When you need to move your vehicle thousands of miles, whether for a relocation, extended vacation, job transfer, or online vehicle purchase, figuring out how to ship a car across the country can feel overwhelming. You’re dealing with logistics, timelines, budgets, and the need to protect your car—whether it’s a family sedan or a luxury vehicle. That’s why thousands of Americans turn to professional auto transport services for safe, affordable, and efficient vehicle relocation. But not all companies are created equal, and not all processes are transparent.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to ship a car across the country without overspending or stressing out. We’ll cover how car shipping works, what affects pricing, how to prepare your car, and how Ship A Car, Inc. helps customers save money while receiving top-tier service.
Shipping a car across the country involves transporting a vehicle from one state to another using a professional auto carrier. This can be done via open or enclosed trailers, depending on the level of protection you need. Most reputable auto transport brokers, like Ship A Car, Inc., work with a large network of licensed and insured carriers to provide flexible options and competitive pricing.
Whether you’re moving and need to ship a car from New York to California or ship a car from Florida to Washington, using a broker gives you access to routes and scheduling options that wouldn’t be available by contacting a single carrier. Plus, you benefit from the broker’s experience in vetting carriers, managing insurance, and handling logistics.
While the average cost to ship a car across the country ranges from $900 to $1,500 for standard sedans, many factors influence your final quote. These include:
Top Budget-Friendly Routes to Ship a Car Across the Country
Not all cross-country vehicle shipments are priced the same. While distance is a major factor in determining cost, certain high-volume routes tend to be more affordable due to regular demand, infrastructure access, and carrier competition. Below are five of the most popular and budget-friendly long-distance routes in the U.S.—each offering optimal options when you need to ship a car across the country.
New York ↔ California
When you need to ship a car from New York to California (or vice versa), you’re booking one of the most heavily trafficked cross-country corridors in the country. This coast-to-coast route serves millions of people relocating for work, education, and seasonal moves. Because it’s such a popular shipping lane, carriers regularly travel this route, allowing for better pricing and more flexible scheduling. Whether you’re relocating from NYC to Los Angeles or San Francisco to Buffalo, Ship A Car, Inc. ensures your vehicle travels securely and affordably. Learn more by visiting the page that is specifically dedicated to transporting cars to New York. If you are interested in learning more, please visit the page that is dedicated to shipping cars from California.
Florida ↔ Washington
Planning to ship a car from Florida to Washington offers unique logistical advantages. Many snowbirds move between these two distant states, especially during seasonal transitions. Cities like Miami and Orlando in the Southeast and Seattle or Spokane in the Pacific Northwest are major nodes in the car shipping network. Frequent demand along this route allows you to tap into highly competitive rates while still enjoying top-tier service. Likewise, if you’re headed from the Evergreen State down to the Sunshine State, the return journey is just as cost-effective with Ship A Car, Inc. If you would like to learn more about transporting cars to and from Florida, click here. For further information, please visit the web page that is specifically dedicated to the transportation of automobiles to Washington.
Texas ↔ Illinois
To ship a car from Texas to Illinois, you’re leveraging a major central U.S. shipping lane. With hubs like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio on one end and Chicago on the other, this route is favored for both personal relocations and commercial vehicle moves. Carriers love this route because it’s efficient, direct, and includes major highways like I-35 and I-55. Whether you’re moving from Austin to Chicago or need to transport your car back from Illinois to Texas, this route balances speed, cost, and availability.
New Jersey ↔ Arizona
If you’re planning to ship a car from New Jersey to Arizona, this long-distance route connects the Northeast to the Southwest—two regions with starkly different climates and booming populations. It’s popular among retirees, military families, and students, especially those heading to or from schools in the Phoenix area. While not as busy as coastal corridors, the high demand for year-round moves keeps pricing competitive and timelines reliable. Ship A Car, Inc. helps streamline this route with expert coordination and fair pricing. Click the following link to find out more about transporting cars to New Jersey. Please see our page on the transport of automobiles to Arizona for further details.
Massachusetts ↔ Oregon
To ship a car from Massachusetts to Oregon, you’ll traverse one of the most scenic and diverse routes in the U.S.—spanning the Northeast, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Northwest. This route is commonly used by relocating families, tech industry professionals, and students heading to or from Portland or Boston. Thanks to regular demand from these demographics, especially in spring and late summer, pricing stays reasonable. Trust Ship A Car, Inc. to manage this long-distance shipment from start to finish without hassle. Learn more about the processes involved in shipping cars from Massachusetts. Look at the page that we have dedicated to shipping cars from Oregon for additional information.
When planning to ship a car across the country, one of the most significant factors that impacts your overall cost is the type and size of the vehicle you’re transporting. Simply put, larger or heavier vehicles like trucks, SUVs, and vans cost more to ship compared to smaller, lighter vehicles such as sedans or coupes. The reason is twofold: space and weight.
Auto carriers have strict weight limits and limited space on each trailer. A full-size SUV or a lifted pickup truck takes up more room and adds substantial weight to the load, potentially reducing the number of vehicles the carrier can haul on that trip. As a result, carriers often charge more to offset this opportunity cost.
In addition, custom modifications—such as oversized tires, aftermarket bumpers, roof racks, or lifted suspensions—can also increase the shipping rate. These modifications may cause the vehicle to exceed standard dimensions, which can require special loading procedures, different carrier equipment, or even dedicated trailer space. For example, if you need to ship a car from Texas to Illinois and it’s a lifted Ford F-250 with oversized wheels, the quote will likely be higher than it would be for a compact sedan on the same route.
Ship A Car, Inc. always requests vehicle details upfront to ensure an accurate quote. By providing complete information about your vehicle’s size and any modifications, our coordinators can match your shipment to the right carrier—one equipped to handle your vehicle safely and affordably.
When deciding how to ship a car across the country, selecting the right type of transport is essential—not just for your budget, but for your peace of mind. The two primary options available are open transport and enclosed transport, and each comes with its own set of advantages depending on your vehicle type, value, and shipping priorities.
Open Transport: Affordable and Widely Available
Open transport is the most common and cost-effective method to ship a car across the country. Vehicles are loaded onto a two-level, open-air trailer—similar to the ones you often see delivering cars to dealerships. Because open carriers can transport more vehicles at once, this method tends to be more affordable and easier to schedule.
For most standard cars, such as sedans, SUVs, and trucks, open transport is a perfectly safe and reliable option. It’s used by dealerships, manufacturers, and everyday car owners across the U.S. However, it’s important to note that your car will be exposed to the elements—such as rain, dust, snow, and debris—during transit. While this rarely causes damage, it’s a factor worth considering, especially for high-value or show-quality vehicles.
So, if you’re looking to ship a car from Florida to Washington or Texas to Illinois and want to stay within budget, open transport is likely your best bet.
Enclosed Transport: Maximum Protection for Priceless Vehicles
On the other hand, enclosed transport offers maximum protection during transit. Vehicles are placed inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielding them from weather, road debris, and potential damage. This method is ideal for classic cars, luxury vehicles, exotic models, collector’s items, or newly purchased high-end autos.
Because enclosed trailers carry fewer cars—typically 2 to 6 at a time—the cost is higher, and availability can be more limited. However, for many owners, the added investment is well worth it to ensure their vehicle arrives in pristine condition. For example, if you’re planning to ship a car from New Jersey to Arizona and that car is a rare vintage convertible or a brand-new Porsche, enclosed transport provides the white-glove experience you expect.
Ship A Car, Inc. offers both open and enclosed transport options, and our experienced coordinators help you determine which method is right based on your vehicle and budget. We work only with insured, licensed, and vetted carriers—so whether your vehicle is shipped open or enclosed, it’s in safe hands from pickup to delivery.
Seasonality plays a significant role in determining how much it will cost to ship a car across the country. During the summer months and around major holidays, demand for auto transport surges, often leading to higher prices and limited carrier availability. In contrast, winter brings potential weather delays and route challenges, so planning ahead and scheduling during off-peak seasons can help you secure better rates and ensure smoother delivery.
Door-to-door service offers the ultimate convenience when you need to ship a car across the country, as the carrier picks up and delivers your vehicle as close to your specified addresses as possible. However, this added convenience may come at a higher price compared to terminal-to-terminal transport, where you drop off and pick up your car at designated locations. Additionally, if you’re located in a remote or rural area, extra mileage and limited access may increase the overall cost of your shipment.
Want to ship a car across the country without breaking the bank? Follow these expert tips:
- Book in advance. Last-minute bookings often cost more.
- Be flexible. A broader pickup window can help you secure better rates.
- Choose open transport. Unless your vehicle requires special care, this is the most economical method.
- Avoid peak season. Shipping in spring or fall can be cheaper than summer or winter.
- Use a reputable broker. Ship A Car, Inc. can help you find the best price and most reliable carrier.
Ensuring your car is ready for its long-distance journey is crucial to a smooth experience:
- Clean your car inside and out for easier inspection.
- Take photos of any existing damage.
- Check for leaks and top off fluids.
- Leave only 1/4 tank of gas to reduce weight.
- Remove valuables and any custom accessories not permanently attached.
This preparation reduces the risk of misunderstandings and ensures your vehicle is ready for transport.
The safest way to ship a car across the country is using an enclosed trailer with a reputable transport company like Ship A Car. Enclosed transport protects your vehicle from weather, road debris, and theft. It’s ideal for luxury, classic, or exotic cars. However, even with open transport, Ship A Car, Inc. only uses vetted carriers with top safety ratings, ensuring your car arrives in excellent condition.
Technically, most carriers discourage packing personal items in the vehicle. While some may allow up to 100 pounds in the trunk, items are not covered by insurance, and overloading can violate DOT regulations. If you must include items, speak with your Ship A Car coordinator to ensure compliance and reduce risks.
Transit times vary based on route, traffic, weather, and scheduling—but generally, it takes 7 to 10 days to ship a car across the country. For instance, a shipment from Florida to Washington might take 8 days, while Texas to Illinois could be completed in 4–5. Your SAC coordinator will keep you informed and provide updates throughout the trip.
With over a decade of experience, Ship A Car, Inc. has built a reputation for trustworthy, timely, and cost-effective vehicle transport. We serve individual customers, dealerships, military personnel, snowbirds, and businesses across the U.S. Our trained dispatch specialists match each shipment to the best available carrier, ensuring both affordability and quality.
We don’t ask for upfront payments and provide full transparency in pricing—no surprise fees, no gimmicks. From the first quote to final delivery, our dedicated agents guide you every step of the way.
When you’re ready to ship a car across the country, Ship A Car, Inc. is the name you can trust.
Ship A Car, Inc. has been the go-to solution for individuals and businesses looking to ship a car across the country reliably and affordably. With access to top-rated carriers, transparent pricing, and a dedicated customer service team, we take the stress out of long-distance vehicle transport.
Call us today at (866) 821-4555 to speak with a transport coordinator who can walk you through the process. Or, for a quick estimate, fill out our auto transport calculator online. With Ship A Car, you’re one step closer to moving your vehicle safely, swiftly, and without breaking the bank.
While driving might seem cheaper, once you factor in gas, lodging, meals, and time off work, shipping often becomes more economical—not to mention less stressful and safer for your vehicle.
You can call Ship A Car, Inc. directly at (866) 821-4555 or use the auto transport calculator on our website to receive a custom quote in minutes.
Your car is insured by the carrier’s cargo policy while in transit. Personal belongings inside the vehicle are generally not covered, so it’s best to remove them before shipping.
Yes! We handle fleet transport for businesses, families relocating multiple cars, or dealerships moving inventory across the U.S.
We combine over a decade of expertise with unmatched customer service, no upfront costs, vetted carriers, and complete transparency—making us a top-rated car shipping provider nationwide.
*All data and car shipping rates found in this article are accurate at time of publication and subject to change.
