Quick answer: To ship a car across the country, get quotes three to four weeks ahead, choose open or enclosed transport, check the carrier’s MC number and insurance, prepare the car, and inspect it with the driver at pickup and delivery. Most coast-to-coast moves cost $1,200 to $1,700 on an open carrier and take 7 to 10 days in transit.
Moving yourself is hard enough without working out how to get your car there too. Whether you are relocating for a new job, heading to college or starting over somewhere warmer, cross-country car shipping is usually the simplest way to do it. This guide walks through the steps, what it costs on popular routes, how long it takes, the cheapest options and what to check at pickup and delivery.
How Do You Ship a Car Across the Country?
Here is the whole process in seven steps.
- Get quotes three to four weeks out. Booking early gives dispatchers time to fit your car onto a truck already running your route, which is where the best prices come from.
- Choose open or enclosed transport. Open carriers move most cars safely. Enclosed is for classics, exotics and cars where the paint and value justify the extra cost.
- Check the company. Look up the MC and DOT numbers, confirm active cargo insurance and read recent reviews before you book.
- Prepare the car. Wash it, photograph every panel, leave about a quarter tank of fuel and remove personal belongings and toll tags.
- Inspect it with the driver at pickup. Walk around the car together, agree on every existing mark and make sure the Bill of Lading shows it before the car is loaded.
- Stay reachable. Long-haul drivers work to a delivery window, not a fixed hour, so keep your phone on as the truck gets close.
- Inspect it again at delivery. Compare the car with your pickup photos in daylight and note anything new on the Bill of Lading before you sign.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country?
Car shipping is priced by the mile, and the rate per mile drops as the distance grows. Most coast-to-coast moves of 2,500 miles or more cost $1,200 to $1,700 for a standard sedan on an open carrier. Enclosed transport usually adds 40 to 60 percent. These are the ranges customers see most often on long-haul routes:
| Route | Approx. distance | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to New York | 2,790 miles | $1,300 to $1,700 | $1,900 to $2,600 | 7 to 10 days |
| Seattle to Miami | 3,300 miles | $1,400 to $1,800 | $2,000 to $2,800 | 8 to 12 days |
| Boston to San Francisco | 3,090 miles | $1,350 to $1,750 | $1,950 to $2,700 | 7 to 11 days |
| Chicago to Los Angeles | 2,020 miles | $1,000 to $1,400 | $1,500 to $2,100 | 5 to 8 days |
| New York to Dallas | 1,550 miles | $900 to $1,250 | $1,350 to $1,900 | 4 to 7 days |
What moves your price within these ranges:
- Vehicle size: SUVs and pickups take more space and weight, so they cost more than a sedan.
- Running condition: a car that does not run needs a winch and a carrier set up for it.
- Season: snowbird season on the Northeast to Florida routes and the summer moving peak push prices to the top of the range.
- Flexibility: a pickup window of a few days prices better than one fixed day.
- Location: pickups near major highways are cheaper than remote rural addresses.
For prices by distance and vehicle type, see our full guide to car shipping cost by distance.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Across the Country?
Most coast-to-coast shipments take 7 to 10 days in transit once the car is loaded. On top of that, allow 1 to 5 business days for a driver to be assigned and reach you for pickup. A loaded truck covers roughly 400 to 500 miles a day, because drivers must follow federal limits on driving hours and usually make other pickups and drop-offs along the way.
Weather, traffic and the route itself can add a day or two, which is why carriers give a delivery window rather than an exact hour. For times on shorter routes, see how long it takes to ship a car.
What Happens While Your Car Is in Transit?
Once your car is loaded, it rides with up to nine other vehicles on a route the driver has planned around all of their pickups and drop-offs. That is why your car may not travel in a straight line, and why the truck may stop in other cities along the way.
You will usually get the driver’s phone number, and many carriers share updates by text or through a dispatcher. Expect a call 12 to 24 hours before delivery so you can be ready. If plans change on your end, tell your shipping company as early as possible so the driver can adjust.
Timing Your Car Shipment With Your Move
Most people ship the car a few days before they fly out, so it arrives soon after they do. A few tips:
- Book before you book flights. Pickup windows run 1 to 5 business days, so set your car’s pickup first and plan your travel around it.
- Plan a few days without a car. Arrange a rental, rideshare or a lift for the days between your arrival and the car’s.
- Keep the car separate from the moving truck. Household movers and car carriers are usually different companies, so book both and line up the dates.
- Have someone ready at each end. If you leave before pickup or arrive after delivery, name a trusted adult to hand over or receive the car.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car Across the Country?
The cheapest option for most people is an open carrier with a flexible pickup window, picked up near a major city. These steps lower the price further:
- Be flexible on dates. A three to five day pickup window almost always costs less than a single fixed day.
- Choose an open carrier unless your car truly needs enclosed protection.
- Meet the truck near a highway. Trucks run interstate routes, so a nearby city address or a large parking lot often costs less than a remote rural one.
- Avoid the busiest weeks, such as the start and end of snowbird season and the height of summer, if your timing allows.
- Ship two cars together. Two vehicles on the same truck lowers the price per vehicle.
- Book three to four weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings often pay more to get a driver quickly.
Open vs Enclosed Transport for a Cross-Country Move
Open Carrier Transport
This is the most common and affordable way to ship a car. Open carriers are the large two-level trucks you see on the highway carrying up to ten cars. Because they carry more cars at once, the cost per car is lower. Your car is exposed to rain, dust and road debris, much as it would be if you drove it, and it is safe for most everyday vehicles.
Enclosed Carrier Transport
For luxury cars, classics or anything with sentimental value, enclosed transport adds a layer of protection. Your car rides inside a covered trailer, out of the weather and away from road debris. It costs more, and there are fewer enclosed trucks, so booking a little earlier helps. Read more about the benefits of enclosed auto transport, or compare all the options in our guide to open vs enclosed car shipping.
Door-to-Door vs Terminal-to-Terminal
Most car shipping companies offer door-to-door service. The driver picks up your car as close to your home as is legal and safe, and delivers it as close to your new address as possible. If your street is too narrow for a large truck, you will meet the driver at a nearby spot such as a store parking lot.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping means you drop off and collect your car at a storage yard. It can be slightly cheaper, but it adds trips on your end and terminals are not available on every route. See what door-to-door auto transport means before you book.
How to Choose a Cross-Country Car Shipping Company
Choosing a trustworthy company matters more than any other step.
Verify Credentials and Reviews
Legitimate auto transport companies are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Look up their MC and DOT numbers on the FMCSA website. Then read recent reviews, especially how the company handled delays, communication and any damage.
Ask the Right Questions
Before you book, ask about insurance, what the policy covers in transit, the cancellation policy and when you pay. A reputable company will answer clearly and put it in writing. Our guide on how to choose a car transport company has a full checklist.
Broker vs Carrier
A carrier owns the trucks and moves the cars. A broker finds and books a carrier for you from a large network, which usually means more trucks to choose from and a faster pickup. ABC Auto Shipping is a licensed broker: we vet the carrier, confirm its insurance before dispatch and stay your point of contact until delivery.
Red Flags When Booking
Walk away, or ask hard questions, if a company:
- Quotes far below everyone else. Very low prices often fail to attract a driver, or rise after you book.
- Wants a large payment before a carrier is assigned.
- Cannot give you an MC or DOT number, or will not share a certificate of insurance.
- Promises an exact delivery date at a normal price.
- Pressures you to book on the spot.
How to Prepare Your Car for a Cross-Country Shipment
Proper preparation keeps your car safe and makes the inspection quick.
Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Wash the outside of your car. A clean car makes existing scratches, dents and chips easy to see during the inspection, so you get an accurate record of its condition before it is loaded.
Inside, remove personal items. Car carriers are not licensed to move household goods, and their insurance does not cover belongings left in the car. Some allow a small amount in the trunk; see what you can leave in your car for the details.
Do a Quick Maintenance Check
Make sure your car runs well, unless you have booked transport for a non-running vehicle.
- Check that the battery is charged
- Check that the tires are properly inflated
- Top off fluids, and leave the gas tank about a quarter full
- Note any leaks and tell the driver
A full tank adds weight, while an empty one can make it hard to drive the car on and off the trailer.
Disable Alarms and Remove Toll Tags
Turn off your alarm, or give the driver clear instructions for switching it off. Remove toll tags so you are not charged as the truck passes through toll booths. Our car shipping checklist covers every step.
Have the Right Documents Ready
For a move within the U.S., you rarely need much paperwork. Have these ready:
- A photo ID for whoever hands over and receives the car
- A set of keys for the driver, including any key for a locking gas cap or wheel locks
- Your booking confirmation and the contact details for both ends
- Your registration and proof of insurance, in case the carrier asks for them
If your car is leased or financed, check your agreement before you move it to another state. See how to ship a leased car for what to ask.
Pickup and Delivery: What to Expect
The Inspection and the Bill of Lading
When the driver arrives, you will inspect the car together and note any existing damage on a document called the Bill of Lading. Be thorough. Take your own photos from every angle, including the odometer. You both sign to confirm the car’s condition at pickup.
Receiving Your Car
At delivery, repeat the inspection and compare the car with the Bill of Lading from pickup. If you notice new damage, write it on the delivery Bill of Lading and have the driver sign before you accept the car. This record is what any insurance claim depends on. Our guide on how to inspect your car at pickup and delivery covers what to check.
Shipping Different Types of Vehicles Across the Country
- SUVs and pickup trucks cost more than a sedan because they take more room and weight on the trailer. Tell the shipper about lifts, oversized tires or racks.
- Electric cars ship like any other car, with a few extra steps such as charge level and transport mode. See how to ship an electric car.
- Cars that do not run can be shipped across the country, but need a carrier with a winch. See how to ship a non-running car.
- Classic and luxury cars usually go enclosed, often with liftgate loading. See how to ship a classic car.
- Two or more cars can travel on the same truck for a lower price per car. See how to ship multiple vehicles.
Is It Cheaper to Drive a Car Across the Country or Ship It?
Driving looks cheaper until you add everything up. Using AAA’s 2026 driving costs and the federal travel rates for lodging and meals, a 2,800-mile drive at about 500 miles a day takes six days and costs about $1,785: roughly $484 in fuel, $328 in wear, $565 for five hotel nights and $408 in meals. Our drive or ship guide shows the full breakdown.
| Cost item (about 2,800 miles) | Driving | Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | About $484 | Included |
| Wear (maintenance, repairs, tires) | About $328 | No added miles |
| Hotels (5 nights) | About $565 | None |
| Meals (6 days) | About $408 | None |
| Time on the road | About 6 days | A one-way flight |
| Total | About $1,785 | About $1,200 to $1,700 on an open carrier |
- Driving: usually cheapest on trips under about 1,000 miles, but adds mileage, tire and brake wear, and the risk of a breakdown far from home.
- Shipping: a fixed, quoted price, no added miles, and your car arrives while you fly ahead and settle in.
- Break-even: driving is usually cheaper under about 1,000 miles. On coast-to-coast moves the costs are close, and shipping saves several days on the road.
Long days behind the wheel are also tiring and add risk if you are not used to them. To run the numbers for your own route, see whether to drive or ship your car.
Insurance During a Cross-Country Move
Carriers are required to carry insurance, but coverage limits and exclusions vary. Carrier cargo insurance covers damage caused by the carrier’s negligence or equipment failure. It may not cover events outside the carrier’s control, such as hail on an open trailer. Ask for the carrier’s certificate of insurance and check the coverage amount against your car’s value.
Your own auto policy may or may not cover the car while it is on a truck, so call your insurer to check. For a high-value car, ask about extra coverage. Our guide to car shipping insurance explains who pays for what.
Cross-Country Moves for Students, Military and Snowbirds
Students
Sending a car to college is stressful for parents and students alike. Shipping is often safer than a young driver making a long solo road trip. See our student auto shipping service.
Military Members
PCS moves often run on tight timelines. Shipping your car lets you report on time without a long drive. Read our military PCS car shipping guide.
Snowbirds
Many retirees spend the winter in the South. Instead of driving thousands of miles each season, they fly and have the car waiting for them. Our snowbird auto transport guide covers timing and routes.
Common Myths About Cross-Country Car Shipping
Myth: It is too expensive.
Once you add up fuel, hotels, food, wear and time off work, shipping is often similar to driving or cheaper on long moves.
Myth: I can pack my car full of boxes.
Carriers have strict weight limits. Some allow a small amount in the trunk, often up to 100 pounds, but packing your car like a moving van is not allowed and can lead to a refused pickup.
Myth: My car will arrive on an exact date.
Weather and traffic make exact dates hard to promise, so guaranteed dates are rare and cost extra. A delivery window is the industry standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to transport a car across the country?
An open multi-car carrier is the best value for most cars. Choose enclosed transport when the car’s value or finish justifies the extra cost.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car across the country?
Book an open carrier three to four weeks ahead, keep your pickup dates flexible and meet the truck near a major highway. Shipping two cars together also lowers the price per car.
Can I put stuff in my car for a cross-country move?
Usually only a small amount. Many carriers allow up to about 100 pounds in the trunk, and those items are not covered by the carrier’s insurance. Check with your shipper before you pack anything.
Is open transport safe for a cross-country trip?
Yes, for most everyday cars. Open carriers move the large majority of vehicles in the U.S., and damage is uncommon. Your car is exposed to weather and road dust, much as it would be if you drove it.
How far in advance should I book a cross-country car shipment?
Three to four weeks gives dispatchers time to place your car on a truck already running your route, which is where the best prices come from.
Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?
You, or someone you trust who is 18 or older, needs to be there to hand over the keys, do the inspection and sign the Bill of Lading.
Can I ship a car across the country if it doesn’t run?
Yes. Tell the shipper when you book so they send a carrier with a winch. Non-running cars cost more to ship because loading takes extra equipment and time.
Can I track my car during a cross-country shipment?
You will usually have the driver’s number, and many carriers send updates by text or through a dispatcher. Expect a call about a day before delivery.
Get Your Cross-Country Quote
ABC Auto Shipping moves cars between all lower 48 states on open and enclosed carriers. Get a free quote for your route. There is no deposit to book.
