10 Best Auto Transport Companies in Massachusetts For 2024

Once your car arrives at its new home, it’ll be tempting to jump in and explore everything the Bay State has to offer. Make sure you’re ready for your first road trip with the requirements:

1. Understand Massachusetts Residency

This step only applies to those relocating to the state of Massachusetts from another state who plan to establish their permanent and principal residence in MA (i.e., not college students living here temporarily). Massachusetts legally requires new residents to take specific steps regarding insurance, car registration, and more based upon the date that residency is established. It may be challenging to set an exact date of residency, but the state suggests residency is established if any of the following occur:

• You spend more than 183 days in the state
• You maintain a permanent place of abode
• You establish a mailing address
• You buy a home or sign a long-term lease
• You acquire a MA driver license or ID
• You register to vote
• You title and register your vehicle here
• You file state income taxes in the state

Note: Keep the date you establish residency in mind as you review the remaining steps.

2. Update Your Insurance to Comply with MA Laws

Each state sets its own laws regarding auto insurance minimums. In Massachusetts, you are legally required to purchase an insurance policy from a licensed MA insurance agent with the following coverage amounts:

• $5,000 property damage liability per accident: Property liability coverage pays for any damage done to another car or property in an accident in which you are the at-fault driver.
• $8,000 personal injury protection: PIP coverage pays for you and your passengers' medical expenses if you are in an accident, regardless of the party at-fault.
• $20,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person/$40,000 per accident: Covers your medical bills and cost of repair/replacement of your vehicle when hit by an uninsured driver.
• $20,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person/$40,000 per accident: Bodily injury liability coverage helps to cover another person’s injuries in an accident for which you at fault.

Note: you must have proof of insurance coverage to title and register your vehicle.

3. Title and Register Your Vehicle

If you bring a car into Massachusetts from out of state, you must apply for title and registration as soon as you establish residency. To transfer your title and registration from another state, you must provide the following:

• Completed Registration and Title Application
• Proof of MA insurance (via the application) with signature and insurance stamp
• Proof of Ownership: certificate of title or registration from the former state (if there’s a lien)
• Vehicle Inspection (must be obtained within seven days of registration date)
• Applicable Fees (fees vary depending on plate type – here is the Schedule of Fees)

To learn more about vehicle titling and registration in MA, click here.

4. Obtain a Valid Massachusetts Driver License

You must obtain a MA license as soon as you establish residency. You must apply for your license in person at an RMV Service Center (click here for locations). During the application process, you must:

• Decide on the type of license: REAL ID or standard MA driver license
• Start application online
• Visit RMV Service Center
• Provide proof: identity, lawful presence, proof of legal name change, social security number, and Massachusetts residency (2 documents)
• Pass a vision test (or supply RMV vision screening from an ophthalmologist or optometrist)
• Pass knowledge and road test (if the license is expired)
• Surrender out-of-state driver license
• Pay applicable fees ($115 for Class D/M, $130 for Class D and M license conversion)

5. Join EZDriveMA Electronic Tolling Program

The Bay State is home to toll booths on the Mass Turnpike (I-90) and Tobin Memorial Bridge, as well as the Callahan, Sumner, and Ted Williams Tunnels. To get around the state of Massachusetts, you’ll want to sign up for the EZDriveMA program. It provides access to both E-ZPass MA and Pay By Plate MA. All in one place and super convenient! Learn more about signing up for an EZDriveMA account here.

Are you looking to ship your vehicle to Massachusetts from another part of the country? Caravan Auto Transport’s network of vetted, licensed, and insured auto transporters offers safe, efficient transport of your automobile to its destination without running up the miles on the odometer. These reputable Massachusetts car shipping companies provide the following services:

Open Car Transport

The most common method of car transportation, open transport carriers are ideal if you’re looking for an affordable shipping option with speedy delivery. As the name suggests, your car is loaded onto an open-air trailer along with several other vehicles headed to the same destination.

Enclosed Auto Transport

If you desire enhanced security or protection for your vehicle, you may wish to arrange enclosed carrier shipping. Inside a covered trailer, your car has protection from harsh weather conditions and road hazards like dust and dirt. Shipping your vehicle in a closed carrier also enhances its safety during transit by keeping the car concealed.

Door-to-Door Car Shipping

With a door-to-door car shipping service, you choose the desired pick-up and drop-off locations rather than having to arrange getting your vehicle to or from a transport terminal. Door-to-door shipping is the most convenient choice for shipping your car to or from Massachusetts, saving you time and effort.

Expedited Shipping

In a hurry to get your car from one location to the next? Upgrading to expedited shipping ensures a seamless pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle on your schedule. As a priority customer, you receive fast, timely service, so you can get back to driving that much quicker.

Classic and Antique Car Transport

When it comes to transporting a classic car, you want an auto transport company that can deliver your vehicle without a single dent or scratch. From vintage Mustangs to antique DeVaux Sports Coupes, our network of classic auto transporters has the expertise and equipment to transport your classic car safely, so it arrives in pristine condition.

High End and Luxury Auto Shipping

Exotic car transporters use specialty equipment, like hydraulic lifts and sophisticated tie-downs, along with enclosed trucks, to keep your valuable car safe during every mile of transit. An enclosed car hauler ensures the ultimate protection for your high-end or luxury vehicle, protecting it from dirt, dust, and debris along the way.

From moving off to college to building your career, there are numerous reasons you may be interested in shipping a car to Massachusetts or somewhere outside of the Bay State. Caravan Auto Transport’s network of auto shippers streamlines the car hauling process no matter your reason for transporting your vehicle to or from MA.

Moving and Relocation

When moving cross-country or out-of-state, many people choose to ship their cars rather than add a long road trip to an already stressful and exhausting relocation experience. Leave the logistics of moving your car in the hands of professionals with either open or enclosed vehicle shipping services.

Military

Massachusetts is home to six military bases. From Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford to Sector SE New England Coast Guard in Woods Hole, thousands of military personnel are stationed in the Bay State. If you are one of the brave men and women serving our country, we’re happy to serve you with top-notch car transportation to or from Massachusetts.

Online Car Buyers

Whether you’ve found the perfect vehicle on Craigslist, eBay, or AutoTrader, you may need some assistance getting it home, especially if it’s sitting on the other side of the country. Instead of flying out to pick it up and putting hundreds or thousands of miles on the odometer just to get it to your driveway, arrange for a hauler to transport your new car for you.

College Students

From the acclaimed University of Massachusetts to the more intimate Massachusetts Christian University, Massachusetts has no shortage of top-tier colleges and universities for those seeking to further their education. If you have a college student moving to Massachusetts from out-of-state (or vice versa), have their vehicle shipped straight to campus with a fast, affordable auto transport service.

On average, it costs between $500-$1500 to ship a car to Massachusetts. Anticipate paying around $1 per mile for the first 1-500 miles, then approximately $.75 for every mile after that. Several factors influence the final cost of shipping your vehicle, including the origin and destination zip codes, the method of transport (open vs. enclosed), the speed of shipment, the type of vehicle, and the time of year. The best way to get an accurate estimate of car shipping costs is by requesting free quotes from our network of auto transport companies.