Moving across the country means facing a long drive or entrusting your vehicle to a professional shipper. This article covers everything you need to know about shipping a car across the country, including cost factors, transport options and tips for choosing the right service.
What Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country?
Cross‑country shipments (over 2,000 miles) typically cost between $1,100 and $1,700 for a standard sedan using open transport. Larger vehicles or enclosed carriers increase the price. The cost to ship a car across country depends on distance, vehicle type, service level and seasonality.
Transport Options for Long‑Distance Moves
Open trailers: The most common option, offering the best balance of price and convenience. Suitable for most everyday vehicles.
Enclosed trailers: Provide protection from weather and road debris. Recommended for high‑value, antique or exotic cars.
Rail transport: In some regions, you can transport a vehicle by train. This is less common than truck transport but may be cost‑effective for certain routes.
Drive‑away services: A professional driver takes your vehicle to the destination. Adds mileage and wear but may be faster than shipping.
How to Prepare for a Cross‑Country Shipment
Follow our vehicle preparation checklist to clean your car, document its condition, remove personal items, check fluids and gather documents. Proper preparation ensures a smooth pick‑up and delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?
Prices range from $1,100 to $1,700 for standard sedans using open carriers. SUVs, trucks and enclosed transport cost more. Get quotes from multiple carriers to compare options.
How long does it take to ship a car across the US?
Transit times vary from 7–10 days for cross‑country shipments. Weather, route demand and pick‑up/delivery locations can affect delivery time.
What is the best way to ship your car across country?
Open carriers are the most cost‑effective. Enclosed carriers are best for high‑value vehicles. Choose a reputable, licensed and insured company with positive reviews and transparent pricing.
Is rail transport available for cars across the USA?
Rail transport is available on select routes, but coverage is limited. Most people ship cars across the US by truck because it offers door‑to‑door or terminal service.
Other Ways People Ask About Cross‑Country Shipping
Shippers search for the average cost to ship car across country, the cost to ship car across us, or wonder how to ship a car across states. Others ask about shipping cars across states, move car across states, ship a vehicle across country or the best way to ship your car across country. Whatever the phrase, the fundamentals are the same: compare quotes, choose a transport method and prepare your vehicle.
When shipping a car across states, there are numerous factors to consider beyond simply booking a carrier. In addition to the route and service type, you should research the reputation of various auto transport companies, compare quotes carefully and read customer reviews. Seasonality can influence prices, with higher demand during summer and snowbird migrations. Always confirm the carrier’s insurance coverage and ask about communication during transit. A reputable broker or carrier will answer your questions, provide clear documentation and help you prepare your vehicle properly.
Preparing your vehicle involves cleaning it inside and out, removing personal belongings, disabling toll transponders and checking for leaks. Document the car’s condition with photos and ensure the gas tank is around a quarter full to keep weight low. On the day of pick‑up, inspect the vehicle with the driver and sign the bill of lading, which serves as your receipt and inspection report. Upon delivery, re‑inspect your car, note any changes on the bill of lading and make final payment. To learn more about the car shipping process, visit How to Ship a Car to Another State.