How to Ship Two Cars at Once

Q: How can I ship two cars at once?

You can ship two cars at once by placing both vehicles on one coordinated multi-vehicle order with the same route and desired pickup window. A multi-car shipping service uses each vehicle's size, condition, clearance, and destination to match suitable equipment. Both cars may travel on the same trailer when space, weight, route, and timing line up, but that should not be assumed until the carrier is assigned. Provide accurate details for each vehicle before dispatch.

Q: How much does it cost to ship two cars together?

As of September 28, 2026, shipping two standard operable sedans together on open transport typically runs about $1,700-$2,300 total for a 1,000-1,500-mile move. Useful planning bands are roughly $1,300-$1,500 for many 500-700-mile moves and $2,200-$2,900 for common 2,000-plus-mile routes. These ranges assume one origin and destination; larger vehicles, enclosed transport, non-running cars, or split stops can increase the total. A1's car shipping rates guide covers the main quote inputs.

Q: How long does it take to ship two cars at once?

Two-car transport commonly takes 1-3 loaded transit days under 500 miles, about 2-5 days for 500-1,500 miles, and 7-10 days cross-country. Those windows begin after the carrier loads the vehicles, so pickup scheduling happens beforehand. Two cars traveling together generally do not require twice the transit time of one car. Delivery can still shift because of weather, required driver rest, other scheduled stops, or access at the destination.

Q: What type of trailer is used to ship two cars?

An open multi-level auto carrier is the usual choice for shipping two everyday vehicles because these rigs commonly carry about seven to ten standard passenger cars. Enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles but shield them from weather and road debris, making them useful for classics, exotics, show cars, and other high-value vehicles. A1's enclosed auto transport options explain that equipment difference. Vehicle size and clearance still determine whether both cars can use the same trailer.

by Joe Webster

Last updated Sep, 28 2026

How to Ship Two Cars at Once?

At face value, it seems odd to have to ship two cars. However, there are some valid reasons why someone would have two cars shipped at once.

Whether you are relocating your vehicles to your new home, or transporting them internationally to a client, there are many reasons why you would need to ship more than one vehicle.

Think about it like this

One common scenario is when a family needs to move to a new city, country, or even continent. With multiple cars being used by the household, especially if sentimental value is placed on these vehicles, it may be required to move both vehicles at the same time.

A family may have a “work” car and a “family” car for running errands, family events, and other daily tasks. If the family can relocate both cars to their new home, they can resume normal family activities the moment they arrive. This makes adjusting to a new home much easier on everyone in the family.

Clients can choose to ship their two cars domestically or internationally, although some limitations will have to be considered when doing so.

We’re going to explain to you how to properly ship two cars, both domestically and internationally. Whether you are single, have a family, or run a business, shifting two cars at once is a simple process that is efficient and streamlined.

Shipping two cars together on an open carrier costs 10–25% less per vehicle than booking each shipment separately, with cross-country totals typically ranging $1,400–$3,000 for both.
Multi-vehicle domestic transit runs 2–7 days on shorter routes and 7–10 days coast-to-coast; both cars arrive together, eliminating the need to coordinate separate delivery windows.
International two-car shipments require original titles, a Bill of Lading, power of attorney, and U.S. Customs clearance before vehicles can legally leave the country.

Benefits of Relocating Two Cars at Once

Both cars are delivered to their destination at the same time
Some auto logistics companies provide discounts on multi-car shipments
For domestic routes, you can drive one car and follow the transport truck
Less stress worrying about two separate shipments

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Domestic Shifting Options

The most popular domestic shifting options are open air transport or enclosed hauling. The difference depends on your hauling preference, budget, and how much protection you want for your vehicles.

It is cheaper than enclosed auto transport. You’ve likely seen these trucks on the major highways before carrying several cars on one or two platforms.

Enclosed auto hauling provides your vehicles with additional safety in the form of a trailer. If dirt, flying pebbles, or the weather is a concern for you regarding your vehicle’s cosmetic appearance, you should choose the enclosed auto moving option.

Keep in mind, enclosed auto shifting tends to be more expensive.

Open Air Auto Transport

With open air auto shifters, your vehicles will be placed on the bed layer of a big rig, secured, and shipped to the vehicle’s intended destination. Open air transport trucks are big rigs with two-level open-air trailers.

While your vehicles are safe and secure while on this type of trailer, some clients prefer the added luxury of an enclosed trailer for security purposes, or for the trailer’s weather sheltering abilities.

From our experience, it tends to be one of the more popular options when it comes to domestic shipping.

Accidents rarely occur and we typically recommend enclosed hauling to clients that are shipping expensive luxury, exotic, or rare cars.

Enclosed Auto Hauling

Enclosed auto transports are still capable of relocating multiple cars. Since multi-car trailers usually transport a minimum of three cars, you may find that another client’s car is placed in the trailer with your cars, or the space will be empty (you may be asked to pay for the extra space).

The trailer hosting your vehicles will be attached to a big rig, which will then be driven by the auto logistics shifting company or one of its contractors to your intended destination.

Once the shifting arrives, your vehicles will be unloaded and returned to you.

International Hauling Options

Shipping two vehicles overseas is a bit more complicated than shipping two vehicles domestically. There is more information that you need to collect, and the process of actually shipping the vehicles will obviously take longer.

We’re not saying its impossible to do it on your own, but there are many things to consider.

Your main obstacle will be getting approval from US Customs to ship your vehicles out of the country.

As you can expect, U.S. Customs will expect you to have all the proper paperwork, ownership of the vehicle, and you will have to abide by any specific rules and regulations that they have in place with your destination country.

Don’t let us scare you off from international relocating though. The process is just as simple and low-stress as the domestic hauling process if you hire a reputable and experienced company to help you.

How to Clear US Customs?

We mentioned above that you will need to collect a lot of information in order to clear U.S. Customs. The government often seems like they want to make our lives harder, but there is a method to their madness.

The purpose of gathering the following documentation is so that U.S. Customs can know:

That you are the lawful owner of the vehicles
That you have paid off any outstanding debts or liabilities concerning the vehicles
That you have transferred power of attorney in case the company needs to take action regarding your vehicles
That the shifting company can receive pertinent knowledge regarding your vehicles and your vehicle’s intended destination

Before heading to U.S. Customs, make sure you have the following:

Original Title: The Original Titles for your vehicles proves to US Customs that you are the owner of your vehicles. Customs needs to ensure that only your property is being exported and not someone else’s for legal reasons.
Bill of Sales: Bill of Sales are needed to transfer ownership. Although you may be the owner of the car both before and after the relocating process (e.g. if you are shipping your vehicles to your second home), a Bill of Sales makes the transportation process simpler to manage.
EIN (Employer Identification Number) or International Passport: An Employer Identification Number and an International Passport serve the same purpose: to prove to US Customs that you are who you say you are. You do not need to provide both. An EIN is required if you are a US citizen, and an international passport is required if you are not.
Power of Attorney: Transferring power of attorney to the company is essential. In some circumstances, the relocating company will need to make a decision regarding your vehicles. For instance, if a fire breaks out, a shipping company needs to be able to dump a vehicle to prevent the fire from spreading, while also being protected from liability for their actions. In such cases, power of attorney is needed.
Shipping Form: Relocating forms are standard forms that all companies require their clients to fill out. Information includes contact information, information about the vehicles being transported, and the transportation process itself. Once you have finalized the details of the shifting logistics regarding your two vehicles, you will have the information required to fill out this form.

Before You Relocate

Take the time to follow the steps below. They will save you a lot of trouble. Remember, U.S. Customs is a government agency and they follow strict rules and regulations. If you make a mistake in the shifting process, it can carry a heavy fine and even jail time.

We don’t want that to happen to you.

Make sure all your documentation is filled out and is accurate
Make sure that any outstanding liens, loans, or debts on the vehicles are paid off
Make sure that someone can pick up your vehicles, or that the company can drive the vehicles to your vehicles’ intended destination (this mostly pertains to international shipping)
Make sure you purchase insurance (shifting companies may provide this)

Before you agree to anything, take the time to learn a little bit about the domestic and international relocating process.

The auto shipping industry is extremely competitive and it isn’t difficult to get both a good price and great service. There is always wiggle room, you just have to know the market prices and a little about the country you are relocating your vehicles to. Shop around for quotes and determine which auto logistics shifting company can provide you with the services you need, at an affordable price.

Check the quality of the company and whether they continuously make their clients happy. Moving your two vehicles overseas may seem expensive, but hiring a company can save you a lot of headaches when it comes to dealing with U.S. Customs.

The A-1 Auto Transport Way

We’ve been working in this industry for a long time and we have seen it all.

Why pay more? We pass the savings on to you, we are transparent about the hauling process, and we will handle the international shipping process for you.

Your time is important, let us help you make the auto shifting process easy.

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How to ship three cars at once

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ship two cars at once?

You can ship two cars at once by placing both vehicles on one coordinated multi-vehicle order with the same route and desired pickup window. A multi-car shipping service uses each vehicle's size, condition, clearance, and destination to match suitable equipment. Both cars may travel on the same trailer when space, weight, route, and timing line up, but that should not be assumed until the carrier is assigned. Provide accurate details for each vehicle before dispatch.

How much does it cost to ship two cars together?

As of September 28, 2026, shipping two standard operable sedans together on open transport typically runs about $1,700-$2,300 total for a 1,000-1,500-mile move. Useful planning bands are roughly $1,300-$1,500 for many 500-700-mile moves and $2,200-$2,900 for common 2,000-plus-mile routes. These ranges assume one origin and destination; larger vehicles, enclosed transport, non-running cars, or split stops can increase the total. A1's car shipping rates guide covers the main quote inputs.

Is it cheaper to ship two cars together or separately?

Shipping two cars together is often cheaper when both vehicles use the same route, pickup point, and delivery point. Current two-car pricing examples commonly work out about 10-15% lower per vehicle than comparable separate bookings because the carrier can use existing trailer space and avoid duplicating some routing and coordination costs. There is no universal multi-car discount, however. Different destinations, different ready dates, oversized vehicles, or separate carrier assignments can reduce or eliminate the savings.

How long does it take to ship two cars at once?

Two-car transport commonly takes 1-3 loaded transit days under 500 miles, about 2-5 days for 500-1,500 miles, and 7-10 days cross-country. Those windows begin after the carrier loads the vehicles, so pickup scheduling happens beforehand. Two cars traveling together generally do not require twice the transit time of one car. Delivery can still shift because of weather, required driver rest, other scheduled stops, or access at the destination.

What type of trailer is used to ship two cars?

An open multi-level auto carrier is the usual choice for shipping two everyday vehicles because these rigs commonly carry about seven to ten standard passenger cars. Enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles but shield them from weather and road debris, making them useful for classics, exotics, show cars, and other high-value vehicles. A1's enclosed auto transport options explain that equipment difference. Vehicle size and clearance still determine whether both cars can use the same trailer.

Do both cars need to be picked up and delivered at the same location?

No. Two cars can have different pickup or delivery locations when every stop is included in the transport plan and quote. Keeping both vehicles at one accessible origin and one destination usually makes coordination simpler and improves the chance that they can remain on the same carrier. Split locations may add mileage, loading stops, or scheduling constraints, and widely separated routes can require different carriers. Give the exact addresses or ZIP codes before booking so the route can be planned correctly.