Cross-Country Car Shipping Made Simple
Driving your car 2,500 miles across the country puts wear and tear on the vehicle, costs hundreds in gas and hotels, and takes nearly a week of your time. For many, hiring an auto transporter is the smarter, more economical choice.
Step 1: Choose Your Transport Method
Open Carrier Transport This is the industry standard. Your car is loaded onto a multi-level trailer along with up to 9 other vehicles.
- Pros: Most affordable, fastest booking time.
- Cons: Vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris.
- Best for: Standard daily drivers, used cars, budget-conscious moves.
Enclosed Carrier Transport Your car is shipped inside a fully enclosed trailer, protected from the elements.
- Pros: Maximum protection, higher insurance limits, often features hydraulic lift gates for low-clearance cars.
- Cons: Costs 40-60% more than open transport.
- Best for: Classic cars, luxury vehicles, sports cars, custom builds.
Step 2: Understand the Costs
In 2025, shipping a standard sedan coast-to-coast on an open carrier typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500. Factors that affect your quote:
- Vehicle Size: SUVs and trucks cost more because they take up more space and weight.
- Seasonality: "Snowbird" season (Fall moving South, Spring moving North) drives up prices on specific routes.
- Operability: If your car doesn't run, it requires a winch to load, adding $100-$200 to the bill.
Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle
To ensure a smooth handoff and avoid liability issues:
- Wash your car: You and the driver will need to inspect the paint for existing scratches before loading. A dirty car makes this impossible.
- Remove personal items: By law, auto carriers are not licensed to transport household goods. A few items in the trunk might be allowed, but keep it under 100 lbs.
- Leave the gas tank at 1/4 full: This reduces the vehicle's weight and minimizes safety risks.
- Disable toll tags and alarms: You don't want to pay tolls while your car is on a trailer.
Step 4: The Bill of Lading
When the driver arrives, they will fill out a Bill of Lading (BOL)—a detailed condition report of your car. Do not rush this process. Inspect your car thoroughly alongside the driver. You will repeat this process at delivery, and the BOL is your only proof if damage occurs during transit.