Need honest advice for shipping my car!
Posted by trapqueen67567@reddit | Autos | View on Reddit | 19 comments
Got a job offer across the country and need to relocate fast. I was planning to fly out and have my wife drive the car later, but she just sprained her ankle while moving stuff, so that plan’s kinda out now. Now thinking about shipping the car instead. Never done auto transport before though. Is it generally reliable and on time, or do delays happen a lot? I searched and found navi auto transport, they seem reliable for cross-country transport, any suggestions?
GothicGenzella@reddit
Honestly, shipping companies are sketchy as hell. Half the time they show up days late or your car gets damaged and they claim it was "pre-existing." Get multiple quotes and read every damn review you can find before trusting anyone with your ride.
Shoddy-Bee-9386@reddit
Honestly, auto transport is a total crapshoot. I shipped mine last year and it was supposed to take 5 days but showed up 10 days later with a new scratch. Driver said "wasn't me" of course. Budget extra time and document everything beforehand.
RichardAvery1@reddit
Use a reliable company with a reputation for delivering cars on time like Smart Auto Move auto transport www.smartautomove.com
BenderBill@reddit
Generally on time (to the day) but hours may differ. Heavily traffic and weather dependent. These trucks carry 10 cars that also need to be dropped off elsewhere and sometimes those dropoffs can be delayed compounding the delivery delay to your address.
I wouldn’t plan on needing your vehicle on the day they say they’re delivering, it could be 8am or 8pm. Plan accordingly as if you don’t have your vehicle.
Ok-Bug-5352@reddit
That's solid advice. I had a similar experience when I shipped my car last year. They told me it would arrive on a Monday, but it actually showed up late Tuesday afternoon. It's always better to have a backup plan just in case!
Significant-Mix-4942@reddit
Sounds like good advice. It's all about managing expectations. Maybe arrange for an alternative means of transportation just to be safe and stress-free on delivery day.
Paul110998@reddit
Some moving companies would also ship the vehicle on the truck I don’t know if this is still done? Make sure to include at least 1 apple air tag!
xo3srv@reddit
Honestly, auto transport is a crapshoot. Sure, it works most of the time, but I've heard too many horror stories about cars showing up with mysterious scratches or being stuck in some random lot for weeks. The drivers don't give a damn about your timeline either.
RAFALE3535@reddit
Do not chase the cheapest quote. That is how people get baited, then hit with extra fees when the driver shows up. I would only use a broker or carrier with solid recent reviews, full insurance proof, and a clear pickup window in writing.
carleber@reddit
If you’re already unsure, trust that instinct. Shipping a car can go smoothly but when it doesn’t it gets stressful fast. Document everything before pickup just in case.
Distinct-Patient408@reddit
Ugh, auto transport is such a gamble. Had mine delayed by 2 weeks once because the driver "broke down" somewhere in Kansas. Companies will promise you dates but half the time they're just guessing. Shop around hard and read every single review you can find.
gregghia@reddit
Dont skimp, pay a covered truck carrier and get your car on time and in one piece. OR if you have a nice car you can send me a direct message, pay for my flight and your gas and I will drive it for you.
D4ng3rd4n@reddit
I'll observe Greg's driving if you fly me out and pay for my shamrock shakes
Whole_Cold_3625@reddit
cross country moves are stressful enough without adding a solo drive on top of everything. auto transport is generally pretty reliable for timing, most reputable companies give you a pickup window and keep you updated. the key is booking with enough lead time since last minute can get tricky with carrier availability.
Roadrunner Auto Transport has been solid for relocations like this, they match you with carriers already running your route which helps with scheduling. given your wife's ankle situation this makes way more sense than trying to figure out the logistics later. just make sure you document the car's condition before pickup, take photos of any existing scratches or dings.
standard practice but saves headaches if theres ever a dispute.
deleted_by_reddit@reddit
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84FSP@reddit
Your moving company can help you arrange it. It used to be ~$750 to ship a car cross country but believe it is more like $1500 these days. It’ll be out of pocket for a week or so as it gets cross docked across the country.
adamisapple@reddit
It pays to shop around. I’m in the same boat needing to ship cars cross country and one company quoted $650 per car which I thought was pretty decent while another quoted $1250 per car
kameronk92@reddit
Whatever you do, don't use a service where someone actually drives your car rather than trucking it. You don't know how sketchy or smelly the person driving it will be.