Heading off to college is one of the most exciting and transformational periods in a young adult’s life. It often involves moving hundreds—or even thousands—of miles away from home. For many college students, having access to a personal vehicle can make a big difference in their daily life. Whether it’s for grocery runs, off-campus jobs, weekend trips, or simply the comfort of familiarity, a car provides convenience and flexibility. But when it comes to transporting that vehicle to campus, many students and parents find themselves asking the same question: how to ship a car for college students safely, affordably, and on time?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your student’s car to school using a professional auto transport service. From why car shipping is a better alternative to long-distance driving, to what options are available, to how to choose the right transport company, this comprehensive post is designed to make the process easy and stress-free.
Before we get into the specifics of how to ship a car for college students, let’s explore why so many students choose to have a car with them in the first place:
- Convenience: From running errands to late-night study sessions, a car makes life more manageable.
- Safety: Students can avoid walking alone late at night or relying on public transportation.
- Flexibility: Weekend trips, visits to family, and traveling during holidays are easier with personal transportation.
- Employment: Many students work part-time jobs off-campus that require reliable transportation.
- Emergencies: Having a car available during emergencies can provide peace of mind for both parents and students.
Driving a car across several states may seem like a rite of passage, but it comes with risks and hidden costs. Here’s why shipping is often the smarter choice:
1. Time Efficiency: A cross-country trip can take days. That’s time better spent packing, saying goodbye, or settling in at college.
2. Cost Comparisons: Once you factor in gas, meals, lodging, and vehicle wear and tear, shipping can actually be more affordable.
3. Safety First: Avoiding fatigue, traffic accidents, and unexpected mechanical failures on long journeys makes shipping the safer choice.
4. Insurance Coverage: Reputable transport companies like Ship A Car, Inc. provide insurance coverage, offering extra peace of mind.
When planning how to ship a car for college students, it’s important to understand your transport choices. Ship A Car, Inc. offers both standard and premium options to fit every budget and need.
The most popular and affordable method. Cars are loaded onto a multi-vehicle trailer and transported along with others. Great for standard vehicles and short-to-medium distances.
Ideal for luxury or classic cars. Vehicles are protected from weather, road debris, and dust. This is a premium option that provides extra security.
- Terminal-to-Terminal: You drop the car off and pick it up from a nearby location.
- Door-to-Door: The car is picked up from your home and delivered directly to the college campus or nearest accessible spot.
Ship A Car, Inc. recommends door-to-door car shipping service for students, as it simplifies logistics and removes added stress from the move.
- Get a Quote
Start by using the Ship A Car, Inc. auto transport calculator or calling (866) 821-4555 to receive a custom quote based on distance, vehicle type, and shipping method. - Book Early
Especially during peak back-to-school months (July–August), securing your spot in advance ensures better pricing and availability. - Prepare the Vehicle
- Clean inside and out
- Remove valuables
- Take pictures for documentation
- Keep fuel below a quarter tank
- Ensure the battery is charged and tires are inflated
- Pickup and Transport
Your dedicated transport coordinator will walk you through pickup times, location, and driver details. - Track and Communicate
You’ll receive updates along the way. Ship A Car, Inc. provides real-time support and tracking options. - Vehicle Delivery
Upon arrival, inspect the vehicle carefully and sign off on the Bill of Lading. Your student is now ready to drive on campus!
Many students attending prestigious colleges choose to ship their vehicles to make campus life easier. Here are the top 5 colleges students will be heading to in 2025:
Consistently ranked #1, this Ivy League school draws students from across the country who often prefer to ship rather than drive.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford students benefit from having a car for internships, tech meetups, and exploring Northern California.
Shipping a car to this iconic college saves time and stress, especially for students traveling from the West Coast or Southern states.
Another East Coast school with many out-of-state students who choose shipping for the safety and convenience it offers.
This urban campus benefits from access to a vehicle, and many students prefer to ship rather than navigate the city traffic themselves.
A: The best time to book is at least 3-4 weeks in advance of the move-in date. Back-to-school season in July and August is a peak period for vehicle shipping, so early booking guarantees availability and better rates. Ship A Car, Inc. also offers flexible scheduling to meet student-specific move-in windows.
A: Yes. Ship A Car, Inc. provides tracking updates and direct contact with your assigned transport coordinator. Whether it’s a parent at home or a student on campus, everyone can stay in the loop from pickup to drop-off. Communication is a top priority, and real-time updates are part of what makes the experience stress-free.
A: Generally, you’ll need proof of ownership (title or registration), a valid driver’s license, and possibly proof of insurance. Ship A Car, Inc. will confirm all documentation before pickup and will walk you through every step of the paperwork process. This ensures no delays and complete transparency.
For over a decade, Ship A Car, Inc. has been a trusted name in the auto transport industry, helping thousands of families and students across the country. The company’s combination of affordability, personalized service, and nationwide coverage makes it the best choice for students preparing to move to or from school. Every car transport is assigned a dedicated coordinator who works directly with the family, ensuring seamless pickup and delivery.
Whether your child is attending college across the state or across the country, Ship A Car, Inc. is here to make the journey smoother. With options tailored for every type of vehicle, flexible scheduling, and top-rated customer service, it’s no wonder so many parents rely on SAC year after year.
When it comes to how to ship a car for college students, no one does it better than Ship A Car, Inc. We’ve spent over a decade helping students and families navigate the transition to college life with safe, affordable, and timely vehicle transport services. With personalized support, dependable scheduling, and coast-to-coast coverage, we are the smart choice for parents and students looking for peace of mind.
Make the smart move—don’t let your student face the stress of a long drive to school. Call us now at (866) 821-4555 or use our online auto transport calculator to get a quick quote. Book today and relax knowing your car will be waiting on campus, just in time for the new school year.
Shipping time depends on distance and route, but most transports within the U.S. take between 3-7 days. Ship A Car, Inc. offers expedited options for time-sensitive deliveries.
A trusted representative can receive the car on their behalf, as long as they’re authorized in advance. Your coordinator will assist in setting this up during the booking process.
Yes! Ship A Car, Inc. offers seasonal promotions, including student discounts. Ask about current specials when you call or request a quote online.
Some carriers allow small personal items under 100 lbs in the trunk, but it’s best to check with your coordinator. Valuable items should never be left in the vehicle.
All shipments are covered by carrier insurance. You’ll receive full details before transport, and your coordinator will answer any specific coverage questions.
