Your household goods are going on the truck. Your car is a separate logistics problem — and one that's worth thinking through before moving day rather than after.
Option 1: Drive It
Driving your car to your destination is the most economical option for most moves. You control the timeline, you have a vehicle at both ends, and you avoid shipping costs. The trade-offs: it adds days to your transition, requires you to be the driver (or hire someone), and puts wear on the vehicle.
For moves under 1,000 miles, driving is almost always the right answer. For cross-country moves (1,500+ miles), it depends on whether you have time, whether you want to make a road trip of it, and whether the wear on the vehicle is a concern.
Option 2: Ship It
Auto transport companies specialize in moving vehicles. Costs typically run $600–1,400 for a cross-country shipment, depending on distance, vehicle size, and the type of carrier (open vs enclosed). Open transport is less expensive; enclosed is better for high-value or classic vehicles.
Auto transport timelines are less predictable than household goods shipping — expect 7–14 days for cross-country transport, and build buffer into your timeline. Book early, especially for summer moves when capacity is tight.
Option 3: Sell and Replace
If your vehicle is older and not worth the cost and logistics of transport, selling it before the move and purchasing at the destination is worth considering. This simplifies your move, removes a logistics variable, and gives you an opportunity to buy something better suited to your new location (a more fuel-efficient vehicle in a dense city, for example, or a more capable vehicle in a rural or mountain environment).
What to Do Before Transport or a Long Drive
- Full service: oil, tires, fluids, brakes — especially before a long drive
- Remove personal items from the car (auto transport companies don't cover contents)
- Document the vehicle's condition with photos before transport
- Check insurance coverage for transport — your auto policy may or may not cover damage during shipping
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