Shipping a car during a long-distance move typically costs $500 to $1,800, depending on distance, transport type, and the time of year. For most people moving cross-country, auto transport is cheaper and less stressful than driving the car yourself — but only if you hire a legitimate, licensed carrier and understand what you're actually paying for.
We've helped thousands of customers coordinate moves that included vehicle transport. Here's exactly what you need to know.
Is shipping your car worth it, or should you just drive?
For moves under 500 miles, driving is usually the better call. Once you're looking at 800+ miles — think coast to coast, or relocating from the Midwest to Florida or Texas — shipping a car almost always makes financial and logistical sense.
Consider the real cost of driving: fuel, one or two nights in a hotel, meals, and the wear added to your vehicle (oil changes, tires, depreciation). A 2,500-mile drive can easily run $400–$700 out of pocket and puts real miles on your car. A transport quote for that same route often lands in a similar range, with none of the exhaustion.
If you're already managing a full household move — coordinating movers, handling utilities and address changes, and keeping the family on track — handing off the car to a carrier is one less thing you have to personally execute.
What does it cost to ship a car? A 2026 breakdown
Prices vary significantly by route distance, transport type, vehicle size, and season. These are typical market ranges, not guarantees — always get at least three quotes.
| Route Example | Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Miami | ~1,300 mi | $700 – $1,000 | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| Chicago → Dallas | ~920 mi | $600 – $850 | $1,000 – $1,400 |
| Atlanta → Los Angeles | ~2,200 mi | $900 – $1,300 | $1,500 – $2,000 |
| Boston → Seattle | ~3,100 mi | $1,100 – $1,800 | $1,700 – $2,500 |
| Short regional (300–500 mi) | — | $400 – $650 | $700 – $1,000 |
What drives the price up:
- Enclosed transport (weather- and road-debris protection — worth it for luxury, classic, or low-clearance vehicles)
- Door-to-door delivery vs. terminal-to-terminal (terminal is cheaper but requires you to drop off and pick up at a lot)
- Oversized vehicles (trucks, SUVs, lifted vehicles cost more to load)
- Peak season: May through August and around major holidays see higher rates
- Rural pickup/drop-off locations (carriers prefer to stay on major corridors)
Open vs. enclosed transport: which one do you need?
Open transport is the standard — your car rides on a multi-vehicle trailer exposed to weather and road debris. This is how most new cars are delivered from factory to dealership. It's safe for the vast majority of everyday vehicles.
Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered trailer, fully protected from rain, gravel, and UV exposure. It typically adds $400–$700 to the cost. We recommend it for:
- Vehicles worth $50,000+
- Classic or collector cars
- Low-clearance sports cars (some open carriers can't safely load them)
- Leased vehicles where minor cosmetic damage could mean charges at turn-in
For a standard sedan, SUV, or minivan, open transport is the right choice for most people.
How to find a legitimate, licensed auto transport company
Auto transport brokers and carriers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Any company moving vehicles interstate must hold a valid USDOT number and, if acting as a broker, an active MC (Motor Carrier) number registered with FMCSA.
Before you book, verify:
- Look up the company's USDOT or MC number on the FMCSA's SAFER database (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) — it's free and takes 60 seconds.
- Confirm their operating authority shows "ACTIVE" — not revoked or suspended.
- Ask for a copy of their cargo insurance certificate. Carriers are required to maintain minimum cargo coverage; for enclosed transport, confirm the per-vehicle limit covers the value of your car.
- Get the full company name, not just a broker's name — some brokers have memorable brands but contract out to carriers you've never heard of.
Red flags that should make you walk away: a company that demands full payment upfront (legitimate carriers collect on delivery or split deposit/balance), a broker who can't tell you which carrier will actually transport your car, or a quote that's dramatically lower than every other estimate you've received.
For more on spotting moving-industry fraud, our guide on moving scams and fraudulent operators covers the warning signs in detail.
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Step-by-step: how the car shipping process works
- Get at least three quotes. Use the FMCSA SAFER database to pre-screen any company before requesting a quote. Provide your exact vehicle year, make, model, and whether it runs under its own power (non-running vehicles cost more to load).
- Book 2–4 weeks out. Peak-season moves (summer, year-end) require more lead time. Last-minute bookings often cost 15–25% more.
- Prepare your car. Remove personal items from the interior — carriers' cargo insurance covers the vehicle, not belongings left inside. Wash the car so you can document its condition clearly.
- Do a pre-transport inspection. Walk around the car with the driver, note every existing scratch, dent, or chip on the Bill of Lading (the official condition report), and photograph everything from multiple angles. Both you and the driver sign this document. Keep your copy.
- Arrange pickup. For door-to-door, the driver comes to your address. In dense urban areas (think moving from a major metro like Boston or Baltimore), carriers sometimes need to meet you at a nearby lot if streets are too narrow for a full carrier.
- Confirm delivery logistics. You or a designated agent must be present at delivery. Do a second walk-around inspection before signing off on the Bill of Lading. If you see new damage, note it in writing on the form before the driver leaves — this is critical for any insurance claim.
- Pay the balance. Most legitimate carriers accept cash, certified check, or sometimes credit card on delivery. Confirm the accepted payment method before booking.
What your car shipping insurance actually covers
Here's where many people get caught off guard. Carriers are required by FMCSA to carry cargo insurance, but the minimum coverage thresholds vary, and actual policies differ in what they cover.
- Ask the carrier for their cargo insurance certificate and the per-vehicle limit before booking.
- Standard open transport policies often cover $100,000 or more in cargo value per load — but that's spread across multiple vehicles, not a per-vehicle guarantee.
- Enclosed transport carriers typically carry higher per-vehicle limits.
- Your personal auto insurance may also provide coverage during transport — call your insurer before the move date and ask specifically whether you're covered while in transit with a carrier. Some policies do, some don't.
- Document everything before handoff. A clean, timestamped photo record of your car is the foundation of any damage claim.
If something does go wrong, the process is similar to filing a claim for household moving damage — prompt written notice, clear documentation, and patience with the carrier's claims timeline.
How car shipping fits into a full long-distance move
Auto transport is usually a parallel track to your household move, not part of the same contract. Your moving company handles furniture and boxes; a separate auto transport carrier handles the vehicle. The two rarely coordinate directly.
Plan your timelines accordingly: if your household goods arrive on a Friday, your car might arrive the following Tuesday. Make sure you have a backup transportation plan (rental car, rideshare) for any gap days. Our full cross-country moving guide walks through how to sequence all the moving parts of a major relocation.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
Book at least 2–4 weeks before your target pickup date for standard routes. For summer moves (June–August) or moves involving less-common routes, 4–6 weeks of lead time is safer. Last-minute bookings are possible but typically cost more and limit your carrier options.
Can I put personal items in my car when it's shipped?
Technically, most carriers prohibit it — their cargo insurance covers the vehicle, not the contents. Some carriers allow a small amount (under 100 lbs) in the trunk, but if anything is damaged or stolen, you'll have little recourse. Leave the car empty.
What's the difference between a broker and a carrier?
A broker matches you with an available carrier and earns a fee for the connection. A carrier actually transports your vehicle. Many legitimate companies operate as both. The key is knowing which USDOT-licensed carrier will physically move your car — ask for that name before you pay a deposit.
How long does car shipping take?
Roughly 1–2 days per 500 miles for open transport on major corridors, plus 1–3 days for pickup scheduling. A Chicago-to-Miami move might take 3–5 days once the car is loaded. Cross-country routes (East Coast to West Coast) typically run 7–10 days. Enclosed transport on less-traveled routes can take longer.
What if my car is damaged during shipping?
Note any new damage on the delivery Bill of Lading before the driver leaves — this is your legal record. Photograph everything. Then contact the carrier in writing within 24–48 hours to initiate a claim. If the carrier is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with FMCSA. Your personal auto insurer may also be able to help, depending on your policy.
Is car shipping available everywhere in the US?
Major metro corridors (Northeast to Florida, Midwest to Texas, coast to coast) have abundant carrier availability. Rural routes and less-populated states may have fewer carriers and longer wait times. If you're moving to or from a smaller market — say, relocating to Boise or Tulsa — budget extra lead time and expect slightly higher quotes.
Ready to coordinate your move? Browse licensed movers in our directory, or explore options by state to find vetted carriers and moving companies near you. Our AI agent Robert is also available on-site to help you think through your full moving plan — vehicles and all.
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