You're probably pretty good when it comes to arranging for your furniture, furnishings and clothing to be moved to another city or town far away. You contact several moving companies and you ask for estimates, or you might even ask your friends about which one they would choose. However, like most people, you may have given little thought about getting your car or cars to your new home. There are several ways do this but you should have enough time to plan, or else you will pay more than you should.
Ask your moving van company to simply add your car or cars to the other goods they will ship for you. While this is the simplest solution, you may be surprised at the cost. The Interstate Commerce Commission dictates that all of your possessions, including cars, be weighed shortly before the company leaves for your new city and the rate you'll pay depends on that weight. In the past, cars were negotiable and dependent on whether your car or cars would fit on the van.
Hire a company that ships cars. These companies will transport your car or cars on either open trucks, like those you've seen carrying new cars to dealerships, or in trailers that are enclosed. For a fee, the company will pick up your car(s) at your home, then deliver it to you at your new home. In general, shipping companies charge less than moving companies.
Save additional money when you hire a shipping company. Many of them have terminals at a host of locations nationwide. If you are willing to drive your car to one of the terminals, then pick it up at a terminal that's close to your new home, you will save about $100. However, you need to be sure that the company you choose has terminals that are convenient to you at both ends.
Make sure the company you choose is registered by the ICC and the Department of Transportation. Find out what the company's insurance covers; and whether you will be compensated if the company is late delivering your car.
Hire someone through an auto transport service to drive your car to your new home. Although you can save money doing this, you will need a lot of lead time for the company to find a driver willing to take your car. Your cost depends on the distance to your new home and the make and year of your automobile, but it is cheaper than a shipping company. Again, be sure the company is fully insured before you entrust your vehicle to it.
