How to Transport a Car to Another State
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Moving long-distance comes with plenty of to-do items, and one of the biggest tasks is figuring out how to move your car to another state. Because your final destination might be hundreds of miles away, driving your vehicle there may not be the most practical solution.
Fortunately, there are a handful of convenient ways to move a car to another state, so you can make a seamless transition to your new home. This guide will explore the most popular ways people transport their vehicles over long distances, helping you choose the option that best suits your needs.
Key Takeaways
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5 Ways to Move or Ship a Car
So, how do you transport a car to another state? You’ll find there are no shortage of options. Important considerations such as cost and convenience vary based on the transportation method. However, for most people, it boils down to these five solutions:
1. Tow it Yourself
This option is one of the most affordable ways of moving a car. By attaching a trailer hitch to another vehicle that can tow, you can move your vehicle to your destination using a tow dolly, auto transport trailer, or toy hauler. The only downside is if your family only has one vehicle or doesn't have a vehicle that can tow, this won’t be the best option.
2. Tow it With a Moving Truck
If you're planning on renting a moving truck, you have the option of towing your vehicle behind the truck using either a tow dolly or auto transport trailer. This option is both affordable and convenient. Plus, all U-Haul trucks come equipped with a trailer hitch and can tow, so there’s no need to worry about buying a tow package or finding the right tow vehicle.
3. Drive it Yourself
You always have the option of driving your car to wherever you’re headed. This option is straightforward and typically the most affordable, but it's heavily dependent on how you plan to carry out your move. For example, if you plan to rent a moving truck, you’ll need two drivers: one for the truck and another for your personal vehicle. However, if you plan to rent a portable moving container for your move, this option is much more feasible.
4. Hire an Auto Transport Company
If you’re not comfortable with the DIY approach, you can hire a specialized vehicle shipping company. On the plus side, this option offers peace of mind, as professionals will handle the transportation of your vehicle. But, on the downside, this option can be quite costly. On average, domestic vehicle shipping within the United States can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on how far you’re transporting the vehicle.
5. Hire Full-Service Movers
Some full-service moving companies also offer vehicle moving services. This option is convenient — but it can be expensive. Moving often gets costly; having a vehicle towed only adds to the cost. If you're planning to move to a new state on a budget, this option may not be the most suitable for you.
What’s the Best Way to Ship a Car to Another State?
Naturally, we recommend that anyone shipping a car to another state strongly considers towing their vehicle using U-Haul vehicle moving equipment, rather than ship. Not only is towing a car more convenient than you might imagine, it’s also the most affordable way to ship a car to another state.
How Much Does it Cost to Tow a Car Cross Country?
Rates are determined by trailer size, point of origin, destination, and the day of the move. The price includes a set number of days to complete your move. The good news? There are no per-mile charges for vehicle towing equipment! All towing equipment rentals include unlimited miles. At U-Haul, every one-way rental truck and trailer reservation comes with a combo discount, saving you even more money!
Which Type of Trailer is Best for Moving a Car Long Distance?
Auto transport trailers, tow dollies, and toy haulers are all well-suited for long-distance travel. Your needs will ultimately determine which towing device is best for you. For example, tow dollies are a great match for smaller, front-wheel drive vehicles, while auto transport trailers are best suited for larger vehicles. Toy haulers, with a max load capacity of 6,845 lbs. and multiple tie-down points, can handle options from off-road vehicles to large SUVs, race cars, and even full-size trucks.
With options built to handle everything from compact cars to full-size trucks, U-Haul has a trailer to match your towing needs. See the differences.
Tips for Towing a Car Cross Country
Choose the Right Equipment: This part’s easy. When you get a quote on uhaul.com, we’ll walk you through choosing the right equipment first. Simply provide information on the towing vehicle and what’s being towed, and we’ll let you know if it’s a recommended combination.
Be Aware of Trailer Sway: Trailer sway is when the trailer/vehicle in tow begins to “sway” back and forth uncontrollably independent of the towing vehicle. This is an unsafe driving condition for yourself and others on the road. Always load your towing equipment safely by loading the vehicle front-facing, securely strapped down, and not packing extra belongings into the towed vehicle.
Practice Safe Driving Habits: Drive cautiously, especially when towing a heavy load. Maintain a moderate speed and avoid sudden movements or sharp turns. Increase your following distance to allow for safe braking, and use your mirrors to check on the towed vehicle frequently.
Check Weather Considerations: Check weather conditions along your intended route and plan accordingly. Be prepared for adverse weather, and consider stopping and taking a break if conditions seem unsafe.
Inspect and Maintain Equipment: Regularly inspect the towing equipment and the connections, including the safety chains, straps, tires, lights, and brakes. Ensure that all equipment is in good working condition before embarking on your journey.
Prepare Your Car for the Journey: Keep your load light by leaving about a quarter tank of gasoline in the vehicle in tow, and check that your tires are properly inflated to avoid damage. You’ll also want to make sure all valuables, personal items, and accessories are removed.
Start Your Car Shipping Journey Today
Getting a quote for your car transporting journey is fast and simple. Just tell us where you’re going and when, and we’ll provide car towing options that fit your needs, and a rental rate. Get started today!
For more safety tips on towing your vehicle, watch the video below: