Guide to Ship a Car Cross Country: Costs and Tips

Driving a car from one side of the nation to another can be a challenging task, whether you're moving out to another address, purchasing, or selling a vehicle. Instead of driving your vehicle for such a longer route, you can ship a car cross country service by hiring an auto transport company to transport your vehicle on a trailer.

Understanding Ship a Car Cross Country

Shipping a car cross country means having it moved from one end of the country to another. Knowing the process involved associated costs and preparing for such will ensure this process is smooth and affordable. This guide shall provide in-depth details on what you need to know to efficiently and affordably ship a car cross country.

Average Costs of
Cross Country Car Shipping

The average cost of Cross country car shipping is estimated to be between $800 to $1,600. Also, the accurate car shipping cost involves several factors like distance, shipping method, vehicle type, etc. The breakdown of some key factors is mentioned here.


ship a car cross country

Factors Affecting Cross Country Auto Shipping Cost

1. Shipping Method


  • Open car shipping: This is the most common and cheapest method of transportation. Open car shipping uses an open-air trailer fully exposed to the elements but safer to transport 7 to 9 vehicles at once, which is why its suitable for shipping daily commuter ordinary vehicles. 


  • Enclosed car shipping: In this method, the vehicle is transported on a fully enclosed trailer, which provides protection from all elements. With added safety, the enclosed car shipping method is costly. This method is best suited for shipping premium, antique, and costume build vehicles. 


2. Shipping Distance


  • The distance between shipping locations directly affects shipping costs. The longer the distance, the more costly the transportation.


3. Vehicle Type 


  • The cost of transportation also depends on the dimensions of the vehicle. Smaller vehicle occupies less space in the trailer and cost less, bigger and heavier vehicle occupies more space and also cost more.


4. Vehicle Condition


  • Non-movable vehicles require extra labor to load and unload on the trailer, which also increases the cost. Movable vehicles are easy to handle while loading and unloading also cost less.


5. Seasonality


  • The fluctuation in demand also fluctuates the cost of cross country car shipping. In the summer and winter seasons, the demand for car shipping is high, which is why it is harder and costlier to arrange a trailer to ship your vehicle.


6. Locations


  • The accessibility of pickup and delivery locations can also affect the cost of the shipment. Remote locations, rural areas, and narrow streets can make it harder to drive carriers, which is why they cost more.

How to Ship a Car Across the Country

Shipping a car across the country is a very simple, straight process. In a few simple steps, you can transport your vehicle from location A to B with cross country car shipping method without putting a mile on it. Understanding these steps can also help you grab the best deal that offers good services at reasonable prices.

Step #1. Booking of Shipment 


  • Get multiple quotes: first, in the process, you will need a car shipping quote from an auto transport company. To find out the best deal, get multiple quotes and compare them to find out the best suited quote.


  •  Book the shipment: after getting the best suited quote from a transporter, book your shipment. 

Step #2. Prepare the Vehicle 


  • To ensure the protection of the vehicle during transportation, you must prepare your vehicle for transportation. Some tips are mentioned here to help you prepare your vehicle:

  • Remove personal belongings from the vehicle.

  • Remove the vehicle accessories or make them secure.

  • Inspect any mechanical problems.

  • In the case of EV, Charge the battery but not 100%.

  • Check the tire pressure.

  • Deactivate or remove the toll tags.

  • Turn off the alarm system.

  • Clean your vehicle from the inside.

  • Wash your vehicle.

  • Click a picture of your vehicle.

  • Prepare the keys to be picked up.

Step #3. Pickup


  • Pickup: on the scheduled pickup day, the transportation company will arrange a trailer to ship your vehicle. The trailer will come to the selected location. At first, the operator will inspect your vehicle's condition and prepare the documentation, then securely load the vehicle into the trailer.


  • Departure: after completing the paperwork and loading your vehicle into the trailer, the carrier will depart for the delivery location.

Step #4. Delivery 


  • Delivery: after departure from the pickup location, the trailer will transport your vehicle to the delivery location. Upon the delivery, you must be available at the location for any reason, If you are not available, then you can assign a substitute to take the delivery. The operator will securely unload your car from the trailer and hand it to you.


  • Inspection: upon delivery time, once again inspect your car for any kind of damage while transportation: ensure the condition of your vehicle; if you find any damage, immediately document it and report it to the shipping company. If it's necessary, file the claim for the insurance.






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