leak on them.

How do I get my car ready for shipment?

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.

Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running?

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inoperable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accommodate a non-running vehicle.

What methods of car shipping services do you offer?

We offer open car shipping and enclosed transport services services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on two decks that are exposed. Enclosed transport services are when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is recommended for luxury, exotic or classic cars.

What is Door-to-Door transport?

Door-to-door car transport is the full-service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to reach your door safely. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low-lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.

View all frequently asked questions

View all frequently asked questions.