Shipping a Car to or from Boston: Everything You Need to Know   

Jason Hilderbrand

19 Apr 2022 2 years ago


The city of Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest in New England and the 24th most populous city in the United States. The region is a major tourist destination and is home to more than 6 million people. Boston is known as the “Cradle of Liberty” because of its strong ties to the American Revolution. It’s also home to some of the nation’s most outstanding universities, including Harvard University, Berkley College of Music, Boston University and Northeastern University. It’s also a central transportation hub, with several interstate highways and a large and busy airport.

Don’t be intimidated by the process if you need to transport a vehicle in or around Boston. Car transport in Boston is easy with the right company.

But why ship your car at all! People ship cars for a lot of different reasons. Maybe you’re moving to or from the area and don’t have time to drive your car across the country. Maybe you’re buying or selling a car online and need to get it shipped to or from Boston. Or maybe you just want to ship your classic car cross country, so it doesn’t rack up miles on the road.

Whatever your reasons are, there are plenty of ways to ship your car in and around Boston. You just need to know how to find the best companies. For example, you’ll need to find an auto transport company that can offer car shipping from Boston to other parts of the country or even overseas.

Fret not! This blog post provides you with all the information you’ll need to make shipping a car easy and affordable. It tells you what you need to do in preparation for shipping, how much to transport a car to Boston, and how to pick a shipper. This blog post will answer any questions that you may have about shipping your car in or out of Boston.

5 Different Ways to Ship a Car To or From Boston

 There are many different ways to ship a car from one location to another, but not all of them will serve your needs. Some forms of shipping are faster than others, some are more affordable, and others are safer. The following is an overview of the five most common ways to ship a car:

Drive it yourself

If you don’t want to spend money shipping your car, this is the other main option. But you need the time to drive your car from one location to another (usually from your home to your new home). This method can be complicated if you live far away or don’t have the time or ability to drive long distances. For example, if you are moving long-distance from Seattle to Boston and cannot drive both ways because of work commitments, you’ll have to transport your car on a truck. You also need to consider the cost of fuel, food, and lodging. The cost to ship a car with this method will depend on gas prices and how fast you drive. Meanwhile, you increase your chances of getting into an accident or a traffic ticket if you speed.

Hire Someone to Drive It for You

If you’re considering hiring someone to drive your car for you to transport it to and from Boston, there are a few things to consider. First, of course, is the cost. Hiring someone to drive your car will likely be more expensive than renting a car or taking public transportation. There are some risks too. If something goes wrong, you could be held responsible if they get into an accident. So it’s essential to make sure that whoever you hire is insured and experienced. You should also have a backup plan if something happens and they can’t make it on time.

But there are also some potential benefits. For example, if you’re traveling with a large group of people, hiring someone to drive your car may be more convenient than renting multiple cars or dealing with public transportation schedules. Overall, hiring someone to drive your car can be a great option – but it’s essential to do your research first and make sure you’re comfortable with all the risks involved before you hire a driver to transport my car to Boston. 

Use Air Transport

Air transport may be the best option if you need to quickly get your car to Boston or ship a high-value vehicle. However, there are plenty of reasons why you might not want to use an air transport service for transporting a car from Boston. First of all, it is expensive. You’ll likely have to pay for fuel surcharges, insurance, and other fees that can add up quickly. Next, it’s logistically challenging. You’ll need to coordinate with the transport company to ensure your car is at the airport on time and then pick it up once it arrives in Boston. There is also the risk that your car could be damaged during transport if it is not adequately secured. This is because turbulence can cause items to shift around, and if your car is not secured correctly, it could be damaged. 

Overall, shipping your car by air is a hassle that is best avoided if possible.

Use a Train Service 

The pros of transporting your car by train in Boston are that it is safe to transport your car. There are no roads to worry about, and your car will be well-protected from the elements. Additionally, if you’re planning on taking a long trip, transporting your car by train can save you significant money on gas. However, the biggest downside is that it can be pretty slow. It can take days or even weeks for your car to reach its destination by rail. Additionally, you’ll need to plan and ensure enough time to get your car to the train station and load it onto the train. In the end, it is not as convenient as auto transport because there are limited transportation options. 

Car shipping by train

Use Auto Transport Service

Transporting a car from Boston with an auto transport service is much more convenient than trying to do it yourself. Auto transport companies will pick up your car from wherever you specify and deliver it right to your door, saving you time, hassle, and even money on gas.

 When you use an auto transport service, you have much more flexibility in scheduling than if you were to drive the car yourself. Auto transport companies typically offer a wide range of pickup and delivery times like guaranteed auto transport and standard delivery service to choose a schedule that works best for you.

You can rest assured that they will safely and securely transport your car to its destination. Auto transport companies have the experience and expertise to properly load and secure cars on their trucks to arrive at their destination in the same condition as when they left. Also, you get peace of mind knowing that your car will be taken care of by professionals throughout the shipping process.

With so many things to worry about when moving, car transport in Boston with an experienced and reputable auto transporter takes one big worry off your plate!

Types of Car Shipping Options: Open Car Shipping, Enclosed Auto Transport

So, wondering what the options to transport my car from Boston are? The car transportation industry offers two main options: enclosed and open auto shipping. Each one of these options has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to understand what they are before choosing which one is right for you.

Open Car Shipping

Open car shipping is the most popular and least expensive method of shipping a vehicle. The shipping companies will transport your car on an open carrier, similar to a flatbed trailer. Open carriers can carry up to 10 vehicles, so your car will likely be traveling with other cars. Because open carriers can carry multiple vehicles simultaneously, this shipping method is often less expensive than other options. This is best for vehicles that are not brand new or especially valuable, as they will be exposed to the elements during transport. If you’re looking for cheap and fast car shipping services, open carriers are the way to go. Just make sure your vehicle can withstand a little weathering before it arrives at its destination in perfect condition!

Open shipping

Enclosed Auto Transport

If you want to ship your car as a high-end luxury vehicle or classic muscle car, you will consider enclosed transport. Enclosed carriers offer substantially more protection than their open counterparts, and they also shield your vehicle from road debris and inclement weather. The enclosed auto transporter has a fully enclosed trailer instead of the typical open transport trailer. This prevents possible damage to your vehicle from debris on the road and during the loading and unloading of the transporter. Enclosed car transporters are typically reserved for high-end, luxury cars and other valuable or vulnerable vehicles. Overall, this type of shipping is best for high-end or luxury vehicles or classic cars that need extra protection.

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

Get an Instant Quote online or call us at (888)725-0005 for a personalized quote.

Different Types of Car Shipping Services

There are various ways to transport my car to Boston (and vice versa). Depending on your individual needs, you can choose the most appropriate one. Below are three different vehicle shipping options:

Express Transport

Express transport is the fastest and most expensive type of car shipping service. Time is the most critical factor here, and the price reflects that. As soon as you call a car shipping company, they will send a driver to pick up your vehicle. The only thing that can slow down this process is the weather. The driver will deliver your car in a short period. The average delivery time for express transport is 2-4 days. This type of service is designed for customers who need their vehicle quickly and don’t care about the price. Individuals who use this service often relocate or buy a car from across the country and want to get home as fast as possible.

 Guaranteed Transport

 The basic service offered by most auto transport companies, guaranteed transport, is just that – guaranteed. This type of service is slower than express transport, but it’s still faster than standard shipping. With Guaranteed Transport, you set the date and time range, and they will deliver your vehicle during that timeframe. It usually takes 7-10 days to complete this type of transport. The critical difference between guaranteed shipping and standard shipping is that customers have guaranteed pickup dates when using this method. You can also choose to have your vehicle delivered on a specific date. The price for guaranteed transport is lower than express transport but higher than standard shipping. You’ll have no problem finding an auto transport company that will pick up and deliver your car within a specified time frame.

Military Shipping

In the military, you will likely be transferred from one location to another. If this is the case, you may need to find someone to transport my car from Boston to the new duty station. Some companies offer discounts to active military members and veterans who need to ship their vehicles. This can help make shipping a vehicle easier while also helping to save money by providing discounted rates on car shipping services. The military transport companies offer different types of vehicles for transport. You can use these services to get your car transported from one destination to another within the United States or even overseas. The best thing about military transport services is that they provide the highest quality of service at affordable prices.

Military shipping

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

Get an Instant Quote online or call us at (888)725-0005 for a personalized quote.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car To Or From Boston?

How much to transport a car to Boston will vary depending on several factors. The most crucial factor is the size and weight of the vehicle, as this will determine how much fuel is required to move it. Other factors include the distance traveled, the time of year, and any special handling requirements.  

  1. Distance 

If you move your vehicle a short distance in Boston, it will cost less than moving it across the country. If all other factors remain constant, the shorter the distance you move your vehicle, the lower your costs for car transport in Boston will be. Auto transport companies usually measure distances in miles for shipping vehicles and charge per mile for transport services. Therefore, if you are shipping a vehicle locally in Boston, you should expect to pay less than shipping it across the country.

  • The Kind of Car You Are Shipping

Does it have any modifications? Is it inoperable? Is it a luxury, exotic or classic car? Cars with modifications will cost more to ship than regular sedans or SUVs. If you have an exotic or luxury vehicle, make sure that you inform the company before agreeing to their quote. They can often charge more for these types of vehicles based on the value of your vehicle, which would justify an additional cost in transporting it from one location to another.

  • The Time of Year and Seasonality

It also plays a vital role in determining how much you will pay to ship your car. Most people don’t realize this, but auto transport has two seasons: busy season (summer) and slow season (winter). During summer, demand for auto transport services is high due to families moving and taking vacations, which means you will pay more for service. During winter, demand for auto transport services decreases significantly so that you will pay less for service. If you need to move your car during either season, you can save money by booking in advance.

  • The Type of Career

The type of trailer used for shipping also impacts the cost. The open carrier is the standard in the auto transport industry, and it is the cheapest option. On the other hand, enclosed carriers are more expensive, but they protect your vehicle from the elements and road debris. Choose an open or enclosed carrier based on your budget and your vehicle’s condition.

  • Vehicle Condition

If you are transporting a newer car in good working condition, it will cost less to ship it. Transporting a vehicle in bad shape or that does not run could potentially add more to your shipping costs than you anticipated. For example, if your vehicle does not run, it will need to be towed onto the truck and lifted, and this could cause added labor costs. Additionally, if your vehicle has extensive damage or rust, it could be more difficult to transport because it may take more time to securely strap the car down so that it doesn’t move during transit.

How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car To Or From Boston?

When you’re ready to have your car shipped, one of the first questions you ask the auto transport company is how long it will take to ship your car. It’s a perfectly reasonable question, after all – you need to know when you’ll have your car back and when you can expect it. But the answer isn’t always as straightforward as people would like it to be. Many factors impact how long it takes when it boils down to car transport in Boston. 

  1. Location 

Where your car needs to be picked up from and where it needs to be delivered plays a massive role in how long it will take an auto transport company to ship your car. If you’re looking for auto transport quotes from Los Angeles, California, to Chicago, Illinois, the shipment could take 7-to 10 business days. Still, if you’re looking for quotes from Los Angeles, California, to Miami, Florida, the shipment could take 10-to 14 business days. Why? Because there are more ships

  • Season 

How long it will take the company to ship your car depends on when you want the vehicle shipped. If you’re looking for a car shipping quote in the summer, you can expect that your shipment will take longer than if you were shipping during the winter. Auto transport carriers are always busiest during the summer because more people move during the summer months than any other time of year, so keep this in mind when requesting a free quote from an auto shipper.

  • Weather

While most shipments go off without a hitch, weather can play a huge role in slowing things down. If a truck gets stuck in a snowstorm in Montana and is forced to wait until conditions improve, it may also cause delays for other pickups and deliveries.

  • Road Condition

This is not something you can control, but road conditions affect how fast a driver can get from location to location. If there are bad weather conditions, traffic jams, etc., the shipping process can take longer than usual. Some roads may be closed, and others may not be passable during the winter. The safest way to transport a car from Boston (and vice versa) is by choosing enclosed transportation, which helps protect your vehicle from inclement weather and road debris.

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

Get an Instant Quote online or call us at (888)725-0005 for a personalized quote.

How Does The Process Of Shipping A Car To Or From Boston Work?

The process of shipping a car to or from Boston is quite simple. You have to hire an auto transport company, get your car picked up for shipping, wait for your car to be delivered, and check for any damages. Here are some critical steps to help you get familiar with the entire process of shipping a car to or from Boston.

Hire an Auto Transport Company

The first step in shipping a car is to find a reliable company that will help you with the process. You should do thorough research into all the companies you can work with and compare them based on their experience and reputation. Read customer reviews from past clients and make sure that they can offer you good quality services at an affordable price. Don’t forget to ask for quotes from different companies to make an informed decision about which one to choose for shipping your vehicle. You can generate quotes through online tools available on the sites of these auto transport companies. Just fill in some basic details such as vehicle type, model, route, etc.

The shipping company will provide you with an accurate quote based on the current market prices. However, it is essential to remember that some factors can increase or decrease the estimated cost of transporting your car. These factors include seasonal price changes, fuel charges, and the distance between pickup and delivery locations.

Packing Your Car for Shipping

This is an essential step for shipping a car is packing. You should remove all personal belongings from the car and pack them securely inboxes. After this, you should remove any loose items that could fly around during transport, such as newspapers, clothes, and trash. They should then vacuum the inside of the car and wipe down the dash and doors with a damp cloth.

Get Your Car Picked Up For Shipping

When shipping services are ready for transporting a car from Boston, they will contact you and set up a time to pick it up. This is usually done through a phone call. If you have any questions about the pickup procedure, feel free to ask! The truck driver who picks up your vehicle will do a pre-transport inspection of your car’s condition, noting all existing dings, scratches or other imperfections. These are documented and compared with the condition of your vehicle at delivery. You will sign off on these inspection forms when your car is picked up. The driver will then load your car onto their truck for shipping. When done correctly, there should be no issues with the loading process, and the professionals will safely secure your car to the truck for transport.

Get Your Car Delivered

Once the driver has picked up your vehicle, all you have to do is wait for it to be delivered. This happens within a few days after the pickup. They will deliver to the address you provided when making a quote. Remember that this should be an address where you can easily access your car. Also, you should be present on the day of delivery to inspect the vehicle and confirm that it was shipped without any damage. You should be there to check your vehicle before signing the Bill of Lading. You should take photos of any existing damage to the vehicle and compare them with the ones on the checklist. Signing bills of lading means you have received your car in good condition and are satisfied with the services offered.

Documents Needed To Ship a Car To or From Boston

You need to have all the documents handy when shipping your vehicle. Although it is the responsibility of the auto transport company to provide the shipping documents, it is always best that you have them ready so you can complete the process promptly and without any problems. You will need to provide the following documents to ship a car out of or into Boston.

Bill of Lading 

This document is also known as a receipt, and it represents the contract between you and the auto transport company, and it shows that they have received your car in good condition. Therefore, it is imperative to check everything on this document before signing.

Inspection Report

This document has detailed information about your vehicle and its condition before being shipped. It includes all damage, if any, and will serve as proof should something happen to your car during transportation. You and an authorized agent from the auto transport company need to sign the inspection report.

Title and Registration

You must send a copy of the title to the transport company for them to be able to ship your vehicle. If you can’t send in a copy, you must sign the title over to yourself and give that to the company. You will then get it back at delivery.

Proof of insurance

The transport company will not ship any vehicle without proof of insurance. If you cannot provide it, they will offer their insurance which costs extra.

How to Find the Best Auto Transport Company to Ship a Car To or From Boston?

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable auto transport company in the Boston area, we’ve compiled a list of 5 things you should do before choosing an auto transport company. These tips will save you time and money in the long run, so take some time to read them over now!

Experience

Experience does matter in the auto transport business. The company should have been operating for at least a few years and have office staff who know the industry. Some auto transport companies have been in business for only a few years and have not had the time to gain experience.

Find a Bonded and Insured Company

The insurance certificate should be on file and available for review before agreeing to hire them to ship your vehicle. Be sure to ask about coverage for door-to-door delivery and whether additional coverage is available for added protection. You may have to pay an extra fee for this service, but the peace of mind is worth it! The best companies have insurance for every aspect of the car shipping process, including coverage during loading, unloading, and transit.

Get an Instant Quote on Their Website

A good auto transport company should have a “Get an instant quote” button on their website. This is an easy way for people to get a rough idea of cost. Remember that this is just an estimate and doesn’t include all fees.  

Compare Auto Transport Rates

You can easily find various auto transport companies online to provide you with free quotes on their services. But, you must compare these quotes to ensure that you get the best deal possible on vehicle shipping services. When comparing quotes, look for hidden charges and other additional fees to know exactly what your total cost will be before hiring a company for shipping your car internationally or domestically.

Consider Reputation

The company’s reputation also matters when choosing an auto shipping company. Word-of-mouth is still the best way to find a service provider because it gives you first-hand information about the performance of a particular company. If you know someone who has worked with them before, ask them how their experience was. Also, take time to read reviews and feedback of past customers on review sites and social media platforms, such as Yelp.

Check Out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) 

The BBB is an organization that helps consumers find trustworthy businesses and brands by verifying that their advertised claims are accurate and truthful. They also provide a platform for consumers to voice their opinions about companies they have used which is invaluable as these reviews can help you make an informed decision.

FAQs Regarding Shipping a Car To or From Boston

Here are some of the most common questions that most people have when deciding to transport their vehicle to and from Boston:

How do I know my car will be safe during shipping?

  Your car will be safe during shipping if you choose a reputable and reliable shipping company. Be sure to do your research before selecting a company, and read reviews from past customers to get an idea of the level of service you can expect. A good shipping company will take care of your car like it was their own, and you can rest assured knowing that your vehicle is in good hands.

What are some things I need to do before shipping my car?

  Before shipping your car, you will need to do a few things. First, you should ensure that your car is in good condition and all maintenance is up to date. This will help avoid any problems during shipping. You should also clean your car thoroughly, as anything left inside may move around and become damaged during transport. Finally, remember to remove any personal items from your vehicle, as the shipping company is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.

What Documents Are Needed To Ship a Car from and to Boston?  

You need to have a bill of lading, original title, the vehicle’s identification numbers, and at least two forms of ID. It is also good to have a bill of sale and some forms of insurance information. You may need these documents to transport your car across state lines to ship it.

How Long Is an Auto Transport Company’s Quote Valid For?

The auto transport company that you choose to move your car will provide a quote based on the mileage and other factors. Typically, their quotes are valid for two or three days. However, if you’re looking for a company that will be able to deliver your car quickly, then the quote may only be valid for 24 hours. Plus, the quote validity may vary from company to company.

 Should I Be Present At The Time Of Pick Up And Delivery?

You do not need to be present at pickup and delivery. The carrier will pick up your car from the location you ask them to and deliver it to the destination. If you are unable to be present at either location, you can give someone else the authority to sign the Bill of Lading in your absence. The carrier will insist on signing a Bill of Lading if they want to prove that they have received or delivered your vehicle.

Does Insurance Cover My Car During Transit?

Most auto insurance policies provide coverage for your vehicle if it’s damaged while towed. For instance, if the company drops your car, causing damage, the company’s insurance should cover the repairs. If the company doesn’t have adequate insurance coverage, your auto policy may kick in to pay for the damages. However, all the reliable companies like SAKAEM provide full insurance coverage for your car during transit.

Pros and Cons of Moving To and From Boston

When moving to a different part of the country, you should consider the benefits and drawbacks of living in that particular region. Boston is an extraordinary city, so there are many specific considerations to consider when deciding whether or not to move there.

Pros

Boston Has Lots Of Jobs

The job market in Boston is vital, especially for those working in healthcare and education. Boston also has a strong economy and growing infrastructure projects with openings for construction workers and other skilled tradespeople.

Boston Has Beautiful Summers

Boston gets hot during the summer months, but the city stays relatively calm because of the breeze that comes off of the ocean. Summers in Boston offer many activities like movies on City Hall Plaza, free concerts at Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, and free Shakespeare plays at the Public Gardens.

Boston Is A Culturally Rich City

 It is home to many great art museums, music concerts, and historical attractions. Tourists of all ages can enjoy the many exhibits scattered throughout the city and its surrounding areas. Many tourists agree that Boston’s best feature is its cultural opportunities and experiences.

Cons

Housing Is Expensive  

The cost of living is expensive, making it difficult for people to find affordable housing. The high cost of living can be attributed to the scarcity of affordable housing and the high prices for necessities like food and transportation.

The Long Winters

 The city experiences an average of 48.1 in. of snowfall each year, and temperatures can dip below freezing for several months. This can make it challenging to get around, especially if you’re not used to driving in winter conditions.

Want to know how much it costs to ship a car with SAKAEM?

Get an Instant Quote online or call us at (888)725-0005 for a personalized quote.

Jason Hilderbrand