College Student Car Shipping_ What Parents Need to Know

1. College Student Car Shipping: What Parents Need to Know Sending your child off to college is a big moment, and if their school is far from home, you may be wondering how to get their car there safely. Driving hundreds or even thousands of miles may not be ideal due to time, cost, and wear on the vehicle. That’s why many families choose to have the car transported instead. If you search “cost to ship my car,” you’ll find a range of prices based on distance, car size, and shipping method. One of the first choices you’ll face is whether to use an open or enclosed carrier. Open carriers are more common and less expensive, but the car will be exposed to the weather. Enclosed carriers provide more protection but cost more. For most students, an open carrier is a good balance between budget and safety. Timing is another important factor. Late summer is a busy time for car transport services since many students and their families are making the same plans. Booking early can help you secure a good price and ensure the car arrives on time. Keep in mind that shipping is not instant—depending on the distance, it may take several days or even a couple of weeks for the car to reach its destination. Before handing the car over to the transport company, take a few simple steps to prepare. Start by removing personal belongings, as most companies don’t allow anything inside the vehicle during shipping. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the car from different angles, noting any existing scratches or dents. Leave only about a quarter tank of gas in the car to keep it lighter for transport. Once the car arrives at its destination, your student should carefully check it for any new damage before signing off on the delivery. While rare, issues can happen, and it’s easier to address them right away. Shipping a car to college doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, you can make sure your student has their car ready to go when they need it. This saves them from long road trips and allows them to focus on settling into their new home. Whether they need it for grocery runs, weekend trips, or getting to class, having their car with them can make campus life a lot easier.