Best Transport Options for Out-of-State Students

how to transport a car to college for out-of-state students

Brantley Kendall

10 Feb 2025 2 months ago


Trying to figure out how to transport a car to college as an out-of-state student? You have several viable options, from driving it yourself to hiring someone to do it for you. There are affordable car relocation services for out-of-state students that make the whole experience a breeze while not costing you an arm and a leg—and it’s precisely what we’ll cover in today’s article, alongside a full breakdown of all the pros and cons worth considering. Read on, and we’ll help you choose the right option!

How to Transport a Car to College for Out-of-State Students

Moving to college is exciting, but figuring out how to transport a car to college can feel overwhelming. Not only do you have to worry about getting all your belongings packed and sent on time, class signups, all the paperwork associated with the new school and new environment, but actually getting there physically poses another challenge.

Transporting a car in 2025 while minimizing your own involvement, though, is a relatively simple process. There are a number of available options that you can choose from—some professional, some not—plus, you can always hit the road yourself. Which option is the best? We break that down in the next section.

Best Car Shipping Options for Out-of-State College Students

What’s the best car shipping option for college students that also won’t necessarily break the bank? Let’s take a look:

Option 1: Driving the Car Yourself

Sitting behind the wheel yourself may seem like the easiest solution, but it comes with hidden costs, risks, and a massive time investment. So, consider the following pros and cons before making your decision:

  • Money-wise, driving the car yourself is different from shipping it mainly because of no transport costs. You’re not hiring anybody, so you don’t have to shell out any of the green to cover the service. 
  • You decide when to drive and what route to take. If you have a couple of extra days, why not make it a road trip?
  • Lastly, going solo means there’s no need to coordinate with any transport company or car shipping broker.

Easy enough, right? Well, let’s take a look at the cons now:

  • Long drives can be exhausting and unsafe.
  • Putting wheels on the road means extra mileage and potential wear and tear on the vehicle, not to mention having to contend with any bad weather you may encounter.
  • There are extra costs involved if your drive lasts a few days rather than hours, including food and lodgings.

Bottom line: driving may be a solid option for students moving within a few hundred miles, but longer distances don’t really make it the most practical choice.

Option 2: Hiring a Professional Auto Transport Company

For students moving across states, there are a number of benefits of auto transport services that you should consider:

  • It saves time and effort.
  • You add no mileage to the car.
  • Some companies can offer student discounts.
  • You let a professional handle your car, minimizing transport risks.
  • In case something does happen to your car in transport, you’re protected by the contract you sign.

Bottom line: using affordable car relocation services for out-of-state students is often the most-stress free way to move a car long distances.

Option 3: Asking a Friend

Some people simply choose to ask a friend or family member to drive their car to college for them. While this might seem like a good middle-ground, it comes with many similar downsides to the first option, while additionally:

  • Relies on someone else’s availability and willingness to help you.
  • Places the responsibility for any damages during transportation on someone else’s shoulders while not offering any kind of coverage.
  • It can be just as expensive.

Bottom line: if you trust someone to make the trip, this could work for shorter distances, but again, for longer moves, professional transport is often the safer choice.

Sakaem Logistics: Affordable Car Relocation Services for Out-of-State Students

For a reliable, student-friendly option, consider shipping your vehicle with Sakaem Logistics. Our expertise, extensive driver network, and reasonable shipping fees mean you’ll be able to ship your car safely and effectively without having to worry about any minutiae. 

Focus entirely on moving to college—we’ll take care of your car for you! Simply contact us today to obtain a quote, and we’ll be in touch!

So, how to transport a car to college for out-of-state students? Car shipping brokers, like Sakaem Logistics, are likely the best option. While driving yourself works for shorter moves, it can be exhausting, especially across longer distances. For a safe and hassle-free alternative, go with professional transport services.

The Takeaway

So, how to transport a car to college for out-of-state students? Car shipping brokers, like Sakaem Logistics, are likely the best option. While driving yourself works for shorter moves, it can be exhausting, especially across longer distances. For a safe and hassle-free alternative, go with professional transport services.

You may also read: Car Relocation Checklist for College Students


Brantley Kendall