(866) 297-2360

Shipping your car along with your move

Two moves, one plan: your household on one schedule, your car on another. Here's how the car leg works and how to keep the two coordinated.

Call (866) 297-2360 A real person answers. Tell us about your move.

The short version: most long distance movers don't carry cars — the vehicle usually ships separately with an auto transport carrier, open trailer by default. Coordinate the schedules so you're not carless for a week at the wrong end, photograph the car at pickup, and keep the condition report. To Hawaii, the ocean tariff publishes a real number: $1,145 for a vehicle inside a household goods container.

Timing is the whole game

Auto transport runs on its own windows. The common mistake is booking the car last: book both legs together, tell each carrier about the other, and decide which end you can afford to be without a car at. One call to us covers both questions.

Car shipping questions

Can my car go with my household goods?
Sometimes — some carriers take a vehicle in the same trailer or a container (to Hawaii, the published charge for a vehicle inside a household container is $1,145). More often the car ships separately with an auto transport carrier on an open or enclosed trailer, on its own schedule.
Open or enclosed transport?
Open trailers are the standard and cost less; your car rides exposed like the dealership deliveries you see on the highway. Enclosed costs more and is for high-value, classic or low-clearance vehicles. For most family cars, open transport is the rational choice.
How should I prepare the car?
Quarter tank of fuel, no personal belongings inside (most auto carriers prohibit them and their insurance won't cover them), photograph every panel in good light, and note existing damage on the condition report at pickup — that report is the document any claim stands on.
Call (866) 297-2360