Shipping a car across the country is a lot of work for a private car owner. Driving from California to New York requires several days of travel, which means time off from work and time away from family. It also requires significant expenses in terms of fuel, food, lodging, and other on-road amenities.
If you’re relocating, buying a new vehicle, or just heading to New York for an extended stay, choosing professional car transport services over moving a car yourself makes sense. Auto transport companies are perfect when you need to ship a car to another state because you can schedule them out and even meet your car for delivery via plane or train.
This guide offers tips on shipping a car from California to New York, including preparing your car, managing costs, and knowing what to expect during the vehicle shipping process.
Choosing the Right Car Shipping Service
Selecting the right auto transport company is the most important thing for your car ship experience from California to New York. With a wide range of providers available, here’s how to identify the best option for your needs:
Research and Verify Credentials
Look for companies with positive reviews, proven experience, and membership in organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Automobile Transport Association. Ensure they are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and read reviews on multiple platforms to hear from real customers.
Compare Services and Features
Not all companies offer the same things. Some auto transport services specialize in door-to-door car delivery, while others provide terminal-to-terminal shipping. Door-to-door open car transport is the most popular option because it’s the perfect blend of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. However, premium enclosed transport offers additional protection for luxury or classic cars.
Look For Accurate Quotes
Request detailed car shipping quotes from the top companies you find. Reliable car shipping companies, like Nexus Auto Transport, provide upfront pricing based on factors such as distance, vehicle size, and transport type. Be cautious of unusually low quotes, which could indicate hidden fees, subpar service, or scams.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
You don’t have to do much to ship a car professionally. However, proper preparation is crucial to a smooth transport experience and minimizes potential issues during transit. Here’s a checklist to get your vehicle ready for car transport:
Clean Your Car
Wash your car thoroughly to document its current condition. Take care to clean the interior as well. This will make it easy to inspect the car at pickup and delivery. Take photos of all sides and note any existing scratches or dents. This documentation will be crucial if any disputes arise.
Take Photos
Be sure to photograph your car from multiple angles on all sides. Note any dents, dings, or scratches. Share those with your driver at pickup and have them notated on your Bill of Lading. Also, take pictures of the interior and do the same.
Remove Personal Belongings
Most car transport services prohibit personal items inside the vehicle due to weight restrictions and liability concerns. Unless you’ve made special arrangements, empty the car’s interior and trunk before pickup.
Perform Needed Car Maintenance
- Check tire pressure and fluid levels.
- Ensure the battery is fully charged.
- Fix any leaks to avoid delays or extra charges.
- Disable the car alarm to prevent interruptions during shipping.
Ensure Operating Condition
A car doesn’t have to operate to be shipped. However, labor will cost more if it has to be winched onto and off of a trailer.
Reduce Your Fuel Level
A quarter tank of fuel is ideal. This reduces weight while leaving adequate fuel for all parts of the loading and unloading processes. It also gives you enough gas to fuel up at your destination.
Understanding the Cost of Cross-Country Shipping
The price to ship a car to another state, especially from coast to coast, varies wildly from day to day and vehicle to vehicle. Understanding these variables helps you budget effectively:
Key Factors Influencing Cost
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Distance and Location
Transporting a car from California to New York covers over 2,900 miles. Per-mile costs are much cheaper for longer hauls. However, you will often pay more to reach harder-to-reach locales off the highway or beaten path.
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Vehicle Type and Size
Due to their size and weight, larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks are more expensive to ship. They also take up more space on open haulers, which often leaves drivers fewer opportunities to stack extra cars on their route.
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Transport Type
- Open Transport: Open car transport is your most affordable option. Even with the exposure to weather and debris, we recommend open car shipping for most vehicles under $70,000 in value.
- Enclosed Transport: Enclosed auto shipping offers superior protection and is ideal for high-value vehicles over $70,000. We also suggest enclosed shipping for specialized equipment, classic cars, and vehicles with strong personal attachments.
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Seasonal Demand
It costs more to ship a car from California to New York in the early spring and summer. This is because the weather is at its best in New York, and many people are returning to or heading to the Empire State to enjoy it. For lower rates, consider shipping your car during off-peak months.
Average Costs
It costs around $1,385 on average to ship a car from California to New York. The prices of California to New York car shipping usually range from $1,100 to $1,600, but they can be more or less depending on the situation. Always compare multiple car shipping quotes to find the best deal. Reliable services like Nexus Auto Transport provide accurate estimates to help you better plan your moving expenses.
Tips for a Smooth Car Ship from California to New York
Shipping a car is simple when you follow these easy steps:
Book Early
Please reserve your car transport services at least two weeks in advance to guarantee availability and receive the best possible pricing.
Be Flexible with Scheduling
If you can move your shipping day a few days one way or the other, you can often save significant money. Work with a car shipping expert to find the sweet spot to ship your vehicle.
Plan For Delays
Car transport has many variables working against it. Road closures, driver illness, inclement weather, and equipment issues can affect your shipping window. To ensure that you get your vehicle when you need it, give yourself at least one day of space on each side to work with.
Find the Right Car Transport Service
Look for a car delivery company with a proven track record for safety, efficiency, and A-level customer service. Nexus car transport services are rated an A+ by the Better Business Bureau with over 5,000 5-star reviews and counting.
What to Expect During the Shipping Process
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect at all three stages of the car transport process:
Pickup
Your car shipping expert will find a top driver to pick up your vehicle. They will contact you around 24 hours before meeting you at your door or a nearby space. The transporter will inspect your vehicle and document its condition at pickup. You’ll sign a bill of lading as a contract and condition report.
Transport
Depending on your selection, the vehicle is loaded onto a transport carrier, either open or enclosed. Transit times from California to New York typically range from 7 to 10 days, depending on weather and route conditions.
Delivery
Your vehicle will be inspected upon arrival to ensure it matches the pickup condition. The recipient will sign the bill of lading to confirm delivery.
Conclusion
Shipping your car from California to New York doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing a reputable auto transport company, preparing your vehicle properly, and understanding the costs and process, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free experience.
Whether you’re looking for reliable car delivery services or comparing car shipping quotes, Nexus Auto Transport is a trusted name in the industry. Check out our credentials with the Better Business Bureau and the FMCSA, and see what top media outlets like Forbes and MarketWatch say about our services.
Follow these tips for an effortless car ship experience from California to New York.