You can ship your car safely by using auto shipping, where professionals secure your vehicle onto an open-air transport trailer. The process involves requesting a quote, preparing your car (e.g., quarter tank of gas), and allowing your mover, like Atlas Van Lines, to handle the secure transport and delivery.

Figuring out how to move your household goods to your new home is challenging enough, let alone needing to move your vehicle too! We don’t realize how inconvenient something on wheels can be until it’s time to pack up our belongings and relocate hundreds of miles away. If you are moving locally, either across town or to a nearby city, this might not even cross your mind. But if you’re moving from New York to Idaho or from New Jersey to North Carolina, you will inevitably find yourself wondering, “How can I move my car to my new home without driving it?” The answer is simpler than you might think, and moving companies have plenty of experience with tackling this problem. At Atlas Van Lines, we help people relocate across the United States every day. Learn from the experts how to move your car to your new home.
 

What Is Auto Shipping?

If you’ve ever passed a trailer carrying two stacks of cars down the highway, then you’ve seen auto shipping at work. Auto shipping is a safe and sound way to transport vehicles across long distances. National moving companies use open-air trailers for auto transport every day. During this process, vehicles are ratchet-strapped securely to the trailer and tied down so that they can be moved without a driver. You can also expect your battery to be disconnected in order to protect your car and others.

How Auto Shipping Works Step by Step

Understanding each stage of the auto shipping process can make the decision feel much simpler, especially if this is your first time moving a car long distance. Here’s a clear look at what typically happens when you ship your vehicle with a professional mover like Atlas.

1. Requesting a Car Shipping Quote

Start by sharing basic details such as the make and model of your car, where you’re moving from and to, your preferred timeframe, and any special considerations (such as classic or luxury vehicles). This helps determine the best transport option and pricing.

2. Preparing Your Vehicle for Pickup

Before transport, you’ll receive simple preparation instructions like removing personal items, checking fluid levels, and reducing the fuel level to about a quarter tank. Your Atlas representative will guide you through exactly what to expect.

3. Loading and Securing Your Vehicle

On moving day, your driver carefully loads your vehicle onto the transport trailer. It’s secured using professional-grade straps and tie-down systems designed specifically for safe auto transport, preventing movement during travel.

4. In-Transit Monitoring and Communication

As your vehicle travels to your new home, the transport team monitors its progress and keeps you updated. You’ll know where your car is and when it’s scheduled to arrive, giving you confidence during the journey.

5. Delivery at Your New Home

Once the trailer arrives at your destination, the driver performs a final inspection and unloads your car with the same care used during pickup. If your new home isn’t ready yet, Atlas can store your vehicle securely until you are ready for delivery.

How to Find Auto Shippers

Moving Companies with Auto Shipping

Moving companies like Atlas Van Lines® not only provide certified movers and packers, but also offer experts on moving your car across the country. With a robust network of local Atlas movers located across the United States and North America, we have the ability to provide excellent customer service and attention to detail where it matters. We are equipped with a system of warehouses built to securely house your car between its origin and destination. Partnering with Atlas gives you the power to keep track of every element of the moving process, from your home to your car. You are paired with an expert that works with you every step of the way so that you always have a familiar name and face to reach out to for questions or concerns. 

If your home isn’t ready yet, there are options for storing your car in transit. We pick up and drop off your car from door-to-door, eliminating additional stress from your moving process. We routinely move motor vehicles across the United States, including specialty vehicles like off-road vehicles, custom cars, antique cars, motorcycles, and more.

Alternatives to Auto Shipping

The most common alternative to an auto transport service is to drive the car yourself. This can be a solid option for large families or people with friends looking for a fun road trip. However, choosing to move your car yourself is not only an additional stressor, but can subject your car to additional wear and tear that is otherwise preventable. Depending on how far you are moving your vehicle, you may also have to account for overnight expenses like a hotel, gas, and food. Moving your car across state lines yourself can also be a major time commitment and may not be ideal if you are relocating for business on a narrow timeline. 

Auto Shipping Options Comparison

Before choosing how to move your vehicle, it helps to understand the differences between the main auto-shipping methods. This comparison chart outlines cost, safety, convenience, and overall value so you can make an informed choice.

Why You Can Trust Atlas with Shipping Your Car

Shipping a car across the country is a big decision, and you want to know it’s in good hands. Atlas has been helping people move for more than 75 years. Our experience shows in every part of the process, from how we handle your belongings to how we care for your vehicle.

A Team of Trained Professionals

Every Atlas driver and crew member goes through ongoing training to ensure your vehicle is loaded, secured, and transported safely. We follow strict procedures to protect your car at every step, and we only partner with qualified, vetted auto-transport professionals who meet our high standards.

Recognized and Trusted in the Industry

Atlas holds several respected credentials that reassure customers they’re working with a reputable, reliable company. We’re recognized as a ProMover, a designation that confirms we meet high ethical and professional standards in the moving industry. We’re also accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating that reflects our long history of trustworthy service and customer care.

A Strong Nationwide Network

With hundreds of Atlas agents across the U.S. and Canada, your entire move, including your vehicle, is supported by a coordinated, dependable network. That means more consistent communication, smoother scheduling, and secure storage options if your new home isn’t ready yet.

Find a Full-Service Moving Company with Auto Shippers

At Atlas Van Lines®, our goal is to help you go new places® with ease. We keep the moving process simple so that you can focus on preparing for the next journey in your life. Get your move started today with a free quote or get in touch with an Atlas moving expert at 800-638-9797.