Moving a car across the country sounds complicated until you actually do it. Then you realize it's mostly about timing, picking the right company, and understanding what you're paying for.
I'll walk you through the whole process—no fluff, just what you need to know.
How Cross Country Car Shipping Works
You book with a transport company or broker. They assign a carrier. The carrier picks up your vehicle, drives it across the country, and delivers it. Door to door car shipping is standard now—most companies will grab your car from your driveway and drop it at your new address.
The whole thing takes about 7-14 days for coast-to-coast routes. Shorter distances obviously move faster. A car going from Texas to California might arrive in 4-5 days. New York to Florida? Usually a week or less.
Here's something that catches people off guard: pickup windows aren't exact. Carriers run routes and build loads, so your pickup might happen within a 2-3 day window rather than a specific time. Plan accordingly, especially if you're coordinating with a move.
What Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across Country?
For state to state car shipping spanning 2,000+ miles, expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500 for an average sedan on an open carrier. SUVs and trucks run higher—usually $100-300 more due to size and weight.
Several factors push that number around:
Distance is obvious. More miles, more money. But here's the thing—cost per mile actually drops on longer hauls. A 500-mile shipment might run $0.75/mile while a 2,500-mile trip could be $0.45/mile.
Route popularity matters more than people realize. Shipping from Los Angeles to Miami? That's a common route with carriers running it constantly. You'll find competitive rates. But try shipping from rural Montana to suburban Connecticut and watch that price climb. Carriers need incentive to go off the beaten path.
Time of year swings prices significantly. Snowbird season (fall heading south, spring heading north) sees higher demand on Florida routes. Summer is peak season overall. January and February? Often the cheapest months to ship.
Vehicle type affects cost too. A Honda Civic takes up less trailer space than a Ford F-250. Inoperable vehicles cost more because they require special equipment to load.
The Timeline Question Everyone Asks
How long does it take to ship a car cross country? Realistically:
- West Coast to East Coast: 8-12 days
- Midwest to either coast: 5-8 days
- Adjacent regions (Southwest to West Coast): 3-5 days
These are door-to-door estimates including pickup coordination. The actual driving portion is faster, but logistics add time.
Want it quicker? Expedited shipping exists but costs 30-50% more. For most people, standard timing works fine if you plan ahead.
Choosing Between Brokers and Carriers
Car shipping brokers connect you with carriers. They don't own trucks—they find available drivers for your route and handle the coordination. Most online quotes come from brokers.
Direct carriers own their equipment and employ their drivers. Sometimes cheaper, sometimes not. The trade-off is less flexibility on routes and timing.
Honestly? Both options work. The key is checking reviews, confirming insurance coverage, and getting everything in writing. A solid broker with vetted carriers beats a sketchy direct carrier every time.
Preparing Your Car for Long Distance Shipping
Keep it simple:
- Remove personal items (carriers aren't liable for belongings inside)
- Leave about a quarter tank of gas
- Document existing damage with photos
- Disable toll transponders and parking passes
- Make sure the car runs and the battery holds a charge
That's it. No need to detail the car or do anything elaborate.
One Last Thing
Get multiple quotes. Prices vary wildly in this industry, sometimes by hundreds of dollars for identical routes. Three quotes minimum—five is better. The lowest price isn't always best, but you'll quickly spot who's reasonable and who's gouging.
Cross country car shipping isn't complicated once you understand the moving parts. Book early, stay flexible on pickup dates, and choose a company with solid reviews. Everything else sorts itself out.
