Quick Summary:
Car shipping for long-distance moves is safer, easier, and often cheaper than driving your vehicle. Learn what shipping options are available, how to find the best long-distance car shipping company, and how to prep your car.
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Why Car Shipping Makes Sense for Long-Distance Moves
There are so many details to consider when planning a long-distance move – budgets, timelines, packing arrangements, transportation, etc. A moving service that many people commonly overlook is car shipping.
According to a Forbes survey conducted in 2024, only 5% of respondents (U.S. adults) who moved across state lines over the last 2 years opted to pay to ship their vehicle.
But paying to ship your car when moving long distances can actually save time, stress, and wear on your vehicle, especially if you’re moving over 300 miles.
Hidden Costs of Driving
The price of gas is the number one factor most people consider when deciding whether to drive themselves or ship their car. But that’s just a small fraction of travel expenses you’ll pay. In addition to gas, tolls, and the cost of lodging if you’re splitting your trip across several days, here are some of the hidden costs of driving vs. long-distance car shipping:
- Vehicle wear from high-speed driving and changing road conditions.
- Vehicle depreciation, which can increase by up to 15% per year with extensive driving.
- Traffic expenses like tolls, parking fees, and fluctuating gas prices.
- Time loss of hours – and potentially, days – on the road.
- Driver fatigue, which increases the risk of accidents and may lead to an unplanned overnight stay along your route.
- Increases in insurance policy rates, which can result from the mileage of the trip.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, road fatigue is a top cause of accidents.
When Long-Distance Car Shipping Is Best
If your move is over 500 miles, car shipping starts to become more cost-effective as the hidden costs start to add up. With those costs in mind, you should seriously consider shipping your vehicle if you want:
- To avoid long road trips with kids or pets.
- To preserve mileage on newer vehicles or leases.
- To transport multiple vehicles in one move.
- To lower the risk of breakdowns or accidents.
- More flexibility in your moving schedule.
Types of Car Shipping Services
There are 2 carrier options for shipping your car for a long-distance move:
- Open Carriers – ships vehicles on an open platform/trailer.
- Enclosed Carriers – ships vehicles in an enclosed trailer/truck bed to protect them from road hazards.
Open carriers are the standard choice, and usually, are much more affordable than enclosed options. Enclosed carriers add an extra layer of protection, which is ideal for luxury or classic cars, and hence, why they’re more expensive. Both methods help reduce the strain on your vehicle when traveling hundreds of miles.
Shipping is usually door-to-door, unless your residence is restricted by narrow streets, tight turns, or city restriction. In those cases, your service provider may arrange to ship your car to a local terminal – a less convenient option, but the trade off is you could save some money.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
The price of shipping a car long distances depends on several factors:
- Distance: Generally, the longer the route, the more expensive.
- Travel Routes: Carriers who can travel across open highways vs. busy metropolitan areas with heavy traffic often charge less for vehicle transport.
- Vehicle Size & Weight: Larger, heavier vehicles may require more space and resources, therefore more expensive.
- Season: Prices usually peak during the summer month and holiday season.
- Transport Type: Open carriers are cheaper, but enclosed carriers are worth the peace of mind for some enthusiasts.
- Delivery Location: Terminal-to-terminal shipping is less convenient, but it’s generally more affordable.
- Fuel Surcharges: Additional charges customers may have to pay to compensate for the gas prices that exceed the base cost-per-gallon.
| Service Type | Best For | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Open Carrier | Standard cars, SUVs | $800–$1,200 |
| Enclosed Carrier | Luxury, EVs, classics | $1,300–$2,000 |
| Terminal-to-Terminal | Budget-conscious moves | $700–$1,000 |
| Door-to-Door | Convenience-focused moves | $850–$1,400 |
Expert Tip: Enclosed shipping is recommended for vehicles over $50,000 in value or EVs like Teslas, Rivians, and Lucids.
Best Times of Year to Ship a Car
The cost of car shipping for long-distance moves can fluctuate by season. Spring into summer is when demand is at its highest, so costs are at their highest too. If you’re able to ship your car during spring or fall, you’ll find the best balance of pricing and availability.
If you don’t have a choice and must move your car during that peak season, our best advice is to book early. The earlier you book, the higher your chances of finding a company with decent rates and availability.
Winter is another great time to ship your car, but there’s a much higher chance of weather delays. If affordability is more important to you than the risk of delays, winter might be the best season to ship your car.
How To Find A Long-Distance Car Shipping Company
After deciding to ship your car for your long-distance move, the next decision you must make is what company to use. We’ve outlined the process for finding a company that is affordable and offers exactly the type of service you need:
- Look for licensed providers. They should have an FMCSA registration, a USDOT number, and insurance coverage.
- Request multiple quotes. Shop around to see what prices are out there to avoid overpaying.
- Look at reviews. BBB and Transport Reviews are 2 trusted websites for customer reviews to narrow your options.
- Make your decision. Choose the provider that offers you the best balance of affordability and peace of mind.
Red Flags To Avoid:
Protect yourself from possible scams by avoiding companies with these red flags:
- Unlicensed brokers with no verified carriers
- Unclear pricing or verbal-only estimates
- Companies that require large deposits up front
How to Prepare Your Car for Transport
- Clean the car inside and out. Makes it easier to spot any pre-existing scratches or dents before transport, and limits the chance of damage from loose debris inside the car.
- Remove personal items. Not all items will be ensured, so it’s best to remove them to avoid any chances of damage or theft.
- Document any existing damage. Time-stamped photos will help provide proof of the condition of your car before the move in the event any new scratches or dents occur after the shipment.
- Disable toll tags & alarms. Helps ensure you don’t get hit with unnecessary toll charges, and your battery isn’t drained if the alarm is set off during loading or unloading.
- Keep the gas tank below ¼ full. Reduces the weight of your vehicle and lowers the risk of fuel leaks during transit.
- Provide a spare key. Drivers need a way to move your car on and off the carrier. A spare key offers some backup protection in the event your primary key gets locked inside the car.
Family Moving Pro Tip: Bundle Auto Shipping with Household Moving
Many top long-distance movers like International Van Lines (IVL) and JK Moving offer bundled car shipping and household moving. Consolidating your household and car-shipping under a moving service can help save time, stress, and money by combining your insurance and coordinating timelines much more easily.
Get Quotes On Long-Distance Move Bundles.
FAQs About Car Shipping for Long-Distance Moves
Yes, shipping your car for a long-distance move is safe, especially with a licensed, insured carrier. Most offer tracking and pre-/post-inspections.
Car shipping depends on the length of your trip and the travel route. On average, 500 - 1,000 miles can take between 2 to 4 days, 1,000 - 2,000 miles can take 3 to 6, and cross-country moves over 2,500+ miles can take 6 to 9 days.
Delays may occur with weather, traffic, or mechanical issues.
Most carriers do not allow this because of weight restrictions and insurance policies. Some may allow up to 100 lbs in the trunk, but it’s always best to ask first so you can plan an alternative way to move those items.
Your carrier should provide valuation coverage. Always take photos before and after, and file a claim immediately if needed.
For high-value or electric vehicles, it’s definitely worth the cost for most car owners. Enclosed carriers offer the most protection against weather, debris, and theft.
