Should You Ship Your Car or Sell It? Plus Tips for High-Value Cars

Ship your car if it's in good shape, you'd want the same car at your new home, or it's hard to replace. Sell it if it's older, needs work, is worth less than the cost of moving it, or won't suit life where you're going. The quickest way to decide is to put a shipping quote next to what the car would sell for and what a replacement would cost.

How to compare shipping and selling

1. Get a shipping quote. A real person at FCT quotes the actual car and route.
2. Check what it would sell for. Look at what similar cars are listed for where you live now.
3. Price a replacement. Look at what a similar car costs where you're moving, plus taxes and fees.
4. Count the hassle. Selling takes time: listings, test drives and paperwork, often in the busiest weeks of a move.

If selling and buying again costs more than shipping, or you'd lose a car you can't easily replace, shipping is usually the better call.

When shipping makes sense

• The car is in good condition and you plan to keep it for a while
• You've put money into it: new tires, upgrades or a recent repair
• It's paid off, or the loan is in good standing and the lender is fine with the move
• It has sentimental value, or it's a classic you can't replace
• You're moving for a set time, like a school year or a job posting, and will need it again

When selling makes sense

• The car is older and due for major repairs
• It's worth less than the cost of shipping it
• It won't suit the new place, like a two-seater in a city where you'll use transit
• It may not pass inspection or emissions rules in your new state. Check the rules there before you decide.

Tips for shipping a high-value car

• Choose enclosed transport. Enclosed trailers keep the car out of weather, road debris and public view. It's the usual choice for classic and luxury cars.
• Check the insurance limit. Ask what the carrier's cargo coverage is per vehicle, and call your own insurer about added coverage if the car is worth more. See our car shipping insurance guide.
• Document the car. Take detailed photos before pickup, and make sure every existing mark is on the bill of lading.
• Mention anything special. Low clearance, a kill switch or fragile trim changes how the car is loaded. Ask about a lift gate and soft straps.
• Take personal items out. They usually aren't covered and can shift on the trailer.

Shipping with FCT

Every carrier is vetted before it touches the car, every shipment is fully insured, and the driver and truck are confirmed before pickup. You have one point of contact from quote to drop-off, and you can follow the order in the client portal at fctorders.com.

Frequently asked questions

How do I decide whether to ship or sell my car before moving?

Compare a shipping quote with what the car would sell for and what a similar car costs where you're moving. Count the time it takes to sell, too.

When does shipping a car make more sense than selling it?

When the car is in good shape, you plan to keep it, it's hard to replace, or you're moving for a set time and will need it again.

What is the safest way to ship a luxury or classic car?

Enclosed transport, with a carrier whose cargo coverage fits the car's value. Document the car with photos and make sure existing marks are on the bill of lading.

Should I get extra insurance for a high-value car?

Ask the carrier's cargo limit per vehicle. If your car is worth more, ask your own insurer about added coverage for the trip.

Want a number to compare?

Get a shipping quote before you decide. Request a quote or call (980) 552-1101, and a real person gets back to you.