When shipping a student’s car makes sense
If campus is a few hours away, drive. Past about a day’s drive, the sums change. A road trip to deliver a car means two people, fuel, a hotel, and a flight home for whoever does not stay. Shipping avoids all of that, and it keeps a new driver off an unfamiliar interstate with a loaded car.
The academic calendar is the shipping calendar
- August. Move-in is the busiest time of the year around every campus. Book three weeks ahead.
- December. Few students ship a car home for a four-week break. Those who do should book before finals.
- May. Move-out is the second peak. Schedule pickup for the day after the last exam, not the day of it.
- January. A quiet month, and a good time to send a car to a first-year student who has decided they need one.
Where the handoff happens
Car haulers do not drive onto campuses. Residence hall lots and parking decks are too tight, and most schools do not allow it. The driver chooses a large parking lot close by and calls the student with the place and time. The student brings an ID and a phone, checks the car, and signs.
Who books and who signs
A parent can arrange and pay for everything from another state. The student handles the handoff. Anyone 18 or older can release or receive a vehicle. If the car is going home and the student has already left, a roommate or friend can hand it over.
What to do with the car over the summer
There are three choices: ship it home, leave it with a friend who lives near campus, or store it. Shipping home in May costs about what it cost to ship in August. If your student has a summer internship in a third city, the car can go there directly.
A parent’s checklist
- Confirm that the school allows your student to keep a car on or near campus.
- Get a price with the campus ZIP code and your home ZIP code.
- Book for a delivery date on or after move-in day.
- Give us your student’s mobile number as the delivery contact.
- Remind them to check the car and sign before the driver leaves.
Arkansas campuses we serve
- University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
- University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, and Central Baptist College, Conway
- Arkansas State University, Jonesboro
- Arkansas Tech University, Russellville
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
- UA Little Rock
- Lyon College, Batesville
We also ship Arkansas students’ cars to campuses in every other state.
Common questions
Can my student receive the car alone?
Yes, if they are 18 or older. They meet the driver, look the car over, and sign the inspection report.
Can we fill the car with dorm things?
Plan on shipping it empty. Belongings inside are generally not covered and add weight.
Should a first-year student have a car at all?
Check the school’s parking rules first. Some limit or charge heavily for first-year permits. If it is allowed and useful, January is an easy time to ship one.
Is shipping cheaper than driving?
On short trips, driving usually costs less. On long ones, shipping often wins once you add fuel, a hotel, and a flight home. Get a quote and compare.