How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car Across The Country?

Cost of Shipping Across the Country

The cost of shipping a car across the country largely depends on factors like distance, transport type, and vehicle size. On average, cross-country shipping costs around $1,300, with rates typically ranging from $600 to $4,100. Shorter distances (1-500 miles) average about $1.85 per mile, while longer routes (1,500+ miles) may drop to around $0.60 per mile. For example, shipping a car from California to Florida (about 2,700 miles) can cost between $1,100 and $1,900, whereas a longer haul from Washington to New York (around 2,800 miles) may range from $1,200 to $2,100.

Door-to-door

Shipping a car using door-to-door transport is the ultimate in convenience, particularly if you don’t have the time or desire to pick up your vehicle at a shipping terminal. As the name implies, door-to-door transport means the car is picked up from and delivered to a specific address. It is the most complete end-to-end, full-service available when hauling a vehicle across the U.S. It should be pointed out that door-to-door hauling may not be available in specific areas that are inaccessible by the car carrier.

Terminal

It is the standard method and it’s also the most affordable. Using this method, the driver delivers the vehicle to a nearby terminal, where the customer then picks it up. It’s cheaper to relocate a car across the country using the terminal hauling method since it allows for the simultaneous centralization of the drop-off point for multiple vehicles.

Coast To Coast & Cross Country Auto Transit Cost

As mentioned above, the “main ingredient” in the cost of shipping a car is the distance. It’s also cheaper per mile when you shift over a long distance. When you’re hauling a car across the country, it’s best to give the plenty of lead time, both to yourself and to the relocator.

You’ll have to invest a little bit of time in researching companies and contacting them for price estimates, but you’ll also want to allow them plenty of time to arrange for shipping. Generally, a few weeks is plenty of time, but giving yourself and the hauler some wiggle room is never a bad idea. Here are some prices from recent shipments to give you an idea of the costs of relocating a car across the United States.

Costs For Hauling A Car Across The Country

• Los Angeles, CA to Miami, FL - $1,235
• Boston, MA to Las Vegas, NV - $1,463
• Philadelphia, PA to Portland, OR - $1,477
• Seattle, WA to New York, NY - $1,250
• Charlotte, NC to Phoenix, AZ - $1,097
• Richmond, VA to San Francisco, CA - $1,364
• Hartford, CT to Albuquerque, NM - $1,131

*The above numbers are based on a standard-sized car shipped on an open carrier.

The average car shipping cost and the average price you’ll see in online calculators is a function of distance and the per-mile rate, but that’s only the starting point—fuel costs and gas prices influence carrier bids, as do the chosen shipping route, prevailing road conditions, and risks like road debris or inclement weather. The time of year matters too: summer months and peak season windows often bring higher costs and longer delivery dates because demand for transport trucks and car haulers spikes.

Your vehicle type and vehicle condition are equally important—pickup trucks, larger vehicles, luxury cars, exotic cars, and other high-value vehicles typically cost more to move, and many shippers charge extra for larger vehicles or for poor vehicle condition that complicates loading. Finally, choices about protection—Open vs enclosed options—determine price: enclosed transport, enclosed trailer, enclosed carrier, and enclosed auto transport protect high-value or weather-sensitive cars but raise auto transport costs compared with open carriers.

Practical Options: Terminal-to-Terminal, Door-to-Door and Fast Alternatives

Deciding the best way or the cheapest way to ship car depends on the service type and pickup/drop logistics. Terminal-to-terminal shipping (often called terminal shipping) usually offers the cheapest way for long hauls because carriers consolidate loads at hubs, while door-to-door shipping and door-to-door delivery provide door service and convenience—useful when you’re moving to a new home or changing cities on the East Coast or into a rural area where drop-off locations are sparse.

If you need speed, expedited shipping or dedicated transport carriers and auto transporters are available, but they carry higher costs; for price-sensitive moves, short distances or local runs a nearby moving company that bundles services with vehicle transport can be competitive. When you compare car shipping quotes, ask whether the quote is for terminal-to-pickup or door-to-door service, whether it accounts for fuel costs and surcharges, and whether the delivery time window aligns with your delivery dates—these differences explain why car shipping rates and car shipping prices vary between car shippers, auto shippers, and auto shipping companies.

How to Book, Compare, and Get Peace of Mind

Book with confidence by using a car shipping calculator or requesting an instant quote or free quote on the carrier’s website and by phone—ask for the phone number so you can confirm specifics. Gather multiple car shipping quotes and auto transport quotes to compare best rates, best price offers, and any promises to offer discounts; check customer reviews and reputation in the car shipping industry and auto transport industry.

For long-distance moves and vehicle transportation across the country, prioritizing clear terms, documented vehicle shipment condition reports, reliable customer service, and verified customer reviews will buy you true peace of mind—and if you’re having trouble choosing, start with an instant quote via the car shipping calculator on the website and call the carrier to confirm delivery windows and whether terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door delivery is the right fit for your situation.

The Cost to Ship Car Across Country depends on the average cost ranges set by each car transport company, which often vary based on the distance, delivery locations, and the type of vehicle being moved. When planning car transportation, you’ll notice that the average cost may rise if you’re shipping to remote delivery locations or if you include personal items or personal belongings inside the vehicle, since carriers often add an additional cost for the extra weight. The average cost also changes depending on weather conditions, since delays or route adjustments can increase car transport costs.

Being one of the best car shipping companies, we provide transparent pricing, detailed insurance policies, and a clear bill of lading that documents the vehicle’s condition before the move. Whether you’re sending a family SUV or arranging a car cross-country relocation, comparing quotes helps you determine the real average cost and ensures a trusted company handles your car transportation.

Related Information

• Long-distance moving services