Shipping your car when you move: how to time it
Coordinating car shipping with a household move takes a little planning. When to book, whether to ship before or after you leave, and what to do if dates slip.
If you're moving across the country, shipping your car can save days of driving. The tricky part is timing it with everything else.
When to book
- Two to four weeks ahead is a good target in most seasons.
- Earlier in summer, the busiest moving season, and on snowbird routes in fall and spring.
- Very last-minute bookings are possible but usually cost more. See is expedited shipping worth it.
Ship before or after you leave?
- Before you leave: the car may arrive around the time you do. You'll need someone to receive it if you're not there yet.
- After you arrive: you can be there for delivery, but you'll need a way to hand the car over at your old address. A friend, family member or neighbor can do it if the company knows who they are.
Plan for the pickup window
Pickup is usually a window of a few days, not an exact time. Don't schedule the handover for the last hour before your flight. Leave a buffer.
Moving company or car shipper?
Some moving companies offer car transport. Often they subcontract it to a car shipping company. That can be convenient, but ask who is actually moving the car and check that company's reviews and FMCSA authority.
Moving checklist for your car
- Remove personal items. Your car isn't a moving box. See can you pack things in your car.
- Cancel or move your toll tag.
- Update your insurance and registration at the new address after it arrives.
- Keep the bill of lading with your moving paperwork.
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