Car Shipping for International Students: Solutions for Out-of-State Moves

Are you an international student preparing for your big move to college, but struggling to figure out how to get your vehicle there? Or you’re about to graduate and are looking for a way to ship your car back home. You’re not alone!

Many international students find themselves dealing with the hassle of out-of-state car shipping, whether it’s storing a vehicle or simply having one that’s too far away to drive. Planning and executing a long-distance move can be stressful enough, and when you’re trying to juggle your academic work at the same time, it can be overwhelming.

That’s where student vehicle transport services come in. When you choose auto transport for college students, you’ll hand over your keys and let the experts handle everything regarding your vehicle, ensuring it arrives in excellent condition.

Are you all set for car shipping for international students’ service instead of a long drive? Let us take care of that worry for you! Keep reading for more information on Preowned Auto Logistics’ services and how out-of-state car shipping helps make your college journey convenient and enjoyable.

How Auto Transport Works for International and Out-of-State Students

 While you will have no shortage of things to worry over as you prepare for your first term, you certainly won’t be the first one to ask, “How in the world am I supposed to get my car to school?” For countless international and out-of-state students, driving cross-country isn’t an option.

You may be flying in from a different country, lack the time necessary for a multi-day road trip, or feel slightly less than comfortable navigating the highways of the United States. Fortunately, long-distance car transport allows you to ship your vehicle directly to your college town with minimal hassle.

With that said, let’s take a closer look at the process and why it’s such a game-changer for students preparing for their student car transport applications.

How does auto transport for college students work?

Think of out-of-state car shipping as a delivery service, only instead of your packages, you’re having your car shipped. Designed to eliminate the stress and discomfort of a lengthy drive, college vehicle transport services have you put one foot in front of the other as you tackle your to-do list for upcoming classes. The basics of the process are as follows: 

• Get a quote: Start the process by requesting a free, no-obligation quote with a reputable service provider like Preowned Auto Logistics. Please provide information about your car’s make and model, as well as the pickup and drop-off locations, and specify when you need the vehicle shipped. Based on this information, the company will calculate your auto shipping cost.
• Book your transportation: Once you receive a quote that you’re comfortable with, book your transportation. Complete the shipping details, review the terms and conditions, and provide a deposit, if applicable.
• Pickup: A carrier driver will arrive at the designated location to collect your car. They will inspect the vehicle and document any existing damage. After verifying the car’s condition, they’ll provide you with a Bill of Lading, which serves as a receipt for your vehicle and indicates the car’s condition at the time of pickup.
• Drop-off: Your car is transported to the destination. Upon arrival, your vehicle will again be inspected by the driver to ensure it is in the same condition as when it was picked up. You will then sign the Bill of Lading to acknowledge receipt of the car.

Door-to-door car shipping service is particularly advantageous for students. Picture yourself disembarking a red-eye flight to your new college town, only to have your car waiting for you right at the curb. You don’t have to worry about getting lost on the way to a shipping terminal or finding a ride from miles away. It’s a convenient and time-saving option that allows you to focus on what’s really important – classes.

Typical scenarios for student auto transport

Here are a few of the most common car transport student situations: 

• Shipping from home: This is the most common scenario. College-bound students relocating from their hometowns need an affordable way to transport their car to campus in a new state. 
• Shipping from storage: If you’ve been keeping your vehicle in your garage or a storage facility, long-distance car transport can help you get it to your university without having to make a trip back to your hometown first. International students can’t afford to go back and forth frequently, but this option is terrific for those students whose hometowns are nearby. 
• Shipping from a previous campus: College students transferring to a new campus may want to have their car shipped from their last school to their new one. Using student car transport services allows students to have their vehicle waiting for them upon arrival. 
• Shipping from a dealership: New cars can be dropped off directly on campus using the college’s vehicle transport services for the move-in process. This saves students time, money, and the responsibility of having to pick it up and drive it themselves.

Preowned Auto Logistics: your partner in student auto transport 

When you’re preparing for such an important life event as going off to college, it’s essential to put as little in the hands of fate as possible. That’s why you need to choose Preowned Auto Logistics student services. Our team understands that students have unique needs, and we’re dedicated to providing affordable auto transport services that make the process as easy and efficient as possible. Many are unaware of this, but using a professional car transportation service to transport a car to college is your best bet for maximizing time, money, and vehicle maintenance. 

College auto transport vs. driving it yourself

Save money

You might not think it at first, but you’ll actually come out ahead by choosing to ship your car instead of driving it yourself. The long distance means you’ll need to make multiple stops to refuel, not to mention pay for snacks, meals, and hotels along the way. These add up quickly. It’ll also reduce your car’s value just by putting those extra miles on. 

Save time

Let’s not forget about the time commitment required. If you think shipping a car requires a long-term commitment, think again! Driving long distances means you’ll need to block out multiple days. With college vehicle transport, drop off your car before heading to the airport and complete your to-do list for school as usual. 

Reduce wear and tear.

Besides the sudden stops and pit stops that cost you more, the extra mileage you put on your car will also decrease its long-term value. Additionally, nothing diminishes a car’s value more than wear and tear from driving long distances. Every mile, a stark difference in weather, and the combination of city and highway roads slowly erodes your car’s overall value.

Convenience you desire

 With our door-to-door service, we deliver your car right to your dorm or apartment, eliminating the need to find transportation from a terminal that’s miles away and avoiding the hassle of getting lost on the way. No fuss, no muss. 

Less stress & anxiety

No one knows how their trip will end up, and many college prep lists include vague items, such as “just get there.” But with college transport services, you can avoid worrying about every little detail. Drop off your car at the designated pickup location, and the professionals will handle the rest.

All in all, using college vehicle transport services is the most practical solution for students shipping cars for out-of-state and international moves. Why face the long drive yourself when you can leave it up to the professionals? Skip the hassle, stress, and discomfort of a cross-country drive and let auto transport for college students handle the journey for you.

Choosing the Right Shipping Option for Students

Remember: when deciding ways to move a vehicle while being considerate of a student budget, the options are limited but very important. There are two main options for shipping a car, and both come in varying situations: open transport and enclosed transport.

Open transport

The carrier is often a two-level trailer that can hold six to ten cars. Drivers guide the vehicle onto the top or bottom deck.

• Pros: By far the cheapest option for student car shipping. The standard method of transport means availability is at its peak. Great for those seeking long-distance vehicle transport jobs. This is often where you should lean for imported college student transportation.
• Cons: Risk of weather, dirt, crosswind, and other minor road debris. Risk of some minor body damage, like dings and scratches. This method is acceptable for most everyday vehicles needing college car shipping. The recommended method for approaching campus vehicles.

Enclosed transport

The carrier is a semi with a box or an enclosed trailer. Vehicles are either driven on or winched into the back of the trailer.

• Pros: Complete protection from weather and road debris. Covering is most desired for classic, exotic, and high-end cars. Enclosed provides the most protection possible for high-value cars. If you have a high-value car that requires vehicle shipping services for college, an enclosed carrier is the best option.
• Cons: The priciest option. College students with everyday vehicles likely don’t need this protection.

Affordable auto shipping for students

Limited budget is a familiar feeling for students. When it comes to involving international shipping companies for students or your standard out-of-state transport company, look for outright student marketing efforts or discounts. For instance, Preowned Auto Logistics student services may involve special student pricing.

Personal communication with the shipper quotes. Compare a few different options, then choose the best one. Consider a specific time of year. Port pickup during peak moving months and times, like summer for college students, is more expensive. Book early.

Advantages of choosing door-to-door service  

The ease of door-to-door vehicle shipping services is why students, in particular, tend to choose this option. Instead of having to drive a car, the carrier will meet you anywhere at your current or new location. They will load your vehicle and bring it directly to your campus or a nearby area of your choice.

• Total comfort: There’s no need to figure out a different means of transportation to and from a shipping terminal.
• Time savings: This is a significant bonus during hectic peak mobility periods, such as the first week of school.
• Less stress: Knowing the vehicle is at your new address saves you one more thing to worry about as soon as you get there.

This makes college student car delivery services desirable, especially for international students. By simply choosing door-to-door, they eliminate what can be a headache upon your arrival in a new country, new city, new school, and new home.

Pros and Cons of Car Shipping for Students

Many students find themselves in a position to decide whether they need vehicle shipping services, and some of them have seemingly obvious reasons. In reality, there are solid arguments both for and against letting another company transport your vehicle, even if you’re trying to save dollars every step of the way. Let’s make a decision based on the facts at hand and consider a student’s budget range, so we can make the best choice possible.

The upside: why shipping might be your most brilliant move

Let’s start with the reasons to ship.

#1. Avoid stress

Your first few weeks are often pre-planned with orientation, campus tours, and other activities to help you get grounded. Who needs the added stress of spending days driving in traffic to find a hotel, not to mention the time lost in each? Car shipping takes that problem off your plate. Pick an off-campus date that allows you time to set up your school schedule, and you can be at your dorm or apartment on campus before your car arrives, either a day early or a day late. You can use that time to meet new friends, walk around campus, cope with the new roommate, or almost anything else that’s better than spending it on the road.

#2. Better moving experience 

Moving into college can be an emotionally charged day. No need to add one more thing to your busy schedule that may become inconvenient, like the long drive to campus. And that’s an enormous drive gone through solo? By car shipping? Little stress, like hauling in boxes through family farewell plans, and just driving in. This may not be your most efficient entry day into a new town, but it is likely a positive one, nothing to spoil the start to an event more critical than just a semester.

Get vehicle protection

One of your most significant investments is your car. By using a car shipping service, you are choosing a team of professionals who specialize in vehicle transport. Accepted auto shippers have dedicated fleet vehicles and trained drivers. Also, well-established auto shipping services usually offer insurance protection. Most reputable auto shippers are fully insured, which means your car will be covered in the event of any unforeseen damage that may occur while in transit, ensuring that your asset is well-protected.

The disadvantages of shipping your car to college

In the previous section, we looked at all the benefits of hiring a car shipping company. Now, take a moment to consider some potential downsides to shipping a car for college. For some students, shipping might not be the right solution for their needs.

Shipping costs

One of the primary reasons students don’t choose this option is the cost. Shipping a vehicle is not like taking a regular taxi. It requires the service of vehicle shippers, along with insurance and potential long-distance shipping fees. Even in situations when the college is conveniently located close to home, the cost of shipping your vehicle can add additional charges of hundreds or thousands of dollars to your college graduation expenses.

These expenses may be more appropriately allocated to tuition, rent, or books. In addition to shipping fees, car shipping incurs expenses such as car insurance, gas and maintenance costs, potential traffic tickets, parking permits, and more. All these add up quickly and may be well outside the budget of a low-income student.

Other difficulties

Shipping a vehicle poses other complexities beyond just the cost. The logistics of shipping vehicles may pose a nearly impossible problem, as aligning the scheduling of pickups and deliveries with your academic obligations and movement to or from college can be tricky. Vehicles can face a serious risk of damage during the shipping process, with damages typically requiring a high liability split between you and your vehicle carrier. And most colleges have limited parking availability, making the daily search for affordable or adequate parking a significant hassle for students trying to save money. Attaching those expenses and hassles of parking to attending college may not sound as appealing as it seems at first.

Tips for a Smooth Shipping Experience

Each shipment is one step closer to reaching your desired destination, but it does require planning and preparation. Proactive planning frees you from the last-minute rush. Think of it as a foundation on which to build your student’s shipment to campus. You’ll want to optimize these processes to create a well-functioning delivery network. 

Book the shipment early.

The most effective action you can take is to book services well in advance of your shipping day. It’s especially true as the college shipping date nears. The demand for shipments due to the flurry of drop-offs becomes significant, and the industry often runs out of acceptable options. By booking early, you can effectively secure your services and obtain a better rate, as well as a broader range of services to choose from. Don’t underestimate the importance of your foresight. It’s tantamount to a well-planned shipment.

Properly prepare the car.

Now that you’ve booked your shipment, the next step is to ensure your car is ready. Preparing it is about more than simple cleaning or detailing; you want to ensure the vehicle is working optimally when it gets loaded, and you’ve handled the relevant documentation. A well-loaded car goes a long way toward avoiding last-minute surprises and delays in the shipping process. 

Clean the car ahead of time.

Very shortly before pickup, inspect your vehicle and ensure oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid are at the recommended levels and leak-free. Please wash your vehicle (both interior and exterior) before we pick it up. Both to avoid picking up any grime, filth, etc., that could be mistaken for pre-existing damage, and also to leave the best possible impression. You should also remove all non-factory items from inside the vehicle. The vehicle shipping company is not responsible for personal belongings left in the car during transit. 

Collect vehicle documentation

Confirm beforehand that you’ve got all the necessary vehicle documentation in hand. You’ll need the vehicle ownership documents, such as the registration certificate and title. You’ll also need a driver’s license and proof of insurance. In cases where the vehicle has been financed, you may also need to provide proof of ownership, such as a letter from the lienholder or a permission letter on company letterhead. Ensure the vehicle’s paperwork is error-free and up to date. Ensure all documents are easily accessible, as the driver may request them when picking up the car. Failing to provide the required documentation can result in your vehicle not being picked up, which may lead to additional costs and delays.

Be aware of drop-off location rules in advance.

No two campuses are alike when it comes to delivery policies and procedures. And given the volume of vehicle deliveries and shipments coordinated during any given college shipment season, campus administration generally expects and enforces strict compliance with its campus delivery protocols. Some campuses have welcome periods that last weeks or even months for incoming first-year students and transfers during the summer months. The rush of simultaneous delivery of so many vehicles to campus and of other apartments in such a short time supports these campus regulations. 

Call campus offices in advance.   

Before booking the shipment service, please contact the transportation office, the student affairs office, or the campus operations office. Ask about restrictions on vehicle delivery, drop-off spots and zones, narrow streets and sections of campus, specific parking delivery time slots, and so on. Please note that some campus addresses may be located in areas where vehicle transit is restricted. Campus and city ordinances may limit the time of day or specific directions of travel. A sector may need to be set up in advance, and your company truck, due to its size, may not be able to get close enough. Whatever the situation, the more you know in advance, the fewer surprises are likely to arise.

Share pre-delivery day information.

When you have contact numbers for the university’s transportation office and any recommendations, contact your vehicle shipment company with this information. Be prepared to share the contact information, documents being faxed, and any instructions that you received in advance about pre-delivery day activity, zones, and conditions, etc. Ensuring everyone’s on the same page beforehand is crucial to streamlining the paperwork process and preventing delays when your car arrives in transit.

Why International and Out-of-State Students Choose Preowned Auto Logistics?

Starting college or graduate school in another country or state is a significant milestone. Preowned Auto Logistics is committed to helping you by offering comprehensive and hassle-free vehicle shipping to your new campus. We know how to ship your vehicle safely and affordably, so you can focus on your studies and enjoy your exciting new adventure.

Why Preowned Auto Logistics is the best option

Choosing the right auto transport company is crucial for a successful experience. Since 2001, international and out-of-state students have relied on us for a premium service that’s professional, dependable, and customized.

First-class service just for students

For many, this may be the first time you’re attempting to send a vehicle to college. Our network of professional agents prioritizes friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable service, guiding you through every step of the process. Our agents thrive on educating first-time shippers and international students about the process, so you don’t feel intimidated asking questions. From your initial phone call to your vehicle’s arrival, you’ll understand the requirements and logistics that might otherwise confuse you.

Affordability and scheduling flexibility

Every expense counts. Preowned Auto Logistics packs value into price plans that stay within the range you’ll want to pay. Our shipping options are designed to let you choose an affordable transport plan while still getting the service you want. You’ll also receive flexible pickup and delivery scheduling, allowing us to ship the vehicle according to your travel timeline. Covering all major university towns and college cities in the U.S., our nationwide carrier network can transport your vehicle to popular schools and their surrounding areas. So, whether you’re shipping to a large or small college town, we extend our reach where others can’t.

Personalized support for parents shipping from afar

We understand that the parent or student sending the vehicle( s) for transport may be thousands of miles away from where it’s being picked up. Preowned Auto Logistics offers personalized communication and tracking services that identify and address the needs of all parties involved, ensuring everyone stays informed and can focus on what matters most. Please leave it to us to handle the logistics while you focus on your education, making new friends, and adjusting to campus life.

Conclusion

Don’t let transporting your car ruin your student experience. Preowned Auto Logistics simplifies the process. Imagine arriving on campus with your car waiting for you, spared the long drive and logistics. Our professional auto transport takes care of everything, helping you avoid hassles and allowing you to focus on your education and making new friends.

Avoid high mileage, road hazards, and concerns about damage. Book early and trust Preowned Auto Logistics to create the best experience for you.

Receive a free, instant quote today to ship your car to campus!