Need Help Shipping a Car? A Comprehensive Guide to all your auto transport needs

Harish Makam

01 Oct 2022 2 years ago


You’ve finally bought your dream car. But now you have to get it home. Or maybe you’re moving across the country and need to get your car to your new home. Either way, you’re going to need to ship your car.

If you’re considering shipping your car, you’re not alone. More and more people are turning to auto transport companies to help them move their vehicles.

The US market size for vehicle shipping services is estimated to be $10.8 billion in 2022, which is a significant number. This suggests that there is a high demand for these services and that they are becoming more popular among consumers.

There are many reasons to ship your car. Perhaps you’re moving across the country and don’t want to drive your car all that way. Maybe you’re going on a road trip and don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving your vehicle on a long journey. Or perhaps your car requires repairs, and you don’t want to drive it until it’s fixed.

Whatever the reason, these car shipping companies can make the process much easier. Here’s a look at what auto transport companies do and how they can benefit you.

What is an auto transport company?

An auto transport company is a business that specializes in shipping vehicles. They can ship cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and more. Most auto transport companies offer door-to-door service, which means they will pick up your vehicle and deliver it to your new location. Some companies also provide terminal-to-terminal service, which is a bit less expensive but requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle at a designated location.

Open Car Shipping

When to use an auto shipping company

 When it comes to shipping your car, there are a lot of factors to consider. But, ultimately, the decision comes down to whether or not booking with an auto transport company is worth it for your specific situation. To help you make that decision, we’ve put together a list of five scenarios when we think working with an auto transport company is worth it.

  • When you’re moving long-distance: Trying to drive your car that long of a distance can be incredibly stressful, not to mention expensive. When you book with an auto transport company, you can rest assured that your car will be in good hands and arrive at your new home safely.
  • When you need to transport a classic or luxury car: If you have a classic or luxury car, it’s probably not a good idea to put all the miles on it by driving it long distances. Instead, you can book an auto transport company to ship it for you and preserve its value.
  • When transporting a large vehicle: If you’re transporting a large car, such as an SUV or a van, it’s worth booking an auto transport company. These vehicles can be challenging to transport on your own, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
  • When you’re buying a car from out of state: You won’t have to worry about driving it all the way home or finding someone to drive it for you, and you can be sure it will arrive in the same condition as it left in.
  • You’re selling your car: Auto Transport Company will pick up the vehicle and deliver it to the buyer. This way, you don’t have to worry about meeting the buyer in person or dealing with any paperwork.

If you are in any of these situations, we highly recommend booking with an auto transport company. At SAKAEM Logistics, we specialize in shipping cars, so you can rest assured that your vehicle will be in good hands when you book with us. Contact us today to get started.

Why use a shipping company?

Shipping companies play a vital role in the economy by facilitating the transport of goods across the globe. But how do they work?

Most shipping companies own and operate a fleet of cargo ships that they use to transport goods from one location to another. The size and type of ship depend on the type of goods or vehicles transported and the distance it needs to travel.

These shipping companies also maintain a network of shipping routes, ports, and other infrastructure. This allows them to move goods efficiently and reliably from one location to another.

SAKAEM Logistics is a professional car shipping company that offers various services to help you get your car from one place to another. We offer open and enclosed shipping options to choose the best suits your needs. We also provide door-to-door service, so you don’t have to worry about getting your car to us. We know that shipping a car can be a stressful experience, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure your experience is as stress-free as possible.  

What are the methods to transport your vehicle? 

When you’re ready to move your vehicle, you have two options for transport: open and enclosed. Both have benefits and drawbacks, so choosing the proper method for your needs is essential.

Open Carrier Shipping 

For those who are looking for the most affordable option, our open carrier shipping is the way to go. Experts will transport your vehicle on an open carrier, which is the most economical way to ship a car.

Enclosed Carrier Shipping 

Our enclosed carrier shipping is the way to go if you’re looking for the safest way to transport your vehicle. Professionals will transport your vehicle on an enclosed carrier, which offers the best protection for your car, especially from elements like dust and debris.

Enclosed Car Shipping

Different auto transport services

Guaranteed Pickup

With Guaranteed Pick up, you can choose a window for pick up, and we guarantee that The shipping company will pick up your vehicle during that time. This is an excellent option for customers who need their cars picked up within a specific time frame.

Expedited Shipping

We will ship your vehicle on an expedited basis, which means it will arrive at its destination faster than our other shipping options.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car?

How much it costs to ship a car depends on certain factors. Here are some of the most significant elements affecting vehicle shipping costs.

  • The vehicle’s size: Larger vehicles will cost more to ship than smaller ones. That’s because they take up more space on the truck.
  • The distance the vehicle is being shipped: The further the distance, the more it will cost to ship the car. The truck will have to use more fuel to cover the longer distance.
  • Whether the vehicle is being shipped open or enclosed: Enclosed car shipping will be more expensive because it protects the car from the elements and keeps it from getting damaged in transit.
  • The time of year: Shipping costs are typically higher in the summer months because that’s when demand is highest. If you want to save money, ship your car in the off-season.
  • Fuel prices: When fuel prices are high, it will cost more to ship the car. Conversely, when fuel prices are low, it will cost less.

Keep these factors in mind when you’re looking to ship a car, and you’ll be able to get a better idea of how much it will cost.

How to get a free shipping cost estimate?

The easiest way is to use a shipping cost calculator. This tool will ask you a few questions about your car and then estimate the cost of shipping. You can find a shipping cost calculator on some of the best car shipping company websites. Another way is to call around different companies and ask for their rates. This may take some time, but it will be worth it in the end because you can find the company that offers the best price for shipping your vehicle.

If you know someone who has recently shipped a car, they may be able to give you some insight into which companies offer the best rates. By getting multiple estimates, you can ensure you get the best possible deal on your car shipping services.

Cost Estimation

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car?

Here’s a look at five factors that can affect the time it takes to ship your vehicle:

  • The vehicle you’re shipping: For example, sending a small car is typically quicker and easier than shipping a large SUV. Why? Smaller vehicles can be loaded and unloaded more quickly. They also tend to be lighter, so they can be transported with less fuel.
  • The distance it travels: The further your vehicle travels, the longer it will take to ship. This is because the shipping carrier has to account for the extra distance when calculating the shipping time.
  • The shipping method you’ve chosen: There are two main shipping methods for vehicles: open and enclosed shipping. Open shipping is the most common and typically the most economical option.  
  • The time of the year: For example, shipping during the winter months can take longer due to weather conditions. And, it may take longer to find an available shipping carrier if you’re shipping during the busy summer months.
  • Your location: If you’re shipping from a rural area, finding a shipping carrier that services your area may take longer. And, if you’re shipping to an urban area, the shipping carrier may have to contend with traffic delays.

How to Find the Best Company to Ship My Car to another State?

There are a few things to remember when looking for the best company to ship your car. Here are five tips:

  • Check out the company’s reviews online. This is a great way to get an idea of what other people have thought about their experience with the company.
  • Make sure that the company is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case something goes wrong during transport.
  • Get multiple quotes from different companies so that you can compare prices.
  • Ask the company if they offer any discounts. For example, some companies offer discounts for military personnel or seniors.
  • Find out what kind of tracking system the company has in place so you can check on the status of your car during transport.

Steps to ship your car from one state to another 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with all your auto transport needs:

Step 1: Choose Your Shipping Method

The first step is to decide how you want to ship your car. There are two main options:

Option 1: Drive the car yourself. This is the most common method of shipping a vehicle. It’s also the most economical option since you won’t have to pay for car shipping.

Option 2: Hire a professional car shipping company. This is a good option if you’re not comfortable driving the car yourself or if you don’t have the time. Shipping companies will typically pick up your vehicle and deliver it to your destination.

Step 2: Get Your Car Ready for Shipping

Once you’ve decided how to ship your car, it’s time to prepare it for transport. This includes:

  • Cleaning the vehicle: A clean car is less likely to get damaged during shipping.
  • Remove all personal items: Remove all personal items from the car, including clothes, electronics, and valuables.
  • Checking the fluids: Ensure the car’s oil and coolant levels are topped off.
  • Disabling the alarm: If your vehicle has an alarm, disable it before shipping.

Step 3: Get a Quote

The next step is to get car shipping quotes from a shipping company. This will help you determine the cost of shipping your car. When getting a quote, be sure to ask about:

The type of shipping service: There are two main types of shipping services: door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal.

  • Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient option, as the shipping company will pick up your car and deliver it to your destination.
  • Terminal-to-terminal shipping is less expensive, but it’s less convenient since you’ll have to drop off and pick up your car at a shipping terminal.

The size of the car: The size of the vehicle will affect the shipping cost. Larger cars will cost more to ship than smaller cars.

The distance: The distance the car will be shipped will also affect the cost. Longer distances will cost more to ship than shorter distances.

The shipping date: The date you need the car shipped will also affect the cost. If you need the vehicle shipped immediately, it will cost more than if you have a flexible shipping date.

Step 4: Schedule the Shipping

Once you’ve chosen a shipping company and gotten a quote, it’s time to schedule the shipping. Be sure to schedule the shipping date in advance to ensure the car will be delivered on time. Most shipping companies will require a deposit to prepare the shipping. The deposit will be applied to the total cost of shipping.

Step 5: Delivery

Once experts ship your car, they will deliver it to the specified address. Be sure to be available to accept the delivery and sign for the vehicle. After car delivery, you can drive it to your destination.

Why hire SAKAEM Logistics?

Are you looking to ship your car but not sure which company to choose? SAKAEM Logistics is here to help! We are one of the leading auto transport companies in the business and can provide you with the best possible service to get your car shipped safely and on time. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect when you choose us for your auto transport needs:

  • Competitive rates: We work hard to keep our rates competitive so that you can get the best possible value for your money.
  • Reliable service: We have a team of experienced and professional drivers who will take care of your car shipping needs from start to finish.
  • Flexible scheduling: We understand that you may need to ship your car on a tight schedule. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling options to make sure that we can accommodate your needs.
  • Safe shipping: Your safety is our top priority. We use the latest shipping technologies and methods to ensure that your car arrives safely at its destination.

If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable, and flexible auto transport company, look no further than SAKAEM Logistics. Contact us today to get started on shipping your car.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What documents do I need to ship a car to another state?

If you’re shipping a car to another state, you’ll need to have the following documents:

  • The car’s title
  • A bill of sale (if the vehicle is being sold)
  • Your driver’s license
  • The registration for the car

What is the best way to ship a car to the USA?**

The best way to ship a car depends on your circumstances, such as budget, time frame, and preferences for shipping methods. The most common ways to ship a vehicle to the USA are by air, sea, or land.

Can I ship my car to the USA if I’m not a US citizen?

Yes, you can ship your car to the United States even if you are not a US citizen. However, some additional paperwork may be required to do so.

How long does it take to ship a car to the USA?

It typically takes between 2 and 8 weeks to ship a car to the United States, depending on the method of transport and distance traveled.

What are the various available payment methods?

You can make the payment through a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Confirming the payment method with your service provider before finalizing your deal is always better.


Harish Makam