Shipping a Car From California To Georgia? Here’s Your All-in-one Guide

Are you shipping a car from California to Georgia? What are the different types of a car shipping? Is it going to cost me a fortune? How to find the best auto transport company to ship my car? What are ways to ship a car to another state?

If you have these questions in your mind, then this is the perfect place for you. In this blog post, we’re going to explain everything you want to (and need to) know about shipping your car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa). Let’s start by understanding various modes of auto transport.

Five different ways to ship a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa): Which one is better?

To the surprise of many, there are five different ways to ship your car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa). Thus, it’s pretty essential to understand the pros and cons of each option before you make the call. 

1. Drive yourself

The distance between California and Georgia is around 2400 miles, which means 36+ hours of non-stop driving. As most of us can cover about 250 miles a day, the ride would take approximately 8-10 days of driving. It could be a serious option if you want the thrill and fun of a road trip, but it can quickly turn into one of the most stressful experiences of your life as well.

Apart from the time you’ll invest and the fatigue you’ll incur, you’d also need to consider gas, food, and accommodation costs if you’re going to drive by yourself. Plus, your tires, engine, and brakes will have to put in a lot of work, and it’ll cost you in the long run.

It’s a good option if you have around 12-15 days and looking to go on some adventure. 

2. Hire someone to drive it for you

Hiring a professional company or individual driver might be a decent option for people who don’t want to drive by themselves. In many cases, the companies and people offering these services are students or retirees.

Hiring someone to drive it for you is not only a quick way to move your car, but it’s also an excellent option to transport extra luggage. 

However, you must also consider a few downsides that come with this choice. Firstly, you’ll need to find a reliable driver, which is a challenge in itself. And secondly, like the previous option, it will also put unnecessary wear and tear on your car. 

3. Ask a friend or family member

Trusting an unknown person with your car might be too much for people, and rightly so. In such a case, it makes sense to have a friend or a family member sit behind the wheel and transport your car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa). This way, you can save some money as well.

It would help if you considered before asking someone to know their driving skills. After all, you don’t want anything unfortunate to happen to them and your car. And of course, this option also doesn’t come without the wear and tear the car will undergo. 

4. Send it by plane

Transporting your car by plane is another option you have at your disposal. Most people choose this option to ship cars internationally, but it can be an option if you want to ship your vehicle in no time. Needless to say, the cost is going to be relatively high – even higher than the vehicle cost in most cases.

5. Hire a car moving company 

Last but not least, you can move your car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa) in the most popular way: by hiring a car moving company. These service providers do everything, from picking up your car at your doorstep in California to delivering it anywhere in Georgia. 

With car shipping companies by your side, you don’t need to spend a second worrying about safety as they have access to an extensive network of reliable and insured carriers. The reliability, peace of mind, and value for money you get are just unmatched. It’s no surprise that most people prefer to ship their car through an auto transport company.

Types of auto transport services for shipping a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa)

If you’re thinking of hiring a car moving company to ship your car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa), you can send it by open car shipping and enclosed car shipping. A lot of your moving cost depends on which one you choose. Let’s see both in a bit of detail.

Open car shipping 

As you can guess by its name, your car is loaded onto an open truck if you opt for open car shipping. The vehicle and cargo might be exposed to the weather, but it doesn’t usually affect much. Most car manufacturers ship their cars by open trucks as these trucks provide the highest availability and value for money. Plus, your car is shifted much faster through this method. 

Thanks to the many advantages it offers, it remains the most preferred way of shipping a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa).

Enclosed car shipping

If you choose the enclosed car shipping option to ship your car, your car will be kept inside an enclosed truck. In this method, your car remains protected against the outside elements even though it’s loaded on a rack.

This type of car shipping offers extra security and costs you 30-40% more than open car shipping. It’s a suggested option if you have an antique, rare or expensive car to ship. 

How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa)

The cost to ship a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa) must be one of the most important questions for you. Unfortunately, we cannot give you a number as it depends on various factors. But we can help you understand them so that you are educated while dealing with car shipping companies. Let’s have a look at the aspects that determine the cost:

Distance

The central factor in car shipping cost is the distance between the two end-points. The distance here means the distance between the pickup and delivery points – not between California and Georgia. Thus, you will need to pay more if you reside in a remote location.

Shipping type

You choose the car shipping type: open car shipping or enclosed car shipping.

Vehicle

Various aspects of your car, such as the make, model, manufacturing year, etc., also play a role in determining the cost to ship a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa). This is because certain vehicles (such as SUVs) occupy more space and weigh more.

Condition of car

Is your car in running condition? If not, you will need to pay more as your car will need to be hitched to a truck to take it to the shipping truck.

Route

You will need to pay less if your car shipping company ships your car on popular routes.  

Gas price

The fluctuations in fuel prices also have a massive impact on the cost to ship a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa).

Time of the year

Car shipping costs decrease when the demand is high and vice-versa. For instance, it will cost you less in summers as most people choose to move during this time.

All the information is good, but we know you want to know the exact cost. Don’t worry. Here’s our super-fast quote calculator that will help you see the price in an instant. An even better option is to give us a call or drop an email, and our team will walk you through everything you need to know.

Here are some tips that might help you save some bucks:

• Book early
• Ask for discounts 
• Choose the right season to ship
• Ship multiple cars at once
• Opt for the correct shipping type (open or closed)
• Make sure the car is in running condition

How long does it take to ship a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa)

The time to ship a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa) can be divided into two: time to pick up and time to drive. The former refers to the time required for the car shipping company to pick up your car. If we go by the industry standard time, it’ll take between one to five days to pick up your vehicle. 

The second factor that impacts the car shipping time is the time it will take for the truck driver to drive from California to Georgia (or vice-versa). There are certain daily driving time limits that truck drivers need to adhere to. It will take around 8-10 days to get your car shipped from California to Georgia (and vice-versa).

Apart from the above two significant factors, other small factors also impact the time to ship a car:

• The number of stops that the carrier has
• The traffic flow
• Weather conditions
• Detours
• Road construction
• Heavy traffic
• The pickup/delivery locations

How the process of shipping a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa) works

To give some music to your ears, you don’t need to do much to ship your car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa). All it takes is four easy steps and around 15 minutes. 

Step 1 – Get a Quote

After shortlisting the car shipping companies, you need to get quotes from them to compare. This is relatively easy as most companies provide instant quotes through their website. You’ll just need to enter your zip code, car details, and shipping method. 

We suggest you get quotes from at least three companies to compare them and pick the one in your budget that fulfills your requirements. And always ensure that there are no hidden costs like insurance fees or weather surcharges.

Step 2 – Place order

Once you’ve finalized a car shipping company to move your car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa), it’s time to place the order to confirm your car shipment. While doing so, make sure to cross-check all the specifications you need so that you can avoid any communication gaps and unwanted fees.

Step 3 – Pick up

Ordered the shipping? Great, now you need to wait as a driver will come to pick up your car at the given time. They will contact you a few hours before the pickup to keep your vehicle ready. Once the driver arrives, you must take their help to inspect your car. After the paperwork is completed, your car will be loaded onto the truck, and it will be on its way.

Step 4: Delivery

Once your car reaches close to the delivery location, you will be contacted to confirm your availability. Upon the car’s arrival, you must inspect it well to ensure there’s no damage caused to it. You will also need to sign the Bill of Lading (BoL) to acknowledge the delivery.

How to get a quote to ship a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa)

As discussed above, you must get at least three quotes to make an informed decision. This might sound like a lot of work, but it’s pretty easy. The important thing is what you do after getting these quotes. 

Firstly, each quote will be different, and that’s why you’ll need to pay close attention to them. You will need to verify all information, but you must also ensure that the companies haven’t tried to sneak in any additional fees.

You can get these quotes from websites of moving companies. Here’s the information you’ll need to provide to get a quote:

• Pickup and Delivery Locations (zip codes)
• Mode of shipping (open/enclosed)
• Vehicle details such as company, model, manufacturing year, etc.
• First available pickup date
• Phone number and email address

After entering the above details, you’ll need to wait for a few seconds to see the website generate a customized quote for you. You will also receive it in your email.

A standard transport quote will include:

• Shipping cost
• Your vehicle details
• The pickup location and the delivery address
• Car condition
• Type of service: open or closed
• First shipping date
• Distance to be traveled
• Timeframe for delivery

How to find the best auto transport company to ship my car

The car shipping industry has cut-throat competition, and that’s why it becomes difficult for customers to find the right shipping company. Below are various things you must consider to know how good a company is:

License & Insurance

Car shipping companies must possess a license to provide inter-state shipping services. You can visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator website and verify its US DOT #.

BBB Rating

A good way to verify a company’s credibility is to check the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) rating. BBB accredits companies so that people can know how reliable they are.

Customer Testimonials

Customers are vocal, especially the unhappy ones. Thus, you must check Google and other websites that publish testimonials. 

Service Experience

Once you’ve shortlisted companies, we suggest you talk to them over call and understand their process. You must ask questions even if you know things. This will help you learn how supportive they are. The company that doesn’t respond well is not likely to take care of your car.

FAQs regarding shipping a car from California to Georgia (and vice-versa)

Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to shipping a car from California to Georgia.

How can I prepare my car for shipping?

You will need to do the below steps before the driver picks up your car:

• Remove documents and personal items from the car
• Keep one-fourth of fuel in the tank
• Make sure the car’s battery is charged and working
• Make sure tires are in good condition
• Remove the battery if the shipping company asks you to
• Take pictures from all angles – inside and outside
• Note down any existing damages 

Will my car be protected by insurance while moving?

All car shipping companies are required to provide insurance to the car owners. Thus, your car will remain protected under insurance coverage.

What is Bill of Lading, and why is it used?

A bill of lading (BoL) consists of vehicle details such as existing damage, make, model, terms & conditions, etc. It is crucial to establish transparency between car owners and shipping companies.

How will I pay for the auto transport service?

Most car shipping companies allow you to make payments using credit cards, debit cards, or any type of certified funds. Some companies also accept PayPal payments.

Which Documents do You Need to Prepare to Ship Your Car?

• Vehicle registration information
• Insurance documents
• Bill of sale / Bill of lading
• Original vehicle title
• Your unexpired identification (i.e., driver’s license or passport)

What is expedited shipping?

Expedited shipping allows you to ship your car faster. It’s a special service provided by car shipping companies and will cost you more. It is an ideal option for someone who wants their vehicle to be transported urgently.

How long is a quote valid for?

The quote validity period often differs from one car shipping service to another. Having said that, most quotes will be valid for seven days. This means you will need to get a new one after this period, and the cost may change depending upon the factors we saw earlier in this post.

What is a top-load service?

If you opt for top-load service, your car will be placed at the top of the truck. This way, your vehicle will remain protected from dirt, rocks, or debris. Needless to say, it will cost you extra money for the added security.

Pros and cons of moving to California

Known as ‘the Golden State,’ California is the most populated state in the United States. This is due to the many advantages it offers. But no state is perfect, and California is no different. Let’s look at the pros and cons of moving to California.

Warm & pleasant weather

California has beautiful weather and offers you 260+ average sunny days in a year. You can expect the temperature to touch 70 during winters and hover around 80-85 in the summer. California is warm and pleasant to keep you motivated throughout the day.

People

California is a state that welcomes people from all genders, orientations, and ethnicities. It has a younger population and is known to be open-minded and tolerant. This is unlike most states in the southern US.

Massive economic opportunities

With big cities and vibrant industries, California has a thriving economy. The per capita income in California is $66,661, the fifth highest in the country. 

You’re close to nature

Whether it’s parks, mountains, forests, or beaches, California has everything a nature lover would want to have in a state. In fact, it has the highest number of national parks (nine) in the country. 

There’s no doubt that California is great, but it’s not without some cons. 

Wildfires

California has witnessed many wildfires, and it doesn’t look to slow down. The summers always bring a sense of danger to Californians. 

High income tax

California is one of the highest taxed states in the country. The tax for the highest income bracket goes as high as 12.3%.

Summer heat

The summers can be brutal if your home is away from the coast. It can go 95 to 100 degrees on some days.

High living cost

California is an expensive state to live in. It’s approximately 43% higher compared to the national average. The average house cost in California is $745,200.

Pros and cons of moving to Georgia

If you’re thinking of moving to the Peace State, you must know the pros and cons. Let’s have a look at both sides of loving on Georgia.

Low living cost

The overall cost of living in Georgia is less compared to most states. This includes housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, etc. In fact, it is the sixth most affordable city to live in. The average house price in Georgia is $287,458. 

Education

Georgia is home to great schools, colleges, and universities. Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory, Georgia State University, Buford, and Decatur are the most prestigious ones.

Easy winters

If you hate winters, Georgia is not going to disappoint you. Winters in Georgia are not harsh, and you would hardly face any snow days. 

Robust economy

Home to many Fortune 500 companies, Georgia has a thriving economy. Cities like Atlanta and Savannah are the most buzzing business hubs. 

Now let’s see some of the things you’ll have to live within Georgia:

Hot summers

Georgia winters are good, but we can’t say the same about its summers. The temperatures go quite high, and it becomes unbearable at times. You’ll need to rely on air-conditioners to fight the sweltering humidity.

Traffic

Although Georgia has a slow pace of life, the traffic in certain parts is nothing short of horrible. It is most applicable to the city of Atlanta, where you might have to wait for hours to pass through the downtown.

Mosquitoes & bugs

Whether you’re indoor or outdoor, mosquitoes are going to be your companions in Georgia. You’ll need to invest after mosquito repellents to stay protected. Apart from the mosquitoes, other bugs like sand gnats, ants, and palmetto bugs also cause a menace.

Last but not least

If you’re thinking of shipping your car from California to Georgia (or vice-versa), hiring an auto shipping company makes sense. This might cost you some money, but it will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on other essential things. All you need to do is find a reliable auto transport provider, and you’re all set!

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