Whether you’re moving out of state, buying a car online, or helping a family member relocate, transporting a vehicle over long distances can be a daunting task. While driving the car yourself might seem like the obvious choice, car shipping services offer a convenient, reliable, and often cost-effective solution.
In this article, we’ll explore how car shipping works, what it costs, how long it takes, and why it might be the better option for many people. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about the process so you can feel confident in your decision.
Understanding Car Shipping Services
Car shipping is a professional service designed to move vehicles from one location to another using specialized carrier trucks. There are two main types of transport: open and enclosed.
Open transport is the most common method, where cars are loaded onto a two-tier trailer exposed to the elements. This method is used for most standard vehicles because it’s economical and widely available. It’s also faster to schedule due to high carrier availability.
Enclosed transport, on the other hand, offers protection from weather, dust, and road debris by placing your vehicle inside a covered trailer. It’s ideal for classic, luxury, exotic, or collector cars. While it does come at a premium price—often 30% to 50% more—it provides greater peace of mind for high-value vehicles.
Most transport companies offer door-to-door service, where your car is picked up from your home or a nearby location and delivered to your destination address. If your neighborhood has space constraints or local road restrictions, you may be asked to meet the carrier at a safe and accessible location. Some services also offer terminal-to-terminal shipping, though it requires you to drop off and pick up your car at designated locations, which can be less convenient.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
The cost of car shipping varies depending on several factors. The most important is the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations. The farther your vehicle has to travel, the more it will cost.
Other major cost factors include:
Vehicle type: Larger vehicles like trucks, vans, or SUVs weigh more and take up more space, which means higher shipping costs.
Transport type: Enclosed carriers are more expensive than open ones due to the added protection and limited space.
Seasonality: Prices fluctuate throughout the year. Demand peaks during the summer, snowbird season, and holidays, which can drive up costs.
Route popularity: Common routes between major cities often cost less than shipping to or from rural areas.
As a ballpark:
- Shipping a sedan from Ohio to Florida might cost around $900 to $1,100
- Shipping the same vehicle from Ohio to California could be around $1,200 to $1,600
- Larger vehicles or enclosed transport options may increase these estimates
It’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple transport companies and compare their reviews, services, and fees. Avoid choosing the lowest price blindly, as it may involve hidden charges or subpar service.
How Long Does Car Shipping Take?
Delivery times depend on how far your car is traveling, how busy the shipping route is, and external conditions like traffic and weather.
Here’s a general guideline:
- Within Ohio or nearby states: 1–3 days
- Ohio to Southern states (e.g., Georgia, Florida): 3–5 days
- Ohio to West Coast (e.g., California): 5–8 days
- Ohio to Northeast (e.g., New York, Pennsylvania): 2–4 days
Delays can occur due to:
- Severe weather conditions
- Traffic congestion
- Truck mechanical issues
- Multiple pickups or drop-offs along the route
When you book, you’ll typically receive a pickup window (e.g., 1–3 days from the scheduled date) and an estimated delivery range. Booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure better availability and flexibility in scheduling.
How Does Payment Work for Auto Transport?
Understanding how and when to pay for your car shipment helps avoid surprises.
Most car transport companies follow a two-step payment system:
- Deposit: A small deposit (usually $100–$300) is paid at the time of booking. This secures your spot with the carrier.
- Remaining balance: The rest of the payment is typically made upon vehicle delivery, often in cash, certified check, or money order directly to the driver.
Some companies allow you to pay the full amount upfront using a credit card or online transfer, but this varies. Always verify the payment method and refund policies beforehand.
Avoid red flags such as:
- Companies demanding full payment before assigning a carrier
- Unclear cancellation policies
- Unreasonably low pricing
A reputable company will be transparent about all fees and provide a written agreement outlining the total cost and terms.
Will My Vehicle Be Picked Up and Delivered Directly?
One of the most convenient features of car shipping is the door-to-door service. This means the carrier picks up your vehicle as close to your home or specified location as possible and delivers it to your final destination.
However, due to the large size of carrier trucks, certain areas may pose challenges, including:
- Narrow residential streets
- Low-hanging trees or wires
- Steep driveways
- City restrictions on commercial trucks
In these cases, the driver will contact you to arrange a nearby, safe meeting point—such as a shopping plaza or wide-open parking lot—for pickup and delivery.
Before handing over your vehicle, a vehicle inspection report is completed and signed by both parties. This same process is repeated upon delivery to confirm that the car arrives in the same condition as when it left.
Top 5 Reasons to Use Auto Transport Instead of Driving
1. Time Savings
Driving hundreds or thousands of miles requires days of planning, stops, and energy. Shipping your car allows you to fly to your destination while your vehicle travels independently, freeing up your schedule.
2. Protect Your Vehicle
Every mile you drive adds wear and tear—especially on long road trips. Tires, brakes, and fluids are all impacted. Shipping helps maintain your vehicle’s condition and resale value.
3. Avoid Weather Hazards
Ohio winters and unpredictable weather patterns can make long-distance drives dangerous. Shipping reduces exposure to snow, ice, rain, or high heat that may harm both you and your car.
4. Lower Costs in the Long Run
While driving may seem cheaper initially, factor in gas, lodging, meals, vehicle wear, and potential breakdowns—and you’ll see how car shipping may be more economical overall.
5. Less Stress, More Convenience
Long drives are mentally and physically exhausting. With auto transport, there’s no route planning, no roadside delays, and no need to worry about breakdowns or detours. You simply hand over the keys and relax.
Final Thoughts
Shipping your car offers a smart, stress-free alternative to driving across long distances. From avoiding unexpected expenses to preserving your vehicle’s condition and saving time, auto transport can simplify your move or travel plans. By understanding the process, asking the right questions, and planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth and efficient car shipping experience from or to Ohio—or anywhere else in the country.
FAQs
Q: How far ahead should I schedule my car shipment?
Booking your shipment 1–2 weeks in advance gives you the best rates and availability, especially during high-demand periods like holidays and seasonal moves.
Q: Can I leave things in the car while it’s being shipped?
Some carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items, typically stored in the trunk. However, not all companies allow this, and items are not covered by insurance, so always check first.
Q: Is my car insured while in transit?
Yes. All professional transporters must carry cargo insurance. Still, it’s important to review their policy details and ask for proof of insurance coverage before booking.
Q: What should I do to prepare my car for shipping?
Clean your car, remove personal items, disable alarms, and ensure the gas tank is about a quarter full. Also, take pictures of the car’s condition for your records.
Q: What if my car is damaged during transport?
Damage is rare, but if it happens, make sure it’s noted in the Bill of Lading at delivery. You can then file a claim with the carrier’s insurance provider.