What Does It Cost to Ship a Car Cross-Country?
Shipping a car across the US typically costs between $900 and $1,800 depending on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and current carrier availability. Peak seasons like summer and the holiday period can push prices 15-30% higher.
The single biggest variable is whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Transport Type | Avg. Cross-Country Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | $900 - $1,300 | Standard everyday vehicles |
| Enclosed Transport | $1,400 - $1,800 | Luxury, classic, or high-value cars |
| Expedited Shipping | $1,600 - $2,200 | Time-sensitive moves |
Pro tip: Always get at least 3 quotes before booking. Prices can vary by $200-$400 between carriers for the exact same route - and price doesn't always correlate with quality.
Open vs Enclosed Transport: Which Should You Choose?
This is the most common question first-time shippers ask. The short answer: open transport is fine for 95% of vehicles. Enclosed is worth the premium only in specific situations.
When Open Transport Is the Right Choice
Open carriers are the most common way cars are shipped in the US. The same method dealerships use to transport new cars. Your vehicle is secured on a multi-car trailer and exposed to weather and road elements - but in practice, damage is extremely rare.
Choose open transport if your car is a standard production vehicle and you're not concerned about minor cosmetic exposure during transit.
When Enclosed Transport Is Worth It
Enclosed transport carries fewer vehicles in a covered trailer, protecting them from weather, road debris, and UV exposure. It costs more but provides extra peace of mind for vehicles that warrant it.
Consider enclosed transport for:
- Classic or vintage cars worth $30,000+
- Exotic or luxury vehicles (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley)
- Freshly restored cars where cosmetic condition matters
- Low-clearance vehicles that are difficult to load on open carriers
How Long Does Cross-Country Shipping Take?
A coast-to-coast shipment (Los Angeles to New York, for example) typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the carrier picks up your vehicle. Shorter routes are proportionally faster.
Factors That Affect Delivery Time
Distance is the obvious factor, but several others can extend or shorten your timeline:
- Route popularity: High-traffic corridors like LA to NYC have more carrier availability and faster times
- Season: Winter weather in northern states can cause 1-3 day delays
- Transport type: Expedited shipping guarantees faster pickup windows
- Pickup flexibility: The more flexible your pickup dates, the faster a carrier can be matched to your route
Pre-Shipping Checklist
Before handing your car to a carrier, run through this checklist to protect yourself and ensure a smooth pickup:
- Document existing damage - photograph every panel, the roof, undercarriage, and interior before pickup
- Remove personal items - carriers aren't insured to cover personal belongings left inside
- Leave 1/4 tank of gas - enough for loading and unloading, not enough to add significant weight
- Disable toll transponders - to avoid being charged during transit
- Check tire pressure and fluid levels - the car needs to be operable for loading
- Note the odometer reading - record it on the Bill of Lading at pickup
How to Choose a Trustworthy Carrier
The auto transport industry has no shortage of brokers and carriers. Here's how to separate the reliable ones from the rest:
Verify FMCSA Licensing
Every legitimate auto transport company in the US must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any carrier's license on the FMCSA website using their DOT or MC number - always check this before booking.
Read Verified Reviews
Look for reviews on third-party platforms like Trustpilot, Google, or Transport Reviews - not just testimonials on the company's own website. Pay attention to how companies respond to negative reviews.