Ship a car across country
The complete guide to cross-country auto transport. Get instant quotes and ship your vehicle safely coast to coast.
How we ship your car
We're a licensed auto transport broker — and we're upfront about it. We don't own trucks or pretend to be a car hauler company.
Here's the reality: finding a carrier on your own is nearly impossible. You'd need to locate the right truck, heading in the right direction, with space available, on the exact day you need. That's our job. We have relationships with thousands of vetted carriers across the country, and we match your shipment with the best available option.
The result? Your car gets picked up on time and delivered safely — while you skip the headache of coordinating it yourself. Here are some vehicles we recently shipped:
2023 Corvette
George Chiperi did a great job coordinating transport of my 2023 Corvette. White glove service to my door. Thanks George
— Larry Swenson
Ford F250
Great experience! First time I've ever bought a vehicle from across the country. A bit nerve wracking but turned out good!
— Robert Goss
Hummer H2
Great, prompt service and at very fair price.
— Rayan Iesinger
Ski-doo
Fast and reliable! Very satisfied i been using them to ship my cars in past this time they delivered my snowmobile with no issues at all!
— Ivan Dasic
What you need to know about cross-country car transport
Shipping a car across the country isn't complicated, but there are a few things worth understanding before you book. Whether you're moving coast to coast or just a few states over, knowing what to expect makes the process smoother.
Most people assume driving is cheaper than shipping — but when you factor in gas, hotels, meals, wear on your vehicle, and time off work, professional transport often costs about the same or less. Plus, your car arrives with minimal added mileage and you don't spend days behind the wheel.
Cross-country shipping typically takes 7-14 days for coast-to-coast routes, with pricing ranging from $1,000-$2,500 depending on distance, vehicle size, and transport type. Open transport works for most vehicles, while enclosed carriers make sense for luxury, classic, or high-value cars.
Here's what matters most: book early (especially during summer and holidays), be flexible with your pickup window, and make sure your carrier is licensed and insured. The rest is straightforward.
How cross-country car shipping pricing works
Car shipping prices aren't random — they're based on real market dynamics. Understanding what drives costs helps you get the best deal and avoid surprises.
Distance is the main factor, but it's not as simple as price per mile. Shorter routes actually cost more per mile because carriers have fixed costs regardless of distance. A 500-mile trip might cost $0.90/mile, while a 2,500-mile coast-to-coast run could be $0.50/mile.
Route popularity matters too. High-traffic corridors like LA to New York have more carrier competition, which keeps prices lower. Remote areas or less common routes often cost more because carriers need incentive to go there.
Timing affects your rate. Summer (June-August) and the January snowbird season see the highest prices due to demand. Spring and fall offer the best value. Flexible pickup dates can save you 10-20%.
Popular cross-country routes
Hover over pins to see top routes and pricing
Ship a car across country: Your complete guide
Shipping a car across the country is easier than most people think. Whether you're relocating for work, buying a vehicle from another state, or moving for school, professional auto transport offers a safe, convenient, and often more affordable alternative to driving thousands of miles yourself.
Cross-country car shipping typically takes 7-14 days from coast to coast, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on distance, vehicle type, and shipping method. Understanding the process helps you make informed decisions and ensures your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Why ship your car instead of driving?
- Save time: A coast-to-coast drive takes 40+ hours behind the wheel—professional shipping frees up your schedule
- Reduce wear and tear: Avoid adding 2,500-3,000 miles to your odometer, saving on depreciation and maintenance
- Lower total cost: When you factor in gas, hotels, food, and time off work, shipping often costs less than driving
- Avoid road hazards: Weather, mechanical issues, and fatigue won't put you or your vehicle at risk
- Ship multiple vehicles: Moving with more than one car? Shipping is the only practical option
- Keep your vehicle pristine: New or classic cars stay protected from road debris and long-distance driving stress
Understanding cross-country shipping costs
Cross-country car shipping costs depend primarily on distance, with most coast-to-coast shipments ranging from $1,200 to $2,000 for open transport. Factors like vehicle size (SUVs and trucks cost more than sedans), time of year (summer and winter holidays are peak seasons), and transport type (enclosed carriers cost 40-60% more) all affect your final price. Getting quotes from multiple carriers helps ensure competitive pricing.
Open vs. enclosed transport for long distances
For cross-country shipping, most customers choose open transport—it's safe, affordable, and widely available. Enclosed transport is worth considering for luxury vehicles, classics, or new cars where weather protection and added security justify the higher cost. Open carriers transport 90% of all vehicles shipped in the US, including new cars from manufacturers to dealerships.
How car shipping works from Cross-Country
Shipping a car across country follows a straightforward process. Here's what to expect from booking to delivery.
How cross-country pickup works
Your carrier will coordinate a pickup time that works with your schedule, typically with a 24-48 hour window.
Get an instant quote and book your shipment online
Receive carrier assignment within 1-3 days
Carrier contacts you to schedule specific pickup time
Inspect and hand over your vehicle at pickup
Local considerations for Cross-Country:
- Door-to-door service is standard—carriers pick up from your driveway when possible
- Narrow streets or low-clearance areas may require meeting at a nearby accessible location
- Be flexible with pickup windows—carriers coordinate multiple pickups along their route
- Prepare all documentation before the carrier arrives
- Allow 15-30 minutes for thorough inspection at pickup
Delivery options and what to expect
Most cross-country shipments offer door-to-door delivery, bringing your vehicle directly to your new address.
Door-to-door
Direct delivery to your address when truck access allows
Most convenient option
Terminal-to-terminal
Drop off and pick up at carrier terminals—often lower cost
Budget-friendly choice
Meet & greet
Meet the carrier at a convenient location like a parking lot
Flexible scheduling
Cross-country shipping timeline
Quote & booking
Same dayGet instant quotes online and book your shipment in minutes
Carrier assignment
1-3 daysA qualified carrier is assigned based on your route and timing
Pickup
Within your windowCarrier arrives, inspects vehicle, and loads it for transport
Transit
7-14 daysYour vehicle travels cross-country on major interstate routes
Delivery
At destinationFinal inspection and handover at your delivery location
Factors that can affect your timeline from Cross-Country:
- Coast to coast (2,500+ miles): 7-14 days typical transit
- Time of year: Peak seasons may add 2-4 days
- Route popularity: High-volume routes often move faster
- Weather conditions: Winter storms can cause delays
- Carrier schedule: Multiple stops en route affect timing
Preparing your car for shipping from Cross-Country
Proper preparation ensures smooth pickup, safe transport, and easy delivery of your vehicle.
Essential steps before shipping
- Wash your vehicle: A clean car makes pre-shipping inspection easier and more accurate
- Document existing damage: Take photos from all angles, including close-ups of any scratches or dents
- Remove personal belongings: Carriers aren't liable for personal items—keep valuables with you
- Check for leaks: Address any fluid leaks before shipping to avoid issues during transport
- Note mechanical issues: Inform your carrier about any problems with starting, brakes, or steering
- Leave minimal gas: Keep the tank at 1/4 or less to reduce weight
- Secure loose parts: Remove or secure antennas, spoilers, and any custom accessories
Cross-country specific tips
- Disable or remove toll transponders to avoid charges during transport
- Retract or remove antennas to prevent damage from overpasses
- If shipping in winter, check antifreeze levels for cold-weather routes
- Remove bike racks, cargo carriers, or roof boxes
- Fold in side mirrors on vehicles with manual adjustment
- Deactivate car alarms to prevent battery drain and carrier inconvenience
- Keep a spare key—give one to the carrier and keep one yourself
- Remove custom license plate frames if they have sentimental value
- For convertibles, ensure the top is properly secured
Required documents for shipping
Required documents
- Valid driver's license or government-issued ID
- Vehicle registration (current and valid)
- Proof of insurance
- Vehicle title (or lien information if financed)
Recommended documents
- Bill of sale (if recently purchased)
- Lease documentation (if applicable)
- Power of attorney (if someone else is handling delivery)
- Dated photos of vehicle condition
Pre-pickup checklist
Frequently asked questions about car shipping from Cross-Country
Get answers to the most common questions about shipping your car from Cross-Country, United States.
Get your cross-country quote
Instant pricing for any route. Compare open and enclosed options.
Price vs. Distance by Vehicle Type
Average open transport pricing
Short haul (500mi)
~$1.38/mile
Long haul (2,500mi)
~$0.76/mile
We never sell your data. Your information stays with us and is only used to arrange your shipment.
Not a lead generation site. We're a licensed broker that handles your shipment from start to finish.
Guaranteed insurance on every load. Full cargo coverage included with every shipment we book.
Trusted by car owners nationwide
Larry Swenson
George Chiperi did a great job coordinating transport of my 2023 Corvette. White glove service to my door. Thanks George
Robert Goss
Great experience! First time I've ever bought a vehicle from across the country. A bit nerve wracking but turned out good!
Rayan Iesinger
Great, prompt service and at very fair price.
Ivan Dasic
Fast and reliable! Very satisfied i been using them to ship my cars in past this time they delivered my snowmobile with no issues at all! Would recommend to anyone!
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