Auto Transport & Moving Services
Long Distance Moving With Zero Extra Miles on Your Car
A long distance move involves more decisions than most people expect. One of the choices that catches people off guard is what to do with the car.
Driving cross country sounds straightforward until you factor in the mileage, the wear on your vehicle, fuel costs, and the time it takes away from everything else that needs your attention during a move. Auto transport solves that problem. Your car moves professionally while you focus on getting settled.
Bekins Van Lines coordinates vehicle transport as part of your overall move, so nothing operates in a vacuum. Your car, your furniture, and your timeline are all managed through a single point of contact.
This Is Moving
Auto Transport Is Coordinated With Your Move
Auto transport is exactly what it sounds like: your vehicle is loaded onto a professional carrier and delivered to your destination. For a long distance household move, this is often the most practical decision you can make. You can fly to your new location, handle the logistics on the other end, and have your car arrive on a scheduled timeline, just like the rest of your belongings.
With a nationwide agent network, Bekins can move your vehicle no matter where you’re going. Auto transport isn’t an afterthought or a referral to a third party you manage on your own. When you move with Bekins, your move specialist helps coordinate vehicle transport alongside your household move so everything runs on a compatible timeline.
That means your car isn’t sitting in a driveway at your old address after you’ve already left. In addition,it’s not arriving days after your furniture, leaving you without a way to get around. The timing is aligned from the start.
Auto Transport Options
Open vs. Enclosed Transport: Knowing the Difference
Car transport works for sedans, SUVs, trucks, minivans, and most standard passenger vehicles.
When you book vehicle transport, you’ll choose between two carrier types. Both are professional and widely used. The right choice depends on your vehicle and your priorities.
Not sure which option fits your situation? Your move specialist can walk you through the specifics based on your vehicle type and your priorities.
Open Transport
Open transport is the most common method for car transport. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air carrier, the same type you’ve seen on highways moving multiple vehicles at once. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and the standard choice for most everyday vehicles.
Your car is secured to the carrier and protected from road hazards during transit. Some exposure to weather and road debris is possible, as it would be during normal driving. For most vehicles in most moves, open transport is the practical, reliable choice.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protected from weather, dust, and road conditions throughout the entire journey. It’s the preferred option for high-value vehicles, classic cars, luxury vehicles, and anything where condition on arrival matters beyond standard wear.
If you’re moving a collector car, a lease vehicle you’re responsible for returning in pristine condition, or a vehicle that simply means a great deal to you, enclosed transport is worth the additional cost. The protection is comprehensive, and the handling reflects the value of what’s being moved.
Moving Your Vehicle
What to Expect During the Vehicle Transport Process
State-to-state auto transport follows a defined process, and you’ll know what’s happening at every stage. Vehicle transport is documented start to finish. That’s not just good practice; it’s the standard Bekins expects from every move.
Before pickup, your vehicle goes through a documented condition inspection. The current state of your car is recorded, so there’s a clear baseline before transport begins. You’ll receive a copy of this inspection report that notes existing scratches, dents, or marks.
At pickup, your vehicle is loaded and secured by a professional driver. You’ll confirm the condition report and get information on the carrier and expected delivery window.
During car transport, your move specialist remains your point of contact. If anything changes with timing or routing, you hear about it directly, not after the fact.
At delivery, your vehicle is inspected again against the original condition report. Any discrepancies are documented on the spot. You sign off when everything checks out.
Take the Stress Out of Your Move
Don’t Drive It. Ship It With Bekins.
Most people underestimate how much easier a move becomes when every piece of it is managed together. Auto transport should be part of the same plan, on the same timeline, with the same accountability.
Bekins makes that possible. Your move specialist handles the full picture, keeps everything aligned, and makes sure your car arrives at your new home ready to go, just like everything else.
Get your free written estimate today and ask about adding vehicle transport to your move plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Transport
Most carriers do not allow personal items to be transported inside the vehicle. Your car is moving as a vehicle, not as additional storage. Your Bekins move specialist can help you plan accordingly.
The earlier the better, especially during peak moving season. Coordinating your vehicle transport at the same time you confirm your household move gives you the best chance of aligned timelines. If your move is coming up quickly, reach out right away; Bekins responds fast and will get the process moving.
Carriers maintain insurance coverage during transport. Your move specialist will walk you through what’s covered and answer any questions before you book.
Let your move specialist know upfront. Lifted trucks, lowered vehicles, and oversized vehicles may require specific carrier arrangements. The earlier you communicate the details, the smoother the coordination.
Transit time depends on distance and routing. A move from the Midwest to the East Coast typically takes a few days. A coast-to-coast move may take a week or longer. Your move specialist will provide an estimated delivery window when transport is booked, and you’ll be kept informed if anything changes along the way.
Yes, and it’s recommended. Being present at pickup allows you to review and sign the condition inspection report firsthand. Being present at delivery allows you to inspect your vehicle before signing off. If you cannot be present at either point, a designated representative can handle it on your behalf; just coordinate that with your move specialist in advance.