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How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car Across the Country?
By noel MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Are you planning to move across the country and need to transport your car? Or did you buy a car from another state and need it shipped to your doorstep? Whatever the reason, shipping a car across the country can be a complex and daunting process.
You might be wondering how much it costs to ship your car across the United States. The cost of shipping a car depends on various factors, including the distance, the type of car, the time of year and the shipping option you choose.
In this article, we will explore the various ways to ship a car across the country, the average cost of shipping by type of transportation, cost per mile, and vehicle type, along with all the factors that affect the final cost.
Table of Contents
- Ways to ship a car across the country
- Average cost of shipping a car across the country
- Cost per vehicle type
- Factors that affect the cost of shipping a car across the country
- The best companies that offer cross-country car shipping
- FAQs
- How we determined car shipping costs
Ways to ship a car across the country
When it comes to shipping a car across the country, there are several options available to you. The method you choose will depend on factors such as vehicle type, budget and timeline. This section will explore some of the most common ways to ship a car across the country, including open-air transport, enclosed transport and more. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each method, so you can make an informed decision about the best way to transport your vehicle.
Open-air transportation: This is the most common and affordable way to ship a car across the country. Your car is loaded onto an open car carrier, which can carry up to 10 cars at once. The carrier is exposed to the elements, so your car is not protected from road debris, weather conditions or other hazards. However, it’s a safe and reliable option for most vehicles and suitable for those who want to save on shipping costs.
Enclosed transportation: This premium shipping option provides extra protection for your car. Your car is loaded onto an enclosed carrier, which can carry up to six cars at once. The carrier is fully enclosed, protecting your car from road debris and other hazards. Enclosed transportation is suitable for high-end or classic cars and is more expensive than open-air transportation.
Passenger Train: Some passenger trains offer car shipping services, and it’s an affordable way to transport your car across the country. Your car is loaded onto a flatbed railcar, secured with straps and chains. The railcar is exposed to the elements, so your vehicle is not protected from weather conditions or other hazards. However, it’s a safe and reliable option for most vehicles and suitable for those who want to save money on shipping costs.
Port-to-Port transportation: This option is ideal for those who want to ship their car overseas. Your car is loaded onto a ship at a port in the United States and transported to a port in another country. Port-to-Port transportation is more expensive than other options, but it’s necessary for those who want to ship their car outside the United States.
Air Freight: This is the fastest and most expensive way to ship a car across the country. Your car is loaded onto a cargo plane and transported to your destination. Air Freight is suitable for those who want to transport their car quickly or those who have high-end or classic cars.
Average cost of shipping a car across the country
Shipping a car across several states can be a significant investment, and it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the costs involved before making a decision. While the cost of shipping a car across the country can vary depending on several factors — the method of transportation you choose, the distance your car needs to travel and the type of car you have — it’s helpful to have an idea of the average cost you can expect to pay.
This section will explore the average cost of shipping a car across the country and the factors that can impact the final price. By understanding the costs involved, you’ll be better equipped to decide on the best shipping option for your needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of shipping a car by each method:
| Type of transport | Average cost |
| Open-air transportation | $600 to $1,000 |
| Enclosed transportation | $1,000 to $1,500 |
| Passenger Train | $400 to $700 |
| Port-to-Port transportation | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Air Freight | $2,000 to $5,000 |
The cost per mile is also an important factor to consider when shipping a car. The following table provides this cost based on distance and the total cost of shipping a car:
| Distance (in miles) | Cost per mile | Total cost |
| 500 miles | $1 to $1.50 | $500 to $750 |
| 1,000 miles | $0.75 to $1 | $750 to $1,000 |
| 2,000 miles | $0.50 to $0.75 | $1,000 to $1,500 |
| 3,000 miles | $0.35 to $0.50 | $1,050 to $1,500 |
Cost per vehicle type
| Type | Cost |
| Sedan | $900 to $1,300 |
| SUV | $1,100 to $1,500 |
| Sports Car | $1,000 to $1,500 |
| Classic car | $1,200 to $1,600 |
The numbers above are just estimates. The actual cost may vary based on the specifics of your vehicle and shipping needs.
Factors that affect the cost to ship a car across the country
Shipping a car across the country can be a significant undertaking, and it’s important to consider all the factors that can affect the cost. The cost of shipping a car can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle, the shipping options selected, the pickup and delivery locations and the time of year.
It’s vital to understand these factors and how they impact the cost of shipping your car so you can make informed decisions and choose the best shipping options for you. In this section, we’ll explore the various factors that can affect the cost so that you can be better prepared for the process.
Here are a few of the most significant:
Distance: When it comes to the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, the cost of shipping a car across the country is largely based on the mileage between the two points. The farther the distance, the more fuel, and labor are required to complete the transport, which leads to higher shipping costs.
Additionally, the location of the pickup and delivery points can also affect the price, as shipping to and from remote areas may require additional fees or take longer to schedule.
Type of car: The type of car being shipped is a crucial factor in determining the cost of transportation. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, take up more space on the carrier and are heavier, which requires more fuel to transport.
Moreover, the vehicle’s value may also impact the shipping cost, as high-end or luxury cars may require additional insurance coverage or security measures during transport.
Time of year: The demand for shipping services is typically higher during peak seasons, such as summer or around major holidays, which can lead to higher shipping rates. Weather conditions and other factors may also impact the price, so planning and booking in advance is essential to secure the best possible price for your car transport needs.
Shipping options: Regarding shipping options for your car, there are a few factors to consider before making a decision. Open-air transportation is the most commonly used shipping option for cars, and it’s also the most affordable. This option involves loading your vehicle onto a multi-level carrier and securing it using straps. However, remember that your vehicle will be exposed to the elements and potential road debris during transit. Enclosed transport is a more expensive option, but it offers better protection for your vehicle. With this option, your car will be loaded into a fully enclosed trailer and will be shielded from any external hazards.
Delivery locations: If you choose door-to-door service, the shipping company will pick up your vehicle from your specified location and deliver it directly to your desired destination. While this is the most convenient option, it’s also the most expensive.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider dropping off and picking up your vehicle at a terminal. This will require some extra effort on your part, but it can save you some money in the long run. Remember that some shipping companies may not have terminals in certain areas, so be sure to check before making any arrangements.
The best companies that offer cross-country car shipping
| Nexus Auto Transport | Montway Auto Transport | Sherpa Auto Transport | |
| Coverage | Nationwide coverage, including Hawaii and Alaska. | Nationwide coverage, including Alaska and Hawaii. The company also offers international shipping to 50+ countries. | Nationwide |
| Guarantee | Offers a price match and a damage-free guarantee. | Damage-free guarantee for their standard shipping services and a money-back guarantee for cancellations made before the vehicle is assigned to a carrier. | Price lock promise and damage-free guarantee. |
| Average Cost | Average cost of around $1,225 for a standard sedan with open-air transport. | From $700 to $1,200, depending on the distance, vehicle type, and shipping options selected. | From $1,200 to $2,000 for 1 to 4-car open transport, depending on distance and time of year. |
| Fees | No upfront deposit required. Customers pay upon delivery. No cancellation fees or hidden fees. | No upfront fees or deposits. The final cost includes the shipping fee, insurance, and any additional services requested, such as expedited shipping or enclosed transport. | No upfront deposit, no cancellation fee, and no hidden fees. |
FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about shipping a car across the country:
How we determined the costs involved in shipping a car across the country
When determining the cost to ship a car across the country, car shipping companies use a variety of factors to determine the final price. The distance of the trip is one of the most significant factors, with longer trips generally resulting in higher costs. The type of vehicle being shipped is another important factor, as larger vehicles such as SUVs or pickup trucks may require a larger carrier and may result in higher shipping costs.
The type of transport used can also affect the overall cost, with enclosed transport typically being more expensive than open-air transport. Other factors that may affect the cost include the time of year, the specific delivery locations and the level of service provided.
For an accurate estimate of the cost to ship your vehicle, it’s important to provide as much information as possible to the car shipping company, including the type of vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, and any specific requirements you may have. By providing as much information as possible, you can ensure that you receive an accurate quote and plan accordingly for the overall cost of your car shipment.
