Moving Companies That Move Cars and Furniture

Here are a few essential things to keep in mind.

• Some moving companies like Mayzlin, Allied Van Lines, and PODS can ship both your car and furniture themselves or with their partner auto shippers.
• You can usually save money by booking car shipping services separately.
• Exploring options like open or enclosed transport based on your vehicle’s needs and comparing quotes can help you find the best deal.

• Cost: A moving company may charge an extra premium for serving as an auto transport broker, resulting in a higher car shipping quote than you’d get if you worked with a separate company. Adding another provider into the mix could lead to hundreds of dollars of savings.
• Limited space: Cars require padding and special equipment to load into a moving trailer, making it hard to move a car and furniture in the same vehicle. While you can potentially load some household items inside your car, you can’t stack stuff on top of them.
• Shifting: Other items inside the moving truck may shift during car transportation. Certain types of vehicles, like SUVs and pickup trucks, often won’t fit inside a typical moving trailer.

1. Open transport

Open carriers are what most people think of when it comes to shipping cars.

Pros: These large transport trailers are designed to haul several vehicles at once in either a single-deck or double-decker configuration. Open car carriers are generally more affordable than enclosed auto transport.

Cons: Your car is still potentially exposed to the hazards of the road, especially when it’s stored on the lower portion of the trailer. That being said, your car still avoids the wear and tear it would get from being driven across the country.

2. Enclosed transport

Enclosed transport offers added protection and privacy for transporting your vehicle.

Pros: By storing your vehicle inside an enclosed trailer, you can have confidence that it won’t get hit by rocks or broken into by vandals. This makes enclosed auto carriers an especially good option for luxury or antique cars.

Cons: Of course, the added protection comes with higher car shipping prices. For most drivers, the added cost likely isn’t worth it.

Related: Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport

3. Vehicle trailers

You can also tow your car yourself using a vehicle trailer if you’re confident getting behind the wherel yourself.

Pros: Towing your car on a trailer behind your moving truck is the cheapest option for DIY moves. You can rent an auto trailer from U-Haul to haul your vehicle, with a weight limit of 5,290 pounds that’s suitable for smaller vehicles.

Cons: Towing a vehicle behind the moving truck can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, which is why most people prefer to let a professional truck driver do the work.

Like open carriers, your vehicle is potentially vulnerable to damage from road hazards. You should also avoid packing items in your car when towing it on a trailer, as its contents could be more accessible to thieves.

• Insurance: The best car shipping companies don’t just offer your preferred type of car shipping services. They also offer adequate insurance coverage in case of damage to your vehicle during transportation.
• Reputation: Legitimate car shippers have good customer reviews with the BBB and other reputable sources.
• Quotes: While you can certainly get a car shipping quote from your moving company (when available), compare quotes from two to three other companies to see your options.
• Availability: While some auto shipping companies offer international car shipping, as well as shipping to Alaska and Hawaii, others do not. Sherpa Auto Transport ships oversize vehicles like motorcycles and boats, as well as inoperable vehicles, while others only offer shipping for standard cars.
• Services: Some transport carriers even offer a free car wash when your vehicle is delivered. Carefully review a car shipping company’s services to be sure they offer what you need.

• Quote process: While many car shipping companies let you get an instant quote upfront through their website, you may need to call the shipper’s phone number if you have specialty needs.
• Shipping services: Your desired shipping experience will play a significant role in your total costs. For example, you can expect to pay more if you select options like a guaranteed pickup date or expedited delivery.
• Savings: Alternatively, if you drop off and pick up your vehicle at the shipper’s main hub or delivery location (known as terminal-to-terminal service), you may be able to get a discount.
• Speciality vehicles: Transporting specialty vehicles like classic cars or RVs may also result in higher costs due to increased insurance coverage or logistics needs.
• Additional cost factors: Your quote can also vary based on the distance of your move, your starting and ending locations, and the time of year you’re moving. Each of these factors can influence the demand for car movers.