Cross Country Car Shipping Cost

Moving across the country and need to transport your vehicle? Understanding cross country car shipping cost is crucial for budgeting your relocation or vehicle purchase. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about pricing, factors that affect costs, and strategies to save money on your cross-country auto transport.

Average Cross Country Car Shipping Costs in 2025

The cross country car shipping cost varies significantly based on distance, route, and specific requirements. Here are the current average price ranges for 2025:

Coast-to-Coast Routes

• East Coast to West Coast: $1,200 - $1,800
• West Coast to East Coast: $1,100 - $1,600
• Northeast to Southwest: $1,300 - $1,900
• Southeast to Northwest: $1,400 - $2,000

Mid-Range Cross Country Routes (1,500-2,000 miles)

• Midwest to West Coast: $900 - $1,400
• East Coast to Texas: $800 - $1,200
• Florida to California: $1,100 - $1,600

Shorter Cross Country Routes (1,000-1,500 miles)

• Texas to California: $700 - $1,100
• Florida to Colorado: $800 - $1,200
• New York to Florida: $600 - $900

Factors Affecting Cross Country Car Shipping Cost

Distance and Route Popularity

Distance is the primary factor in determining your cross country car shipping cost. However, it's not just about mileage—route popularity plays a crucial role:

• Popular routes (like California to New York) typically cost 10-20% less due to higher carrier availability
• Remote or less common routes may add $200-500 to your total cost
• Fuel costs directly impact pricing, with carriers adjusting rates based on current diesel prices

Vehicle Type and Size

Your vehicle's specifications significantly impact shipping costs:

Standard Sedans and Compact Cars:

• Base pricing applies
• Easiest to accommodate on carriers

SUVs and Trucks:

• Add $100-300 to base cost
• Heavier vehicles increase fuel consumption

Luxury and Classic Cars:

• Premium enclosed transport recommended
• Costs 40-60% more than open transport

Oversized Vehicles:

• Pickup trucks with lift kits: +$200-400
• Large SUVs (Suburban, Escalade): +$150-250
• Commercial vehicles may require special permits

Seasonal Pricing Variations

Cross country car shipping cost fluctuates throughout the year:

Peak Season (June-September):

• Prices increase 15-25%
• Higher demand from summer movers
• College students shipping vehicles

Off-Peak Season (November-February):

• Lowest rates of the year
• Potential savings of $200-400
• Weather-related delays possible

Shoulder Seasons (March-May, October):

• Moderate pricing
• Good balance of cost and weather conditions

Cost Comparison Tables

Open vs. Enclosed Transport Pricing

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal

Vehicle Size Impact on Pricing

Money-Saving Tips and Strategies

Timing Your Shipment

Book During Off-Peak Months:

• November through February offer the lowest rates
• Avoid summer months when demand peaks
• Mid-week pickups often cost less than weekends

Advance Booking Benefits:

• Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better rates
• Last-minute bookings can cost 20-30% more
• Flexible pickup dates can save $100-200

Transport Type Selection

Choose Open Transport When Appropriate:

• Perfectly safe for most vehicles
• Saves 40-60% compared to enclosed transport
• Over 90% of vehicles ship via open transport

Consider Terminal Services:

• Drop off at carrier terminals to save money
• Particularly effective in major metropolitan areas
• Can reduce costs by $100-300

Multiple Vehicle Discounts

Shipping Multiple Cars:

• Second vehicle typically gets 10-15% discount
• Family relocations can achieve significant savings
• Coordinate timing for maximum efficiency

Seasonal Strategy Planning

Plan Around Peak Seasons:

• Avoid June-August rush periods
• Winter shipping saves money but requires weather planning
• Spring and fall offer good cost-to-convenience ratios

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Common Additional Charges

Fuel Surcharges:

• Variable based on current diesel prices
• Typically 3-8% of base cost
• Should be clearly disclosed upfront

Insurance Upgrades:

• Basic coverage included in most quotes
• Additional coverage costs $100-300
• High-value vehicles may require extra protection

Expedited Service Fees:

• Rush delivery adds $200-500
• Express service (3-5 days) costs significantly more
• Standard delivery typically takes 7-14 days

Unexpected Cost Scenarios

Accessibility Issues:

• Narrow streets or low bridges: +$50-150
• Apartment complexes without truck access: +$75-200
• Rural or remote locations: +$100-300

Vehicle Condition Charges:

• Non-running vehicles: +$150-400
• Oversized modifications: +$100-300
• Excessive dirt or damage: +$50-150

When to Pay More for Premium Services

Enclosed Transport Justification

High-Value Vehicles:

• Classic cars worth $25,000+
• Luxury vehicles over $50,000
• Custom or modified vehicles

Weather Protection:

• Shipping during harsh weather seasons
• Long-distance routes through multiple climate zones
• Pristine vehicle condition requirements

Expedited Shipping Value

Time-Sensitive Situations:

• Job relocations with tight deadlines
• Vehicle purchases requiring quick delivery
• Emergency family situations

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

• Expedited service costs 40-80% more
• Saves 5-10 days on cross-country routes
• Consider alternative travel arrangements

FAQ About Cross Country Car Shipping Costs

How much does it cost to ship a car cross country?

The average cross country car shipping cost ranges from $800-2,000 depending on distance, vehicle type, and service level. Coast-to-coast shipments typically cost $1,200-1,800 for standard vehicles using open transport.

What's the cheapest way to ship a car cross country?

The most economical option combines:

• Open transport (saves 40-60% vs. enclosed)
• Terminal-to-terminal service (saves $100-200)
• Off-peak season booking (saves $200-400)
• Flexible pickup dates (saves $100-200)

Are there ways to reduce cross country shipping costs?

Yes, several strategies can significantly reduce costs:

• Book during winter months for lowest rates
• Choose open transport for most vehicles
• Be flexible with pickup and delivery dates
• Consider terminal services in major cities
• Get multiple quotes from different carriers

What factors increase cross country shipping costs the most?

The biggest cost drivers include:

• Vehicle size and weight (SUVs cost more)
• Enclosed transport requirements (+40-60%)
• Peak season timing (+15-25%)
• Expedited delivery (+40-80%)
• Remote pickup/delivery locations (+$100-300)

How far in advance should I book to get the best rates?

Booking 2-4 weeks in advance typically provides optimal pricing. Last-minute bookings (less than one week) often cost 20-30% more due to limited carrier availability.

Do cross country shipping costs vary by route?

Yes, popular routes like California to New York typically cost less than remote routes due to higher carrier availability. Less common routes may add $200-500 to standard pricing.

How to Get Accurate Quotes

Information to Provide

Vehicle Details:

• Year, make, model, and condition
• Modifications or special requirements
• Running condition and any damage

Shipping Specifications:

• Pickup and delivery locations (specific addresses)
• Preferred dates and flexibility
• Transport type preference (open vs. enclosed)

Quote Comparison Strategy

Get Multiple Estimates:

• Obtain quotes from at least 3-5 companies
• Compare total costs, not just base prices
• Verify insurance coverage and company credentials

Red Flags to Avoid:

• Quotes significantly below market rates
• Large deposits required upfront
• Companies without proper licensing
• Pressure to sign immediately

Understanding Quote Variations

Price Range Factors:

• Fuel price fluctuations
• Seasonal demand changes
• Carrier availability on specific routes
• Individual company pricing strategies

Final Cost Considerations:

• Quotes are typically estimates
• Final costs may vary by $50-150
• Fuel surcharges may apply
• Additional services increase total cost

Conclusion

Understanding cross country car shipping cost helps you make informed decisions about your vehicle transport needs. While prices range from $800-2,000 for most cross-country shipments, careful planning and smart choices can significantly reduce your costs. Remember to book in advance, consider off-peak timing, and choose the appropriate service level for your vehicle and budget.

By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can save hundreds of dollars on your cross-country car shipping while ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination. Always obtain multiple quotes, verify company credentials, and factor in all potential costs when budgeting for your vehicle transport.