If you’re moving long-distance and need both your furniture and your car delivered, using a moving company that ships cars and furniture can streamline the process. We recommend Mayflower Transit, Allied Van Lines, and North American Van Lines to manage household moves and vehicle transport, and PODS for a hybrid approach.
Key Takeaways
- Most moving companies that ship cars and furniture don’t haul vehicles themselves. They coordinate with licensed auto carriers or brokers to handle the vehicle portion of your move.
- We recommend Mayflower, Allied Van Lines, and North American Van Lines for bundled household and vehicle moves. PODS is a strong choice if you’re considering a hybrid approach, which allows for more timing flexibility and the option to store items if needed.
- Bundling can simplify coordination, but it does not always lower costs — car shipping is often a separate line item.
- If price is your top priority, compare a bundled quote against a standalone car shipping quote before booking.
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we provide honest, data-driven reviews of the nation’s best moving and storage companies.
We evaluate over 4,000 professional movers based on pricing transparency, reliability, customer satisfaction, and overall service quality. Our editorial team also verifies real customer reviews to highlight what people love — and what to watch for — about each company.
All information is thoroughly fact-checked and regularly updated so you can make confident, informed decisions for your move.
Best Moving Companies That Ship Cars and Furniture
The three providers below are solid starting points if you want one company to manage both your household goods and your car shipment. Or, consider PODS if you’d like to pack at your own pace or have storage needs.
Mayflower Transit
Mayflower is a national van line that can handle your long-distance household move and arrange vehicle transport. Mayflower’s transparent pricing includes full-value protection with every move, but this applies only to your goods, not your vehicle.
- Best for: Full-service interstate moves where you want one coordinator for furniture + car shipping
- Why choose Mayflower: Familiar van line structure with move coordination to keep household goods + vehicle timelines aligned
- Good to know: Ask how the auto carrier is selected, what the delivery window looks like, and how updates are handled
Allied Van Lines
With a large moving network with long-distance services, Allied Van Lines can coordinate vehicle relocation through its partner transport providers. Known for its full-service offerings, a move with Allied can include GPS shipment tracking, appliance disconnection and reconnection, and storage options.
- Best for: Long-distance moves that need flexible service options and structured coordination
- Why choose Allied: Good fit if you want a centralized process for household goods with add-on services
- Good to know: Car shipping and furniture delivery may operate on separate timelines even when booked together
North American Van Lines (NAVL)
This long-distance mover will take care of your move and arrange for vehicle shipping through its partner transport providers. North American Van Lines is a great choice if you need specialty relocation support, such as help with international paperwork or custom crating, in addition to vehicle shipping.
- Best for: Larger long-distance moves where you want a structured, full-service approach
- Why choose NAVL: Can be a practical option when you want one plan for household goods and a supported add-on for your vehicle
- Good to know: Ask who owns the customer experience for the car shipment (mover vs. auto carrier) if anything changes
PODS
PODS is a container moving company offering both schedule flexibility and storage. For vehicle transport, PODS can connect you with its third-party auto shipping partners.
- Best for: Moves where you need storage or a flexible load/unload timeline for household goods
- Why choose PODS: Helpful when closing dates are uncertain
- Good to know: PODS simplifies the “home” side, but you’ll still want to compare the auto partner quote against standalone options
Recommended Companies at a Glance
These companies are best known for moving household goods, yet they also coordinate vehicle shipping as part of long-distance moves. In most cases, your mover will arrange transport through a vetted auto shipping partner, rather than using their own car carriers.
| Company | Move Type | How Car Shipping Is Handled |
|---|---|---|
| Mayflower Transit | Full-service mover/van line | Coordinates with partner auto carriers |
| Allied Van Lines | Full-service mover/van line | Coordinates with partner auto carriers |
| North American Van Lines | Full-service mover/van line | Coordinates vehicle shipping via partners |
| PODS | Portable storage containers | Connects you to third-party auto transport partners |
What To Ask Before You Book
- Is the car shipping quote bundled or separate? Most are separate line items
- Who is the auto carrier? Review their credentials and insurance before dispatch
- Open vs. enclosed: Which options are available and what’s the price difference?
- Timeline: Are the vehicle and household goods delivery windows coordinated or independent?
- Claims process: Who handles vehicle claims, the auto carrier or the mover?
How Bundled Car + Furniture Moves Work
Booking a moving company that ships cars and furniture typically combines two services under one umbrella: household goods moving and vehicle transport. The benefit to you is that you’re not in charge of coordination, but it helps to know who’s responsible for what.
- Household goods move: Your furniture and belongings are packed, loaded, and transported by the mover’s fleet or agent network.
- Vehicle transport: The mover schedules your car shipment through a licensed auto carrier (or an auto broker who dispatches a carrier).
- One timeline: Ideally, your move coordinator will align pickup and delivery windows, but your car and household goods may travel separately.
- Separate paperwork is common: You may sign a household goods bill of lading and a separate vehicle inspection form/bill of lading for the auto shipment.
Tip: Ask your mover when you’ll be connected with the auto carrier and whether the car shipment has its own tracking, dispatch, or dedicated support line.
Cost To Move Furniture and Ship a Car
Combined move costs depend on how far you’re going, how much you’re moving, your vehicle type, and how flexible your dates are. In most cases, you’ll see separate pricing for household goods and the car shipment, even if your mover coordinates both.
- Household size and weight: More furniture and boxes usually means a higher linehaul cost
- Distance and route: Long-haul moves cost more overall, but per-mile rates often drop with distance
- Vehicle size and condition: SUVs, trucks, and inoperable vehicles typically cost more to ship
- Trailer type: Open transport is the most common, and enclosed shipping costs more for added protection
- Seasonality: Summer and peak moving windows can push both moving and car shipping prices up
Sample Cost Ranges
| Service | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 bedroom interstate move | $4,500–$9,000 | Varies by weight, distance, and services like packing |
| Open car shipping (1,000–1,500 miles) | $900–$1,300 | Most common option for daily drivers |
| Enclosed car shipping | 30%–60% more than open | Popular for luxury, classic, or low-clearance vehicles |
Simplicity vs. savings: Bundling can reduce hassle, but it rarely discounts the car shipment itself. Your best move is to compare a bundled quote against a standalone auto transport quote from a trusted car shipping company.
Bundled vs. Separate Car Shipping
Bundling is about convenience, not always cost savings. Here’s how to decide what makes the most sense for your move.
When to bundle:
- You want one coordinator for schedules, questions, and changes
- You have a complex move that includes factors such as multiple stops, tight timing, or a long distance
- You value simplicity over the lowest possible price
When to book separately:
- You’re price shopping and want to compare multiple car shipping options
- You want more carrier choice for pickup windows, trailer types, or special equipment
- You’re shipping a specialty vehicle and need enclosed or white-glove handling
If you compare standalone quotes, verify credentials and insurance. Our recommendations for the best long-distance moving companies can get your research started.
How To Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Documentation and Paperwork
- Photo ID and authorization: Have a valid ID ready. If someone else meets the driver, provide written authorization.
- Booking confirmation: Save your order number and the contact information for both the mover and the auto carrier.
- Vehicle inspection form/bill of lading: You’ll typically sign at pickup and delivery. This is the basis for any claim.
Vehicle Prep Checklist
- Wash the car so you can clearly see and document scratches or dents.
- Remove personal items and all loose accessories. Most carriers don’t allow household goods in the car.
- Leave about a quarter tank of gas — enough to load/unload without adding excess weight.
- Take date-stamped photos of all sides, wheels, interior, and the odometer.
- Disable toll tags and remove parking passes to avoid charges while in transit.
- Provide keys (including any wheel-lock key) to the driver as required.
FAQ
Do moving companies actually ship cars themselves?
Most don’t. Moving companies that ship cars and furniture typically coordinate vehicle transport through licensed auto carriers or brokers rather than hauling vehicles on their own trucks.
Is it cheaper to bundle furniture moving and car shipping?
Not always. Bundling can reduce hassle and coordination time, but the auto shipment is frequently priced separately. Comparing bundled and standalone quotes is the best way to determine the best value for your move.
Will my car arrive the same day as my furniture?
Sometimes, but not guaranteed. Household goods and cars often travel on different schedules, even when arranged through the same mover.
Can I ship personal items in my car during a household move?
Usually not. Most auto carriers prohibit personal items because they add weight and aren’t typically covered by cargo insurance. If a carrier allows a small amount, get the rules and limits documented in writing.
Should I use enclosed shipping if I’m moving cross-country?
Enclosed shipping is a smart option for luxury, classic, modified, or low-clearance vehicles because it offers added protection. For most daily drivers, open transport is the standard and more affordable choice.
