Started looking into how much it would cost to get my car transported from MD to AZ. Basically Baltimore area to Phoenix area.

Looks like around $800 for a generic carrier service. I wonder how much more it costs to get a covered transport. I really dislike the idea of it being out in the open without protection.

Ugh what a big and unexpected expense. Ah well, better than driving it and putting the miles and unknown damage on it.


Anything I should know or inquire about when choosing a shipper?

 

I bought my CL used from a guy in LA, Calif. and had it shipped to San Antonio, TX. Cost me $500. The expense to me was WELL worth it. There is really no need to get a covered transport. Our cars were delivered to their respective car lots on an open transport in the beginning anyway. Just make sure the transport has insurance and your good to go. You usually have to give a couple of weeks notice before they ship out and then you have to work completely on their schedule.

 

I shipped my integra from Seattle to Detroit in an open auto transporter. When I received my car it was covered in layer upon layer of dirt, rock, sand, etc, etc. I was so afraid to put a rag to it because I thought it would just rub dirt all over the car, but turned out it wasn't a big deal after a quick spray.

I'm not sure how big of a difference there is in the paint between the teggy and the CL, so omething to think about.

Just make sure you take real good pictures before the transport fockers get a hold of your car. And do a real good job documenting any damages afterwards. And also make 100% sure they are insured.

 

Try www.horselesscarriage.com. They do it all the time!

 

I had similar experience. When I moved to Philadelphia from Los Angeles almost 2 years ago my wife and I drove her car and we had my Integra shipped. It cost $900 using http://www.caronatruck.com.

My car was transported on an open air truck car carrier. My white Ingetra was covered with soot from the diesel's exhaust, but cleaned easily. It did come without any damage.

The only pain was that the pickup and delivery day were somewhat undefined. Essentially, no matter how many trucks they tell you they 'own', all these companies are BROKERS for the service and then contract out the actual transport truck. And more importantly, the truck won't leave the area (Southern California & Phoenix, in my case) until his truck is full and then he decides on the delivery order. My car was picked up one day after the 'estimate' and dropped off about 10 days after the delivery 'estimate'.

I've heard others have similar experience with other carriers.

 

Check out the back of AutoWeek magazine.
They always have a few AD’s in there for car moving services.

Shawn S

 

$700 ,,, A1 AUTO TRANSPORT(CA TO DE).

WATCH FOR DAMAGE...

 

$1195 to ship from VA to OR... With insurance covered up to $100K.

You guys think thats too much?

 

My quote ($900) was the lowest of several vendors. Like a lot in this industry, they seem to make the prices up as they go along, then adjust as necessary. I got another quote of $901, and caronatruck got the job for $1. My transport was also insured.

Shop around, I got all my quotes over email and then verified the final price transaction over the phone.

Your quote doesn't sound that out of whack, but I'd think you can do a bit better.

Save your receipts -- moving expenses for a business related move over 50 miles in distance are tax deductable.

 

Thanks Slimey,

I did shop around a bit... the cheapest I've found online was $1000 and the most expensive was $1400. But out of all the places I checked out (calls and emails) AAA transport was the only one that had fast responses, and everytime I called them, either I got a live person right away, or they called me back within 10 minutes... that was the main reason why I decided to go with these guys.

 

WOW 1000 BUCKS !!!

Instead of paying that I think I would drive out and fly back.
Plane ticket is probably only about 200 clams and another 150 in tolls/gas.

Shawn S

 

don't be such a baby...drive the fucking thing..what else did you buy it for man?
Come on, that's ridiculous...
I drive my TL at least 700miles a week!

 

JRock did you get a new job down there? I know you posted questions about the job situation you were in a few weeks back

 

I agree it's a lot, but circumstances may suggest that transport is the best option. I used this option for our second car and drove the other.

Time is an issue. It takes 3 days - 1 week to drive across country. During a move people are busy with a lot of things and may not have the time for a secondary trip. Keep in mind too that airline prices are higher during the summer.

Wear & tear is an issue (wasn't for me).

The costs are deducted from taxes, so in the end it may not be as 'expensive' as it seems.

Also, some of us may have negotiated for payment of moving expenses in our hire package -- makes cost less of an issue.

Another option is to hire someone to drive your car. There are services for this too.

Of course if this was a single person or couple with a single car for a straightforward move, I'd drive too, no matter the distance.