Life is full of transitions, from kids heading off to college and seasonal getaways to warmer climates, career moves, and military moves. Each new chapter brings excitement, but also a long list of logistics. One of the biggest challenges is often overlooked: getting the car to where it needs to be.
For busy families juggling housing, schedules, and deadlines, car transportation can change. Professional car transport companies help you skip long journeys, avoid vehicle wear and tear and make your move more manageable.
What is car transport?
If the idea of shipping your car seems complicated, don’t worry; Car shipping companies make it easy. Car transport is just what it sounds like: a professional service that moves your vehicle from one place to another safely and efficiently.
Many families choose it door to door transportwhere they pick up your car from your home (or bedroom, office, storage unit or base) and ship it directly to your new address. This eliminates the need for multiple trips or temporary parking solutions.
Most car transport companies offer two types of transport:
- Open transport – The most common and cost-effective method, where cars travel on an open trailer.
- Closed transport – Offers maximum protection from weather and road debris, ideal for luxury, antique or high value vehicles.
Why car transportation makes sense for busy families
When you’re in the middle of a movement, every task is urgent. Packing, paperwork, new homes, and family schedules demand your attention. Adding a long distance drive can become very fast.
Here’s how car transportation can help:
You save time
Long distance travel can take days. Car shipping frees you up to pack, unload or focus on starting a new mission while the vehicle travels separately.
You avoid long and stressful walks
Weather, construction and unfamiliar highways can make road trips a headache. Automatic transport allows you to skip the long journey and arrive refreshed.
It protects your vehicle
Cruise control adds miles and wear and tear to your vehicle. Shipping keeps your car in top condition and helps you avoid damage and expensive repairs.
It is often more profitable than driving
Gas, food, hotels, tolls and maintenance add up quickly. Moving is already expensive and takes a huge chunk of your budget. Professional car transport companies offer transparent, guaranteed prices so you can avoid hidden fees and budget with confidence.
No matter who you are or where you’re going, car transportation can make your move easier and more enjoyable. Read on to learn about the different ways families and individuals benefit from car shipping services.
For seasonal travelers and snowbirds
In fact seasonal travelersThe annual migration should feel exciting, not exhausting. Car transfers help start your trip stress-free and keep you in the holiday mood until you get home.
Avoid long seasonal trips
Driving thousands of miles from your vacation destination puts wear and tear on both your car and your body. Shipping your vehicle eliminates road marathons and keeps your car in top condition year after year.
Travel on your own schedule
Instead of spending days on the road, you can fly to your vacation home in a matter of hours. Meanwhile, professional car transporters will deliver your car to your seasonal residence (and back home).
Perfect for couples, families and pet owners
Coordinating multi-car moves or long trips with pets can be stressful. Self-propelled transport makes the whole trip easier, so you can focus on enjoying your time outside.
“Very professional and communicative. This is our first time shipping a car and we were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. We drove across the country on vacation, returned the car and flew home. It was a clear saving, not to mention the savings made in time.’
– William
March 2025
For families sending a student to college
Sending a child off to college is emotionally and logistically demanding. Add in the challenge of getting your student car to campus, sometimes several states away, and it can start to feel like a burden. College students and their families benefit university car transport in various ways.
Security and peace of mind
Parents often worry about their teens driving across the country alone. Between fatigue, weather and unfamiliar roads, the dangers are real. Auto transportation allows your student to travel safely while their car is delivered directly to campus.
Perfect for tight timelines
College days are hectic, busy and often designated for specific days. With door-to-door transportation, students and their families can focus on getting around while the car arrives separately.
Ideal for out-of-state students
If your student attends school in another region, especially one with harsh winter conditions, shipping keeps the car in good condition for the next semester.
“I shipped a car from San Diego to Dallas for my kid in college. Everything was perfect. The driver was very polite and professional and kept us updated. The car was delivered quickly and in perfect condition. I will use the Montway to drive the car back to San Diego at the end of the school year. Highly recommended.”
-Brian O.
October 2025
For families who move for work
Career-driven moves are exciting, but the logistics can be very stressful for the whole family. Between finding housing, starting a new role, and managing family schedules, the last thing you need is driving a crossover.
Auto transport helps professionals to save time and reduce stress.
Focus on the work, not the record
Relocations often come with tight deadlines. Shipping your car keeps you on schedule and removes a huge hurdle from your move.
Ideal for dual income households
Coordinating which car is driving and when can be difficult. It could also be taking a long time off from work or taking the kids out of school while you’re traveling. Car transport solves this immediately by sending one or both vehicles.
Perfect for temporary jobs
Travel nursesgovernment employees and contractors are often moved to short-term jobs. Auto transport allows you to avoid long journeys and have your personal vehicle with you wherever you go.
“I had to move to a new job located several states away, and my primary vehicle is an EV. Since driving such a long distance would be inconvenient, I opted for a shuttle service. The haul was from Indiana to North Carolina, and was completed in one day. The driver was courteous and communicated well throughout the process. The whole process was daunting at first, trying to choose the right company, but once we settled on Montway, everything was easy.’
-Adam
March 2025
See also
For families with a military move or PCS
Military families face some of the most demanding moves, often with short notice and long distances. Auto transport can make PCS transitions significantly easier, with some companies Montway Auto Transport offering reduced rates to service members.
Support for quick and frequent movement
PCS orders often require quick turnarounds. Shipping your car removes a huge logistical burden on a tight timeline. Car shipping companies with large nationwide carrier networks will be able to accommodate your tight schedule.
Reduces stress when moving multiple vehicles
Carpooling allows families to travel together instead of splitting up over long journeys. Some companies also offer discounts for multi-car shipments and repeat orders.
It makes family transitions smoother
Between school transitions, packages, pets, and drop-off schedules, there’s a lot to manage. Letting the professionals handle vehicle transportation allows you to focus on the fit for your family, not the logistics and driving.
“Due to Navy PCS, we had to ship a car across the country and went with Montway – they were able to pick up the car within the expected time frame and the car arrived at the new job site in 4 days! Great communication, punctuality and vehicle care! I would definitely recommend Montway to military families for PCS!”
– Murphy McKenna
February 2025
A step-by-step guide: how to ship your car
Shipping a vehicle is easier than most people expect. Here’s how it works:
1. Get a quote
Enter pickup/drop-off dates and vehicle details for instant pricing.
2. Arrange collection
Choose dates that fit your timeline.
3. Prepare your vehicle
Remove personal items, clean quickly and check basic fluids.
4. Know your driver
A quick inspection is done before loading.
5. Pick up your vehicle
Your car is delivered to your new home, no long journeys required.
Learn more how does auto transport work?.
Making each movement a little easier
Are you considering car transport but don’t know where to start? Start your research with this A guide to comparing car shipping companies. There are many options available, and some will suit your needs better than others.
Having arranged the transportation of over one million vehicles, Montway Auto Transport has earned its reputation as one of the nation’s top auto shipping companies. With a nationwide transport network capable of transporting all types of vehicles (from cars, trucks and SUVs to electric vehicles, motorcycles and motorsports), Montway has been a trusted name in car transport since its inception in 2007.
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