The Complete Guide to Car Shipping in 2025: What to Know

Shipping a car across the country sounds complicated. It is not. The auto transport industry moves over 6 million vehicles annually, and the process is more straightforward than most people expect.

This guide covers everything: how it works, what it costs, how to prepare your vehicle, and what to look for in a transport company. No fluff. Just the information you need to ship your car with confidence.

How Car Shipping Works

The basics are simple. A carrier picks up your vehicle at one location and delivers it to another. What happens between those two points determines whether you have a good experience or a headache.

The Process Step by Step

Step 1: Get quotes. You provide pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, and preferred dates. Companies respond with pricing. This takes minutes, not hours.

Step 2: Book your transport. You choose a carrier based on price, reviews, and timeline. A deposit holds your spot. The balance is due at delivery.

Step 3: Prepare your vehicle. This is critical. Remove personal items, document existing damage, and ensure the car starts and rolls. More on this later.

Step 4: Pickup. A driver arrives at your location, inspects the vehicle with you, and loads it onto the trailer. You sign a Bill of Lading confirming the car's condition.

Step 5: Transit. Your car travels with a professional driver. Tracking is usually available. Transit times depend on distance and route.

Step 6: Delivery. The driver contacts you before arrival. You inspect the vehicle again, confirm no new damage, and pay the remaining balance.

That is the entire process. Each step has nuances worth understanding.

Types of Transport

You have two primary options: open and enclosed transport.

Open transport means your vehicle rides on an open trailer, exposed to the elements. This is how 90% of vehicles ship. It is safe, affordable, and widely available. The cars you see on those big car-hauler trucks on the highway are using open transport.

Enclosed transport means your vehicle rides inside a covered trailer. This costs more—typically 30-50% more—but provides protection from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. Exotic cars, classics, and high-value vehicles often use enclosed transport.

Most people should use open transport. Unless your vehicle is worth over $75,000 or has sentimental value that justifies the premium, open transport delivers the same car at the same destination for less money.

What Affects Shipping Costs

Car shipping prices are not random. Specific factors determine what you pay.

Distance

This is the biggest factor. Shipping from Los Angeles to New York costs more than shipping from Los Angeles to Phoenix. Simple logistics: more miles mean more fuel, more driver time, and more wear on equipment.

But here is the catch: cost per mile decreases as distance increases. A 500-mile shipment might cost $1.50 per mile. A 2,500-mile shipment might cost $0.60 per mile. Carriers need to cover overhead regardless of distance, so longer hauls spread those fixed costs across more miles.

Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger vehicles take up more trailer space and add more weight. A Ford F-250 costs more to ship than a Honda Civic. Carriers price based on the space your vehicle occupies relative to the total capacity of their trailer.

Modified vehicles present unique challenges. Lift kits, wide tires, and aftermarket additions can prevent a vehicle from fitting in standard trailer positions. These modifications often add $100-$300 to the shipping cost.

Season and Timing

The auto transport industry has seasons. Snowbird migration—when Northeast and Midwest residents move vehicles to Florida for winter—creates peak demand from October through March. Prices rise 20-40% during these months.

Summer brings its own demand patterns as families relocate during school breaks. January and February are typically the cheapest months to ship, as demand drops after the holiday rush.

Flexible dates help reduce costs. If you can accept pickup within a 3-5 day window rather than demanding a specific date, carriers are more likely to offer competitive rates.

Route Popularity

Major routes between large cities have consistent carrier traffic. Los Angeles to Dallas, New York to Miami, Chicago to Phoenix—these routes have carriers making the trip regularly.

Shipping to or from rural areas costs more. A carrier might need to detour significantly from their primary route, adding time and fuel costs. Some rural locations require an additional vehicle to meet the carrier at a more accessible point.

Condition and Operability

Your vehicle needs to roll, steer, and brake. If it does not, carriers must use specialized equipment to load and unload it. This adds $100-$200 or more to the price.

Completely inoperable vehicles—those that cannot even roll—present significant challenges. Not all carriers handle them, and those that do charge premium rates.

Choosing a Transport Company

The auto transport industry has over 14,000 registered carriers. Quality varies dramatically.

What to Look For

FMCSA registration. Every legitimate carrier has a USDOT number registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can verify registration and check safety records at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Insurance coverage. Carriers must carry cargo insurance. Verify coverage amounts and understand what is covered. Most policies cover transit damage but not existing mechanical issues or personal items left in the vehicle.

Real reviews. Check Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look for patterns in complaints. One negative review happens; a pattern of similar complaints indicates systemic problems.

Clear pricing. Reputable companies provide detailed quotes explaining exactly what you pay. Be suspicious of quotes that seem too good—low-ball pricing often leads to last-minute fee additions.

Communication quality. How quickly did they respond? Did they answer your questions directly? A company's pre-booking behavior predicts post-booking service.

Red Flags to Avoid

Large upfront deposits. Legitimate companies require modest deposits, typically $100-$300. Demands for 50% upfront signal potential problems.

No physical address. Brokers and carriers should have verifiable business locations. A P.O. box alone is concerning.

Pressure tactics. "This rate is only good for the next hour" is almost always false. Good carriers do not need to pressure customers.

No contract. Every shipment should have a written agreement specifying price, dates, insurance coverage, and terms. No contract means no protection.

Unlicensed operation. If they cannot provide a USDOT number or broker license number, walk away. Operating without proper licensing is illegal and leaves you unprotected.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Proper preparation prevents problems. These steps take 30 minutes and eliminate most common shipping issues.

Cleaning and Documentation

Wash your vehicle before pickup. A clean car makes it easier to spot existing damage and ensures accurate condition documentation.

Photograph everything. Walk around the vehicle taking pictures of every panel, corner, and existing scratch or dent. Include close-ups of any damage. These photos protect you if disputes arise later.

Check tire pressure. Properly inflated tires make loading and securing easier for drivers.

What to Remove

Personal items. Most carrier insurance excludes personal belongings. Remove everything from the interior and trunk. Sunglasses, chargers, garage door openers, documents—take it all.

Toll transponders and parking passes. These continue working during transport. Remove them to avoid unexpected charges.

Custom additions. Removable accessories like bike racks, spoilers, or antenna toppers should come off. They can be damaged or lost during transport.

Excess fuel. Keep your tank at one-quarter full or less. Less fuel means less weight and reduced fire risk.

What to Document

Note your current mileage before pickup. This establishes a baseline.

If your car has any special quirks—a door that sticks, a key fob that needs a specific technique—write them down and share with the driver.

Record the driver's contact information and the carrier company details at pickup. You want multiple ways to reach someone during transport.

During Transport

Once your car leaves, waiting begins. Here is what to expect.

Transit Times

Cross-country shipments typically take 7-14 days. Shorter routes take proportionally less time, though no shipment is instant.

Weather affects timing. Snow, ice, and storms delay transport. Carriers prioritize safety over speed, as they should.

Driver hours are regulated. Federal law limits how many hours commercial drivers can operate per day. These regulations protect everyone on the road, including your vehicle.

Tracking and Communication

Many carriers offer GPS tracking. If available, use it. If not, the carrier should provide regular updates.

Reasonable expectations help. Daily updates are rare. An update every 2-3 days during a cross-country shipment is typical.

If you cannot reach your carrier for more than 48 hours, something is wrong. Escalate through the company's customer service or file a complaint with the FMCSA.

What Happens if There is a Problem

Delays happen. Bad weather, mechanical issues with the truck, driver illness—these are realities of long-haul transport.

Damage is rare but possible. Road debris, minor contact during loading, or accidents affect a small percentage of shipments.

Your Bill of Lading is critical. The condition noted at pickup establishes what was already there. Anything new at delivery is the carrier's responsibility.

If damage occurs, document it immediately. Take photos, note it on the delivery receipt, and file a claim with the carrier's insurance before accepting the vehicle.

At Delivery

Your vehicle arrives. Now what?

Inspection Protocol

Inspect thoroughly before signing anything. Check every panel, every light, the interior, and the undercarriage if possible.

Compare against your pre-shipping photos. New scratches, dents, or damage should be noted on the delivery receipt.

Test basic functions. Does it start? Do the lights work? Does it drive normally?

Handling Issues

Note all problems on the delivery receipt before signing. Signing without notation may waive your ability to file claims.

Take photos of any new damage with the driver present. Ask them to initial your copy of the delivery receipt acknowledging the damage.

Contact the carrier immediately to start the claims process. Delays in reporting can complicate claims.

Payment

Most carriers accept payment at delivery. Confirm accepted payment methods before shipping. Cash, cashier's check, and credit cards are common.

Tip your driver if they provided excellent service. This is not required but appreciated. $20-$50 is typical for standard service; more for difficult deliveries or exceptional care.

Special Situations

Some shipments require additional consideration.

Cross-Country Moves

Relocating from coast to coast often combines car shipping with other moving logistics. Coordinate your vehicle's arrival with your own travel and household goods delivery.

Consider shipping your car first. Having transportation immediately upon arrival makes everything else easier.

Dealership and Auction Vehicles

Buying a car from out of state? Reputable dealers can arrange shipping, but getting your own quotes ensures competitive pricing.

Auction purchases add complexity. Many auctions require vehicle removal within specific timeframes. Factor shipping logistics into your bidding strategy.

Classic and Collector Cars

These vehicles warrant enclosed transport. The additional cost is insignificant compared to the value being protected.

Choose carriers with collector car experience. They understand the care these vehicles require.

Military and Student Moves

Military PCS moves sometimes include vehicle shipping benefits. Check your orders and installation transportation office for covered services.

Students shipping vehicles to college should plan ahead. Campus delivery logistics can be complicated.

Common Questions

How far in advance should I book? One to two weeks is ideal for most shipments. Peak season may require three weeks or more. Last-minute bookings are possible but cost more.

Can I put things in my car during shipping? Technically, some carriers allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk. Practically, this is risky. Insurance does not cover these items, and their presence can complicate damage claims.

Is car shipping safe? Yes. Professional carriers have extensive experience and proper equipment. Damage rates are low—less than 1% of shipments experience any issues.

What if my car does not run? Inoperable vehicles can be shipped using special equipment. Expect to pay $150-$300 more for this service.

Can I choose my exact pickup and delivery dates? You can request specific dates, but flexibility helps. Carriers manage multiple pickups and deliveries along routes. A 1-3 day window typically results in better service and potentially lower prices.

Making Your Decision

Shipping a car is not complicated. It requires choosing a reputable carrier, preparing your vehicle properly, and understanding what to expect.

Get multiple quotes. Verify carrier credentials. Read the contract before signing. Document your vehicle's condition. Inspect carefully at delivery.

Those steps protect you and ensure a smooth experience.

The auto transport industry exists because it works. Millions of vehicles ship safely every year. Your car can be one of them.

Ready to get started? Get your free, no-obligation quote in minutes. Our transparent pricing shows exactly what you will pay—no hidden fees, no surprises.

Understanding Insurance and Liability

Insurance is non-negotiable in auto transport. Every legitimate carrier must carry cargo insurance as a condition of their FMCSA operating authority. But insurance coverage varies, and understanding your protection matters.

Carrier Cargo Insurance

Carriers typically carry cargo insurance with coverage limits ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000. This covers damage that occurs during transport due to carrier negligence—loading accidents, securement failures, driver error.

What carrier insurance covers:

• Damage during loading or unloading
• Damage from improper securing
• Collision damage while on the trailer
• Fire, theft, or vandalism during transport

What carrier insurance does not cover:

• Pre-existing damage or mechanical issues
• Personal items left in the vehicle
• Normal wear from weather exposure (on open transport)
• Acts of God in some policies

Before shipping, ask for a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate. Verify coverage limits and understand deductibles. Most carriers have deductibles between $500 and $1,500—meaning you absorb that amount before insurance kicks in.

Your Own Insurance

Your personal auto insurance may provide some coverage during transport. Contact your insurer before shipping to understand:

• Whether your policy covers transport damage
• Any exclusions that apply
• Whether you need to notify them about the shipment
• How claims would be processed

Some carriers offer supplemental insurance for an additional fee, typically $50-$150 depending on vehicle value. This can reduce or eliminate deductibles and expand coverage.

The Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading is your most important document. This paperwork, completed at pickup, records:

• Your vehicle's condition at the time of pickup
• All existing damage, scratches, dents, and imperfections
• Mileage reading
• Any special instructions or notes

Inspect your vehicle thoroughly with the driver. Note everything—even minor scratches that you think are insignificant. If damage occurs during transport, only damage not listed on the original Bill of Lading can be claimed.

At delivery, you will complete a second inspection. Compare the vehicle's condition against the pickup documentation. Note any new damage on the delivery receipt before signing.

Timeline Expectations

Understanding realistic timelines prevents frustration. Auto transport is not overnight shipping.

Standard Transit Times

These timeframes begin when your vehicle is picked up, not when you book. The pickup window itself can add 1-5 days depending on carrier availability and route scheduling.

Factors Affecting Timeline

Several variables influence actual delivery times:

Weather conditions. Snowstorms, hurricanes, and severe weather delay transport. Carriers will not risk your vehicle or driver safety to meet a schedule. Accept that weather delays happen and plan accordingly.

Driver hours. Federal regulations limit how many hours commercial drivers can operate per day. A driver cannot simply push through to deliver faster—they must rest as required by law.

Route logistics. Carriers manage multiple pickups and deliveries along their route. Your vehicle may not travel in a straight line from origin to destination. Efficient routing means lower costs for everyone, but adds time.

Mechanical issues. Trucks break down. Trailers need repairs. These interruptions are rare but happen. Professional carriers have contingency plans, but delays can occur.

Expedited Shipping

Need faster service? Expedited shipping is available for a premium. This typically means:

• Dedicated transport with fewer stops
• Higher priority scheduling
• Premium pricing (often 50-100% above standard rates)

For most shipments, standard service provides excellent value. Reserve expedited shipping for genuine emergencies.