Last Updated on December 29, 2025 by Kari-Ann Ryan
Auto transportation is one of the smartest ways to move your car when you’re relocating to another state. Instead of worrying about long highway miles, road fatigue, fuel costs, or unexpected wear and tear, shipping your vehicle lets it travel safely while you focus on everything else your move requires. For many families, professionals, and long-distance movers, having a trusted auto transport service handle the journey simply makes life easier.
Whether you’re relocating for work, settling somewhere new, or planning a major move, understanding how auto transport works, what it realistically costs, and how to prepare your car helps the process feel organized instead of overwhelming. Once you know your options, moving your vehicle becomes just another step in the transition, not a stressful one.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Another State?
The price depends on several things including distance, season, fuel costs, your car size, and how you choose to ship it. On average:
- Standard sedans usually fall somewhere around 750 to 1,200 dollars
- Larger vehicles like SUVs, vans, and trucks are often 900 to 1,500 dollars or more
- Those are common ranges. Your actual cost depends on your specific route and situation.
A few things can raise or lower your price:
- Busy moving seasons such as summer or holidays
- Gas prices
- The size and weight of your vehicle
- Open transport vs enclosed transport
- Door-to-door delivery vs terminal pickup
- Any special handling needs
Once you understand these factors, it becomes much easier to plan.
Step 1: Choose Open or Enclosed Car Transport
This is usually the first decision you will make.
Enclosed Transport
This option is best for luxury vehicles, classic cars, newer high-value vehicles, or anything you want extra protected. The vehicle travels inside a covered trailer, shielded from weather, debris, and outdoor exposure. It costs more, but the protection and peace of mind can be worth it.
Open Transport
This is the most common and affordable type of car shipping. Your car travels on a multi-level carrier like the ones you often see on the highway. It is safe, widely trusted, and ideal for most everyday vehicles. Just remember, the car is exposed while traveling.
Step 2: Choose a Reliable Transport Company
Once you decide how you want your car transported, the next step is choosing the right company. Take a little time here. It matters.
Look for a company that is:
- Licensed and insured
- Experienced with interstate car shipping
- Transparent about pricing
- Well-reviewed and recommended
- Clear and professional in communication
Get a few quotes so you can compare. The cheapest option is not always the best one. Choose a company that feels trustworthy and organized.
Step 3: Prepare Your Car for Shipping
When you’ve settled on a shipper, prepare your car for the long journey:
- Wash the exterior of your vehicle.
- Inspect your car for imperfections, noting scratches, dents or other damage.
- Photograph any flaws and retain as a visual record.
- Also take general photos of your vehicle in the event your car sustains damage during the move; the photos serve as proof of the condition of your car prior to transport.
- Fix any fluid leaks, especially around the engine or under the car.
- Ensure the vehicle’s emergency brake functions properly.
- Decrease the weight of your vehicle by leaving a quarter tank of gas.
- Ensure the tires are properly inflated.
- Remove any possessions from your vehicle.
- Keep the license plate secured on the car.
Step 4: Secure Your Spot and Booking
Auto transport rates can change based on timing and demand. When you receive a quote that works, go ahead and secure your booking. That usually means paying a deposit to confirm your spot and lock in your price.
Add-On Services You May Consider
- If you elect door-to-door transport, you designate where the car will be dropped off and picked up. An auto mover moves your car to your desired location. Drawbacks are involved with this pricier option. Challenging roads, like narrow streets, extremely hilly slopes or a gated community, make delivery of your vehicle to your doorstep a near impracticality. However, this method offers personalized service and optimal security, making it ideal for high-end vehicles.
- Choose terminal-to-terminal delivery in comparison, and the move is far less expensive and offers flexibility. Impassable roads are not an issue with terminal-to-terminal deliveries, since the car is delivered to a pre-designated loading zone. These zone locations are often in close proximity to major highways or airports.
- Most likely, the auto shipping company will fail to cover a slew of situations that could affect your vehicle. Purchase upgraded insurance for your vehicle. Increased coverage from your auto insurer will protect your car from theft and collision. The photos you take of your car during the inspection process will be useful if you decide to file an insurance claim for damages.
Step 5: Stay in Contact While Your Car Is on the Way
During the move, it is important to stay in contact with the auto transportation service. Companies may offer customers the option to track, via satellite, the movement of the moving truck.
Inspect the Vehicle When It Arrives
Once your vehicle has been delivered, inspect the car while the auto representative is present. Take several photos at this point, as well, especially if unusual dings or scratches are visible. As a next step, you will sign the Bill of Lading and Vehicle Inspection Report. If you see damage to your vehicle, mark down the damages on the condition report and contact the auto shipper for the next steps.
Step 6: Register Your Car in Your New State
Register your vehicle in your new state in accordance with that state’s laws, which usually stipulates that registration must be done within a certain period of time. Contact the local DMV for accurate vehicle registration timetables. The car title, emissions check paperwork and an auto insurance policy for your new state are required for vehicle registration at the DMV.
Work with Mid-West Moving & Storage
When shipping your car to a new state is on the horizon, contact Mid-West Moving & Storage, Chicagoland’s premier moving service since 1983. With years of experience, our vehicle transport services from reliable from start to finish. You can expect personalized service from Mid-West Moving & Storage.
Mid-West Moving & Storage offers the convenience of door-to-door shipping of your car. Any limitations that may arise due to impassable roads are ironed out with you in advance.
Shifting a 3,000 to 5,000 pound vehicle across the country is no light task. However, Mid-West Moving & Storage transforms the painstaking task to a process of ease. Decades of experience and professional expertise differentiate Mid-West Moving & Storage from the myriad of competitors.
Get a Free Car Transport Quote
Serving Chicagoland with dedication, Mid-West Moving & Storage offers a free estimate on all auto transport services. Give us a call at 847.593.7201 today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my car be driven during transport?
Only for loading and unloading. Otherwise, your vehicle remains secured on the carrier for the entire trip
and will not accumulate mileage.
Do I have to be present for pickup and delivery?
Yes, someone needs to be present to release and receive the vehicle.
If you cannot be there, you may authorize another adult to sign on your behalf.
Does my car have to run to be shipped?
No. Non-running vehicles can still be shipped, but they require special loading equipment,
and the cost is usually slightly higher.
Can I ship an electric vehicle?
Yes. Electric vehicles are commonly transported.
It helps to notify the carrier in advance and ensure the vehicle has enough charge
to be safely moved on and off the truck.
How soon do I have to register my car after moving?
Most states require registration within 10 to 30 days,
although some allow up to 60 or 90 days.
Always check your new state’s DMV to confirm their exact deadline.
How quickly can Mid-West Moving & Storage pick up my car?
In most cases, Mid-West Moving & Storage can arrange vehicle pickup within
3 to 10 days from the time your booking is confirmed.
During peak moving seasons, availability can fill quickly, but we work hard to secure
timely pickup windows and always communicate realistic expectations.
Same-week pickups are often possible when schedules allow.
Director of Marketing & Development
Kari-Ann Ryan is a dynamic marketing strategist with a proven track record in brand development, corporate visibility, and business growth. As the Director of Marketing & Development for Mid-West Moving & Storage and Chicago Office Movers, she leads all branding, marketing, and business development initiatives, driving awareness and engagement across multiple industries.
With extensive experience in multi-brand marketing, nonprofit fundraising, event planning, and retail management, Kari-Ann brings a comprehensive and results-driven approach to her role. She is a dedicated leader in the business community, actively involved in the Schaumburg Business Association and the GOA Regional Business Association. She also serves as a Board Member for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, reinforcing her commitment to advocacy and philanthropy.
In addition to her corporate role, Kari-Ann is the founder of LMJ’s Lost Souls – Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to awareness, education, and fundraising for Alzheimer’s research and support.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University and is Certified in Constant Contact Email Marketing, with expertise in social media strategy and digital engagement.
