Car shipping service
How Cross-Country Car Shipping Works
- Estimates clearly labeled
- Independent company rankings
- Free to compare
Cross-Country Car Shipping at a glance
- Cost per mile
- $0.35–$1.89 per mile
- Typical total
- $875 – $4,725
- Transit time
- 5–10 days
- Best for
- Long-distance moves
Free · No obligation · About a minute
Get a cross-country car shipping quote
Ship your car with cross-country car shipping in 7 steps
From comparing estimates to signing for your car at delivery.
Enter your route
Add both locations, your vehicle and your pickup window to see long-distance estimates.
Your part: Book one to three weeks ahead, earlier in summer.
Compare companies
Compare prices, transit times, reviews and licensing for companies that run your corridor.
Your part: Check USDOT or MC numbers and recent reviews.
Book and confirm terms
Get the price, pickup window, estimated transit time, deposit and cancellation terms in writing.
Your part: Plan how you'll get around until the car arrives.
Carrier assigned
The broker or carrier confirms a long-haul truck heading your way.
Your part: Ask for the carrier's name and insurance certificate.
Pickup and inspection
The driver inspects the car with you, records its condition on the Bill of Lading and loads it.
Your part: Take dated photos and check the Bill of Lading before signing.
Across the country
The truck covers up to about 500 miles a day, fewer with other stops, within federal driving limits.
Your part: Expect updates every day or two, not live tracking from every carrier.
Delivery and payment
Inspect the car against the pickup report, note any new damage, then pay as agreed.
Your part: Write any damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign.
Rules that protect you
Federal requirements every licensed company must follow.
Brokers must be bonded
Auto transport brokers need FMCSA broker authority and $75,000 in financial security, usually a BMC-84 surety bond or a BMC-85 trust fund.
Source: 49 CFR 387.307Carriers must carry liability insurance
Most for-hire interstate carriers must file at least $750,000 in liability coverage with the FMCSA. Cargo coverage for the cars on the truck is set by the carrier, so ask for the certificate.
Source: 49 CFR 387.9Drivers have daily driving limits
Truck drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, which is why long routes are measured in days, not hours.
Source: FMCSA hours of service
Get ready for pickup
Cleaning, fuel level, personal items and the paperwork to have ready — the same for every service.
Ready to ship your car with cross-country car shipping?
Enter your route to compare estimated prices, pickup dates and transport companies.