Moving to another state means coordinating movers, utilities, schools, jobs, and paperwork — and figuring out how to get your vehicles there. If your household has more cars than drivers, or you are flying to your new home, or one of your vehicles is not up to a long drive, you will need help moving it. Lake Front Towing provides dedicated flatbed transport from the southern Milwaukee suburbs to destinations in neighboring states and beyond. This guide walks through how it works and how to plan it alongside the rest of your move.
Options for moving a car
Drive it yourself. Straightforward if you have the time and an extra driver, but it adds miles and wear, and someone has to get back for the next car.
Open car carrier. The large trucks that carry eight or more cars. Economical over very long distances, but pickup windows can be wide, the car may be on the truck for days, and it is exposed to weather and road debris.
Dedicated flatbed. Your car is the only one on the truck. You schedule a specific pickup, and it goes directly to your new address. This is what Lake Front Towing provides, and it is ideal for moves to nearby states, for higher-value vehicles, and for cars that do not run.
Timing the car with the rest of your move
The key to a smooth move is sequencing. Many families have the movers load the house on one day and the car picked up the same day or the next. If you are flying, you can schedule the vehicle to arrive shortly after you do. If your new home is not ready yet, the vehicle can be delivered to a relative's address or a secure location. Talk through your timeline with the dispatcher when you call (414) 520-7264, and we will help you plan.
Preparing the vehicle
- Empty it. Remove personal belongings. Vehicles in transport should not be used as extra moving boxes; heavy loose items can shift and cause damage.
- Clean it. A clean car makes the condition inspection accurate.
- Photograph it from every side, plus close-ups of any existing damage.
- Check fluids and tires if it runs, and note any leaks.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Disable toll transponders so you are not charged for roads the truck uses.
- Remove or secure loose accessories like bike racks and roof boxes.
Paperwork for an out-of-state move
Keep your title, registration, and insurance information handy. Your new state will require you to register the vehicle and get a new driver's license within a set period after you become a resident; check the rules for your destination. If the vehicle is financed, your lender holds the title, and you may need to contact them during re-registration. None of this affects the transport itself, but it is easier to handle when you are prepared.
Vehicles that do not run
A project car, an older vehicle with mechanical problems, or a car you plan to restore at your new home can all be transported by flatbed. Let us know whether it rolls, steers, and has working brakes. If it does not roll, our operator will bring the equipment needed to load it safely.
Moving a second car while you drive the first
A common setup is one driver taking the family car on the road trip while the second vehicle travels by flatbed. This avoids needing two drivers, two sets of hotel rooms, and two cars to coordinate on the highway. It also means the second car arrives without added mileage.
Arrival at the new home
New neighborhoods sometimes have rules about large trucks, narrow streets, or limited parking. Let us know about any restrictions at the destination — an apartment complex, a gated community, or a townhouse with a shared driveway. The operator will call before arriving and unload the vehicle where it is safe. Inspect the car with the operator and sign off once you are satisfied.
Leaving Wisconsin in winter
Many moves happen in summer, but plenty happen between November and March. Winter moves need a little extra flexibility. Storms along the route can close interstates or make them unsafe for any truck, and we will not push a trip through dangerous weather. Build a day or two of slack into your plan, keep an eye on the forecast for both ends of the route, and clear snow and ice from around the vehicle and your driveway before pickup. A car buried in a plowed snowbank takes much longer to load than one sitting on clear pavement.
Frequently asked questions
How far will you go?
We regularly transport vehicles throughout Wisconsin and to neighboring states, and we can discuss longer destinations. Call for a quote.
Is my vehicle insured?
Yes. Our licensing and insurance cover the vehicle for the entire trip, from your Wisconsin driveway to your new address.
Can I pack boxes in the car to save space in the moving truck?
Please do not. Extra weight and loose items can shift during transport, damage the interior, and make the vehicle harder to secure safely. Pack them with your household goods instead.
Can you move a motorcycle as well?
Yes. See our motorcycle and specialty towing service.
Planning a move out of Wisconsin? Call (414) 520-7264 to plan your vehicle transport. Learn more about our long distance towing.