How to Ship a Car Across the Country: Step-by-Step Guide
We've shipped 50,000+ vehicles cross-country since 2015, and here's what most people get wrong: they think it's complicated. It's not. You just need to know the right steps and avoid the rookie mistakes that cost you time and money.
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Why Ship Your Car Instead of Driving Cross-Country?
Driving from Los Angeles to New York puts 2,789 miles on your odometer. That's $400-600 in gas, $300-500 in hotels, $150-300 in food, plus 40+ hours of your life you can't get back. Add wear and tear on your vehicle - we're talking $1,400+ in depreciation on a newer car.
Meanwhile, Door-to-Door Car Shipping costs $1,200-1,800 for that same route. Your car arrives in the same condition it left, and you fly there in 5 hours instead of driving for 4 days. The math is simple.
We've had customers tell us they saved their vacation days, avoided putting 3,000+ miles on their lease vehicle, and actually spent less money overall. One client shipping a 2022 BMW from Miami to Seattle said the mileage savings alone justified the shipping cost.
How Much Does Cross-Country Car Shipping Actually Cost?
Real talk: cross-country shipping runs $1,000-2,200 depending on your route, vehicle size, and transport type. We've priced thousands of these shipments, so here's the breakdown you won't get from other brokers.
Coast-to-coast routes (California to Florida, New York to Los Angeles) cost $1,200-1,800 for standard vehicles in open transport. Midwest routes like Chicago to Phoenix run $900-1,400. Add $400-600 for enclosed transport if you're shipping something valuable.
SUVs and trucks cost $100-300 more than sedans because they take up more carrier space. Inoperable vehicles add $150-250 to the total. And here's something most companies won't tell you: prices fluctuate seasonally. Summer moves from college towns cost 15-20% more than off-peak timing.
What's the Best Time of Year to Ship Cross-Country?
October through March gives you the best rates and fastest pickup times. We're talking $200-400 savings compared to peak season, plus your car gets picked up within 2-4 days instead of 7-10.
Summer is brutal for pricing. Everyone's moving for college, relocating for jobs, or becoming snowbirds. May through September sees 30-40% higher prices on popular routes. We've seen LA to New York jump from $1,400 to $2,100 just because someone waited until July.
Avoid the first and last weeks of any month if possible. That's when most corporate relocations happen, and carriers get picky about loads. Mid-month bookings typically save you $100-200 and get faster service.
How Do You Choose Between Open and Enclosed Transport?
Open transport handles 90% of our cross-country shipments because it works perfectly for everyday vehicles. Your 2019 Honda Accord or 2021 Ford F-150 doesn't need a $600 premium for enclosed transport when open carriers ship millions of vehicles safely every year.
We recommend enclosed for vehicles worth $60,000+, classic cars, or anything you'd cry about if it got a door ding. Think Corvettes, Teslas, restored Mustangs, or luxury vehicles. The extra cost makes sense when you're protecting a $80,000 investment.
Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport: Which Is Right for You? breaks down the real differences. But here's the insider take: if you'd drive the car in regular weather, open transport is fine. If it only comes out on sunny Sundays, go enclosed.
How Long Does Cross-Country Car Shipping Take?
Coast-to-coast shipments take 7-14 days from pickup to delivery. We tell customers 10 days as the realistic expectation, though 60% of our long-distance shipments deliver in 7-9 days.
Carriers drive 500-700 miles per day and are legally required to take rest breaks. A 2,500-mile trip from Florida to California means 4-5 driving days, plus loading/unloading time at each stop. Weather delays, DOT inspections, and delivery scheduling add 2-3 days to the total.
Expedited service cuts 2-4 days off standard timing for an extra $200-400. We've arranged 5-day coast-to-coast deliveries, but you pay premium rates and need flexible pickup dates. Most customers find standard timing works fine with proper planning.
What Documents Do You Need for Cross-Country Shipping?
You need your vehicle registration, driver's license, and insurance card. That's it for most shipments. Make copies and keep the originals with you - don't leave them in the car.
Lien holders sometimes require written permission for transport. We'll tell you if this applies when you book. Military shipments need PCS orders. Corporate Relocation Vehicle Shipping often requires company authorization letters.
Don't overthink the paperwork. We've shipped 50,000+ vehicles, and 95% of customers need just the basic three documents. The carrier does a condition inspection at pickup and delivery - that's your protection against any damage claims.
How Should You Prepare Your Car for Cross-Country Transport?
Remove all personal items except the spare tire and jack. Carriers aren't responsible for belongings, and items shift during transport. We've seen laptops fly through rear windows when drivers hit bumps.
Keep your gas tank at 1/4 full or less. Full tanks add unnecessary weight and create safety concerns. Wash your car before pickup so damage inspections are accurate - you can't spot door dings on a dirty vehicle.
Disable car alarms and remove toll transponders. Nothing worse than your car honking for 2,000 miles because the alarm got triggered. Take photos of existing damage from multiple angles. This protects you if any shipping damage occurs.
What Happens During Pickup and Delivery?
The carrier calls 24-48 hours before pickup to schedule a 4-hour window. Most pickups happen at your home, but some areas require meeting at nearby truck-accessible locations. Large carriers can't always handle narrow residential streets.
You'll do a condition inspection with the driver, noting any existing damage on the Bill of Lading. This takes 10-15 minutes. The driver loads your car and gives you a copy of all paperwork plus tracking information.
Delivery works the same way in reverse. The driver calls to schedule delivery, you inspect the vehicle together, and sign off on the condition report. Cash, cashier's check, or money order for any remaining balance. Most customers pay online in advance to simplify delivery.
Cross-Country Auto Transport: Open vs Enclosed
| Factor | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Coast-to-Coast) | $1,200-1,800 | $1,600-2,400 |
| Vehicle Protection | Weather exposure | Fully enclosed |
| Capacity per Carrier | 8-10 vehicles | 4-6 vehicles |
| Pickup Availability | 2-4 days | 4-7 days |
| Best For | Daily drivers, standard vehicles | Luxury, classic, exotic cars |
| Delivery Time | 7-12 days | 8-14 days |
Book your cross-country shipment 2-3 weeks in advance for the best carrier selection and pricing. Last-minute bookings cost 20-30% more and limit your transport options significantly.
Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.