Shipping a car to another state doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you are moving for work, selling a car to a buyer across the country or sending one to a college student, the process follows the same steps. This guide covers what it costs, how long it takes, open vs enclosed transport, how to prepare the car and how to choose a company you can trust.
Key findings
- Most interstate moves cost $500–$2,000 for a sedan on an open carrier. Distance, vehicle size, trailer type and season set the price.
- Transit takes 1–14 days depending on distance, plus 1–5 days before a carrier picks the car up.
- Open transport is the right choice for most cars. Enclosed costs 30–50% more and makes sense for classic, exotic or very valuable cars.
- Check the company before you book: active FMCSA operating authority, cargo insurance and whether it is a carrier or a broker.
- Document the car at pickup and delivery on the bill of lading; that record is what any damage claim relies on.
What Does It Mean to Ship a Car to Another State?
When you ship a car to another state, you hire a licensed auto transport carrier to move your vehicle from a pickup location to a delivery address. You do not drive the car yourself. Instead, it rides on a truck, open or enclosed, while you travel separately.
This service is common for long-distance moves, snowbird relocations, online vehicle purchases, and military transfers. Because the distances involved are large, most people find that shipping saves both time and wear on the vehicle compared to driving it cross-country.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Another State?
Cost is the first thing most people search for, so let’s address it directly.
The price to ship a car to another state typically ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on several factors:
- Distance: Longer routes cost more. A cross-country shipment from New York to California will cost significantly more than a regional haul from Texas to Florida.
- Transport type: Open transport is cheaper. Enclosed transport costs 30–50% more but protects your vehicle from weather and road debris.
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks take up more space on the carrier, so they cost more to ship than compact sedans.
- Time of year: Demand peaks in summer and in the snowbird windows: heading south from October to January and back north from March to May. Prices on those lanes are usually lowest outside these months.
- Pickup and delivery location: Door-to-door service costs more than terminal-to-terminal. Rural areas may also carry a surcharge.
The quickest way to see a realistic number for your trip is our car shipping cost calculator: enter the two cities and your vehicle. Then compare written quotes from two or three companies for the same dates.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport: Which Should You Choose?
When you ship a car to another state, you will need to choose between two main transport methods.
Open Transport
Open transport is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle rides on an open-air carrier alongside other cars: the same type of truck you see on highways loaded with new vehicles from manufacturers.
Best for: Standard sedans, daily drivers, and any situation where budget matters most.
Not ideal for: High-value vehicles, classic cars, or luxury cars where paint protection is a priority.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a covered trailer. It is protected from rain, dust, road debris, and UV exposure throughout the journey.
Best for: Sports cars, vintage vehicles, luxury sedans, and motorcycles.
Not ideal for: Budget-sensitive shipments where the extra cost is not justified.
In most cases open transport is the practical choice. Enclosed is worth the extra cost for classic and collector cars, exotics, very low cars, fresh paint, or cars worth more than about $100,000. Not sure? How should I ship my car? walks through it by vehicle type.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Another State?
Transit times vary based on the route and carrier schedule. Here is a general breakdown:
| Route Distance | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Short haul (under 500 miles) | 1–3 days |
| Mid-range (500–1,500 miles) | 3–5 days |
| Long haul (1,500–3,000 miles) | 5–9 days |
| Cross-country (3,000+ miles) | 7–12 days |
Carriers fill a truck before they set off, so pickup is usually 1–5 days after your first available date. Plan for that if you have a hard deadline. For timelines by route and the reasons shipments run late, see how long it takes to ship a car.
How to Ship a Car to Another State: Step-by-Step
Here is a straightforward process to follow when arranging interstate vehicle transport.
Step 1: Get Multiple Quotes
Ask two or three companies for a written quote for the same dates and vehicle. Compare the total price, the pickup window, the cargo insurance limit and whether the company holds active operating authority with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A quote far below the others is a warning sign, not a bargain.
Step 2: Choose Open or Enclosed Transport
Decide on your transport type based on the vehicle’s value, your budget, and the route conditions. Most people choose open transport.
Step 3: Prepare Your Vehicle
Before the driver arrives, get the car ready. Our car shipping checklist has the full list and a printable inspection form:
- Wash the car so any pre-existing damage is visible and documented
- Remove all personal items from the interior; carriers are not responsible for belongings left inside
- Disable any toll tags or parking passes
- Check tire pressure and battery charge
- Leave roughly a quarter tank of gas: enough to load and unload, but not a full tank (full tanks add weight)
- Document the vehicle’s current condition with photos and video from all angles
Wondering whether you can leave a few things in the trunk? See can you put stuff in your car when shipping it.
Step 4: Complete the Bill of Lading
At pickup, the driver will inspect your vehicle and record its condition on a document called the bill of lading. Review it carefully. Note any existing scratches, dents, or damage before signing. Keep a copy for your records.
Step 5: Track Your Shipment and Prepare for Delivery
Most carriers give a delivery window rather than an exact time. Stay in touch with the driver or the broker as the date gets close. At delivery, compare the car with your pickup photos and the bill of lading before you sign. If there is new damage, write it on the delivery bill of lading before the driver leaves; our damage claim guide explains what to do next.
Moving for good? Your new state will expect you to register the car within a set number of days. See registering a car in a new state for deadlines and costs.
How to Choose the Best Company to Ship Your Car to Another State
The best company for an interstate move is not the one with the lowest quote. It is a licensed company that runs or regularly books your route and puts its price and pickup window in writing. Check the following before you book:
Play- Interstate operating authority: A USDOT number alone is not enough. To haul your car across state lines, a carrier needs active operating authority (an MC number), and a broker needs broker authority. Some companies are registered for in-state trips only, so check the record on the FMCSA company lookup.
- Carrier or broker: Ask which one you are hiring. A broker books your car with a partner carrier; that is legal and common on long routes, but you should know who will actually pick up the car.
- Insurance coverage: Carriers must file liability insurance with the FMCSA. Cargo insurance, which pays for damage to your car, is not federally required for car haulers, so ask for the certificate and the cargo limit before booking.
- Reviews: Look for patterns in customer feedback, not just the overall star rating. Pay attention to how companies handle problems.
- Transparent pricing: Avoid companies that offer unusually low quotes and then add fees later.
- Clear communication: A reliable company gives you a realistic pickup window, provides tracking, and responds promptly to questions.
For how the carrier and broker split the job, and who pays if the car is damaged, read broker or carrier: who you’re actually hiring. For warning signs before you pay a deposit, see auto transport scams and how to spot them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Car Interstate
Many first-time shippers run into the same issues. Here is what to watch out for:
Booking too late. Carriers fill up quickly, especially on popular routes in summer. Book at least two weeks in advance for standard transport, and four or more weeks for enclosed.
Leaving valuables in the car. Carriers are not responsible for personal items. Remove electronics, documents, and anything of value before pickup.
Not reading the insurance terms. Ask what the deductible is and what types of damage are covered. Some policies exclude certain categories.
Choosing price over everything else. A quote well below the market often comes from a broker who then can’t find a carrier willing to take the car at that price, so your pickup slips. Why car shipping quotes go up after booking explains how it happens.
Skipping the inspection. Always document your vehicle’s condition before and after transport. This protects you if a dispute arises.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car From One State to Another? (Route Examples)
To give you a practical reference, here are typical price ranges for common US routes:
| Route | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| New York → Florida | $950–$1,375 | $1,450–$2,050 |
| California → Texas | $1,000–$1,450 | $1,525–$2,150 |
| Illinois → Arizona | $1,075–$1,525 | $1,600–$2,300 |
| New York → California | $1,425–$2,050 | $2,150–$3,050 |
| Florida → Oregon | $1,525–$2,150 | $2,275–$3,225 |
These are estimates for a standard sedan. Your actual quote depends on vehicle size, date flexibility and how many trucks run your route that week. Every route has its own guide with prices, transit time and companies; browse the popular car shipping routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you ship a car to another state?
You hire a licensed auto transport carrier, choose between open or enclosed transport, prepare your vehicle, and schedule a pickup. The carrier loads your car onto a truck and delivers it to your destination. The process typically takes 1–14 days depending on the distance.
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
Most interstate car shipments cost between $500 and $2,000. Distance, vehicle size, transport type, and season all affect the final price. Request quotes from multiple companies to compare.
How can I ship a car to another state safely?
Choose a carrier with a valid FMCSA registration and cargo insurance. Document your vehicle’s condition with photos before pickup, remove personal belongings, and review the bill of lading carefully at both pickup and delivery.
How long does it take to ship a car to another state?
Short routes under 500 miles take 1–3 days. Cross-country routes of 3,000+ miles can take 7–12 days. Expect a 1–5 day pickup window after your requested date.
What is the best company to ship a car to another state?
There is no single best company for every interstate move. Choose one with active FMCSA interstate authority and insurance, experience on your route, a written all-in price and clear answers about whether it is a carrier or a broker. Compare two or three verified companies for the same dates.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car to another state?
Open transport on a flexible schedule is the most affordable option. Being flexible on pickup and delivery dates can also lower your cost, because carriers can add your vehicle to an existing run.
Before you book
Look up any company’s USDOT number in our free FMCSA company lookup to confirm its authority and insurance, and compare companies that serve your area by state and city in our car shipping directory.