Blog Post

Towing a car over long distances, particularly from state to state, plays a significant role in the cost and logistics involved. This process, known as long-distance towing, necessitates the transportation of a vehicle across vast distances, often crossing state boundaries. The need for such a service arises from various situations, including relocating to a new state, dealing with a vehicle breakdown, or the specialized transport of luxury vehicles for events. It’s vital to grasp the unique challenges and costs tied to cross-country towing. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of interstate car towing, covering essential aspects such as its definition, associated costs, and recommendations for reputable towing companies. If you’re in search of car towing services, you’ve come to the right place.

What Is Long Distance Towing?

Long distance car towing, often referred to as state-to-state towing, entails the transport of vehicles across significant distances, often beyond state borders. This service is typically sought after when a vehicle encounters a breakdown or accident far from home, or when it needs to be relocated to a new area. The definition of “long distance” can vary, but it is generally applied to any journey exceeding 50 miles or involving interstate travel. Some companies specializing in cross-country towing might classify distances over 25 miles as long. It is advisable to consult with towing services to understand their specific criteria for long-distance towing.

Local vs Long-Distance Vehicle Towing Services

Local Towing Services

Opting for local towing services can be a cost-effective choice, especially when compared to long-distance options. This advantage stems from the reduced mileage and labor involved. Should your vehicle encounter issues within your local vicinity, enlisting the services of a nearby towing company emerges as an ideal solution.

Long-Distance Vehicle Towing

Long-distance towing is determined by the extent of miles covered, typically regarded as long-distance when surpassing a hundred miles. This operation can be time-consuming, necessitating alternative arrangements during the interim of your vehicle’s transportation. Such services become indispensable during major life events like relocating, or if unexpected vehicle malfunctions or severe damage occurs while on a road trip, surpassing the capabilities of merely local towing solutions.

Three Long Distance Towing Options

Vehicle transport type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Auto transport	Ideal for cross-country car shipping, our door-to-door service offers a safer, easier option with no wear and tear on your vehicle. Suitable for all types of vehicles, it ensures no additional mileage on the odometer. Distance is not a concern, allowing the shipment of multiple vehicles simultaneously. Extra protection is available for valuable vehicles, all at competitive prices.	Some locations may not be accessible to auto transport trucks and trailers.
Tow dolly	Affordable, ideal for short distances, and you remain with your car throughout.	Not recommended for vehicles weighing over 3,450 lbs. Leads to increased wear and tear. Results in higher fuel consumption. Raises safety concerns. Not advisable for extended distances.
Towing trailer	Door-to-door service offers a safer alternative to using a dolly, ensuring your items remain free from wear and tear.	It requires skill and consistent practice. Furthermore, expenses like accommodation, food, and extra fuel contribute to increased costs.
Flat towing	More affordable than a dolly. Enables swift, solo hook-up and disconnection. Conveniently compact for easy storage.	Drivetrain constraints render it incompatible with certain vehicles. Over time, the front tires of the tow vehicle may experience feathering. It is challenging to reverse for more than a short distance. This method is not advisable for long-distance towing.

Long Distance Towing Cost

The expense of long-distance car transportation is influenced by various factors, including:

• Distance: Costs escalate with the increase in mileage.
• Vehicle Type: Expect to pay more for towing larger vehicles like trucks or RVs compared to standard cars.
• Road Conditions: Challenging terrain or adverse weather conditions can raise towing costs.
• Additional Services: The need for specialized services, such as flatbed towing or winching, will further increase the expenses.

Understanding these factors can help in estimating the cost of long-distance towing more accurately.

Long-distance towing costs can vary widely, typically ranging from $1 to $5 per mile for standard car towing services. These rates may rise for larger vehicles or when additional services are required. For instance, towing a vehicle from New York to California, covering an approximate distance of 2,700 miles, could cost between $2,700 and $13,500, influenced by the factors mentioned earlier. It’s advisable to request quotes from several towing companies to compare prices and services before making a decision. At Safe Car Hauling Autotransport, we strive to provide our customers with the most favorable price-quality ratio.

Cheapest Way to Tow a Car Long Distance

When towing a car over long distances, some methods are more cost-effective than others. The most economical choice is often a flatbed truck, which eliminates the need for additional equipment or services.

Alternatively, a dolly can be used to attach to the car’s front wheels, allowing it to be towed by another vehicle. Planning ahead is crucial to minimize expenses associated with interstate towing. If you anticipate a move or a long journey with your vehicle, it’s wise to research and compare prices from long-distance towing companies well in advance. Considering a one-way rental truck or trailer as an alternative to a towing service could also be a cost-saving measure. To further reduce towing costs, ensure your vehicle is free of unnecessary items, thereby decreasing its overall weight.

Don’t hesitate to negotiate with towing companies for discounts or package deals, especially if you require multiple services. Additionally, verifying that the towing company is licensed and insured is paramount to ensuring your vehicle’s safety and protection during its transport across state lines.

Long Distance Towing Companies – How To Choose?

Choosing a long-distance towing company involves considering several key factors. Firstly, ensure the company is licensed and insured, guaranteeing your vehicle’s safety and protection during interstate towing. Additionally, the company’s reputation and experience are paramount. Explore reviews and testimonials to gauge the service quality and reliability. It’s advisable to request references and verify them before finalizing your choice.

While cost is a significant consideration, it should not be the sole determinant. Opting for the lowest rates might compromise the quality and reliability of the service. Ensure the company and its drivers possess the necessary licenses, experience, and credentials.

Before embarking on the journey, the towing company should inspect your tires and confirm their towing equipment is suitable for your vehicle. Seeking recommendations from trusted individuals and conducting your own research are also crucial steps. Remember, a company suitable for someone else may not have the appropriate equipment for your needs.

Inquiring about the company’s maintenance routine for their trucks and their history of any incidents is important. Understanding how they manage unforeseen circumstances provides insight into their professionalism and reliability.

Though we will delve into budgeting later, it’s important to acknowledge price as a factor in choosing a long-distance towing service. While it shouldn’t overshadow other considerations, it’s necessary to be aware of it.

By following these guidelines, you can make an informed decision when selecting a long-distance towing company, balancing cost with the assurance of quality and reliability.

Trust your vehicle with Safe Car Hauling, the premier provider of long-distance towing services. We are a fully licensed and insured company, boasting extensive experience in handling a diverse array of vehicles. Our comprehensive suite of services includes flatbed towing, dolly towing, and more, alongside options for enclosed transport, open transport, and convenient door-to-door delivery. Our dedicated team commits to delivering unparalleled service and reliability to all our customers.

Preparing for a Long-Distance Car Tow: Essential Preparations

Towing a car across country is a challenging task, but proper preparation can make the process much smoother. Below are a few things to consider when preparing for towing a car to another state:

• Research Towing Services: Begin by researching and comparing rates and services from various car towing companies, especially if you require long-distance towing. This initial step will help you make an informed decision.
• Lighten Your Load: To minimize the cost of long-distance towing, it’s advisable to remove any non-essential items from your car. Unnecessary weight can come from extra clothing, tools, and other equipment.
• Inspect Your Vehicle: Prior to embarking on cross-country towing, thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s brakes, tires, lights, and battery to ensure they’re in optimal condition. Additionally, confirm that your vehicle is securely fastened to the tow truck.
• Secure Important Documents: Create duplicates of crucial documents, such as your vehicle’s registration, insurance policy, and your driver’s license. While at Shipaa, we’ve successfully avoided issues with document loss or damage, it’s always better to be prepared.
• Disconnect the Battery: If your car is being towed with all four wheels on the ground, disconnect the battery to avert potential damage to the electrical system.
• Communicate Special Requirements: Should your vehicle have unique needs, like a lowered suspension or a custom exhaust system, make sure to inform the towing service beforehand. This will allow them to accommodate your vehicle’s specific requirements effectively.

These tips will help you prepare your vehicle properly for long distance towing and make sure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Distance State to State Towing