Students quiz
Should You Ship Your Car to College?
Built for students and parents handling move-in week.
About 45 seconds · 4 questions
The short answer
Shipping a car to college makes sense when the campus is more than about 500 miles from home, the school allows the student to park on or near campus, and the student needs the car for a job, internship, or clinical placement. Otherwise campus transit plus a rideshare budget is usually cheaper than shipping plus parking and insurance.
Key facts
- Many universities restrict first-year student parking — confirm before booking.
- Campus parking permits commonly run $200–$900 per year.
- Shipping around move-in week books out fast; reserve 2–3 weeks ahead.
- Delivery to a nearby retail lot is often easier than a crowded dorm street.
1. How far is campus from home?
2. Can the student park at or near campus?
3. Does the student need a car regularly?
4. How good is local transit and rideshare?
Answer all 4 questions to see your result.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to college?
Most student shipments run $600–$1,400 depending on distance, vehicle size, and how close to move-in week you book.
Can the car be delivered directly to a dorm?
Usually to a nearby open lot rather than the dorm itself — car carriers are 75+ feet long and cannot navigate tight campus streets.