Car Shipping Requirements in Different States in 2025

When shipping a car across state lines in the U.S., there are a whole bunch of hoops you need to jump through. Navigating the complex web of interstate regulations and car shipping requirements can vary significantly, depending on where you’re shipping the car from and where you’re shipping it to. That’s why, before you end up biting off more than you can chew, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the requirements to ship a car for a smooth and fully compliant process. Stay informed by reading today’s article!

First, Understanding Federal Oversight

At the federal level, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (or FMCSA for short) oversees interstate vehicle transport. This is the governing body that you have to always abide by. Any company engaged in shipping vehicles across state lines must be registered with the FMCSA and possess a valid number issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Sidenote: Companies that run car shipping scams won’t have a USDOT number assigned. Double-check them online before doing business with them!

Going back, a USDOT number ensures that the carrier adheres to national safety standards and regulations. Verifying this is a fundamental step in meeting the requirements to ship a car across states.

State-Specific Documentation and Regulations

Moving into state law, you primarily have to focus on two aspects: environmental standards and insurance considerations.

Emissions and Environmental Standards

Environmental regulations can significantly impact vehicle shipping, especially in states with stringent standards like California. In 2025, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) continues to enforce strict emissions requirements for vehicles entering the state. Ensuring your vehicle meets these standards is a critical car shipping requirement to avoid penalties or registration issues upon arrival.

Bottom line: Consult with your car shipping broker to verify your car is compliant with the destination state’s environmental regulations. A reliable company, like Sakaem Logistics, will always be able to provide you with the necessary guidance to make sure everything is above board and you remain informed about even the tiniest details.

Insurance and Liability Considerations

Insurance coverage is a vital aspect of car shipping requirements. It’s important to always understand what is and isn’t covered by the company’s default liability insurance package. 

To that end, here are some questions you should ask your car shipping company:

• Is the company fully licensed and insured for interstate vehicle transport under FMCSA regulations?
• Are there options for additional coverage if the standard policy isn’t sufficient for long-distance or multi-state shipments?
• What happens if damage occurs while the car is crossing state borders — how is that handled in terms of claims and liability?
• (When shipping electric cars or hybrid cars) Is battery damage or electronic system failure covered?
• What type of coverage is included by default? Is it limited to external damage, or does it extend to mechanical or interior issues caused during transit?

Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

To actually ensure everything is properly covered by your car shipping broker’s insurance, you should absolutely do your due diligence and prepare your car for shipping properly. This involves:

• Removing personal items from the vehicle
• Ensuring the gas tank is no more than a quarter full
• Documenting the vehicle’s condition with photos and noting any damage
• Disabling alarms and providing the transporter with keys or remotes

Meeting these car shipping requirements is a universal criterion for all kinds of shipping, not just across state lines.

Choose a Reputable Shipping Company to Handle Your Inter-State Move

There’s no simpler way to meet all car shipping requirements than partnering with a trustworthy company. If you want to simplify the process, prevent yourself from running into trouble, and avoid stress, contact Sakaem Logistics. 

Our car shipping services encompass both enclosed car shipping and open car shipping options to cater to your specific needs. We partner with a robust network of professional drivers, ensuring your vehicle is transported safely and on time, while adhering to all federal and state regulations.

The Takeaway

Navigating the car shipping requirements across different states in 2025 requires diligence and informed decision-making. First, you need to understand federal regulations and then research state-specific mandates, though a reputable broker like Sakaem Logistics will be able to generally take care of that for you.

Read also: 6 Reasons Why Snowbirds Should Ship Their Cars Rather Than Drive

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