Sending your kid to college is a big step and, let’s be honest, it can feel nerve-racking. Between shoving clothes into suitcases, hunting for dorm gear, keeping track of tuition bills, and saying tear-filled goodbyes, the to-do list can explode. One pressing question many parents ask is:

How do I get my child’s car to campus without breaking the bank or the law?

That’s where car shipping companies step in. Paying pros to haul the vehicle across state lines can be way easier and safer than letting your brand-new college driver navigate hundreds of miles alone. In this post, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about sending a car to school, from pricing and timing to picking a good carrier and building your leave-behind checklist.

Why Ship a Car Instead of Driving It?

Letting your teenager drive their car halfway across the country to college might sound like a cool milestone, but the trip can be harder than it looks. Think about:

• Nervous hands on the steering wheel for hours of highway driving
• Sleepy legs after back-to-back days on the road
• Unexpected scrapes, stalls, or flat tires
• Bills for fuel, roadside snacks, cheap motels, and quick oil checks

Shipping the car means your student can hop on a flight, catch some shut-eye before move-in, and skip the extra drama. It’s especially smart for out-of-state kids heading clear across the map.

When to Consider College Car Shipping

You should probably book a transport service if:

• The campus is over 500 miles from home
• Your child is a first-year student who has never tackled a long haul
• You want to spare the vehicle another round of highway wear-and-tear
• You’re juggling back-to-school dates and packing lists for a tight-moving timetable
• You’re already managing a huge household move or lending a hand to siblings

For most families, handing the keys to pros speeds up move-in day while lowering the odds of roadside headaches.

What Are the Car Shipping Options?

When you decide to ship the car, you usually pick between two basic methods:

Open Car Transport

The vehicle rides on a large trailer with other cars, so it’s out in the open. This option costs less, works great for everyday rides, and gets the job done without fancy extras.

With this method, your vehicle rides on an open trailer like those used for show cars or dealer deliveries. It’s the most common way to move cars across the country.

Pros:

• Cost-friendly service
• Quick pickup and delivery
• Fits the majority of college-bound sedans and hatchbacks

Cons:

• Cars stay exposed to rain, sun, or flying gravel.

Enclosed Car Transport

Here, the vehicle slides into a sealed trailer, making it the go-to choice for brand-new, luxury, or sentimental rides that need extra TLC.

Pros:

• Almost bulletproof against weather, rocks, or careless loading
• Companies often add bigger insurance for peace of mind

Cons:

• Prices can jump by 30 to 60 percent above the open transport price
• Availability shrinks in August when customers flood the market

1. What Does College Car Shipping Cost?

Every quote depends on distance, size, and the season, as shown below:

• Short Distance (less than 500 miles): Roughly 500 to 800
• Long Distance (1,000 to 2,000 miles): About 900 to 1,500
• Enclosed Transport: Tag on 30 to 60 percent

Back-to-school weeks in August and early September are chaos, so reserve your spot early or face surge prices. Lots of carriers also hand out student discounts- simply mention it when you ask for the quote.

5. How to Choose the Right Car Shipping Company

Here are three quick checks moms and dads should use:

• FMCSA Licensed & Insured: Confirm the business is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and carries enough insurance to fix or replace your vehicle.
• Positive Reviews Scan ratings on Google, Trustpilot, and the BBB, especially stories from other parents or college kids.
• Clear Quotes Read a price that covers pickup, delivery, taxes, and fuel sneaky extras. Ask how claims work and what happens if you need to cancel.
• Customer Support

Pick a shipper who replies fast, especially about pickup and drop-off.

Add these checks to your moving list so nothing sneaks up on you.

6. What to Do Before Shipping the Car

Quick pre-shipping tips for parents and students:

• Wash the car: Clean paint helps spot new dings later.
• Take photos: Snap the inside and outside before it leaves.
• Leave a spare key: The Driver needs it to load and unload.
• Remove personal items: Most carriers ban stuff inside.
• Keep the gas tank ¼ full: Light enough to haul, full enough to load.
• Confirm pickup and drop-off addresses: Res hall, off-campus unit, or curb.

7. Coordinate Drop-Off at School

Campuses are tight, so huge trailers struggle. Instead:

• Pick a nearby public lot or wide street.
• Give campus security or housing a heads-up.
• Be there-or have someone to greet and check the car.
• For off-campus housing, double-check that the trailer can reach the spot.

8. How Long Does Car Shipping Take?

Here are the usual delivery times:

• 500-1,000 miles: 2-4 days
• 1,000-2,000 miles: 4-6 days
• Cross-country: 7-10 days

Ship your student’s car a couple of days before or after their flight so a surprise delay won’t leave them stranded. Most carriers let you track the vehicle in real time or text status updates.

9. What Happens at Delivery?

When the truck rolls up:

• Check for fresh dings or scratches
• Look at the photos you took before
• Write down any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign
• Snap a few pictures of the car once it’s off the truck

If something is wrong, file your claim with the shipper right away.

10. Final Thoughts for Parents

Sending a kid off to college is already a tear-jerker, so don’t let car drama pile on. Team up with a solid transport company and stick to an easy moving checklist, and your teens’ ride will show up safe and on schedule.

Shipping the car gives parents peace of mind that their kid won’t spend three days on the highway, and it lets new students dive into campus life sooner.