Moving to a new state? Buying a car from across the country? Heading south for the winter? Whatever the reason, shipping a car cross-country is often more convenient than driving it yourself.
But if you’ve never shipped a car before, you might wonder: How do I get started? How much will it cost? What should I expect?
Car Shipping Methods
There are two main ways to transport your car cross-country:
1. Open Transport (Most Common & Affordable)
- Your car is transported on an open carrier along with multiple other vehicles.
- Pros: More affordable, widely available, faster scheduling.
- Cons: Exposed to weather, road debris, and dirt.
2. Enclosed Transport (Best for Luxury & Classic Cars)
- Your car is placed in a fully enclosed trailer for extra protection.
- Pros: Shields your car from weather, dirt, and road debris.
- Cons: Costs 30-50% more than open transport.
💡 Which one should you choose?
- Standard vehicles → Open transport (cheaper and more common).
- Luxury, classic, or exotic cars → Enclosed transport (extra protection).
Get a Quote
The first step in shipping your car cross-country is getting a quote. Several factors determine the cost, including distance (longer trips cost more, but the per-mile rate decreases), vehicle type (larger or heavier vehicles may have higher transport costs), and also transport type (open transport is more affordable, while enclosed transport provides added protection). Seasonality also plays a role, with prices often increasing during peak times like summer and snowbird season.
Call us today or request a free online quote to get started!
Prepare Your Car for Shipment
Before handing over your car, follow these steps to ensure a smooth shipping process:
Wash Your Car – Dirt can hide scratches, a clean car makes inspection easier.
Take Photos – Document your car’s condition before transport.
Remove Personal Items – Most carriers don’t allow extra belongings in the car.
Check for Leaks & Mechanical Issues – If your car isn’t running, you need to notify the carrier.
Leave Only ¼ Tank of Gas – Enough for loading/unloading but keeps weight down.
Disable Alarms & Toll Tags – Prevent unnecessary disruptions.
Schedule Pickup & Delivery
Once your car is ready, we will schedule a convenient pickup and delivery window based on your location and preferred dates.
Delivery Options:
Door-to-Door Transport – The most convenient option, where we pick up and deliver your car directly to your specified locations.
Terminal-to-Terminal Transport – A budget-friendly option where you drop off and pick up your car at designated transport terminals.
Conclusion
Shipping a car cross-country doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing the right transport company, preparing your car properly, and staying informed, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
Need to Ship Your Car? Get a Free Quote Today!
We specialize in safe, reliable, and affordable cross-country car shipping. So, contact us today for a free quote and let us handle the rest!