Moving to another state often involves coordinating housing, travel, packing, and important paperwork. If you need to relocate your vehicle as well, state-to-state car shipping can help simplify the process.
Instead of driving your car across several states yourself, you can arrange transportation with a suitable auto transport provider. A little preparation before pickup can make the shipment easier to coordinate and help you document the vehicle’s condition.
Citywide Vehicle Transport offers information about state-to-state auto transport, open car transport, enclosed car transport, and door-to-door shipping for customers planning vehicle transportation from Los Angeles, California, and other locations served by the provider.
1. Book in Advance When Possible
Start researching transport options as soon as your moving dates become clearer. Providing advance notice gives you more time to compare services, review agreements, and coordinate pickup and delivery arrangements.
When requesting a quote, share the pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle year, make and model, operability, preferred dates, and transportation method.
If your schedule is flexible, ask whether a broader pickup window could improve availability or pricing. Avoid assuming that a quoted transit estimate guarantees delivery on a particular day.
2. Choose the Appropriate Transport Method
Open car transport is a common choice for everyday vehicles and may offer a cost-conscious way to move a car over long distances.
Enclosed car transport may be more appropriate for collector vehicles, classic cars, luxury automobiles, or vehicles for which reduced exposure to outdoor conditions is important.
Door-to-door auto transport can simplify logistics by arranging pickup and delivery near your specified locations, subject to access, road restrictions, and carrier safety requirements.
Discuss your vehicle and route with the provider before deciding. The lowest initial quote may not represent the best overall choice if it does not match your schedule, vehicle requirements, or service expectations.
3. Clean Your Vehicle and Record Its Condition
Wash your car before pickup when practical. A clean exterior makes it easier to photograph existing scratches, dents, paint chips, and other visible marks.
Take photographs from multiple angles and include close-ups of existing damage. Keep the images until the shipment is completed and you are satisfied with the delivery condition.
At pickup, review the vehicle condition report carefully. Ensure existing damage is accurately recorded and retain a copy for reference.
4. Remove Personal Belongings
Remove luggage, valuables, loose accessories, and unnecessary items from the vehicle. Transport providers and carrier insurance policies may restrict personal belongings inside shipped vehicles.
Check the glove compartment, trunk, door pockets, center console, and other storage areas. Keep important documents, house keys, and personal electronics with you rather than inside the car.
Ask the provider about any permitted items and restrictions before pickup. Never assume that personal property left in the vehicle is covered by cargo insurance.
5. Check Fuel, Battery, Tires, and Mechanical Condition
Unless you have been given different instructions, keep the fuel level low but sufficient for loading and unloading. Check tire inflation and make sure the parking brake, steering, and other necessary systems function as required.
Inform the transport provider if the vehicle does not start, cannot roll, has a low ground clearance, or has been modified. Inoperable vehicles may require special equipment and can involve different pricing.
If your vehicle has an alarm system, provide instructions for disabling it when necessary. Secure loose exterior accessories where appropriate, and ask about removable racks or custom components.
6. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Details
Make sure the pickup contact and delivery contact are available and have current phone numbers. Confirm the expected pickup window, payment arrangements, and how updates will be communicated.
Large transport carriers may not be able to enter narrow streets, gated communities, parking garages, or locations with low overhead clearance. If necessary, agree on a safe nearby meeting point.
Before the vehicle is loaded, verify the arrangements with the authorized transport representative.
7. Understand Insurance and Shipment Terms
Ask for details about the motor carrier’s cargo insurance, including limits, exclusions, deductibles if applicable, and claim reporting procedures. Confirm which company is responsible for transportation and whom to contact if a problem arises.
Read the service agreement and check cancellation policies, payment terms, potential additional charges, and the estimated delivery window. Keep the booking confirmation, inspection report, and communications in one place.
8. Inspect Your Car at Delivery
When your vehicle arrives, inspect it in good lighting if possible. Compare its condition against your original photographs and the pickup report.
Document any newly observed damage and follow the carrier’s reporting and claim procedures promptly. Retain copies of all documents and communications.