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Crash Course:
- While there are numerous ways to ship your car to another state, typically the most efficient method is to either drive it yourself or use an auto transport company.
- Having your vehicle shipped with an auto transport company generally costs between $1,000 and $2,000.
- Using a vehicle moving company can be costly, but it’s also very convenient and does not require a lot of time or effort on your part.
The listings on this site may be from companies that compensate us, which could influence their placement and order. Not every company, product, or offer has been reviewed.
Featured Car Shipping Companies
We reviewed the industry’s top car shipping providers. Here are our featured picks:
Best Service Options
Montway
Best Customer Experience
SGT
Locked-In Pricing
Sherpa
Easy Online Quotes
Nexus
If you need to ship your car from one state to another, it’s helpful to first understand what to expect. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain the process from drop-off to pickup and provide tips for keeping your costs down. We’ll also talk about our top-recommended auto transport companies in the business.
How To Ship a Car to Another State
While specific services will vary between auto transport companies, here are some general tips to help ensure your move is as hassle-free as possible.
1. Pick a Car Carrier Transport Type
The first thing you must do in the car shipping process is to decide what services you need. There are several ways to ship a car, so it’s important to research all your options first.
Car Carrier Transport Types
Below are the common auto transport types:
- Open carrier car shipping: This is the most common and affordable method to ship a car and involves transporting your vehicle on a truck trailer with an open bed. It’s the most affordable method because the carrier is able to transport up to 10 cars at a time, which lowers individual costs.
- Enclosed car shipping: Enclosed auto transport services typically cost 33% more than an open transport because your car is protected during transit by walls and a roof.
- Shipping a car by train: The best way to ship a vehicle using a rail freight company is Amtrak’s Auto Train. This method is generally cheaper than truck carriers, however, it’s only available on one line that runs between Washington, D.C. and Orlando, Florida. The train will not offload vehicles in between the two cities, so unless you need your vehicle shipped close to one of those destinations, this option is not for you.
2. Choose Your Drop-Off and Pickup Locations
Below are the most common options for vehicle drop off and pick up:
- Door-to-door shipping: This service ships your vehicle as close as possible from your preferred pickup location to your desired drop-off location, such as your home or workplace.
- Terminal-to-terminal shipping: If you want to save money, this option is generally cheaper because you must deliver your car to and pick it up from the nearest terminal.
- Port-to-port shipping: If you’re moving outside of the contiguous 48 states, this option allows you to drop off and pick up your vehicle off at pre-selected ports.
3. Research Car Shipping Companies
These days, there are a lot of car shipping providers out there. While they all provide the same basic service, the differences between them can be stark in terms of price, options, customer support, and overall reliability.
How To Find Good Car Shipping Options
You’ll want to get shipping quotes from several providers to be able to compare rates. Still, it helps to narrow down your options before getting quotes. Here are a few of the best ways to do this:
- Read round-ups: Shipping company round-ups are useful because experts in the field have done a lot of the research for you. These often include ratings based on the most important considerations for shipping companies and can give you a better idea of which companies may be best suited for your needs.
- Ask friends: If you have a friend or family member that has shipped a car before, ask for their opinion. Not only can they give you feedback about the company they used, they can also give you some tips and tricks based on their experience.
- Post on forums: Internet discussion boards such as Reddit can be a good place to ask for advice on car shipping.
4. Get Shipping Quotes
Fortunately, most auto transport companies make it easy to get free quotes directly from their websites. This allows you to get an accurate idea of the cost of shipping your car to another state and compare offers from the companies you choose.
Advice for Getting Auto Transport Quotes
Getting quotes from car shippers is about as simple and straightforward as it gets. Many companies offer instant quotes online or, if you prefer, you can call and talk to a representative about your shipment. Here are a few important things to keep in mind when getting auto transport quotes:
- Remember that prices can increase: While some auto transporters guarantee their quotes, it is also very common for the final price to increase from the original quote. So while one company’s initial offer to ship your car across state lines may be lower, if another’s is guaranteed, it may actually be cheaper in the end.
- Understand that your choices matter: Most providers offer at least a few options on how to ship your car and will ask for your preferences at quote time. These options can make a big difference in price and service. For example, you can save money by choosing open instead of enclosed shipping, but your vehicle will be left exposed to the elements. Before you start getting quotes, decide what type of transport will work best for your shipment and then be sure to compare the same services across a handful of companies.
- Quotes may be adjustable: There may be some wiggle room in the quote you receive. For starters, some companies offer discounts for certain affiliations or for paying in cash. Others may offer price-matching policies. And even if they don’t, some providers may be willing to negotiate, given how competitive the car shipping industry can be. It never hurts to ask for a lower price.
What You Need To Get Car Shipping Quotes
While you don’t need a huge amount of information to start getting quotes, it’s never a bad idea to have everything you need in one place beforehand. Different providers ask for slightly different information, but in general, you’ll need the following:
- Vehicle make, model, year, and operability
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Ideal shipping time frame
- Desired shipping options, such as open vs. enclosed transport and door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal transport
- Contact information such as your phone number and email address
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
5. Choose an Auto Transport Company
It’s tempting to just go with the cheapest option you get and call it a day. But there’s more to consider than price. Quality matters when you need to ship a car, especially over long distances. Here are a few things to look out for:
- Hidden fees: Your quote may not include all of the fees and surcharges that come with shipping a car to another state, but they should be mentioned in any contract a provider sends your way. Make sure to read the fine print carefully and follow up with a representative to get an accurate idea of the final price before signing anything.
- Company reputation: Reading customer reviews online can help you evaluate a provider. While it’s normal for car shippers to receive a few complaints here and there, patterns of behavior like price increases, delays, or poor communications are major red flags.
- Carrier vetting: Most auto transport companies serve as brokers that connect customers with the carriers that can best meet their needs. Some companies have thorough vetting processes to ensure they only use professional drivers with good track records, but others aren’t so careful. So double check the reliability and reputation of any carrier or broker before committing to work with them.
Once you’ve found the auto shipper you want, confirm all the details of the contract before signing. You may also need to put down a deposit to finalize the agreement.
6. Prepare Your Car
While you don’t have to get your vehicle absolutely perfect, there are a few important things to do before shipping.
Checklist for Preparing Your Car’s Shipment to Another State
There are several things you’ll want to do before shipping your vehicle:
- Leave some gas in it: Try to leave about a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle so you have enough gas to drive to and from dropoff and pickup locations. Having a full tank of gas will add weight to the shipment and could increase your overall cost.
- Remove personal items: Auto transporters ask you to remove all personal belongings from your car before shipping it, largely because the added weight will mean a higher shipping bill for you. Loose items inside the vehicle can also bounce around during transit and damage your car, which won’t be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance. Some car shipping companies allow you to ship your car with stuff in it, but they typically have weight restrictions and packing instructions you’ll need to follow.
- Inspect your vehicle thoroughly: No matter how careful a truck driver is, cars can easily be damaged during shipping – especially over long-distance shipments to other states. Carefully inspect your car inside and out, and consider taking photos to document any existing damage. This will allow you to easily identify any new damage when you receive your vehicle and provide proof if you need to file a claim against a driver’s insurance policy.
7. Meet Your Driver on Pickup Day
You should receive a heads-up from either your shipping company or the driver when they are ready to pick your vehicle up.
If you’ve chosen terminal-to terminal shipping, you’ll need to drive your car to the nearest auto shipment warehouse (terminal) designated by the carrier. From there, your carrier will take your vehicle where it needs to go. If you’ve chosen door-to-door shipping, the carrier will pick up your vehicle as close to the desired location as possible.
What You’ll Do on Pickup Day
Regardless of which pickup/delivery method you choose, you’ll complete the following steps with your carrier before your vehicle hits the road:
- Inspect the vehicle: You should do this ahead of time, but the carrier will likely want to look over the car and note existing damages or significant pre-existing conditions on a document called the bill of lading. If you’ve documented your existing damage, you can provide the driver with this information to speed up the process.
- Sign the bill of lading: A bill of lading is a standard legal form used in most logistics services. It outlines your shipping agreement and notes existing damages, among other things. It also protects both you and the carrier for insurance purposes. If you notice fresh damages on your car after transit, you can use the bill of lading to file claims with the carrier’s cargo insurance. You’ll need to sign it again when you receive your vehicle.
8. Wait for Delivery
Car shipping times are always approximate at best. Drivers are at the mercy of several factors that can delay a shipment, including weather conditions, traffic, and auto accidents. When you ship a car to another state over long distances, the probability that a carrier runs into an issue increases. But there are some things you can do while you wait.
During the shipment, you should be able to check on your vehicle’s location. Some companies offer live GPS tracking via an app or through their website. If they don’t, they can usually provide you with a current location over the phone.
Your shipment taking a little longer than expected shouldn’t be cause for concern. But if there are major delays, the shipping company may offer some kind of concession to help make things right. You’ve paid for their service, so you shouldn’t hesitate to call and ask for an explanation or assistance.
9. Meet Your Driver at the Delivery Location
You should receive notice that your car is close to being delivered with more specific information about when and where to meet the driver. If you can’t make it yourself, you’ll need to send someone you trust to act as your representative.
Before your driver leaves, there are a few things you should do:
- Reinspect your vehicle: After the driver unloads your car, look over it carefully for signs of new damage. Take notes and photos of any dents, scratches, or other damages you see. Your driver won’t be able to help you with claims on the spot, but having everything documented will help to make the claim process proceed smoothly.
- Ask to drive your car: Your driver may be in a hurry, but it’s a good idea to start your car up and drive it – even just for a few feet – to check for immediate signs of mechanical damage. It’s not unheard of for wheel and axle components to incur some damage in transit and this damage should be immediately apparent if it exists.
- Pay the remaining balance: With most auto transport companies, you’ll pay the balance of your fee to the driver directly. Some drivers may require cash or a cashier’s check and may not be able to take a credit card. Even if they do, you may be able to get a discount by paying in cash.
- Sign the bill of lading again: Signing the bill of lading a second time represents the end of your transaction. It is here that you can note new damages if you spot any.
10. Follow Up If Needed
Your transaction is complete once you’ve signed the bill of lading for a second time. But if you found damages or were otherwise unsatisfied with your service, there are some things you can do to address that.
Below are some of the follow-up actions you can take:
- File an insurance claim: If your car was damaged in transit, you’ll need to file a claim with the driver’s insurer. This is where having detailed notes and photo evidence makes things much easier. The insurance company you need to contact should be listed in the contract or bill of lading. But if you can’t find it, the auto transport company should be able to provide it to you.
- Make a complaint to your auto transport provider: If something went wrong with your shipment, it’s never a bad idea to let your shipping provider know – even if the issue was strictly with the individual driver.
- Make a complaint online: You can also make a public complaint about your issues online for other potential customers to see. Leaving a negative review or complaint on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other sites may also inspire the company to take action and try to rectify the situation.
Of course, if everything went smoothly and you’re happy with the experience, you can also leave a positive review online. Positive reviews are just as helpful as negative reviews, since both provide firsthand information about the customer experience. In our research, we found that reviews tend to skew negative, since people are generally more inspired to leave negative reviews when looking for a solution than they are to report a positive experience. Highlighting a good experience with a company can help steer future customers in the right direction.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Car to Another State?
It typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000 to ship a car long-distance, such as from one state to another, according to our cost data research and secret shopper study. Car shipping costs vary widely – especially when they involve shipping a car between two states.
Cost To Ship a Car to Another State
To help us get a better understanding of how much real customers pay to ship their cars, we conducted a survey of 1,000 auto transport customers. The chart below breaks down what we learned from the responses we received.
The reason for such a large range is that rates are individualized for each job. There can be major differences between jobs and what auto shipping companies charge for them.
Quotes To Have a Car Shipped to Another State
Our team conducted a secret shopper study during our research to get a more accurate idea of what auto transport companies charge. We requested quotes to ship a 2018 Nissan Rogue SUV in operable condition between several different locations for both open-air and enclosed shipping services.
In the table below, you’ll find the quotes we received for several of the top providers in our study for a shipping distance of 1,500 miles.
| Car Shipping Company | Open Transport Shipping Quote | Enclosed Transport Shipping Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury Auto Transport | $955 | $1,325 |
| RoadRunner Auto Transport | $995 | $1,542 |
| Sherpa Auto Transport | $1,250 | $2,000 |
| AmeriFreight | $1,019 | $1,732 |
| SGT Auto Transport | $1,080 | $1,559 |
| Montway Auto Transport | $1,129 | $1,649 |
| Easy Auto Ship | $1,343 | $1,924 |
Auto Shipping Cost Factors: Explained
There are many factors that impact the cost of shipping a car, including all of the following:
- Shipping distance: Car shippers charge by the mile. So shipping a car to another state cross-country will obviously cost more than to the next state over. However, per-mile rates do tend to decrease as the moving distance increases.
- Shipping options: Open auto transport and terminal-to-terminal shipping will cost less than enclosed transport and door-to-door shipping.
- Vehicle type: Shipping costs usually go up the larger and more expensive a car is. Auto transport companies may charge additional fees to transport high-value vehicles like exotic or classic cars or alternative vehicles like RVs, ATVs, and motorcycles.
- Time of year: Car shipping is a seasonal industry. Rates tend to be at their highest during January and the summer months.
- Vehicle condition: Most car shippers charge more to move a vehicle if it’s inoperable and can’t be driven.
- Shipping speed: Some companies offer services like expedited shipping and guaranteed pickup dates if you’re in a rush. These options often cost substantially more than standard vehicle transport rates.
- Pickup and delivery locations: Companies may also charge more if they need to travel away from major transit routes or to rural destinations to pick up or drop off your vehicle.
- Car shipping company: Finally, rates simply vary between companies – even for the same service for the same vehicle. That’s why we always recommend getting quotes from multiple providers.
Cheapest Way To Ship a Car to Another State
There’s nothing you can do about many of the factors that determine your auto-shipping costs, such as when and where you need to ship it. However, there are a few things you can do to try and save money when transporting a car to a different state:
- Choose open transport: Open carrier shipping comes with a little more risk than enclosed shipping, but it also tends to cost much less.
- Be flexible: Similar to buying airline tickets, being flexible about your shipping dates can help you get a cheaper price.
- Opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping: Not every company offers it as an option, but shipping your car between two central locations is often far less expensive than door-to-door service. Just make sure to consider the cost of your time to drop off and pick up your vehicle from the terminals.
- Compare quotes: Shopping around is a good way to find the best rates in almost any industry, car shipping included. Companies will almost certainly quote you different rates for your car shipment, so getting estimates from multiple shippers can potentially save you a significant amount of money.
- Pay in cash: Many auto transporters offer a discount for paying in cash. Make sure to ask if this is an option when discussing your quote with a provider. Carriers often prefer cash, as well.
- Look for discounts: Car transport discounts aren’t very common, but some companies do offer them. You may be able to get lower rates for being in the military, or for being a student or a senior citizen.
Top Picks for Shipping a Car to Another State
Below, we’ve listed a few reliable and trustworthy car shipping companies:
| Car Shipping Company | Overall Rating | Affordability Rating | Shipping Options Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montway Auto Transport | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| AmeriFreight | 4.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Nexus Auto Transport | 4.5 | 3.9 | 5.0 |
#1 Montway Auto Transport: Best Service Options
Montway Auto Transport is one of the most popular car shipping providers, having shipped over 250,000 cars in 2023 alone. The company works with over 30,000 vetted carriers, creating a healthy bidding process, which often leads to affordable rates. Montway Auto Transport ships vehicles to all 50 states and to locations across the globe.
Guaranteed pickup dates, expedited deliveries, and various other shipping options help Montway Auto Transport to earn solid reviews online. The company has an A+ score on the BBB website, along with a 4.2-star rating out of 5.0 on Trustpilot.
Continue reading: Montway Auto Transport Review
Best Service Options
#2 AmeriFreight: Best Value
AmeriFreight has a variety of shipping services, discounts, and strong customer service scores. The provider works with thousands of carriers to ship cars to all 50 states.
Price-wise, AmeriFreight is one of our top rated companies, scoring a 4.5 out of 5.0 in the category. AmeriFreight also offers a variety of discounts ranging from a military discount to discounts for senior citizens and students.
Continue reading: AmeriFreight Review
#3 Nexus Auto Transport: Informative Website
Founded in 2015, Nexus Auto Transport is a relatively young auto transport company. However, it has stood out from the competition due to its easy quotes process that can be completed for free online.
Because the company makes the shipping process simple, many of its online reviews tend to include very positive customer feedback, including 4.8 out of 5.0 stars from customers on the BBB with over 1,000 reviews.
How To Ship a Vehicle to Another State: Conclusion
Shipping a car to another state may seem daunting at first, but the process is fairly straightforward – as long as you understand a few basics. Once you decide which services are a must (and which you can live without), it’s easy to get quotes and compare prices and options online.
While we recommend AmeriFreight, Montway Auto Transport and Nexus Auto Transport as reliable providers, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a handful of shippers before making your final decision.
Ship a Car to Another State: FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about how to ship a car to another state.
How much does it cost to ship a car from one state to another in the USA?
According to the free quotes we received from leading car shipping companies, cross-country vehicle shipments such as from California to New York typically cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 on average. Your shipping cost will depend on the type of car you’re moving, the time of year, whether you choose an open carrier or enclosed auto transport, and various market conditions.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car across the U.S.?
The cheapest way to ship a car across the U.S. is usually open auto transport with terminal-to-terminal shipping. Open auto transport means your car will be loaded onto a truck trailer with other cars, but not in a container. Its more precarious exposure to the elements means it’ll be less cheap compared to enclosed auto transport. Shipping your car to a terminal (designated location by the carrier) instead of right to your door means less work for the carrier, so it’s cheaper than door-to-door shipping.
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
The cheapest company to ship your car is Mercury Auto Transport, according to quotes our team collected in April 2024. It’s an average of $955 to ship a 2020 Nissan Rogue SUV 1,500 miles in open car transport under the company, which is 15% cheaper than Montway Auto Transport’s quoted price for the same car and distance. Keep in mind that your quoted price will vary by your car, your distance, your pickup and delivery locations, and your selected shipping services.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to North Carolina?
With Montway Auto Transport, it costs $759 to ship a 2018 Nissan Rogue from Orlando, Florida to Raleigh, North Carolina via an open car carrier. Your car shipment might cost more or less depending on the size and type of vehicle, transport method, and other variables. Rates may also vary if you’re located in Miami, Tampa, or Jacksonville instead.
How long does shipping a car from Seattle to Los Angeles take?
According to Montway Auto Transport, shipping a car from Seattle to Los Angeles takes four to six days. Your vehicle shipping timeline will vary based on the time of year, weather conditions, and how competitive the shipping route is.
Our Methodology
Our expert review team takes satisfaction in providing accurate and unbiased information. We identified the following rating categories based on consumer survey data and conducted extensive research to formulate rankings of the best car shipping companies.
- Affordability: A variety of factors influence cost, so it can be difficult to compare quotes between providers. Our team performs ongoing secret shopper analyses for different vehicles, services, and shipping routes to give this rating.
- Shipping Options: Because each consumer has unique needs, it’s essential that an auto transport company offers an array of services. We take into account the availability of services, ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates, and insurance coverage options.
- Operations: We take a close look at how each auto transport company operates, including how quickly vehicles get picked up, average transit times, insurance coverage options, and more.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings, a company’s history of service, and years in business when giving this score.
- Customer Service: Reputable car shippers operate with a certain degree of care for consumers. We take into account customer reviews, BBB complaints, and the responsiveness of the customer service team.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
