Shipping a car to another state can be much easier when you prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re moving from Arizona, purchasing a vehicle from another state, or sending a car to a family member, understanding the process can help you avoid unnecessary complications.
Here are five important things to know before arranging state-to-state auto transport.
1. Choose the Right Transportation Type
One of the first decisions is choosing between open and enclosed transport.
Open transport is commonly used for standard vehicles and can be a practical choice for many customers.
Enclosed transport offers a more protected transportation environment and may be preferred for luxury, classic, collectible, or specialty vehicles.
2. Provide Accurate Vehicle Information
When requesting transportation, provide accurate information about your vehicle.
This can include the make, model, approximate size, operating condition, and any modifications that could affect transportation.
If your vehicle doesn’t run, has low clearance, or has special equipment, communicate this information before scheduling.
Accurate information helps ensure that the transportation arrangements are appropriate for the vehicle.
3. Prepare Your Vehicle
Before the carrier arrives, remove personal belongings and unnecessary items.
It’s a good idea to clean the exterior of the vehicle enough to make existing damage easy to see.
Take photographs of the vehicle from multiple angles before pickup.
Make sure important documents and valuable personal belongings are kept with you.
4. Be Flexible With Transportation Timing
Auto transportation involves many variables.
Traffic, weather, road conditions, carrier schedules, vehicle loading, route changes, and other circumstances can affect transportation timing.
For that reason, customers should avoid planning important events around an exact vehicle arrival time unless the transportation provider has specifically confirmed a guaranteed service.
Allowing some flexibility can make the process much easier.
5. Inspect Your Vehicle at Delivery
When your vehicle arrives, inspect it carefully.
Compare its condition with the information and photographs documented before pickup.
If you notice an issue, follow the applicable inspection and claims procedures provided for your shipment.
Make Your Interstate Vehicle Move Easier
Moving a car across state lines doesn’t have to mean spending days behind the wheel.
State-to-state auto transport provides a convenient alternative for customers who need to relocate a vehicle.
DriftLine Auto Transport provides open, enclosed, door-to-door, and state-to-state transportation solutions for customers in Tempe, AZ, and beyond.