Your Car Shipping Questions Answered: An Interview with Gabe from UShip.com

Christa Baxter
Jan 14, 2021
Icon Time To Read2 min read

If you’re planning a big move, then you are most likely asking yourself the question of, “how am I going to move my car?” Moving is already a stressful task, and moving cross-country will add an immense amount of stress to this already daunting task.

With the help of Gabe, Marketing Manager at uShip, we are going to uncover these 6 important questions people ask when they are considering to ship their car cross-country.

Why should I ship my car?

There is that convenience of not having to drive the car yourself or even tow it if you’re the one driving the moving truck across the country. One of the overlooked advantages of shipping a car is that it eliminates some of the wear and tear. The miles the car travels on a car hauler are miles that won’t be on an odometer. And if the car is being shipped via closed transport it will be protected from the elements.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

Every detail matters in determining price. The size and weight of the car and the distance are the most basic factors, but accessibility and flexibility go a long way in getting better pricing. Being flexible on pickup and delivery dates is attractive to transporters since it allows them some time to optimize their routes for their other customers.

Accessibility also greatly benefits the transporter in that they can manage their hauler easier and can get back to a common route quicker. If the job is easier for them to do, the price is going to be better.

Can I keep personal belongings in my car during shipment?

Packing a car with personal things is a quick way to get the transporter to deny shipping the car for you. There’s a liability in transporting goods that many don’t want to risk responsibility for or they straight up don’t have the license to transport goods.

It’s in the customer’s best interest to not do this either as cars are often  shipped unlocked and transporters won’t be liable for anything missing or damaged.

How should I prepare my car for shipment?

Make sure the car doesn’t have any fluid leaks. If your car is being hauled with other cars, you don’t want to be responsible for any damage to them.

uShip

What happens if my car gets damaged?

It’s always best to do a little research on the transporters you are considering to make sure they have the right legal authority and insurance. While damages are incurred in less than 5 percent of cars in transport, you want to make sure you’re covered in the rare event of an issue.

A typical licensed auto transporter will have at the bare minimum liability insurance but those who also have cargo insurance are better. Cargo insurance should cover any damage caused in transport and you pay the deductible. Do realize the terms of coverage vary widely and are very much worth inquiring about. Some personal auto insurance may cover the vehicle in transport, but those policies also vary. It’s recommended to call up your auto insurance agent when you’re researching transport to assess your coverage, but also let them know the vehicle is being transported.


Now that we have a clearer view on how to ship a car enjoy the peace of mind. If you have anymore questions about shipping a car, or anything at that matter don’t be afraid to leave a comment below or contact uShip.

Christa Baxter
Written by
Christa Baxter
Christa Baxter has worked as an editor for more than eight years and specialized in moving content for the last three. She leads the Move.org content team in producing whip-smart moving tips and recs. After relocating four times in the last calendar year, she’s got strong opinions about moving best practices. (Just don’t ever pull a Marie Kondo and suggest she whittle down her personal library.) She earned a BA and MA in English with a minor in editing.