The Car Shipping Guide: Costs, Services, and Safety Tips

Publish Date: October 3, 2025

Last Modified Date: October 3, 2025

Category: Long Distance Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: auto, auto transport, auto transport quote, brokers, budget, car carrier, car transportation, carriers, cars, long distance, long distance move, movers, moving, moving quote, moving truck, penske, uhaul

If you’re relocating, planning a long-distance move, or buying a car in another state, figuring out how to ship your car can save you a ton of time and is a safe, convenient option. You don’t have to make the drive on your own — a car shipping service can haul your vehicle for you.

Since your car is probably one of the most expensive things you own, it’s worth your time to find a shipping company you can trust. A reliable and experienced transporter can help get your car to its destination safely and on schedule.

But, there’s a lot to think about before you hand over your keys — and that’s where this guide comes in. We’ll cover everything you need to know before shipping your car, including how much you can expect to pay, types of shipping, and how to choose the right company. We’ll also help you spot red flags and tell you how to get your vehicle ready and in top shape for shipping.

What Are Your Car Shipping Options?

The first thing you’ll need to do when you start looking into how to ship your car is to pick a carrier type. Next, decide how you want the company to handle pickup and delivery. These choices can have a big impact on your shipping costs and convenience. They also determine how your car is protected — which is especially important if you’re shipping a high-value vehicle.

Open vs. enclosed carriers

Open carriers are the most popular type of car shipping. You’ve probably seen them on the highway before — they usually have two open-air decks loaded with cars. This budget-friendly option works well, but keep in mind your car will be exposed to the weather. It’s usually best for standard or lower-value vehicles.

But if you have a rare, vintage, or luxury vehicle, an enclosed carrier is probably the better option. Your car will be transported in an enclosed box trailer, so you can rest assured that it’s safe from people, flying debris, and weather.

Terminal-to-terminal vs. door-to-door

With terminal-to-terminal shipping, you’ll drop your vehicle off at a transportation terminal. Drivers will load it onto a truck and move it to a terminal close to your destination. If you’re close to terminals — and don’t mind handling drop-off and pick-up yourself — this option can save you some cash.

If you want something more convenient, you can also opt for door-to-door shipping services, where the carrier drives right to your pickup location and drops off the car at an address that works for you. This type of shipping can also be a good choice if you live in a rural area without a terminal nearby.

Domestic vs. international shipping

If you’re shipping a car within the country, your shipper will probably use a truck. For international shipments, the journey could involve a ship, a truck, a train, or some combination. International shipping usually costs more and takes longer than domestic shipping, so be sure to plan ahead if your car is crossing borders.

How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?

Car shipping isn’t a one-price-fits-all situation. You could pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500. However, the cost could be higher or lower depending on your vehicle type and the details of your move.

Most car shipping companies charge by the mile. On average, that’s about $2.92 per mile for trips under 200 miles and $0.78 per mile if you’re shipping over 1,000 miles.

Here’s a look at car shipping costs for various distances:

Distance	Shipping cost
100 miles	$525
500 miles	$835
1,000 miles	$1,150
1,500 miles	$1,200

For example, let’s say you’re shipping a 2020 Toyota 4Runner from New York City. You might pay $1,400 to ship it to Los Angeles and $525 to ship it to Boston. A bigger vehicle, such as a Chevrolet Suburban, would cost $1,525 or $600 for the same routes.

Factors That Affect the Price of Car Shipping

The prices above are just estimates — you might pay more or less depending on your situation. How much it costs to ship your car depends on a few key factors:

Distance: The longer the distance, the more you’ll pay for shipping. Shipping a car to another state is often more expensive than intrastate shipping.
Vehicle size: It typically costs less to ship a compact car or a crossover than a full-size van or truck.
Vehicle condition: If your car isn’t drivable, you’ll probably pay more for shipping. The company will determine how to transport the car using special equipment for loading and unloading.
Carrier type: Because enclosed carriers provide more protection for your car, they tend to be more expensive than open carriers.
Delivery type: It’s almost always more expensive to have your car shipped to a residential address than to have it dropped off at a terminal.
Location: Shipping your car between major cities or ports? You might get a better deal than you would when shipping to a small town or rural area.
Season: Carriers often charge more to transport your car during the peak spring and summer seasons.
Timeline: If you need your car delivered in a hurry, it’s safe to expect a higher price tag. You may be able to save money with a slower service.

How to Choose a Car Shipping Service

After you decide how to ship your car, you’re ready to start comparing car shipping companies. Don’t be afraid to take your time — a bit of research up front can save you time, money, and stress later on. Start by making a list of companies that ship cars in your area, and then use these tips to choose the one that’s right for you.

Check Licensing and FMCSA Registration

Before you do anything else, make sure that each company on your list is legal. Search for the business name in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) SAFER System. This will bring you to an info page about the company. Make sure it has an active US Department of Transportation (DOT) number and that it’s allowed to transport vehicles.

While you’re at it, enter the company’s USDOT number into the FMCSA’s licensing and insurance search tool to check that the business is licensed.

Verify Insurance and COI

Insurance isn’t exciting, but it’s what protects you if something goes wrong. While you’re looking at the company’s FMCSA licensing and insurance listing, find the “Insurance Type” section. It tells you what type of insurance the business is supposed to have — and more importantly, whether it actually has that coverage. This can protect you financially if your car is dented or the carrier gets in an accident.

“[Before shipping your car snap] some close-up shots of existing dents and dings as well as a few wider-angle shots. This will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.”

Not all car shipping companies do the transportation themselves; they may outsource it to a third-party carrier. To make sure you can trust that carrier, ask the shipping company for the carrier’s certificate of insurance (COI). The COI confirms the carrier is insured and that your car will be covered. It’s an extra layer of protection for your vehicle.

Read Customer Reviews to Understand the Company’s Reputation

Customer reviews give you a real look at what it’s like to work with a company — the good and the bad. For each of the shippers on your shortlist, check their Google Business Profile to find honest reviews. A Google Business Profile shows reviews, ratings, and basic company details right in Google search. If you’re on the fence, dive a little deeper by reading social media comments and Reddit threads about companies you’re considering.

Want to make sure the company has a good reputation? Look for complaints on its Better Business Bureau profile, and search for the business name on Google to find out if it’s popped up in the news. The FMCSA SAFER results tell you if the company has any safety issues or failed inspections.

Look for Green Flags

Green flags are signs you’ve found a keeper. Keep an eye out for positive signs such as:

Transparent quotes: Make sure the car shipping quote spells out all the important details, such as the type of service, what’s included, and extra fees.
Easy references: A company with nothing to hide will gladly give you references who can speak to their service.
Written contracts: Your shipping provider should always give you a written contract with the vehicle information, carrier type, services, and costs. Make sure it includes the pickup and delivery dates and locations, a schedule, and insurance information.

Look for Red Flags

Not all car shipping companies are trustworthy. If you spot any of these red flags, it’s best to walk away:

Cash-only payments: If a company insists on cash-only payments, it’s a major red flag.
Missing legal details: Don’t hand over your expensive car to a company that isn’t licensed, registered, and insured.
Vague or inadequate insurance: If the company is vague about what’s covered and what’s not, it’s a problem. Good companies will offer crystal-clear coverage details.

How the Car Shipping Process Works

Shipping your car can feel complicated, but once you choose a great provider, you’re halfway there. From there, the process is pretty straightforward once you know what to expect.

Step 1: Get a quote and book

First, contact the company and request a quote. If the price works with your budget, go ahead and book. The company will help you plan pickup and delivery. It’s best to get quotes from several companies so you can compare and find the best price for your needs.

Step 2: Prepare your car

Next, it’s time to get your car ready to hit the road. Give it a good cleaning, and take photos of the inside and outside — they’ll be useful if you need to file an insurance claim.

Step 3: Terminal-to-terminal shipping

If you choose terminal-to-terminal shipping, you’ll need to drive the car to the terminal. You’ll hand over the keys and sign paperwork, and the company will take it from there. When the car arrives, you’ll pick it up and sign papers to confirm that it was delivered safely.

Step 4: Door-to-door shipping

The process for door-to-door shipping is even easier. A truck will come right to your home (or another pickup location). You’ll hand over the keys, and the driver will load your car. They’ll drop it off wherever you choose.

Step 5: Special circumstances

Live in an area that’s hard for trucks to access? You might need to meet the driver somewhere with more space for pickup or drop-off.

Step 6: Delivery timeline

If you’ve booked a rush delivery, your car could arrive in just a few days. Standard delivery usually takes a couple of weeks.

Prepare Your Car for Transport

Before your car starts its journey, get it ready to hit the road. Preparing the vehicle protects it from accidental damage and ensures that the driver can get it safely on and off the carrier.

Here’s how to prepare your car for shipping:

Empty out the car: Grab a few plastic bags, and empty out all your personal items. Then, take off exterior accessories such as bike racks, and if you have toll passes, make sure to grab them so you don’t get stuck with surprise charges.
Protect exterior accessories: Do you have accessories that can’t be removed, like roof racks or antennas? Tighten the screws to make sure they don’t wiggle loose on the road.
Clean the car: Once everything is out of your car, vacuum the floors and wipe down the dash and door panels.
Take photos: Snap some close-up shots of existing dents and dings as well as a few wider-angle shots. This will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim.
Top up fluids: To help avoid issues during loading or unloading, top up the oil, brake fluid, coolant, and wiper fluid.
Protect the interior: Wrap your driver’s seat and floor mats with plastic. That way, you don’t have to worry if the driver tracks in a little dirt or oil.
Get some gas: If your car is drivable, you’ll need to leave some fuel in the tank so the carrier can drive it on and off the truck. A quarter tank of gas is usually plenty, but check your contract for the recommended fuel level.

Common Car Shipping Mistakes to Avoid

First time shipping a car? Here are common mistakes that trip people up — and more importantly, how you can avoid them.

Waiting too long to book: The best companies book up early. If you wait, you might pay more and have fewer dates to choose from.
Choosing a company based solely on the lowest price: A low price tag might sound great, but not if it comes at the expense of safety. Before you snap up that good deal, read reviews and check the company’s insurance.
Not checking insurance coverage: If something goes wrong on the road and the company isn’t insured, you’ll be on the hook for the repairs.
Leaving valuables in the vehicle: Stuff in your car can catch the attention of thieves, especially when the carrier is stopped at a truck stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still need more information before you feel comfortable shipping your car? Here are a few things that customers often wonder about.

Is shipping my car safe?

Shipping your car is safe, as long as you work with a licensed and insured company with a good reputation. For extra peace of mind, choose a company with good insurance coverage and a proven safety record.

Can I put stuff in my car during transport?

Some shipping companies allow you to leave personal belongings in the car, but not always. As you pack, keep in mind that companies usually limit extra weight to about 100-200 pounds.

What are the best moving companies with vehicle transport for long-distance moves?

There are certain moving companies who can also ship your vehicle for you. However, full-service movers (those who handle your move from start to finish, including the truck and driver) tend to be the most expensive option for long-distance moves. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you can work with MovingPlace’s long-distance service, which is cheaper than traditional van lines and can also help you ship your car.

Do I need insurance to ship a car?

You don’t usually need your own car insurance to ship a vehicle, but having it adds protection. Your coverage can be a real lifesaver if your vehicle is damaged.

How long does it take to ship a car?

It usually takes 1-3 weeks to ship a car. However, the timeline might be longer if demand is high or if the driver runs into bad weather.

What should I do if my car is damaged?

If your car is damaged during the shipping process, you’ll need to document it with photos. Don’t just accept the car — write a description of the damage on the Bill of Lading before you take the keys. Then, report the problem to your shipping company and file an insurance claim. It’s also a good idea to report the damage to your own insurance company.

How to Ship a Car to Another State (and What It Actually Costs)

Author: Casey Bond

Publish Date: June 25, 2025

Last Modified Date: June 25, 2025

Category: Long Distance Moving Advice, Money Saving, Moving Advice

Tags: Tags: big rig, big rig car shipping, car shipping, car shipping cost, cars, how does car shipping work, how much is car shipping, long distance move, movers, moving, moving cars, shipping cars, shipping my car, shipping trucks, transporting cars, uhaul, uhaul car shipping, uhaul cost, uhaul trailer cost

When you’re relocating your vehicle or buying one in another part of the country, you may not be able to drive it yourself. Between the time, cost, and stress of driving a long distance, the process isn’t always feasible. That doesn’t mean you need to leave your car — you just need to learn how to ship a car to another state.

The process isn’t all that complex or difficult, and we’ll go over the options for shipping your car, whether or not it’s worth it for your situation, how much it costs, and how to prep your vehicle for transport. By the end, you’ll understand everything you need to know to get your car to your new home in another state safe and sound.

What Are Your Options for Shipping a Car to Another State?

The first step in shipping a car to another state is choosing a mode of transport. Depending on your situation, some options might be a better fit based on availability, price point, and what kind of car you want to transport. These are the most common car shipping options.

Open Carrier Shipping (Most Popular)

An open carrier is the most popular type of cross-country car transport, and you’ve probably seen one of the carriers on the road before. Your car is loaded onto a multilevel rack on an open car hauler and driven to its destination.

Recommended for: Most vehicles and situations

Pros

Widely available
Fast and affordable

Cons

Vehicles exposed to the elements
Typically not suitable for luxury or vintage cars

Enclosed Carrier Shipping

Enclosed carrier shipping is similar to open carrier, except it uses a covered car hauler. The trailer walls shield the car, so it’s less likely to be damaged or scratched by flying rocks and debris.

Recommended for: Luxury and classic cars, new vehicles

Pros

Protects the vehicle exterior
Extra security from theft or vandalism

Cons

Higher cost

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

When shipping your car, you can choose terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door delivery. These are similar methods of transporting your car, but they have some important differences them.

Terminal-to-terminal shipping

You drop off your vehicle at a terminal, where it’s held until the company has enough cars to fill a carrier. When the company delivers your car, it arrives at another terminal near your new home. Keep in mind that if you leave the car at the destination terminal, you may incur storage fees.

Recommended for: People with flexible timelines

Pros of terminal-to-terminal shipping

Affordable
Easy drop-off and pickup

Cons of terminal-to-terminal shipping

May take longer

Door-to-door delivery

This option is exactly what it sounds like — the company picks up your car, ships it to your new state, and drops it off at your new home.

Recommended for: People who have a tight schedule or live in a remote area far from vehicle shipping terminals

Pros of door-to-door delivery

Fast and efficient
No need to be near a terminal

Cons of door-to-door delivery

More expensive

Tips for Choosing a Car Shipping Company

As you consider different car shipping companies, it’s important to get multiple quotes so you can compare and find the best deals. Check that each of your top choices is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can also check the company’s safety record using the FMCSA SAFER system. After that, verify it’s fully insured and read customer reviews to get a sense of what it’s like to work with the carrier.

How Much Does Shipping a Car to Another State Cost?

The cost of shipping a car to another state varies, which is another reason why it’s important to get multiple quotes. Typically, your final price will be influenced the most by the following factors:

1. Distance

This aspect of your move has the biggest impact on the final cost. If you’re shipping a car to a state that’s less than 100 miles away, it’s considered a short-distance move. Shorter moves will cost you more per mile, on average, but less overall in total because you don’t have far to go.

Long-distance moves of several hundred miles or more are much more expensive. It can also cost more to ship a car to a location that’s in a rural area versus a major metropolitan area.

2. Vehicle Size and Type

Not all vehicles will cost the same to ship. Size and weight also influence the price.

If you have a compact car, such as a Honda Civic or Mini Cooper, it will likely cost you much less to ship than a Ford F150 or Toyota 4Runner. Also, certain vehicles, such as vintage or luxury cars, often cost more to ship because they require special care.

3. Method of Transportation

In general, open carriers are more affordable than enclosed carriers. If your car is a few years old, you may be okay with shipping it via an open carrier big rig.

However, if your car is brand new, a classic, or custom-built, you might opt for an enclosed carrier, which costs about 60% more on average.

In most cases, the company will ship your car by truck. This option is the most widely available and usually allows for door-to-door transport. You may also be able to ship your car by train, which is often faster and safer than shipping it by truck, but keep in mind that this option may add to the cost.

4. Time of Year

The season will also impact the overall cost of shipping your car. Summer is the most popular time to move, and the increased demand often drives rates higher.

“It can take anywhere from 3 to 21 days to ship your car to another state. Shorter distances typically require 3-7 days; longer moves can take 7-21 days.”

If possible, try to schedule your move for spring or fall, when the weather is still mild, but the cost won’t be at its peak.

5. Added Fees

Some situations require you to pay additional fees on top of the base shipping price. If you’re shipping a particularly valuable car, you may want to pay for extra insurance. If you need your car shipped ASAP, you could pay a few hundred dollars extra for express shipping.

Car Shipping Costs in 2025

The average cost of shipping a car is around $1,150. The actual price can range from $550 to $2,450. This amounts to $0.60 to $1.70 per mile, or an average price of $1.15 per mile.

As you can see, the cost of shipping a car out of state can vary considerably, but the most important factor in regards to cost is always how far your car is being transported.

How Much Does Car Shipping Cost for Short Moves?

If you choose to ship your car rather than drive it, you’ll find that intrastate and short-distance moves are generally cheaper than long-distance moves because of the shorter distance.

On average, you can expect to pay about $1.10–$1.70 per mile for moves of 500 miles or less, according to Forbes. Since costs can vary quite a bit across car shipping companies, it’s a good idea to budget around $500 to $1,000 for a short-distance move.

Interstate Car Shipping Costs 2025

When you’re shipping a car between states, rates actually get cheaper the further you go. If you’re planning an interstate move of 1,000 miles, the average cost per mile drops to $0.94 for a sedan. However, you still end up spending more overall on a long-distance move due to the high mileage.

The size of your car also makes a big difference. As you might expect, heavier or larger cars cost more per mile to ship than smaller, compact cars.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay per mile for shipping a car 1,000 miles based on vehicle size:

Vehicle Size	Per-Mile Average Cost (Estimate)
Sedan	$1.15
Compact SUV	$1.35
SUV	$1.55
Truck	$1.75

But as distance goes up, the average mileage rate goes down. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay per mile based on distance, regardless of vehicle size:

Distance	Per-Mile Average Cost (Estimate)
500 miles	$1.10–$1.70
1,000–1,500 miles	$0.90–$1.30
2,500 miles	$0.60–$0.70

How Much Does Transporting Your Own Car Cost?

With so many car shipping options, it’s easy to forget that you can still tow your own car. But transporting your own vehicle isn’t for the faint of heart — it requires some skilled driving, especially when changing lanes.

But because this is a less-expensive option than shipping, you might be wondering just how much it can save you. We’ll go through U-Haul’s pricing so you can get some idea of the difference in costs between towing your car yourself and getting it shipped.

Local Move

U-Haul trailer rental rates for a tow dolly (for a front-wheel drive vehicle) start at $44.95 per day, and an auto transport trailer starts at $54.95 per day. Keep in mind that if you’re using another vehicle for transport, the added weight of the second car will worsen your gas mileage, which could add to your final costs.

Long-Distance Move

We requested quotes for a hypothetical long-distance move from Clearwater, Florida, to Los Angeles, California, during the August high-demand season. The price for an auto transport trailer for a 4-wheel drive vehicle was $753.

“However, if your car is brand new, a classic, or custom-built, you might opt for an enclosed carrier, which costs about 60% more on average.”

If you wanted to tow your car with a U-Haul truck, the price dropped to $430 for the auto transport plus $2,606 for the trailer. Of course, rates might be cheaper during lower-demand seasons.

Other Considerations

U-Haul provides specific guidelines for selecting the best vehicle trailer for your car. To find the appropriate trailer, contact U-Haul for their recommendation.

In general, tow dollies are a more affordable option — if they work for your vehicles. In the situation above, a dolly on its own would be $376. Keep in mind that hitch installation, taxes, and other fees add to the cost.

There’s Just One Hitch (Pun Intended)

All U-Haul trailers require a proper hitch and lighting to hook to your vehicle. You need either a Class 2 or Class 3 trailer hitch with a 2-inch ball. If you don’t have a proper hitch, you must have one installed.

You can either get that done on your own or make an appointment to have U-Haul install a hitch. But know that U-Haul doesn’t install third-party hitches. Costs vary by vehicle: for a 2020 Subaru Forester, the quote was $174.95 online. You might be able to get a cheaper quote by calling directly.

Or Rent a U-Haul and a Vehicle Trailer

It’s good to know all U-Haul trucks come equipped with a hitch and lighting. So, if you’re renting a U-Haul for your move, you can tow your vehicle with your rental truck as long as it meets U-Haul’s standards.

According to U-Haul:

“While moving costs are dependent on things like when you are planning to move and how far you’re moving, U-Haul customers spend less than $1,200 on average for our most popular truck and towing equipment combination (15’ Moving Truck and Auto Transport).”

Plus, you’ll get a hefty discount on the vehicle trailer when you rent a U-Haul truck. Other rental truck companies may have similar discounts, so be sure to shop around.

How to Prepare Your Car for Cross-State Shipping

Once you’ve chosen a shipping method and company, here’s how to prepare your car:

Clean the interior and exterior.
Find your extra set of keys to give to the carrier.
Take the car in for a tune-up and fluid check.
Remove all personal items and valuables.
Photograph the interior and exterior for insurance.
Take off exterior accessories such as luggage or bike racks.
Drive the car until there’s about one-quarter of a tank of gas left.
Remove all toll passes.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Another State?

It can take anywhere from 3 to 21 days to ship your car to another state. Shorter distances typically require 3-7 days; longer moves can take 7-21 days. The timeline depends on the method, the distance, and the carrier capacity. Bad weather can slow the process.

If you need faster transport, consider door-to-door delivery. Some carriers offer expedited 1-3 day services for an additional fee.

When Shipping a Car, Can You Pack It?

Moving long distances can be pricey, so anything you can do to reduce the size of your moving truck or shipping container helps.

The good news is that, in many cases, you can put some of your belongings in your car to be transported along with it. However, you can’t pack just anything. Avoid fragile, valuable, and hazardous items. Keep your belongings in the trunk or below the window line to avoid theft.

Also, consider that weight impacts the overall cost of car shipping. Usually, there’s room for about 100–200 pounds of extra weight before fees get tacked on.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Car

Once you’ve decided how you want to ship your car, check this list to avoid problems:

Don’t leave valuables in the car: Leaving valuables in your car during shipping increases your liability for your insurance.
Don’t make last-minute bookings: Booking ahead of time helps ensure you’ll be able to ship your car when you need to—and you’ll be more likely to have it when you need it.
Verify insurance coverage: Putting your car in someone else’s hands can be a risk. Verify the insurance coverage—including details about limitations and what’s covered—so you’re protected if anything goes wrong.
Don’t select a carrier based on price alone: Price isn’t everything. A budget provider may be able to ship your car to where you need it, but they may not be able to do it quickly. Research multiple options and find one that fits your needs.
Document the condition of the vehicle: Shipping anything comes with the possibility of damage. Take photos of every piece of the car so you have something to compare the received vehicle to (and to provide evidence for insurance if something goes wrong).

The Cost of Shipping a Car to Another State: Final Thoughts

Shipping a car to another state can be pricey, but so can buying a new car in your new hometown — not to mention car shopping is a total hassle. You should look into the choices you have to see which one is best for your situation, and don’t dismiss shipping as an option outright. If you’re looking to save on car shipping, consider transporting your vehicle yourself. Or, if that’s not an option, find ways to save on other moving expenses to offset the costs.