Los Angeles to New York Auto Transport
We ship cars from Los Angeles to New York every week, covering 2,790 miles in 7-10 days. This cross-country corridor runs through I-40, I-44, and I-80 depending on seasonal conditions and carrier routes.
Get Your Free Quote
Fast, free, no obligation
How Much Does LA to New York Car Shipping Cost?
Shipping a standard sedan from Los Angeles to New York costs $1,350-$1,650 for open carrier transport. SUVs and trucks run $1,450-$1,850 due to size and weight. Enclosed auto transport starts at $2,100 for sedans and can hit $3,500 for luxury vehicles.
We quote this route 15-20 times daily, so here's the real deal on pricing. Summer months (June-August) add $150-$300 to base rates. Holiday weekends? Expect another $100-$200 surcharge. The cheapest shipping windows are typically mid-January through February and late September through November.
Payment's simple - no money upfront, you pay the driver on delivery. We accept cash, certified check, or money order. Credit cards work too, but carriers charge a 3-4% processing fee. Most customers go with certified checks since banks issue them same-day.
What's the Best Route from Los Angeles to New York?
Carriers use three main corridors depending on season and weather. The southern route via I-40 east through Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, then north on I-44 to connect with I-70 or I-80. This path covers 2,790 miles and avoids mountain weather year-round.
The central route takes I-70 through Colorado but gets dicey November through March. Snow closes passes, adding 1-3 days to transit time. Smart carriers avoid this route during winter storms. The northern I-80 route through Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming works great in summer but becomes a nightmare when blizzards hit.
Here's insider knowledge most brokers won't share - carriers picking up multiple vehicles in LA prefer the I-40 southern route 80% of the time. Why? Consistent weather, truck stops every 50 miles, and easier navigation through major cities. We track which carriers use which routes, so we match your timeline with the right transport company.
How Long Does LA to NYC Auto Transport Take?
Standard transit time runs 7-10 days from pickup to delivery. We've shipped over 2,100 vehicles on this route since 2015, and 85% arrive within this window. Expedited service can cut it to 5-7 days for an additional $300-$500 surcharge.
Weather's the biggest variable. Summer thunderstorms across the Plains states add 6-12 hours. Winter storms can tack on 2-3 extra days, especially if carriers hit snow between Denver and Chicago. We always build buffer time into delivery estimates because stuff happens on 2,790-mile journeys.
The pickup process in LA takes 1-2 hours depending on location. Door-to-door delivery works in most NYC neighborhoods, but some Manhattan locations require terminal pickup due to truck restrictions. We coordinate with carriers to find legal parking spots for the big rigs - something amateur brokers often screw up.
Open vs Enclosed Transport: LA to New York
Open transport handles 90% of LA-NYC shipments. Your car rides on a two-level trailer with 8-10 other vehicles. It's exposed to weather and road debris, but modern car carriers use tie-down systems that prevent damage. We've shipped thousands of vehicles this way with a 99.1% damage-free rate.
Enclosed transport uses box trailers holding 2-6 vehicles maximum. Luxury cars, classics, and exotics always go enclosed. The extra $750-$1,000 cost buys complete weather protection and white-glove handling. Loading takes longer, but carriers treat enclosed shipments like precious cargo.
Here's what customers ask - is open transport safe for newer cars? Absolutely. We ship 2023-2024 vehicles on open carriers daily without issues. The key is choosing carriers with proper insurance and tie-down equipment. Our network includes only FMCSA-licensed carriers with $1M+ cargo coverage.
Best Times to Ship from Los Angeles to New York
January through March offers the lowest rates and fastest pickup times. Demand drops after holiday relocations, and carriers compete for loads. We see 15-20% discounts during these months. April and May bring spring moving season - prices rise but availability stays strong.
Summer's brutal. June through August sees 25% higher rates due to college moves, corporate relocations, and vacation schedules. August is particularly expensive when families move before school starts. September cools down slightly, but October brings another spike as snowbirds head to Florida.
Booking strategy matters. Reserve 7-14 days ahead during peak season, 3-5 days during slow periods. Last-minute bookings (under 72 hours) cost 20-30% more because we're scrambling for available carriers. Get a free quote now to lock in current rates for future shipping dates.
How It Works
Get Your Quote
Call (310) 906-4841 or request online. We provide instant pricing for LA to NYC shipping based on your vehicle type and preferred dates.
Book Your Shipment
Reserve your spot with our dispatch team. No upfront payment required - you pay the carrier driver upon delivery in New York.
Vehicle Pickup
Carrier contacts you 24 hours before LA pickup. Quick inspection, paperwork, and your car's on its way east via I-40 or I-80 corridor.
Delivery in NYC
7-10 days later, carrier calls to schedule New York delivery. Final inspection, payment to driver, and you're done.
Pricing by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle | Open Carrier | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Compact | $1,350-$1,650 | $2,100-$2,450 | 7-10 days |
| SUV / Crossover | $1,450-$1,750 | $2,200-$2,550 | 7-10 days |
| Pickup Truck | $1,500-$1,850 | $2,300-$2,650 | 7-10 days |
| Luxury / Exotic | N/A | $2,800-$3,500 | 7-10 days |
| Motorcycle | $750-$950 | $1,200-$1,450 | 7-10 days |
| Inoperable Vehicle | $200+ surcharge | $300+ | Add 1-2 days |
Carriers leaving LA on Mondays typically deliver in NYC by the following Tuesday or Wednesday. Friday pickups often mean weekend delays, pushing delivery to the next week. Book Monday-Wednesday pickups for fastest cross-country transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.