Car shipping service
Pros and Cons of Cross-Country Car Shipping
The advantages and disadvantages of Cross-Country Car Shipping, and how to decide whether it fits your vehicle and budget.
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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
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Advantages of cross-country car shipping
- Lowest price per mile
- Saves days of driving and hotel costs
- No wear or mileage added to your car
- Useful for leased cars with mileage limits
- Fly and arrive rested
Disadvantages
- About 5–10 days in transit
- You may need a rental car until it arrives
- Personal items usually can't ship inside
- Winter weather can delay northern routes
- Remote pickup or delivery can add to the price
Side-by-side comparison
Shipping vs. Driving a Car Cross-Country
Feature | Ship your car | Drive it yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated cost | About $875–$4,725 for a standard car | Often similar once hotels and meals are added |
| Your time | A few hours at pickup and delivery | About 5–7 full days |
| Wear on the car | None | 2,500–3,000 miles added |
| Belongings | Usually not allowed in the car | Pack as much as fits |
| Risk | Carrier insured for damage | Breakdowns, weather and fatigue |
| Arrival | Car arrives after you, within a window | You arrive with your car |
| Best for | Busy movers, newer or leased cars | Road trips and packed cars |
Which option is right for you?
Choose ship your car if
- Your time off work is worth more than the difference
- You have a lease with a mileage limit
- You're moving a family and flying is simpler
Choose drive it yourself if
- You want a road trip
- You need to move belongings in the car
- You need the car the day you arrive
Recommendations by vehicle
Sedans and compact cars
Ship your carSUVs and crossovers
Ship your carPickup trucks
Ship your carElectric vehicles
Ship your carTesla
Ship your carLuxury cars
Either optionClassic cars
Drive it yourselfNon-running vehicles
Either option
Ready to ship your car with cross-country car shipping?
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