Shipping a car across the United States can feel overwhelming because the distance is huge, routes are crowded at certain times, and prices swing more than most owners expect. Planning matters a lot when you’re moving a vehicle coast-to-coast, especially if the pickup or delivery point isn’t easy for a large truck to reach. People often look up how to ship their car from west coast to east coast to understand cost patterns, timing, and carrier availability before they book. The smart move is checking seasons, pickup access, and transport type in the same plan, instead of treating them as separate decisions. Rivalane handles these long lanes daily, which helps owners avoid pricing spikes and scheduling friction when shipping coast-to-coast.
The foundation of a smooth car shipping experience is finding a reliable car shipping company.
What to look for in a car shipping company:
Check platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews to see what previous customers have said. A company’s reputation often reflects its reliability. Look for glowing testimonials about on-time delivery, great customer service, and vehicle care.
Choose a company with expertise in coast-to-coast shipping. Experienced companies have the right tools and know-how to handle long-distance logistics.
Decide between door-to-door delivery and terminal-to-terminal shipping. Door-to-door may cost more but saves time, while terminal-to-terminal offers cost savings at the expense of convenience.
Most companies provide free online quotes. Take advantage of this to compare rates. At Rivalane, you can get a free shipping quote quickly!
Personal Tip: “I once chose a company with the cheapest rate and regretted it when my car was delayed by two weeks. Learn from my mistake; go for reliability over the lowest price!”
Familiarizing yourself with the car shipping process helps reduce surprises and keeps you prepared.
1. Book Early: Busy seasons, like summer and holidays, often mean higher rates and limited availability. Booking early can save you money and ensure your car is shipped on time.
2. Pickup and Delivery Options: Decide early if you prefer the convenience of door-to-door or the cost savings of terminal-to-terminal delivery.
3. Choose the Right Transport Type:
4. Transit Times: Coast-to-coast shipments generally take 7-10 days, depending on distance, weather, and carrier schedules.
5. White Glove Service: If you’re shipping a high-value car, consider a premium service like Rivalane’s White Glove option, which includes customized handling, secure placement, and delivery at your convenience.
Proper preparation ensures your car stays in top condition throughout the shipping process.
1. Clean Your Car: Washing the car helps you spot existing damage before shipment. Remove all personal belongings, as they’re usually not allowed in transit.
2. Inspect for Issues: Check for leaks and mechanical issues. Inform the shipping company about any problems to avoid complications.
3. Disable Alarms: This prevents interruptions during transit.
4. Reduce Fuel Levels: Leave about a quarter tank of gas; enough for loading and unloading but light enough to minimize weight.
5. Document Your Car’s Condition: Take clear photos from multiple angles and focus on any existing dents or scratches. These photos will be your evidence if you need to file an insurance claim.
Understanding the factors that influence car shipping costs helps you budget effectively.
Pro Tip: Request detailed cost breakdowns from your shipping company to avoid hidden fees.
Insurance in car shipping isn’t optional, and it shouldn’t wait until delivery day to get checked. Liability depends on the business model. If a company owns its trucks, their policy usually covers the full move. If they operate as a broker, the carrier’s insurance becomes the active safety net during transit.
Always ask for the carrier’s insurance copy before pickup. It shows limits, damage coverage, and exclusions. High-touch lanes like west coast shipping deserve extra attention because longer hauls mean more loading changes, weather shifts, and tighter timing windows.
Your car has arrived, and now what? Follow these steps to make sure everything checks out:
Shipping a car from the West Coast to the East Coast doesn’t necessarily have to be a stressful task. With proper planning you can minimize the stress and guarantee a safe and efficient transfer of your vehicle.
Start by selecting a reputable car shipping company – as Rivalane, and understanding each stage of the process, all the way from booking to the final delivery.
Prepare your car well, be mindful of the season and the pricing and choose the right type of transport service.
All of this will contribute to a smooth experience. By following these steps you can effectively manage costs and logistics and you can ensure your vehicle will arrive safely at it’s destination.
Contact Rivalane for even smoother experience with no additional stress points!
