Move to New York and you’re opening the door to new neighborhoods, exciting opportunities, and a completely different way of life. Over 300,000 people moved to the state from other states in the US during 2023, and if you’re about to join them, this post is for you.
Perhaps you’ve got your dream job calling, friends and family waiting for you to arrive, or you’re simply ready for a fresh start. Before your adventure unfolds, there’s plenty to organize, including what happens to your car. Car shipping is one solution that frees up valuable time and makes any long-distance move less stressful.
Moving to New York?
For a successful move, a good place to start is with a list. Here are some things you need to consider:
- Packing and arranging movers
- Finalize the details for your new home
- Transfer utilities
- Change your address
- Organize work commitments
If you’ve got kids, the list grows quickly. You’ve got:
- School records to collect and update
- Enrollment dates to clarify
- Childcare to organize
- Children’s concerns about their new surroundings to be alleviated
Let’s not forget there’s also your car or cars that will be moving with you. You could drive, tow, or ship them, but it’s important to decide early, and your choice will affect your schedule, travel arrangements, and moving budget.
What Are The Ways to Move Your Car?
There are three ways to choose from if you want to get your car to New York:
- Drive it: It could turn into an interesting road trip.
- Tow it: Rent a tow dolly or trailer and pull the car behind a suitable vehicle or rental truck.
- Use an auto transport company: A professional trucker collects your vehicle and delivers it to your final destination using an open or enclosed trailer.
There are pros and cons with each option, and we’ll look at those now.
Drive, Tow, or Ship: Which Makes the Most Sense?
Driving appears to be a very cheap option, but dig a little deeper, and hidden costs quickly add up. You’ll be paying for fuel, meals, hotels, and taking time away from work. There’s also extra mileage and wear and tear on the car.
When you tow with a trailer, you’re not adding any unwanted miles to the odometer. You’ll need a suitable tow vehicle, the right equipment, and confidence handling the trailer/tow dolly and the extra weight. You’ll also need to factor in the rental charges and fuel consumption.
For a long-distance move, car shipping is by far the most convenient option. Your car is moved to New York using a truck and trailer while you get to concentrate on the other elements of your move and fly to your destination. There is a cost, but it far outweighs the convenience, saves several days of driving, and you don’t have to deal with the physical and mental demands of a long road trip.
How Much Does it Cost and How Long Does it Take to Ship a Car to New York?
Typically, you can expect to pay between $700 and $1,500 for open car shipping. Shorter journeys may cost less, while enclosed auto transport costs 40% to 60% more.
The figures above are estimates for a standard, operable sedan. The final vehicle shipping quote is affected by vehicle size and condition, seasonal demand, fuel prices, collection and delivery locations, actual distance, and your preferred dates.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Try to book your car shipping one to two weeks before your preferred pick-up date. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, around a major holiday, or at the end of the month, it’s best to allow two to four weeks. This gives the auto transport company enough time to find a suitable trucker and match the shipment with your moving plans.
Last-minute transport is available, but the price will be higher and your choice of dates more limited.
Local or Nationwide? Choosing the Right Car Shipping Company
A local New York company is likely to know the area well, but that doesn’t make it the best choice. Nationwide auto transport companies can access a wider network of truckers and will have more experience coordinating a long-distance move.
Whichever you choose, always check the following:
- The company has an active FMCSA registration and a valid MC or USDOT number
- Insurance coverage is explained clearly
- You have an itemized vehicle shipping quote with no hidden charges
- Look for consistently positive customer reviews
- You understand how pick-up, tracking, and delivery will work
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
Open car shipping is a more affordable choice. Your car shares a trailer with several other vehicles and is exposed to the weather and road dust, much like driving it on the highway. For most everyday cars, it offers a good balance between price and convenience.
Enclosed auto transport offers extra protection because cars are moved inside a covered trailer. Typically, it costs 40% to 60% more, but the cost can be worth it for classic, luxury, exotic, custom, or valuable vehicles.
Getting Your Car Delivered and Road-Ready in New York
Plan the Delivery
With door-to-door car shipping, the trucker gets as close to your address as safely and legally possible. Large transport trucks struggle when the streets are narrow, there’s low clearances, parking restrictions, or heavy traffic. These situations are common in New York City, so you may have to meet the driver at a more accessible location, such as a parking lot or wider street nearby.
If the delivery is in Manhattan, allow for tolls and the Congestion Relief Zone. Passenger vehicles entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street currently pay a $9 peak toll with E-ZPass. There may also be other bridge, tunnel, or highway tolls to pay.
Prepare for Car Ownership
New residents to the Big Apple must register their vehicle within 30 days. Out-of-state insurance coverage is not accepted, so you also have to obtain insurance that meets state requirements. Your car must also pass safety and emissions inspections, which are repeated annually.
Other things to keep in mind with New York City car ownership are garage prices, street-parking availability, and alternate-side parking rules.
Start Your New York Chapter on the Right Road
There are lots of decisions to make when it comes to moving to New York, but transporting your car doesn’t have to be one of the most challenging ones. Compare your options, check the licensing and registration of any company you’re considering, and book early so there’s no last-minute rush.
Once you’re clear and settled with the transport and delivery details, you’re able to switch your attention to preparing for and enjoying your new home and the opportunities that await you.
