Okay, moving is pretty much universally agreed upon as one of the most stressful events a person can go through.
Packing boxes, hiring movers, not falling behind on a mountain of paperwork….figuring out how to transport your vehicle goes way down on the list of priorities.
And that’s a mistake.
Vehicle logistics are important and handling that part of the process with a car hauling service can save time, money and your sanity. When a professional transport company handles car shipping, they’ll pick-up the vehicle at the old address and deliver it right to the new one with no extra mileage added.
Let’s dig into why that’s important.
Table of Contents
- Why Vehicle Logistics Are Important During a Move
- How Do Car Shipping Companies Work?
- Open vs Enclosed Transport
- How To Choose The Right Vehicle Transport Company
- Vehicle Shipping Tips
- Wrapping Things Up
Why Vehicle Logistics Are Important During a Move
Believe it or not but taking care of vehicle logistics is one of the biggest parts of moving that people tend to overlook.
It’s easy to get caught up in researching neighbourhoods, measuring furniture and packing boxes. But how the car gets to the new place is important.
Most folks wait until the last minute to figure out vehicle related moving details. They scramble to call up family members for a ride or plan out long drives full of map apps and motel bookings.
Here’s the issue with that…
Doing that much driving when already moving is a recipe for disaster. 82% of Americans who moved in 2024 said moving itself was stressful. Add several thousand kilometres on a vehicle at a time like that and it’s asking for trouble.
Don’t fall into that trap. Car hauling services offer a simple solution to take one less thing off the plate. Avoid lengthy drives with roadside hazards, stress and wasted time behind the wheel.
How do car hauling services help with vehicle logistics? Here are a few benefits:
- No thousands of kilometres added to the vehicle before even moving in.
- No road fatigue from driving cross country while moving everything else.
- No risk of highway wear and tear on the vehicle.
Whether it’s a local move or interstate car shipping across the country, a car hauling service can take care of vehicle transport from start to finish. It’s an easy way to keep the focus on the most important aspect of moving…getting into the new home.
At the end of the day moving is hard. But it doesn’t have to be.
With roughly 25.87 million Americans relocating in 2024, using a vehicle transport service is one of the best ways to stay organized.
How Do Car Shipping Companies Work?
Transporting a vehicle with a car hauling service is painless. Here’s what to expect when working with a company that specializes in vehicle logistics.
Once a provider is chosen, they’ll handle the rest. A transport company will:
- Pick up the vehicle at the specified address (some providers pick up at local terminals instead).
- Have it loaded onto a trailer truck and shipped to its destination.
- Deliver the vehicle at the new address or another pick up location.
Really, that’s all there is to it. No need to drive it and put more miles on the car.
While there are two types of shipping methods, both open and enclosed transport are safe, efficient and secure ways to have a vehicle transported long distances.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Most people have never had to research vehicle transport services before. So when it comes time to choose a shipping method or transport company, the details can get confusing.
Is enclosed transport necessary?
Unless the vehicle is a luxury car, classic car or something that would be devastating to see with hail damage or road rash, open transport is more than enough.
Here’s why:
Open transport is by far the most common method. It’s used 95% of the time for all types of vehicles. Cost-effective and efficient, open transport works perfectly well for everyday cars, trucks or SUVs.
Also known as non-enclosed transport, these methods leave the vehicle exposed to the elements. However, they’re fully secured to the truck during transit with no risk of damage from road debris.
Enclosed transport is definitely a nice-to-have for those with luxury vehicles they want to protect from the elements. Transporting vehicles inside a covered trailer protects them from hail, road debris and outside weather conditions.
How To Choose The Right Vehicle Transport Company
Just like nobody would drive a random vehicle across the country, don’t just sign with the first vehicle transport company that shows up.
Here are a few things to keep an eye out for when choosing a provider.
Licensing and Insurance
Yes, this should be step number one. Verify that any vehicle transport company is licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and they’re able to provide proof of insurance.
If they can’t provide both of these things up front, don’t work with them.
Reviews
Anyone can claim to be the best vehicle transport provider around. Check out what real customers are saying about the business before committing.
A company with a long history of positive reviews is always a good sign. Watch for consistent themes both positive and negative and check multiple sites.
Pricing
As with any home service, don’t fall for hidden fees.
Look for vehicle hauling services that are upfront about their prices and don’t try to upsell on services that aren’t needed. Comparing vehicle transport companies by requesting quotes from a few different places is always a smart move.
If the price seems too good to be true, there’s probably a catch.
When Can They Deliver?
Believe it or not, timing is everything here. Make sure that the transportation provider can deliver the vehicle within the moving schedule.
Car hauling companies typically take anywhere from a few days to two weeks for domestic transport. Plan accordingly.
Vehicle Shipping Tips
Preparing a car for transport is simple but there are a few things that can make sure everything goes smoothly.
Clear out the vehicle: Don’t leave any personal items in the car or truck. Car transport companies are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Empty it out.
Fuel tank: Make sure the fuel tank is close to a quarter of the way full.
Vehicle inspection: Take note of any pre-existing damage on the vehicle before transport. The company won’t be held responsible for damage that isn’t reported.
Photograph all angles of the vehicle before shipment.
Book Early: Vehicle hauling services can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Book the transport reservation at least 2-3 weeks in advance if possible.
Communicate: Don’t hesitate to ask questions or get status updates. A reputable car hauling service should be able to provide GPS tracking throughout the shipping process.
Know the contract: Before signing anything, read the contract. Know what’s involved.
Look for details about insurance during transport, cancellation policies and delivery guarantees.
Inspect the vehicle upon delivery: As mentioned before, take the time to do a quick inspection when the vehicle is delivered. Compare the condition to the photos taken prior to transport.
If there’s any new damage, be sure to document it and notify the company immediately.
Wrapping Things Up
Moving is hard. But using a vehicle transport service to take care of vehicle logistics can make life a lot easier.
They save time, energy and prevent wear-and-tear on vehicles. Anyone planning an upcoming move should take a little extra time to plan this part out.
Find a reputable transport company.
Compare vehicle transport quotes.
Book early and the car haul will be one less thing to stress about.
Moving. Done.
Also Read Long Term Parking Guide for Travelers Seeking Safe, Affordable, and Convenient Options
