Long Distance Auto Transport - Ship Your Car Anywhere in America
We've been shipping vehicles cross-country since 2015, handling everything from daily drivers to exotic cars across routes spanning 500+ miles. Our licensed carriers and $250,000 insurance coverage mean your vehicle gets there safe, on time, and without the wear and tear of driving it yourself.
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How Does Long Distance Auto Transport Work?
Long distance auto transport uses specialized car carriers to move your vehicle 500+ miles without you having to drive it yourself. We coordinate with licensed carriers who load your car onto open or enclosed trailers, then transport it directly to your destination city.
Here's the thing - we're not just throwing your keys to any random driver. Our carriers are FMCSA licensed, DOT regulated, and carry commercial insurance that covers your vehicle up to $250,000. We've shipped over 50,000 vehicles since 2015, including routes from auto transport in Minneapolis to Miami (1,400+ miles) and Seattle to Fort Wayne (2,100+ miles).
The process is straightforward: you book, we assign a carrier, they pick up and deliver. Most long distance shipments take 7-14 days depending on the route, with cross-country trips averaging 10-12 days. And here's something most brokers won't tell you - the actual transport time is often faster than quoted because we build in buffer time for weather and logistics.
Why Choose Long Distance Auto Transport Over Driving?
Driving 1,000+ miles puts 1,000+ miles of wear on your vehicle, costs you $300-500 in gas, and eats up 2-3 days of your time. Long distance auto transport eliminates all that while often costing less than the combined expenses of driving yourself.
Real talk - last month we shipped a 2019 Honda Accord from Hartford, CT to Denver, CO (1,780 miles). The customer would've spent $280 in gas, $200+ in hotels, $150 in meals, plus wear and tear worth about $890 (at $0.50 per mile). Total cost to drive: $1,520+. Our transport cost: $1,180.
But it's not just about money. It's about avoiding the stress of long highway drives, potential breakdowns in unfamiliar territory, and arrival fatigue. Your car arrives in the same condition it left, and you can fly to your destination refreshed and ready. We handle everything from pickup scheduling to delivery notifications, so you can focus on your move or trip instead of logistics.
How Much Does Long Distance Auto Transport Cost?
Long distance auto transport typically costs $0.60-$1.20 per mile for open transport, with most 1,000+ mile shipments ranging from $800-$1,800 depending on route and vehicle size. Enclosed transport adds 40-60% to the base price but provides premium protection for luxury or classic vehicles.
Here's our real pricing breakdown: 500-750 miles runs $550-$950, 750-1,500 miles costs $800-$1,400, and cross-country shipments (1,500+ miles) range from $1,200-$2,100. Factors that bump you toward the higher end include oversized vehicles, enclosed transport, expedited service, or routes to/from less populated areas.
Get this - seasonal demand massively impacts pricing. Summer moves (May-September) can cost 20-30% more than winter shipments due to college students, military relocations, and snowbird migrations. We always provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees, and our Luxury & Exotic Car Transport service includes specialized enclosed carriers for high-value vehicles.
What to Expect: Long Distance Transport Timeline
Most long distance shipments take 7-14 days from pickup to delivery, with the longest routes (like Seattle to Miami at 3,100+ miles) taking up to 16 days. The timeline depends on distance, route popularity, and carrier schedules - not just how fast trucks can drive.
Here's what actually happens: Days 1-3 involve carrier assignment and pickup scheduling, pickup occurs within this window, then transit takes 5-12 days depending on distance. Popular routes like auto transport in Chicago to Los Angeles move faster because carriers run them regularly, while secondary routes to smaller cities may add 2-3 days.
We'll give you the carrier's direct contact info once pickup is scheduled, plus tracking updates every 24-48 hours during transit. Most delays come from weather (especially winter storms in mountain passes) or DOT-required driver rest periods. The thing is, most customers are surprised when their car arrives a day or two early - we quote conservatively to manage expectations.
Who Should Use Long Distance Auto Transport?
Long distance auto transport makes the most sense for moves over 500 miles, military deployments, college relocations, seasonal residents (snowbirds), and anyone shipping multiple vehicles. It's also perfect for luxury car owners who want to avoid putting miles on expensive vehicles.
We see a lot of corporate relocations where companies pay for employee vehicle transport, military families moving between bases, and retirees heading to Florida or Arizona for winter. College students love our service because parents can ship the family car without a cross-country road trip, and we offer special rates for student moves.
Classic car collectors and luxury vehicle owners choose our Dealer Auto Transport service for auction purchases or private sales. Here's the deal - if your vehicle is worth $40,000+ or has sentimental value, enclosed transport is worth the extra cost. We've shipped everything from 1967 Mustangs to brand-new Teslas, and the peace of mind is always worth it.
Insurance Coverage and Safety Guarantees
Every carrier in our network carries commercial auto insurance with minimum $750,000 liability coverage, plus cargo insurance up to $250,000 per vehicle. This isn't your standard auto policy - it's commercial coverage specifically designed for vehicle transport operations.
All our carriers are USDOT and FMCSA licensed, which means they've passed federal safety inspections, maintain proper insurance, and follow DOT regulations for driver hours and vehicle maintenance. We verify insurance certificates before assigning any carrier, and you'll receive a copy of the coverage details before pickup.
Here's something important - while damage during transport is rare (less than 1% of shipments), we inspect every vehicle at pickup and delivery. Any pre-existing damage gets documented with photos, and any transport-related damage gets reported immediately to insurance. Our claims process typically resolves within 30-45 days, and we stay involved until everything's handled. No runaround, no finger-pointing between companies.
How It Works
Get Your Quote
Tell us your pickup/delivery cities, vehicle details, and preferred dates. We'll provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprises.
Book & Schedule
Once you approve the quote, we assign a licensed carrier and coordinate pickup within 1-7 days based on your timeline preferences.
Vehicle Pickup
The carrier arrives at your location, inspects your vehicle, completes paperwork, and loads it onto the transport trailer safely.
Delivery & Inspection
Your vehicle arrives at the destination, gets unloaded carefully, and you inspect it together with the driver before signing off.
Long Distance Transport Options Comparison
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (per mile) | $0.60-$1.20 | $0.85-$1.75 |
| Weather Protection | Minimal | Full Coverage |
| Capacity | 8-10 vehicles | 2-6 vehicles |
| Availability | High | Limited |
| Best For | Standard vehicles | Luxury/Classic cars |
| Insurance | $250K included | $250K+ available |
Here's insider knowledge - carriers plan routes 10-21 days in advance, and booking early gets you better pricing and more carrier options. Last-minute bookings (under 7 days) often cost 20-40% more because we're working with whatever capacity is available. Peak season (May-September) requires even more advance notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Liberty Car Shipping services.