How to Ship an SUV: Tips and Tricks

Auto Transport - CORSIA LOGISTICS
4 min readNov 11, 2021

Despite the heated debate surrounding electric vehicles, the real shift seems to have occurred in the SUV sector. More and more consumers have abandoned cars and turned to sport utility vehicles.

Over the years, SUVs have gained popularity due to their enhanced safety and spacious cargo space. Because they can confidently maintain control of any terrain, people may think they are indestructible.

However, if you want to successfully ship your SUV to another state, you need to follow some simple tips to stay at ease. Read our guide to learn basic information about transporting SUVs.

What should I know before shipping an SUV to another state?

SUVs come in different sizes and weights. They are larger and heavier vehicles, some with more vehicles than others. This is something you need to keep in mind when requesting a quote.

Take, for example, the GMC Yukon, which weighs close to 6,000 pounds. It will occupy almost twice the space on multiple car carriers, which in turn will be reflected in the cost of car transportation. In addition, if your SUV has been modified, for example, it is equipped with oversized tires or roof racks, additional handling equipment and additional driver expertise may be required.

This is why it is important to work with an experienced automobile transportation company whose agents are trained in asking the right questions. They will help you find a solution that meets the unique needs of your vehicle.

Verify the car shipping company’s reputation

Although online reviews are a great way to learn about potential auto carriers, it is also important to ensure that the company complies with federal regulations. Reliable vehicle transportation companies should obtain permission from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They should also have a US DOT number, which you can easily verify online to filter out dishonest companies.

Checking the Better Business Bureau is also a good step to verify the company’s reputation. At first, these seem to be extreme preventive measures. However, instead of regretting it afterward, take the time to check it. plan in advance As you may have noticed by now, transporting an SUV requires some advance planning.

On the positive side, this will provide you with greater delivery date flexibility, especially if you plan to ship during peak hours of the year. However, if you are really in a hurry, you can always consult the expedited transportation service.

How much does it cost to ship an SUV?

Some of the main factors that determine the cost of transporting an SUV are Vehicle specifications based on experience, the heavier and larger your SUV, the higher the transportation cost because the carrier is limited by weight.

Transporting modified SUVs may also cost more, as they may require additional equipment and driver expertise. When boarding locations are far away from major routes or highways, be prepared to pay a higher price. You can agree to meet with drivers close to major cities or routes to save on car transportation costs.

In addition, intuitively speaking, it is cheaper to ship your SUV to locations 600 miles away than to ship your SUV across the country. Advanced services such as expedited transportation or closed car transportation are usually more expensive than standard deliveries in open trailers.

However, if you own a luxury SUV such as a Porsche Cayenne or Cadillac Escalade, then you should consider hiring a closed carrier to protect your vehicle from road and weather factors during transportation.

Can I ship my SUV with personal items in it?

The law does not allow automobile transportation companies to transport anything other than cars. Although it may be tempting to transport some extra items in your SUV, it is strongly recommended not to do so. In addition, leaving your SUV without personal belongings can also protect it from any potential damage during transportation.

However, some car shippers allow you to place up to 100 pounds in the trunk space of the vehicle. If you need to transport additional items by car, please consult your car forwarder.

Shipping an SUV to another state may seem challenging at first, but it does not have to be that way. If you have never shipped your SUV before, do not worry. You can call us any time at Corsia Logistics and our experienced agents will answer your questions and provide a free, no-obligation quote that will ship your car safely and efficiently.

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