Car Shipping for a Job Relocation
A job relocation runs on a start date, and everything else has to arrange itself around it, including the cars. Shipping instead of driving turns a multi-day road trip into a flight, keeps the miles off your car, and often gets paid for by the company that is moving you.
Ask about reimbursement before you book
Many relocation packages cover vehicle shipping, and many more will if you ask, HR often has discretion. Get the policy in writing, then keep the paper trail: our booking confirmation, invoice, and receipt PDFs are exactly what reimbursement departments want, itemized and on letterhead. If the package pays a lump sum instead, shipping usually costs less than people budget for it, which puts money in your pocket.
Timing around a start date
Book one to two weeks before your target pickup, and aim the car's arrival a couple of days after you land, not the day of, transit windows are estimates, and a car arriving while you are mid-flight helps nobody. If the company gave you short notice, expedited windows exist at a premium, and the seasonal picture is in our best time to ship guide.
The two-car family playbook
The classic relocation: one spouse drives with the essentials, the second car ships. Or both cars ship and everyone flies, our calculator prices multiple vehicles in one booking with the multi-car pricing applied automatically. Either way, the car that ships travels light, the rules are in the personal items guide.
Arriving like a professional
You get the driver's direct number at dispatch, coordinate delivery by text around your first week's chaos, and walk the inspection before signing, the routine is in our preparation guide. Then update your registration and insurance to the new state at your own pace, the car is already in the driveway.
Relocation shipping questions
Will my employer pay to ship my car for a relocation?
Many relocation packages cover it, and HR often has discretion when you ask. Get it in writing, and keep our invoice and receipt PDFs for the reimbursement file.
How do I get reimbursed for car shipping?
Book normally and submit the itemized invoice and payment receipt we email you. Reimbursement departments want documentation on letterhead, which is exactly what our PDFs are.
How far ahead should I book car shipping for a job move?
One to two weeks before your target pickup on most lanes. Short-notice starts can still work with expedited windows at a premium.
Should my car arrive before or after I do?
A couple of days after you land, once you are reachable and settled. Transit windows are estimates, so build the buffer on your side.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it to the new job?
Count fuel, hotels, meals, days of leave, and 2,000 miles of wear, and shipping usually competes well. It also starts the new job rested instead of road-worn.
How do we move two cars when relocating?
One spouse drives while the second car ships, or both ship and everyone flies. The calculator prices multiple vehicles in one booking automatically.
Can I put boxes in the car to help the move?
Very little, carriers restrict personal items and nothing inside is insured. Ship belongings with the household move and send the car light.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car for a relocation?
Open carrier with a flexible pickup window, booked a week or two out. Fixed single-day pickups and rush moves are what add cost.
Can the company book the shipping directly for me?
Yes, employers and relocation companies can book on your behalf, we just need the vehicle, route, and who releases and receives the car.
What if my start date moves after I book?
Tell us as soon as it changes and we adjust the window with the carrier. Flexibility usually prices better anyway.
Do I need to update registration and insurance before shipping?
No, transport does not require it. Update both to the new state after you arrive, on the DMV's timeline for new residents.
What is the cheapest way to ship my car for a new job?
Open carrier, flexible pickup window, booked one to two weeks out, and skip the rush premium if your start date allows. Email ship@theroyalport.com and we will price your lane straight.
What is the best way to ship a car when relocating for work?
Have it picked up a few days before you fly and arriving a couple of days after you land. We time the window around your start date and you get the driver's number at dispatch.
Who ships cars for corporate relocations?
We handle relocations weekly, for individuals and for employers booking on an employee's behalf. One email with the route and dates starts it, and our invoice PDFs keep reimbursement simple.
How do I get my car shipped and reimbursed by my employer?
Ask HR what the relocation package covers, book normally, and submit the itemized invoice and receipt we email you. That paperwork is exactly what reimbursement departments want.
What is the best way to move two cars for a job relocation?
One spouse drives while the second car ships, or both ship in one booking with multi-car pricing applied automatically. Tell us the start date and we will time both around it.
How fast can my car be shipped for a short-notice job start?
Expedited windows can usually move a car within days on major lanes, at a modest premium. Email ship@theroyalport.com the day the offer lands and we will be straight about what is realistic.