Whether you are relocating for a new job, buying a vehicle from an out-of-state seller, or moving a car for a family member, knowing how to ship a vehicle across the country saves you time, money, and unnecessary stress. The process is straightforward when you understand the options, the costs, and the questions to ask before handing over your keys. This guide covers everything you need from start to finish.
The 1987 Group coordinates long distance vehicle transport for individuals and businesses across the United States. We handle the logistics so you do not have to figure it out on your own.
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Step 1: Decide How to Ship a Vehicle Across the Country
The first decision when figuring out how to ship a vehicle across the country is choosing between open and enclosed transport. This single choice affects both price and protection level, so it is worth getting right before you contact any carrier.
- Open transport: Your vehicle rides on an open multi-car carrier alongside other vehicles. This is the most common and most affordable option — 95 percent of vehicles shipped across the country use open transport. It is completely safe for standard cars, trucks, and SUVs.
- Enclosed transport: Your vehicle ships inside a fully covered trailer, protected from weather, road debris, and other elements. This costs 30 to 50 percent more than open transport and is recommended for collector cars, luxury vehicles, and low-clearance sports cars.
- Driveaway service: A professional driver drives your vehicle directly to its destination. This is a practical option for certain long-distance moves and is one of The 1987 Group’s core services. Ask your coordinator whether this works for your specific route and vehicle.
For most people executing a standard cross country vehicle transport, open transport is the right call. If your vehicle is a daily driver worth under $50,000, open transport protects it just as well as you need.
Step 2: Find a Carrier Who Knows How to Ship a Vehicle Across the Country
Not all transport companies operate the same way. Knowing how to ship a vehicle across the country means knowing who you are hiring. Look for these qualifications before you commit to any carrier or coordinator:
- FMCSA registration: Any company involved in interstate vehicle transport is required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Verify the carrier’s MC number before signing anything.
- Cargo insurance: Confirm the carrier holds cargo insurance that covers your vehicle’s value during transit. Request a certificate of insurance — a reputable carrier will provide it without hesitation.
- Confirmed pricing: Avoid any company that quotes one price and then changes it at pickup. A legitimate coordinator provides a written, confirmed rate before your vehicle is ever loaded.
- Verifiable reviews: Check Google and the Better Business Bureau for consistent patterns across reviews, not just overall star ratings. Look specifically for comments about communication, delivery timing, and vehicle condition at delivery.
- Specialization: For a standard ship car state to state move, a generalist auto transport company works fine. For fleet moves, specialty vehicles, or tight timelines, work with a coordinator who focuses on those types of moves.
Step 3: Know Your Costs Before You Book
Price is one of the most important parts of knowing how to ship a vehicle across the country without surprises. Understanding where rates come from puts you in a much stronger position when comparing quotes. The table below shows estimated open-transport costs on common routes in 2026.
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Open Transport (est.) | Enclosed Transport (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY | ~2,800 miles | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,800–$2,700 |
| Chicago, IL to Miami, FL | ~1,380 miles | $800–$1,200 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Dallas, TX to Seattle, WA | ~2,100 miles | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,500–$2,250 |
| Atlanta, GA to Phoenix, AZ | ~1,750 miles | $900–$1,350 | $1,350–$2,000 |
| 500–1,000 miles (regional) | 500–1,000 miles | $500–$900 | $750–$1,350 |
Estimates reflect 2026 open-transport market rates for a standard passenger vehicle. How to ship a vehicle across the country rates vary based on fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, vehicle size, and carrier availability. Always confirm pricing with a direct quote.
Step 4: How to Ship a Vehicle Across the Country — Pre-Pickup Checklist
Knowing how to ship a vehicle across the country smoothly means doing your prep work before pickup day. Carriers will not wait if your vehicle is not ready, and an unprepared vehicle can complicate delivery or void your insurance coverage.
- Remove personal items: Auto transport insurance does not cover personal belongings left in the vehicle. Clear everything out before pickup. A few items under five pounds are typically fine but confirm with your coordinator.
- Document your vehicle’s condition: Take time-stamped photos of every panel, the roof, and the undercarriage before loading. This is your reference point if any questions arise at delivery.
- Leave a quarter tank of fuel: Enough to drive the vehicle on and off the carrier, but not so much that it adds unnecessary weight.
- Disable alarms: If your alarm triggers during transit, carriers cannot turn it off. Disable it before pickup to avoid issues along the route.
- Confirm pickup and delivery contacts: Someone must be present at both ends of the move to sign the Bill of Lading. Coordinate who that will be in advance.
The 1987 Group also coordinates fleet transport services for businesses shipping multiple vehicles at once, and single vehicle delivery for straightforward point-to-point moves. Contact our team to discuss which option fits your situation.
Have your route and vehicle details ready? Get a confirmed quote now and know your exact cost before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Ship a Vehicle Across the Country: What Is the Timeline?
Most moves take 5 to 10 business days for coast-to-coast routes. Regional routes under 1,000 miles typically complete in 3 to 5 days. When you plan how to ship a vehicle across the country, build in a buffer of one to two days on each end for pickup and delivery scheduling. Expedited options are available but come with a significant premium.
How to Ship a Vehicle Across the Country: Open or Enclosed Transport?
Open transport is the right choice for the majority of vehicles — it is safe, affordable, and widely available on all major routes. Choose enclosed if you are shipping a collector car, a luxury vehicle worth over $75,000, or a specialty vehicle with low ground clearance where minor road debris could cause damage that is expensive to repair.
How to Ship a Vehicle Across the Country If My Car Does Not Run?
Non-running vehicles can absolutely be shipped across the country — but you must disclose the vehicle’s condition when requesting a quote. Inoperable vehicles require additional loading equipment (typically a winch or forklift assist), which adds $100 to $300 to the base rate. Failing to disclose a non-running vehicle upfront can result in a revised quote or refused pickup at your expense.
How to Ship a Vehicle Across the Country on a Budget?
The most effective ways to reduce cost are: book two to three weeks in advance, choose a 5 to 7 day pickup window instead of a specific date, use open transport, and avoid peak season moves (June through August). Combining these adjustments can reduce your total cost by 15 to 25 percent compared to a last-minute, same-week booking.
What Happens If My Vehicle Is Damaged During Transport?
Document any damage at delivery before signing the Bill of Lading — note it directly on the form and photograph it immediately. File a claim with the carrier’s cargo insurance within the timeframe specified in your transport agreement (typically 15 to 30 days). Working with a reputable, FMCSA-registered carrier significantly reduces the likelihood of damage and makes the claims process straightforward if it does occur.
Your Next Move Starts Here
Now that you know how to ship a vehicle across the country, the next step is getting a confirmed rate from a team that has done this thousands of times. The 1987 Group coordinates nationwide vehicle transport for individuals, businesses, and fleet operators — always with transparent pricing and no last-minute changes.
Ready to ship a vehicle across the country? Request your confirmed quote today and move with confidence.
