Moving a car from the West Coast to the East Coast is no small task. It’s a journey of nearly 2,800 miles from Los Angeles to New York, and for most people, the idea of driving it themselves just doesn’t make sense. Between fuel, hotel stays, long hours behind the wheel, and the sheer wear on the car, it often costs more in time and stress than it’s worth. That’s why car shipping Los Angeles to New York has become one of the most in-demand routes in the auto transport industry.
Los Angeles To New York car transport
Arranging Los Angeles to New York car transport is about as classic a coast-to-coast haul as it gets. Carriers typically take I-10, I-40, or I-70 across the country, depending on weather, stops, and delivery schedules. A driver may swing south through Texas and the Gulf states, or stick to I-40 through Arizona, New Mexico, and the Midwest before angling northeast. Either way, these are well-established trucking corridors that drivers know like the back of their hand.
Open carriers are the most common method for Los Angeles to New York car transport. These nine or ten-car haulers are efficient, cost-friendly, and widely available. Enclosed transport is also offered, and some customers prefer it for high-value vehicles, luxury models, or collectibles that they don’t want exposed to the elements. I’ve hauled everything from standard sedans to restored classics on this route. Both open and enclosed carriers get the job done — the difference lies in cost …
Scheduling can vary on such a long trip. Pickup is usually arranged within a window of one to two days rather than a specific time. Traffic in Los Angeles, weather in the Rockies, or storms in the Midwest can shift things around. Customers who understand the nature of long hauls tend to have smoother experiences than those expecting airline-style precision. Flexibility is key when working with carriers on this route.
Shipping car from Los Angeles To New York
The process of shipping car from Los Angeles to New York is straightforward once you know what to expect. After booking, the driver calls ahead to confirm pickup details. At the time of pickup, you’ll inspect the vehicle together, noting its condition on a bill of lading. The car is then loaded, strapped securely, and begins its long ride east. On delivery, you repeat the inspection before signing off.
Preparation plays an important role in shipping car from Los Angeles to New York. Remove personal belongings, since carriers aren’t licensed to transport household goods. Keep gas to about a quarter tank, which is enough for loading and unloading but light enough not to add unnecessary weight. Check the battery, fold in mirrors, and take a few photos of the car before handoff. These steps may sound simple, but they prevent problems later.
Delivery logistics are also part of shipping car from Los Angeles to New York. In New York, especially in New York City, large carriers may not be able to navigate residential streets. In those cases, drivers often arrange handoffs in wide-open lots, shopping centers, or nearby truck-friendly areas. It’s not unusual, and once explained, most customers realize it’s safer for both the vehicle and the truck. If your delivery is outside of the city, in places like Long Island or upstate, the…
Cost to ship car from Los Angeles To New York
The cost to ship car from Los Angeles to New York usually ranges between $1,300 and $1,700 for sedans on open carriers. Larger vehicles like SUVs, vans, or trucks can add another $200–$300. Enclosed transport can raise the total closer to $2,000–$2,400, depending on demand and timing. The price reflects both the long distance and the fact that it’s one of the busiest routes in the business.
Several factors influence the cost to ship car from Los Angeles to New York. Seasonality is one of them. Summer moves and winter snowbird traffic increase demand, and prices follow. Fuel prices also play a role, since this is a long route covering nearly 3,000 miles. Flexibility is another factor: if you can allow a pickup window of a few days, you’ll often get a better rate. Customers who need exact dates almost always pay more, since carriers have to prioritize guaranteed slots.
FAQ
How long to ship car Los Angeles To New York?
Transit time is typically 7–10 days. If everything lines up — weather, traffic, and pickups — it can sometimes be done faster, closer to a week. But when storms hit the Rockies or traffic jams pile up around Chicago, it can stretch toward ten days. Carriers provide delivery windows, not fixed arrival times, because the road always brings some unpredictability. Planning for up to ten days is the safest approach.
Final thoughts
Car shipping Los Angeles to New York is one of the most common and reliable long-distance routes for carriers. For the customer, the main things to consider are whether to use open or enclosed transport, how flexible you can be with scheduling, and how well you prepare your car before pickup. Once those steps are covered, the rest is routine. Drivers make this coast-to-coast run every week, and your car will be just another part of a busy but familiar schedule.
If you’d like to see more about pricing, check the full breakdown here: cost to ship car from Los Angeles to New York. For the bigger picture on the general process, look at our guide on how to ship a car. Both will give you a clear idea of what to expect before you book.