The short answer
Ship your car after graduation by booking 2-3 weeks before your work start date and choosing Standard tier, which picks up within 1-7 business days, leaving a cushion in case your new city's lease or start date shifts. Time delivery a few days ahead of day one so you have wheels for apartment errands, and avoid Expedited unless your notice period is genuinely short.
- Standard pickup windows run 1-7 business days; book at least 2-3 weeks before your intended start date to build in a buffer.
- Expedited tier guarantees pickup within 1-5 business days for a 35% premium - worth it only if your job start date is inside two weeks.
- $0 is due at booking, which matters most right after graduation when relocation stipends and first paychecks haven't landed yet.
- Urban apartment complexes with tight turns or low parking garages often require meeting an 80-foot carrier at a nearby lot instead of the building entrance.
- Packing a car with moving boxes on top of the vehicle can push it over standard weight and size classification and trigger the large-vehicle surcharge.
- A 10-minute delivery inspection against your pickup-day photos is the single best way to catch and document any transit damage before you sign.
Building your timeline backward from day one
Start with your actual first day of work, not your graduation date. Count back 1-7 business days for Standard pickup, then add a few more days of transit depending on distance. If that math lands less than two weeks before your start date, Expedited's 1-5 business day pickup window is worth the 35% premium to avoid arriving to your new job without a car. If you have a month or more, Standard comfortably gets it done and saves money.
Using a relocation stipend the right way
Many first jobs offer a relocation stipend, but it often arrives as a reimbursement after you submit receipts, not cash up front. Because nothing is due until a carrier physically picks up your car, you can book the shipment immediately, keep the receipt for your employer, and get reimbursed later without ever needing to front a deposit while your first paycheck is still weeks away.
Don't turn your car into a moving truck
- Boxes and furniture packed into the cabin or trunk aren't covered by the carrier's cargo insurance - only the vehicle is.
- Overloaded interiors can push a car's actual shipping weight into the large-vehicle bracket, adding an unexpected 15%.
- Ship your apartment essentials separately, or drive a lighter set of items yourself if you're flying to the new city.
- If you must leave something small, keep it under 100 lbs, out of sight, and disclose it so the driver can note it.
Delivery at a tricky urban apartment complex
New-grad apartments in dense downtown areas often can't accommodate an 80-foot carrier. Ask your leasing office about a nearby grocery store lot, a wide side street, or a loading dock - anywhere with a straight approach and room to maneuver. Coordinate this before delivery day so you're not negotiating with a driver curbside during your first week of orientation meetings.
The delivery-day inspection, fast
- Compare the car against your pickup-day photos, panel by panel.
- Check the roof and undercarriage, not just what's eye level.
- Start the engine and check dash warning lights before the driver leaves.
- Note anything unusual directly on the Bill of Lading before signing - verbal notes don't count later.
Frequently asked questions
- How soon after graduation should I book my car shipment?
- Book as soon as your job start date and moving plans are confirmed, ideally 2-3 weeks out. This gives Standard tier room to work and avoids paying the Expedited premium just because the timeline got tight.
- Can I use my relocation stipend to pay for shipping?
- Yes. Since nothing is due until pickup, you can book right away and use your stipend reimbursement once it comes through, without needing to pay a deposit out of pocket first.
- Should I pack moving boxes in my car before shipping it?
- It's best not to. Cargo insurance only covers the vehicle, packed items add weight that can trigger a large-vehicle surcharge, and a full cabin makes the pickup inspection harder to do properly.
- What if my new apartment doesn't have truck access?
- Call ahead and arrange a nearby meeting point with enough space for an 80-foot carrier, such as a large parking lot or wide street. Coordinating this before delivery day avoids a stressful last-minute reroute.