Whether you’re selling a car cross-country or you’ve decided it makes more financial sense to take your car with you on your long-distance move, we’ve broken down the need-to-know details, including step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your vehicle, different types of transport options, and average costs, so you can set your budget and choose the shipping option that works best for your needs.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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Key Takeaways:
- Shipping a car to another state can cost anywhere from $550 to $2,450.
- Costs can vary depending on the time of year, type of vehicle, selected services, and desired pickup and delivery dates.
- We recommend requesting quotes from at least three car shipping companies to find the best value for your needs.
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased car shipping information and company reviews.
Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
Our in-house team of experts fully fact-checks all content to ensure our content is up-to-date, accurate, and relevant to what you want and need to know.
Shipping a Car to Another State: Step-by-Step
You can ship your car cross-country by following these simple steps:
Consider the best car shipping companies for the job.
Ask your friends, family, colleagues, and the internet for suggestions on reputable car shipping companies with good reviews.
Evaluate various car transport services.
Once you identify a few car shipping companies that interest you, look more deeply at their auto transport services. Open transport is often the most cost-effective option, but an enclosed carrier may be a good fit for select situations, such as for antique and classic cars. You’ll also want to compare delivery locations for terminal-to-terminal services to see if you can save money over door-to-door shipments, which require a company to pick up and deliver your car at your home.
Request a car shipping quote.
We recommend requesting an instant quote from at least three car shipping companies to compare shipping prices. Don’t be afraid to look at full-service moving companies, brokers, and independent car carriers to find the best prices.
Verify insurance coverage.
Insurance isn’t always included in the quoted price for vehicle shipping. Verify what is and isn’t covered — including applicable coverage limits and exclusions — and upgrade as needed. You may also want to talk to your auto insurer to see how your existing insurance protects you during shipment.
Book transport and pay applicable deposits.
Once you’ve zeroed in on the car shipping company that fits your needs, finalize your booking by confirming your pickup date and projected costs. You’ll often have to pay some of the total cost before you can confirm.
Prepare your vehicle.
Ask your car shipper what you need to do before you can handle your vehicle over to them. (We’ll review this step in further depth later in this article.)
Schedule pickup and sign the bill of lading.
Some car shipping companies require you to be present to meet your professional driver and sign the bill of lading in person before they take your vehicle, so make sure you choose a date and location with enough flexibility for you to be there.
Track your car shipment.
Monitor your car during transit by calling your car transport company or requesting online tracking details. This information will give you peace of mind and eliminate confusion if there are delays due to weather conditions or other extenuating circumstances.
Receive your vehicle and sign the final bill of lading.
Meet at your selected delivery location, inspect your vehicle for signs of damage, sign the bill of lading, and finalize any outstanding fees before taking possession of your car and completing the shipment process.
Cost of Shipping a Car to Another State
In our research, we found how much it costs to ship a car ranges from $550 to $2,450, depending on the distance, type of vehicle, and selected transport method. It’s more helpful to think about the cost per mile, which generally works out to about $1 per mile.
Here’s a quick cost comparison table of the shipping quotes we received.
| Lowest price | $550 |
| Highest price | $2,450 |
| Average cost | $1,150 |
Car Shipping Cost Factors
There are a number of factors that affect your car shipping costs. Consider the following to better understand how auto transport companies set their shipping prices:
- Type of vehicle: The weight and size of your vehicle are among the biggest factors in the cost to ship it. Heavier vehicles contribute to higher fuel costs, and oversized vehicles can take up space that would otherwise be used by another vehicle, reducing the space for additional reservations.
- Transport method: Type of transport is another one of the main factors affecting your costs. Consider your shipping method and its costs when setting your budget. Enclosed carriers can mitigate damage due to road debris and weather conditions but at a much higher price tag than open carrier transport.
- Time of year: Peak moving season drives up shipping prices. If you can afford to wait, we recommend shipping your car between October and early April to avoid excess costs and delays.
- Delivery type: Door-to-door services are more expensive than terminal-to-terminal services because they require the driver to personally deliver your vehicle to your designated delivery location.
- Fuel costs: Car shipping costs more during fuel price surges. You can try to time your vehicle transport for when gas prices are lower, but this cost factor is often outside your control.
- Insurance: Upgrading your insurance can increase your costs, but we don’t recommend skimping on this area, especially if you’re shipping personal belongings.
Methods of Shipping a Car to Another State
In the United States, there are two main methods of shipping your car from one state to another.
Open carriers are the double-decker car transport systems you’ll often see, whereas enclosed trailers are often box trucks that shield your car from the elements and watchful eyes. Both options have terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door services, but availability can depend on the company and the driver’s existing routes.
Let’s compare these two options so you can decide between open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Enclosed Trailer
Enclosed trailers are exactly what they sound like. With this method of shipping, your vehicle will be enclosed on all sides and protected from the elements.
Due to this additional protection, this method of transport often costs more and limits the number of vehicles auto transport companies can ship. That said, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re selling the vehicle or it’s otherwise difficult to repair or replace due to its high value.
Pros:
- Protects high-value vehicles from weather and road debris
- Provides peace of mind that your vehicle and its contents are safe from theft
- Can offer more space to transport personal items
Cons:
- More expensive because fewer vehicles can be shipped at one time
- May take longer than open transport
Open carrier
On the other hand, open carrier transport is common and often easy to find through a broker, independent carrier, or full-service moving company. With this option, you’ll save money, but your vehicle will be exposed to the elements –– leaving it vulnerable to damage due to road debris and inclement weather.
Pros:
- Faster than enclosed carrier transport
- The most cost-effective shipping option
- More commonly available
Cons:
- Can leave your vehicle prone to damage from the elements
- Not a great fit for antiques, classic cars, or high-value vehicles
How To Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Every car shipping company will have its own rules to prepare your vehicle for shipping, but we have some suggestions so you don’t encounter surprises down the line:
- Compare quotes from various companies. Some car shipping companies allow haggling and price-matching, so finding the going rate for car shipping services is always advantageous.
- Identify your desired car shipping services. Decide if you want open or enclosed transport and investigate the availability of terminal-to-terminal shipment costs.
- Clean your car. You should at least lightly clean your car before transport so you can easily notice any new signs of damage upon receipt.
- Inspect your car’s condition and note any existing damage. After you have a clean slate, thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s condition. We recommend taking photos so you have a body of evidence if you need to file an insurance claim later.
- Note the fuel level. If you opt for door-to-door service, we suggest emptying your fuel tank to avoid charges for the additional weight. However, we recommend reserving at least a quarter tank of gas if you elect terminal-to-terminal transport to account for the distance you have to drive home.
- Remove personal items. Finally, remove anything from the car that could move around during transit. Any unsecured item could be damaged, and it’s unlikely to be covered by cargo insurance.
Our Recommendations
Any car shipping company can offer its services, but they’re not all created equally. Here are three of our favorite auto transport providers.
SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport is among the best in the industry. Not only are they highly rated by past customers, they also have a large network of more than 25,000 partner carriers, a price-matching guarantee, and door-to-door transport services in the contiguous United States.
We wouldn’t recommend them to customers seeking a bottom-dollar car shipping quote or a carrier who transports vehicles with their own employees, but we would recommend them if you’re looking for competitive pricing and a guaranteed delivery date you can rely on.
Easy Auto Ship
Easy Auto Ship, another reliable auto transport broker, services all 50 states and many international delivery locations. We love that they’re able to ship unconventional vehicles, such as RVs, motorcycles, and heavy outdoor equipment, in addition to the standard road vehicles.
Their pricing tends to be on the more affordable side, but they don’t offer guaranteed pickup or delivery windows, which can leave you waiting for a day or two on either side of the shipping process. That said, they do have expedited shipping options and a wide network of partners, which often allows them to accommodate last-minute bookings.
We recommend them if you don’t want to pay an initial deposit and want shipping quotes that won’t slam you with hidden fees at drop-off, but we wouldn’t suggest them to customers on tight timelines or anyone who wants to ship an inoperable vehicle.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way of shipping a car to another state?
Open transport is the cheapest way to ship your car to another state. It is a safe transport method that car manufacturers trust enough to ship brand-new cars across state lines.
If you’re willing to pick up and drop off your vehicle at a nearby facility, terminal-to-terminal shipping can make an open transport move even more cost-effective.
Is it better to ship your car or drive?
The decision to ship or drive your car depends on your needs and budget. It’s generally cheaper to drive your car than it is to hire car transport, but your time constraints and other moving logistics may make it more complicated, especially if you’re moving long-distance.
We recommend driving your car if you are hiring full-service moving services and don’t have to worry about transporting your personal belongings, but we recommend shipping your car if you’re planning to fly or require an enclosed carrier to protect an antique or classic car.
Can I ship personal items in my car?
You may be able to ship personal items in your car, but you should consult your auto transport company for more information about the types of items they allow and applicable weight limits. It’s also important to note that many car shipping companies won’t cover your personal items in their cargo insurance policy, so you may need to upgrade to cover these items.
How long does it take to ship a car to another state?
It takes two to 10 days to ship a car to another state, but the total transport time can depend on your selected car shipping services, the time of year, and the distance between the origin and destination locations. Vehicle shipping outside the contiguous U.S. — including to Hawaii, Alaska, and other intentional locations — can further increase your timeline.
How do I prepare my car for shipping it to another state?
You’ll need to complete the following to prepare your car for shipping:
- Wash your car so you can easily identify existing damage
- Detail and declutter your interior to avoid new damage from unsecured items
- Turn off your alarm so the car carrier doesn’t have any unwanted surprises
- Deplete your gas tank to under a quarter of a tank so your car is lighter
- Inspect the undercarriage and repair any leaks
- Verify your tire pressure is aligned with the manufacturer’s guidelines
- Remove any accessories that didn’t come with your vehicle
- Lock your car
