Can You Ship Cars?
Can You Ship Cars?
Yes, you absolutely can! The car shipping industry is thriving right now, with a growing demand for moving four-wheelers. If you're wondering if it's possible to ship cars, chances are, you're looking for a more convenient solution than driving your car across long distances. Hauling your vehicle not only saves you time but also offers a cost-effective, less-stressful way to get your car from point A to point B, whether that’s across the state or even overseas.
Shipping your car, both locally and internationally, does come with its own set of rules and regulations. But don't worry, once you know the process, it's smooth sailing. Let's break it down together so you can feel confident about what’s involved.
Gather the Certificate of Title
Before you ship your car, you'll need the original certificate of title. This document proves your car’s make, model, and year, and will be required when it’s going through U.S. customs. If you don’t have the original title, a certified copy will do the trick. And if you're shipping a new car, just make sure to have the manufacturer’s statement of origin handy.
Book a Delivery Date
When it comes to timing, car shipping can take anywhere from 4 days to 4 weeks, depending on where you're sending it. Of course, delivery time also depends on your transporter’s schedule and the distance. Once you’ve booked your shipment, you’ll get the pickup and delivery dates from the company. For the best options, it’s a good idea to book early. Two weeks in advance is typically great for low-season shipping. But if you need to speed things up, most companies can get your car to you faster for an extra fee.
- Domestic car shipping costs $500–$1,500 by open or enclosed carrier, while international ocean freight ranges from $1,000–$5,000+ depending on destination and method.
- Domestic transit takes 2–7 days for most routes; cross-country shipments average 3–10 days, with rural pickups adding 1–2 days to standard delivery windows.
- All domestic carriers must hold FMCSA operating authority; a bill of lading documenting pre-shipment condition is required at both pickup and delivery for damage claim eligibility.
Insure Your Four-Wheeler
The transit process is complicated, and your car may be damaged. Therefore, your four-wheeler should be insured before shipping. The transporting company usually does this. Ask your mover about their insurance policy. Read the policy document to understand how much your vehicle is covered.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipping
- Clean Your Car Inside and Out: Give your car a good wash, inside and outside. This not only helps you and the shipping company check the condition of the vehicle but also ensures your car isn’t carrying soil or debris that could cause issues at your destination.
- Inspect Your Vehicle: Take a close look at your car for any existing damage. This step is important because if any damage happens during transit, you'll need proof of the car’s condition before shipping. Ask the transporter for a bill of lading that will document the car’s current state.
- Remove Personal Items: Customs rules don’t allow personal items to be shipped with the vehicle, and your insurance won’t cover any household items inside the car. Be sure to remove everything, including things like electronics or valuables. If you're unsure whether it's okay to leave something in the car, check with your shipper first.
- Remove Any Removable Parts: If there are any removable parts on your vehicle, like antennae or custom mirrors, it’s best to take them off. These parts could get damaged during transit, and your transporter may not be responsible for them.
- Keep Your Fuel Level Low: Fill your gas tank to about a quarter full. If the tank is fuller than that, you could face extra charges for degassing. Plus, a full tank adds weight, which reduces the number of cars the transporter can haul.
- Hand Over the Keys: Make sure to give the car keys to your driver. This is essential for access to your car during the shipping process.
Open or Covered Carrier?
When it comes to shipping your car, you have two main options: an open carrier or a covered carrier. Open carriers are a more affordable option, but your car will be exposed to the elements like weather, road debris, and even curious onlookers. Covered carriers, on the other hand, provide full protection, shielding your car from all those external factors. While this option is pricier, it’s ideal for high-value or classic cars that need extra care. Both options are safe, so your choice comes down to your budget and how much protection you want for your vehicle.
Door-to-Door or Terminal-to-Terminal Service?
Another choice you'll need to make is whether you want door-to-door service or terminal-to-terminal service. If you're in a larger town or city, door-to-door is usually the most convenient and hassle-free choice since the transport company will bring your car directly to your location. However, if you're in a more remote area, terminal-to-terminal might be the better option, where you drop off and pick up your car at a terminal. It’s all about what works best for your location and needs.
At the Delivery
When your car is on its way, ask your shipping company for tracking details. Many will offer a GPS tracking system, so you can follow your car’s journey and know exactly where it is. Most companies provide a way for you to track the shipment online or via an app on your phone.
Once your car arrives, make sure to inspect it carefully. Compare its condition with the initial inspection report before you sign anything. If you notice any new damage or discrepancies, it’s important to bring it up with the transport company right away, so you can file a damage claim if needed.
Now that you've got a better idea of the process, you should feel more confident about shipping your car. While the process may seem complex, a trustworthy shipping company will help guide you through each step. If you ever have questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to make the experience as smooth as possible for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ship cars anywhere in the U.S.?
Yes, cars can be shipped throughout the U.S., although the transport setup changes for mainland routes, Alaska, and Hawaii. Mainland interstate moves normally use open or enclosed auto carriers, while non-contiguous shipments may add port and ocean transport. For-hire interstate carriers generally need FMCSA operating authority and a USDOT number. Exact pickup and delivery points still depend on whether a large transport truck can reach the location safely and legally.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
As of September 27, 2026, current U.S. market data places many standard, operable-car shipments on open carriers at roughly $500 to $1,700. Shorter routes can fall below that range, while long cross-country moves, enclosed transport, and non-running vehicles can cost more. Distance, vehicle size, operability, trailer type, and route demand account for most quote differences. A1's car shipping rates guide explains the main pricing inputs for a specific shipment.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
For a standard running vehicle, open transport with a flexible pickup window is usually the cheapest widely available professional car-shipping method. Open carriers divide operating costs across several vehicles and are more widely available than enclosed trailers. Terminal-to-terminal service can sometimes cost less where it is offered, but storage or transfer fees may offset the savings. Avoiding expedited pickup and giving carriers scheduling flexibility can also help keep a route-specific quote lower.
How are cars shipped across the country?
Cars are shipped across the country mainly on multi-vehicle open or enclosed auto transport trailers. At pickup, the driver records the vehicle's condition on the bill of lading before loading and securing it for transport. Open trailers suit most standard vehicles, while enclosed trailers reduce exposure to weather and road debris for classics, exotics, or other high-value cars. With door-to-door auto transport, the carrier meets you as close to the requested addresses as the truck can safely and legally reach.
Can you ship cars overseas?
Yes, cars can be shipped overseas by roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) or container service, depending on the destination, vehicle, and available port service. For a used self-propelled vehicle exported from the U.S. to a foreign country, CBP requires Electronic Export Information to be filed in AES and the required title documentation to be presented at least 72 hours before export. Destination countries can impose separate import requirements. A1's international car shipping service explains the main overseas transport methods.
Can you ship cars by plane?
Yes, cars can be shipped by air cargo when an airline and freight forwarder accept the vehicle, but the service is specialized and usually costs far more than truck or ocean transport. Acceptance depends on the route, aircraft capacity, vehicle dimensions and weight, and dangerous-goods requirements. Battery-powered vehicles can require additional compliance, and individual air carriers may impose stricter limits than baseline regulations. For most international vehicle moves, ocean RoRo or container service offers much greater capacity at a lower cost.
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