Everything You Need to Know About Moving Your Vehicle
The ground transportation of vehicles in the United States can seem like a complex process, especially for the Hispanic community. Whether you are moving to another state, purchased a vehicle remotely or simply need to move your car without driving it, knowing how this service works will help you make informed decisions and save money.
In this definitive guide, we explain in detail the entire process of ground transportation of vehicles within the 50 U.S. states, including Hawaii.
Detailed Description of the Inland Transportation Process
Ground transportation of vehicles in the United States follows a structured process that ensures the safety of your car from origin to destination. Below, we explain each step of the process:
Request for Quotation and Reservation
The first step is to request a quote for the transfer of your vehicle. To get an accurate quote, you will need to provide:
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- Origin and destination zip code
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- Make, model, year and type of vehicle
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- Preferred pick-up and delivery dates
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- Whether the vehicle is operational or not
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- Desired type of transport (open or closed)
Once the quotation is accepted, you will formalize the reservation with a service contract and, generally, an initial deposit that secures your place in the program.
2. Vehicle Preparation
Prior to pick-up, you must prepare your vehicle properly:
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- Removing personal items and non-fixed accessories (if applicable)
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- Deactivate alarms and security systems
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- Verify that there are no liquid leaks.
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- Document any special conditions of the vehicle (photos).
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- Ensure that the vehicle is in operational condition (unless transportation of a non-operational vehicle has been agreed upon).
3. Initial Inspection and Documentation
On the day of pick-up, the driver will perform a detailed inspection of the vehicle in your presence:
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- Any pre-existing damage will be documented on the Bill of Lading (BOL).
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- Mileage will be recorded
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- Verify that the vehicle is in the declared condition.
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- Both parties sign the inspection documentation as proof of the vehicle's condition.
This inspection is crucial, as it establishes the exact condition of the vehicle prior to transport.
4. Vehicle Loading
The loading process requires precision and professionalism:
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- The vehicle is carefully driven to be loaded onto the transport truck.
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- Secured with professional fastening systems to prevent movement during the journey
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- Strategically positioned on the truck to maximize protection depending on the type of transport
5. Transportation
During this phase, your vehicle travels to its destination:
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- Driver follows predetermined routes, optimized for efficiency and safety
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- Constant communication is maintained on the status of the shipment
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- Professional drivers are trained to handle various weather and road conditions.
The duration of the transport varies according to the distance. As a general rule, every 500 miles represents approximately one day of transportation.
6. Delivery and Final Inspection
Upon arrival at destination:
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- The driver will contact you to coordinate delivery details.
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- A new detailed inspection of the vehicle will be carried out
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- Verify that there are no new damages by comparing with the initial BOL.
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- You will sign the delivery documentation confirming the satisfactory status.
If any anomaly is detected, it is essential to document it before signing the acceptance.
7. Post-Service Follow-up
After delivery:
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- Satisfaction with the service is verified
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- Any pending questions or situations are resolved
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- The transportation process is formally closed
Infographic: Step by Step of the Ground Transportation Service
Our ground vehicle transportation service in the United States is designed to accommodate a wide variety of vehicles:
Passenger Cars
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- Sedans
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- Hatchbacks
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- Coupes
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- Convertibles
Utility vehicles
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- SUVs (all sizes)
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- Crossovers
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- Minivans
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- Cargo vans
Trucks
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- Pick-ups of all sizes
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- Work trucks
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- Luxury vans
Special Vehicles
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- Classic and collector cars
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- Luxury and exotic vehicles
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- Sports cars
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- Modified vehicles
Recreational Vehicles
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- Motorcycles
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- ATVs/Quads
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- Jet skis
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- All-terrain vehicles
- Boats with trailer
Commercial Fleets
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- Corporate fleets
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- Dealer vehicles
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- Rental vehicles
Heavy Machinery
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- All types of construction equipment or special equipment.
Non-Operating Vehicles
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- Non-operating vehicles
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- Restoration projects
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- Accident vehicles
Ground Transportation Modalities
1. Transportation in "Godmother" or "Nurse" Trucks (Open)
This is the most popular and economical option for transporting conventional vehicles within the United States.
Main characteristics:
- Structure: Specially designed trucks with capacity to transport 6-10 vehicles simultaneously.
- Types of equipment: Different configurations are available depending on capacity:
- One-level godmothers: Transport 3-4 vehicles, ideal for urban routes or difficult access.
- Standard two-tier godmothersThe most common, with a capacity of 6-8 vehicles.
- Extended godmothersThey can transport up to 10-11 vehicles on interstate routes.
- Exhibition: The vehicles travel in the open air, exposed to weather conditions.
- Economy: By sharing space with other vehicles, the cost is significantly reduced (between 30-50% cheaper than other options).
- Safety: Equipped with professional fastening systems and operated by specialized drivers.
- Ideal for: Everyday vehicles, sedans, SUVs and standard vans.
- Limitations: Exposure to weather, insects, dust and possible minor road debris.
2. Enclosed Transport (Enclosed Transport)
This premium mode offers maximum protection for high-end or special value vehicles.
Main characteristics:
- Total protection: The vehicles travel inside completely enclosed trailers, isolated from external elements such as:
- Adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, hail)
- Dust and road debris
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Environmental contamination
- Types of closed transports:
- Hard-side enclosedRigid metal structures with maximum protection.
- Soft-side enclosedTrailers with special high-strength tarpaulins, slightly more economical.
- Single-vehicle enclosedTransport dedicated exclusively to a single vehicle.
- Multi-car enclosed: They transport between 2-6 vehicles with special separators to avoid contact.
- Additional features:
- Advanced suspension systems to minimize vibrations
- Temperature control equipment in some cases
- Advanced security and monitoring systems
- Hydraulic low slope ramps for vehicles with reduced height
- Limited capacity: They generally transport between 2-6 vehicles per trip.
- Exclusivity: More personalized attention and special care.
- Increased security: Additional protection against external factors and less handling.
- Ideal for:
- Luxury vehicles (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls Royce)
- Classic and collector cars
- Exotic or limited edition vehicles
- High-end sports cars
- Prototypes or display vehicles
- Cars with special modifications or reduced height
- Additional cost: Between 40-100% more expensive than open transport, depending on the type of service.
3. Transportation of Special Vehicles and Heavy Machinery
Designed specifically for moving bulky, heavy or non-standard configurations of equipment.
Types of specialized transportation:
a) Lowboy Trailers (Lowboys)
- Characteristics: Platforms with reduced ground clearance (between 18-24 inches)
- Capacity: Up to 80,000 pounds in standard configurations
- Variants:
- Standard lowboys: For medium construction machinery
- Extended lowboys: For longer equipment
- Double drop: With even lower center section for equipment of exceptional height
- Applications: Excavators, front loaders, backhoes, backhoe loaders, agricultural tractors
b) Modular Hydraulic Trailers (RGN - Removable Gooseneck)
- Characteristics: Detachable collar allows for front loading and extension capability
- Capacity: Between 50-200 tons depending on configuration
- Advantages: Very low, extendable height, adaptable to different configurations
- Applications: Mining machinery, industrial generators, wind turbine components
c) Extendible Bed Trailers
- Characteristics: Extension capacity for extra long loads (up to 80 ft.)
- Applications: Steel beams, disassembled tower cranes, utility poles, etc.
d) Multi-Axle Transports
- Characteristics: Weight distribution across multiple axes (up to 13 axes in special configurations)
- Capacity: Up to 150 tons on regular roads
- Applications: Electrical transformers, heavy industrial equipment, prefabricated components
Complementary services:
- Obtaining special permits for oversized loads
- Route surveys to verify access, bridges and height limitations
- Escort vehicles for extra-wide or extra-long loads
- Loading/unloading services with specialized cranes
- Special packaging and protection for sensitive equipment
4. Transportation of Boats and Water Vehicles
Specialized services for the safe transfer of boats, yachts and recreational water vehicles.
Types of boat transportation:
a) Specialized Boat Trailers
- Types:
- Trailers for small boats: Boats up to 26 feet
- Multi-boat trailers: For transporting several boats or jet skis
- Hydraulic transports: With adjustment systems for different helmets
- Characteristics: Padded structures and specific fastening points for helmets
- Applications: Motorboats, fishing boats, jet skis, small sailboats, small sailing boats
b) Transportation for Medium Yachts
- Characteristics: Special platforms with adjustable brackets for different hull designs
- Capacity: Vessels of 27-45 feet in length
- Special considerations:
- Weight distribution systems
- Protection of propellers, engines and appendages
- Securing of mobile components (masts, antennas)
- Applications: Cruising yachts, luxury motor yachts, medium sized sailing yachts
c) Modular Transports for Large Vessels
- Characteristics: Customized transport systems for larger vessels
- Capacity: 45+ ft. yachts (up to certain width limits for road transport)
- Process: Requires specialized logistical planning and oversized cargo permits
- Applications: Luxury yachts, high-end sports boats, catamarans, catamarans
Additional services:
- Special marine protective wrap (shrink-wrap)
- Removal and separate transport of sensitive components
- Launching services at destination
- Coordination with marinas for pickup/delivery
- Specialized underwriting for transport of valuable vessels
5. Individual Platform Transportation
For specific needs or vehicles that require exclusive attention.
Main characteristics:
- Exclusivity: Your vehicle is the only one transported
- Types of platforms:
- Standard flatbed: For vehicles of conventional dimensions
- Hotshot: Trucks with platforms for faster service
- Hydraulic platforms: For vehicles with reduced height
- Platforms with winch: For non-operational vehicles
- Flexibility: Greater adaptability to specific schedules and routes
- Personalized attention: Continuous and direct follow-up
- Ideal for:
- Extremely valuable vehicles
- Urgent or time-sensitive shipments
- Vehicles requiring specialized handling
- Deliveries to hard-to-reach locations for larger transports
6. Special Transportation for Hawaii and Alaska
Transportation to/from Hawaii and Alaska combines land and sea or air transportation.
Main characteristics:
- Dual or triple process:
- Land transport to port/airport + sea/air transport + land transport at destination
- Specialized coordination between different modes of transport
- Options for Hawaii:
- Regular shipping (7-21 days in transit)
- Air transportation for high-value vehicles (only available for certain types of vehicles)
- Options for Alaska:
- Overland routes across Canada (only for certain seasons)
- Land-sea combination via Seattle/Tacoma ports
- Integral coordination: Complete management of the entire logistics chain
- Special documentation: Specific requirements for territories with particular regulations
- Extended times: The whole process can take between 10-30 days depending on the location of origin on the continent and climatic conditions.
Land Transportation Costs (2025)
Prices for transporting vehicles within the United States vary according to multiple factors. By 2025, the average cost of open mode (godmother) transportation ranges from $0.48 and $0.68 dollars per mile.
The main factors influencing price are as follows:
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- Distance: Longer routes tend to have a lower cost per mile.
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- Type of vehicle: Size, weight and dimensions.
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- Mode of transportation: Open, closed or individual platform.
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- Season: Summer and frequent moving periods have higher rates.
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- Urgency of the service: Expedited shipments have premium rates.
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- Location: Metropolitan vs. rural areas.
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- Condition of the vehicle: Operational vs. non-operational.
Examples of prices in popular routes:
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- Miami to New York: $850-$1,100
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- Los Angeles to Chicago: $1,000-$1,400
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- Dallas to Seattle: $1,100-$1,500
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- Seattle to Honolulu: $1,800-$2,500 (includes maritime segment)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ground Transportation
What is the average delivery time?
Transportation time varies according to distance. As a rule of thumb, every 500 miles represents approximately one day of transportation. For transcontinental routes (3,000+ miles), the estimated time is 7-10 days.
Can I transport personal items inside the vehicle?
Some carriers allow up to 100 pounds (approximately 45 kg) of personal effects in the luggage compartment, although these are not usually covered by insurance. We recommend consulting the specific policies of each carrier.
Are the vehicles insured during transportation?
Yes, all legitimate carriers include basic cargo insurance that covers damage during transport. However, it is important to verify coverage limits and consider additional insurance for high value vehicles.
Can you transport vehicles that do not work?
Yes, we offer service for non-operational vehicles at an additional cost (generally between $100-$150) as they require special equipment for loading and unloading.
How does vehicle tracking work during transport?
We provide access to real-time tracking systems that allow you to know the approximate location of your vehicle throughout the journey. In addition, we maintain constant communication on any relevant updates.
Can the initial quoted price change?
The final price generally remains the same as quoted, provided that the initial conditions (such as vehicle type, origin/destination or operating condition) have not changed.
How is transportation to Hawaii handled?
Transportation to Hawaii combines ground service to a port on the west coast (mainly California) and then ocean transportation to the corresponding island. The entire process is coordinated to ensure a smooth transfer.
What documents do I need to transport my vehicle?
The basic documents required are: valid identification of the owner, title or registration of the vehicle, and in some cases, a letter of authorization if a third party will deliver or receive the vehicle.
Do I have to be present at the pick-up and delivery of the vehicle?
Not necessarily. You may designate an authorized representative for pickup or delivery by means of a letter of authorization.
Do you offer door-to-door service?
Yes, our standard service is door-to-door, although some locations with access restrictions for large trucks may require a nearby meeting point.
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Conclusion
Ground transportation of vehicles within the United States and Hawaii is a safe and efficient process when you work with specialized professionals. The key to a successful experience is to understand each step of the process, properly prepare your vehicle and choose the mode of transportation that best suits your specific needs.
Whether you need to move a family vehicle, a luxury car or even a non-operational vehicle, there are options designed to ensure that your car arrives at its destination in perfect condition.
Rely on experts who understand not only the complexities of ground vehicle transportation, but also the specific needs of the U.S. Hispanic community.
