Shipping a Car Across Country

January 12, 2004 8:38 AM

Has anyone ever shipped a car, enclosed, cross country? I am researching quotes for my boss and I wondered if anyone had any personal experience or problems that I should watch out for.

Oh and if anyone has recommendations for a company, please let me know.

posted by sugarfish to Travel & Transportation (9 answers total)

A couple of (very responsible) college students with free time, such as a spring break, would likely jump at the chance for a free roadtrip and ask for no more than the cost of gas, food, motel, and flight home. If the shipping company wants more than a couple grand for the job, this might be a good option.
posted by PrinceValium at 9:08 AM on January 12, 2004

I'd advice letting us know the type of car to help gauge the expectation.
posted by machaus at 9:23 AM on January 12, 2004

Response by poster: Oh, sorry. It's a newer model Mercedes (not sure of the exact model)

and PrinceValium: I do like your idea, but I think my boss wants to keep the mileage down.
posted by sugarfish at 9:26 AM on January 12, 2004

Check out Horseless Carriage or Passport. They both specialize in classic car moving, so you'll be assured that they won't muck up the car. Both have online quote forms. They'll likely be more expensive, but this isn't something to nickle and dime.
posted by machaus at 10:13 AM on January 12, 2004

My brother in law shipped his car from Denver to DC a few years ago and it cost around $750. taking about 2 weeks. I now find myself in the same boat and need to ship my car from Boston to Denver. I'm getting quotes from the usual moving company suspects - Allied, Mayflower, North American, Atlas, etc. As they come in, I'll follow up here with dollar amounts.
posted by warhol at 10:30 AM on January 12, 2004

I used Bekins for a coast-to-coast move of a crappy car. I don't remember the cost, because my new employer paid it. But they did a very good job.

Standard warning with all types of interstate moves: Don't be cheap. Go for well-known brand names. Interstate transport is pretty loosely regulated these days, and if the driver decides to hold your stuff hostage it is even more of a pain for you than you might think. If a big-name mover is only 10-20% more than the cheaper guys, pay up; it's worth it.

Also, I know three people who tried the "let's pay a guy to drive it across the country" thing, and all were very, very sorry. One had the car delivered two months late, another never heard from the guy again, and another was, uh, unhappy with the condition of the car once he got it.
posted by profwhat at 10:44 AM on January 12, 2004

When I was working at Epinions, I had to remove several automobile shipping companies from our site. They had gotten such horrible reviews that the companies threatened us with a defamation suit. People right and left complained about loose schedules, not knowing where the car was for weeks, having promises broken, hidden charges, damage, etc etc. Be very careful, make sure you have backup transportation for a month, and double check your insurance.
posted by scarabic at 11:09 AM on January 12, 2004

I've seen InterCity Lines prominently mentioned by the Barrett-Jackson Auction, Dream Car Garage, and other auto shows. I'd figure if they could be trusted with one-of-a-kind show vehicles, they'd probably be good enough for a garden-variety Mercedes.

They're also rated 4 1/2 stars at Epinions, on preview.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 11:17 AM on January 12, 2004

Here's an exhaustive directory of auto movers.
posted by silusGROK at 1:35 PM on January 12, 2004