Moving a Vehicle Long-Distance? Here’s What You Need to Know

When you think about relocating, your mind might jump to cardboard boxes, furniture padding, and coordinating movers. But what happens when you also need to move something that can’t just be boxed up—like your car, truck, motorcycle, or SUV?

Transporting a vehicle across state lines—or even across the country—is a unique challenge that comes with its own set of logistics, requirements, and risks. Unlike a short local drive or a weekend trip, a long-distance vehicle relocation involves careful planning, coordination, and trusted hands to make sure your car arrives safely and on time.

Know Your Vehicle Transport Options

Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Open Carriers

Open auto transport is the most commonly used and cost-effective method for vehicle relocation. You’ve probably seen these multi-level trailers hauling cars on the freeway—they’re open to the elements but designed for safety and efficiency.

Pros:

• More affordable than enclosed transport
• Easier to schedule due to higher availability
• Suitable for most everyday vehicles (sedans, SUVs, trucks)

Cons:

• Exposure to weather, road debris, and dust
• Not recommended for rare, high-value, or luxury cars

This is a great choice if your vehicle is in good condition, regularly driven, and doesn’t require extra protection.

Enclosed Carriers

Enclosed transport is the premium option, offering full protection from the elements. Your vehicle is loaded into a covered trailer—often with climate control and hydraulic lift gates for added care.

Best for:

• Luxury cars
• Exotic vehicles
• Classic or antique models
• Show cars or freshly restored vehicles

Pros:

• Maximum protection from weather, road grime, and prying eyes
• Fewer cars on each load, allowing more individualized attention
• Greater peace of mind for high-value vehicles

Cons:

• More expensive than open transport
• May require longer lead time to schedule

If your vehicle is a valuable asset or carries sentimental importance, enclosed transport is worth the investment.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery

Door-to-Door Transport

This service picks up and delivers your vehicle as close to your address as possible—whether it's your home, workplace, or another designated location.

Pros:

• Ultimate convenience
• No need to coordinate with third-party terminals
• Ideal for busy schedules, families, or PCS moves

Cons:

• May not be feasible in areas with tight roads or HOA restrictions
• Slightly higher cost than terminal options

Terminal-to-Terminal Transport

With this option, you drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated shipping terminals or hubs.

Pros:

• Can be more cost-effective
• Offers flexible pickup/drop-off timing
• Good for people moving between major metro areas

Cons:

• Requires additional transportation to and from the terminal
• Risk of vehicle sitting at terminal if arrival dates aren’t well-coordinated

Door-to-door delivery is generally preferred by those looking for a hassle-free experience, while terminal-to-terminal may work for those on a tighter budget.

Flatbed or Specialty Equipment Transport

For certain vehicles, standard carriers just won’t do. That’s where flatbed and specialty transport comes into play.

This is ideal for:

• Non-running vehicles
• Oversized trucks or lifted SUVs
• Motorcycles or trikes
• Collector cars requiring extra loading care
• Equipment that can’t be moved using a traditional auto carrier

At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we offer custom heavy-duty transportation solutions for clients with unique vehicle transport needs. From specialized lift gates to custom crating, we ensure your vehicle or equipment is handled with care, precision, and full insurance coverage.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Long-Distance Transport

Have Your Documentation Ready

Before your vehicle is picked up, be sure to gather all the necessary paperwork. These documents help verify ownership, confirm insurance, and create a transparent record of the transport agreement.

Required documents typically include:

• Vehicle registration – Proof that the car belongs to you or that you have legal authority to move it.
• Insurance card – Important in case of damage claims during transport.
• Government-issued ID – Required for identity verification.
• Bill of Lading (BOL) – A legal document issued by the transport company that details the condition of the vehicle at pickup and outlines responsibilities and terms of service.

Tip: Keep digital and physical copies on hand, and don’t pack these in the car.

Perform a Pre-Transport Vehicle Inspection

Your vehicle’s condition should be thoroughly documented before it leaves your sight. This step is crucial if you need to file a claim for damage incurred during transit.

Use this pre-move inspection checklist:

• Take high-resolution photos of all four sides of the vehicle, including close-ups of existing scratches, dents, paint chips, and wheel damage.
• Check tire pressure – Proper inflation helps the vehicle load and unload safely and protects tires from damage during transit.
• Charge the battery – A fully charged battery ensures the car can be moved under its own power if needed during loading or unloading.
• Inspect fluid levels – Top off engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Be sure there are no active leaks.
• Note mileage – Log your current odometer reading on the bill of lading for added documentation.

Remove Personal Belongings and Disable Accessories

Most auto transport companies have strict policies against leaving items inside the vehicle during shipping—and for good reason. Carriers are not responsible for damage to or loss of personal items, and extra weight can lead to fines or insurance complications.

Before handing over your keys:

• Remove all personal items from the trunk, glove compartment, and cabin (GPS units, chargers, parking passes, etc.).
• Take out toll tags or transponders – These may be triggered during transit and rack up unwanted charges.
• Disable or turn off car alarms – A blaring alarm during transport is more than just a nuisance; it can delay delivery and frustrate the driver.

Understand Insurance and Liability Coverage

Start With Your Own Auto Insurance Policy

Before you even get a quote from a transport company, check with your auto insurance provider to understand what coverage you already have in place. Most personal auto policies do not cover damage that occurs during professional transport, but there may be exceptions or supplemental options.

Ask your insurer:

• Does my policy include coverage for vehicle shipping or transport?
• Will I be covered if the transport truck is involved in an accident?
• Is there an option to add temporary coverage for the duration of the move?

Even if your policy doesn’t cover vehicle shipping, it’s still a good idea to keep it active during the move for general liability.

Ask the Transport Company About Their Coverage

A reputable vehicle transport company should carry its own cargo insurance and liability insurance, and they should have no hesitation in sharing policy details with you.

Here’s what to look for:

• Cargo insurance limits – This covers damage to your vehicle while it's in transit.
• General liability coverage – Covers potential damage or injury caused by the carrier’s operations.
• Per-vehicle coverage amounts – Make sure the value of your vehicle doesn’t exceed the policy cap.
• Deductibles – Ask who is responsible for the deductible in case of a claim (you or the mover).

Always request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) if you want additional proof of coverage for peace of mind.

Know the Claims Process—Before You Need It

Accidents are rare, but if your vehicle arrives with unexpected damage, you’ll want to act quickly and follow the proper process.

Here’s what a good claims process should include:

1. Note damage at delivery on the Bill of Lading (BOL) before signing it.
2. Take photos immediately of any new dents, scratches, or mechanical issues.
3. File your claim quickly—most companies have a limited window (often 7–14 days).
4. Work with your mover to resolve the issue; in many cases, they’ll handle the repair or replacement through their insurance provider.

A company that is clear, communicative, and organized in their claims handling is one that stands behind their service.

Let Us Move Your Vehicle with Precision and Care

Long-distance vehicle transport may seem overwhelming at first—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation, clear understanding of your transport options, and the support of a qualified team, you can avoid the common pitfalls and get your vehicle from point A to point B safely, efficiently, and stress-free.

Whether you’re shipping a family car, a classic showpiece, or a specialty vehicle across the country, peace of mind comes from working with professionals who treat your property like their own.

At The American Dream Moving & Storage, we combine decades of industry experience with the integrity, discipline, and attention to detail you’d expect from a veteran-led team. From custom crating and protective loading to clear communication and insured delivery, we handle every vehicle with honor, pride, and precision.

Ready to Move Your Vehicle With Confidence?

Let’s talk about your vehicle transport needs today. Whether you're relocating your life or just your wheels, we’re here to help every mile of the way.

📍 Proudly Serving Acton, CA & Southern California
📞 Call Now for a Free Estimate: (818) 337-9495 🌐 Visit Us Online: vetsmoveyou.com
🎖️ Military and Veteran Discounts Available

‍