How to Transport Your Car or SUV: The Ultimate Fun and Easy Guide!

Ready to transport your car or SUV but unsure where to start? Our fun and easy guide walks you through every step of the car transport process, from choosing between open and enclosed transport to booking with trusted companies like Philam Transport and uShip. We cover everything from prepping your vehicle and understanding costs to getting the best deals and ensuring a smooth experience. Perfect for anyone looking to move their ride across town or across the country!

TRANSPORTATION AND CARRIERS

Don Mendoza

8/28/20243 min read

cars parked on parking lot during daytime

Introduction

So, you’ve got a car or an SUV that needs to make a big move, but you’re not feeling that 10-hour drive yourself? I totally get it! Whether you're relocating for a new job, heading off to college, or just scored a sweet ride online, figuring out how to transport your beloved wheels doesn’t have to be a headache. Let me break down the whole process for you – trust me, it’s simpler (and cheaper) than you think!

Step 1: Choose Your Transport Type – Open or Enclosed?

Okay, first things first – you've got options. Open transport is like the budget airline of car shipping: your car or SUV is loaded onto an open carrier along with a bunch of other vehicles. This is the most affordable option and usually costs between $700 to $1,200 for a cross-country move (price varies based on distance and season). On the other hand, if you’ve got a high-end SUV or a classic car, you might want to opt for enclosed transport – think of it as the first-class seat for your car, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,000.

Where to find it? Both Philam Transport (Look for Donald for best prices!) and uShip offer these options. Personally, I’d start by getting quotes from both to see which one fits your budget better!

Step 2: Pick the Right Car Transport Company

Now, let’s talk about finding the right company to trust with your ride. I did my homework (so you don’t have to) and here are two solid options:

Philam Transport: These guys have been in the game for a while and have a rep for great customer service. Expect to pay around $800 to $1,300 for standard open transport and around $1,800+ for enclosed transport.
uShip: A super flexible option where you can compare multiple carriers, like shopping for flights! Prices on uShip can vary, but you might snag a deal for as low as $700 if you're lucky!

Tip: Always read reviews! Both platforms allow you to see what other customers have experienced, which can help you avoid any car transport horror stories.

Step 3: Book Your Transport in Advance

Trust me, you don’t want to wait until the last minute. Booking your transport about 2-4 weeks in advance can save you a good chunk of change. Both Philam and uShip allow you to book online (super easy!). If you have flexible dates, let the transport companies know – sometimes they offer discounts for less rigid schedules!

Step 4: Prepping Your Car for the Big Move

Now comes the fun part – getting your car or SUV ready for transport! Here’s a quick checklist:

Clean it up: Give your car a good wash and vacuum. Trust me, it's easier to spot any dings or scratches this way.
Remove personal items: Not only will this keep your stuff safe, but it also helps keep the weight down (yes, weight can affect the price!).
Take photos: Snap some pics of your car from all angles. This is just in case you need to document any damages (fingers crossed, you won’t!).
Check the fluids and battery: Make sure your car is in good running condition, especially if it’s going on an open carrier.

Step 5: Understand Pick-Up and Delivery Details

When booking, you’ll choose between door-to-door service (more convenient but slightly pricier) or terminal-to-terminal service (cheaper but you have to drop off and pick up your car at a designated location). Door-to-door service generally costs about $100 to $300 more, but it's super convenient, especially if you're short on time.

Step 6: Wrap-Up: What’s the Damage (Cost-Wise)?

Here’s the breakdown for a typical car or SUV transport:

Open Transport: $700 - $1,300
Enclosed Transport: $1,500 - $3,000
Additional Costs (like door-to-door service): $100 - $300

Total Estimated Budget: If you go the open transport route, plan for about $1,000 to cover everything comfortably. For enclosed transport, set aside $2,000+ to be safe.

Wrap-Up

So, there you have it! Transporting your car or SUV doesn't have to be a stress-fest. Whether you go with Philam Transport for their personalized service or uShip for that marketplace vibe, you’re set to make a smart move. Happy car shipping! Don't forget to mention "referred by Donald" for best prices when booking with Philam Transport!