How to Ship a Car Cross-Country: Costs & Options

June 13, 2026

Shipping a car cross-country typically costs **$900 to $2,500** in 2026. Open transport runs $1,200 to $1,800 for most coast-to-coast routes; enclosed transport runs $1,800 to $2,500. The biggest cost drivers are distance, vehicle size, your choice of open versus enclosed carrier, and the time of year you book.

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Open vs. Enclosed Transport: What Is the Difference?

The first decision every shipper faces is whether to use an open or enclosed carrier. Each is a legitimate option depending on what you are moving and how much protection matters.

**Open transport** loads your vehicle onto a multi-car trailer exposed to the elements. It is the industry standard method — roughly 80 to 90 percent of auto transport in the US uses open carriers. The trailer holds seven to ten vehicles, which spreads fuel and labor costs across more cars and keeps per-vehicle pricing lower. Open transport is appropriate for the vast majority of everyday vehicles: sedans, crossovers, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks.

**Enclosed transport** loads your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and dust. Trailers typically hold two to six cars. That smaller load capacity, combined with the added equipment cost, raises the price by roughly 30 to 60 percent over open rates. Enclosed is the right choice for classic cars, luxury vehicles, high-value exotics, or any car where surface protection matters beyond what normal driving delivers.

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2026 Cost Table: Open vs. Enclosed by Distance

Route Distance	Typical Open Rate	Typical Enclosed Rate
Under 500 miles	$400 – $800	$600 – $1,200
500 - 1,000 miles	$700 – $1,100	$1,000 – $1,600
1,000 - 1,500 miles	$900 – $1,400	$1,300 – $2,000
1,500 - 2,000 miles	$1,100 – $1,700	$1,600 – $2,300
Over 2,000 miles	$1,400 – $2,000	$1,900 – $2,800

Rates above reflect standard sedans or midsize crossovers on popular, well-served routes. Remote pickup or delivery locations and oversized vehicles carry additional costs (see below).

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Per-Mile Rates

Per-mile pricing follows a declining scale: shorter hauls cost more per mile because fixed loading, paperwork, and pickup costs are spread across fewer miles.

Under 500 miles: roughly $1.40 to $2.20 per mile (open)
500 to 1,500 miles: roughly $0.80 to $1.40 per mile (open)
Over 1,500 miles: roughly $0.40 to $0.70 per mile (open)

Enclosed rates run approximately 30 to 60 percent above these figures at every distance band.

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What Drives the Final Price

Distance and Route Popularity

Distance is the single largest cost factor. Beyond raw mileage, route popularity matters nearly as much. Major corridors — New York to Florida, California to Texas, the Midwest to the Southwest — have dense carrier networks and competitive pricing. Shipments to or from rural areas often require a relay at a hub city, which adds both cost and transit time.

Vehicle Size and Ground Clearance

Carriers price by trailer space, weight, and loading complexity. A standard sedan occupies one slot. A full-size pickup truck or large SUV may take more space or require a ramp angle that limits what else can be loaded alongside it. In practice, SUVs and trucks cost 20 to 40 percent more than sedans on the same route. Lowered vehicles or non-running cars require specialty equipment and carry additional fees.

Season and Timing

Auto transport follows a clear seasonal curve. Peak demand runs from May through August, driven by summer relocations, college student moves, and snowbird reverse migration. Rates during peak season run 15 to 30 percent above baseline, and carrier availability tightens. The best months for value are October through February, when demand drops and carriers actively compete for loads. If your move is flexible, booking in the shoulder seasons — early spring or early fall — typically delivers the best combination of price and availability. See our best time of year to move guide for a broader look at seasonal timing across all move types.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal

Door-to-door service dispatches a carrier to your specific address for both pickup and delivery. Terminal-to-terminal service requires you to drop off and retrieve your vehicle at a designated lot. Terminal service is typically $100 to $200 cheaper but demands more of your time and introduces additional handling. For most residential moves, door-to-door is the more practical option.

Expedited vs. Standard Booking

Standard booking means your vehicle ships when a carrier heading your direction picks it up — usually within one to seven days of your requested date. Expedited service guarantees pickup within 24 to 48 hours but carries a premium of $150 to $300 or more over standard rates.

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How Long Does Cross-Country Car Shipping Take?

Transit time on a true coast-to-coast shipment (2,000+ miles) is typically **7 to 14 days** once the carrier picks up your vehicle. Shorter cross-country routes in the 1,000 to 1,500 mile range usually run 4 to 8 days. Several variables stretch or compress that window:

**Carrier stops**: Multi-car loads make multiple pickups and deliveries along the route, adding time at each stop.
**Weather and road conditions**: Winter storms across mountain corridors or the Midwest can add one to several days.
**Route demand**: High-volume routes have more carriers running more frequently, which tends to shorten waits.
**Expedited booking**: If timeline is the priority, expedited service can cut transit to 3 to 5 days at an added cost.

Plan for the longer end of the range when coordinating with an apartment lease start, a job start date, or a vehicle registration deadline.

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How to Get an Accurate Quote

Auto transport quotes are specific to your route, vehicle, and dates. To get a usable number, have the following ready before you contact carriers:

1. **Exact pickup and delivery zip codes** — not just cities 2. **Year, make, model, and trim** of the vehicle 3. **Whether the car runs and drives** under its own power 4. **Your desired pickup window** (flexible vs. hard date) 5. **Preferred transport type** (open vs. enclosed)

Get at least three quotes. Prices vary by carrier, and the lowest quote is not always the best option — carrier ratings, insurance coverage minimums, and included services differ. Confirm what insurance the carrier provides in transit and whether your personal auto policy extends to vehicles on a transport carrier.

Use the MovingRated cost calculator to baseline your budget before reaching out to carriers directly.

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Preparing Your Car for Shipment

A little preparation reduces the chance of damage claims and speeds up the pickup process.

**Document the condition**: Take photos of all four sides, the roof, the interior, and any pre-existing damage before handoff. Date-stamp the photos.
**Remove personal items**: Most carriers prohibit personal belongings inside the vehicle during transport. Items that remain are not covered under carrier insurance.
**Leave a quarter-tank of fuel**: Enough to load, unload, and move the car on and off the trailer — not more.
**Disable toll tags and parking passes**: Active transponders may record charges during transport.
**Note any mechanical issues**: Low clearance, sensitive sensors, or stiff steering should be disclosed at booking so the carrier can plan accordingly.
**Confirm pickup window in writing**: Get the expected pickup and delivery dates in writing before the carrier leaves.

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Frequently Asked Questions

**How much does it cost to ship a car cross-country in 2026?**

Most cross-country shipments fall between $900 and $2,500. The typical range for a standard sedan on open transport is $1,200 to $1,800. Enclosed transport on the same route runs $1,800 to $2,500. Pickup trucks and large SUVs cost more than sedans at every distance.

**Is open or enclosed transport better?**

Open transport is the right choice for most everyday vehicles. It is affordable, widely available, and used by the majority of auto transport customers. Enclosed is worth the premium for classic cars, exotics, or high-value vehicles where surface protection matters.

**How long does cross-country car shipping take?**

Allow 7 to 14 days for a coast-to-coast shipment. Shorter routes in the 1,000 to 1,500 mile range typically take 4 to 8 days. Expedited service can compress transit to 3 to 5 days at a higher cost.

**What is the cheapest time of year to ship a car?**

October through February is generally the lowest-cost period. Peak demand runs May through August, when prices rise 15 to 30 percent. Early spring and early fall offer a good middle ground.

**Can I put belongings in my car during transport?**

Most carriers prohibit it, or allow only a small amount (under 100 lbs) in the trunk. Items inside the vehicle are not covered by carrier insurance. Check the carrier's policy explicitly before loading anything.

**Does my auto insurance cover the car during transport?**

In most cases, no — personal auto policies exclude vehicles in transit on a commercial carrier. The transport carrier is required to carry cargo liability insurance, but coverage limits vary. Confirm the carrier's per-vehicle coverage minimum in writing before booking.

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Planning the Rest of Your Move

Shipping your car is one piece of a cross-country relocation. For help thinking through the full picture — timing, costs, and what to do in each state you are moving to — browse the MovingRated newsroom or go straight to state-specific guidance, like our California moving guide, if that is your destination.