State to state car shipping works through a network of carriers who move your vehicle using either open or enclosed trailers. When you need car shipping across states, the process can seem complicated, but it is straightforward. You are likely asking how to ship a car out of state without headaches.
Many people worry about the cost to ship a car interstate or finding the cheapest way to ship a car across states. Auto transport state to state involves matching your pickup and delivery points with a reliable carrier's route. This process ensures your vehicle gets to its destination safely, avoiding the stress and miles of driving yourself.
Ready to find out the cost to ship a car interstate? Get your free quote today and see how simple long distance car shipping can be using our reliable open auto shipping or premium enclosed auto transport between states options.
Table Of Contents
What Is State to State Car Shipping?
Process Of Car Shipping Across States
Average Car Shipping Rates by Distance
Factors Affecting the Cost of Car Transport Between States
How to Get a Reliable Quote for Auto Transport State to State
How Do Online Car Shipping Quotes Work?
What Hidden Fees Should You Watch Out For?
Compare Quotes From Different Car Shipping Companies
Cheapest Way to Ship a Car Across States
How to Prepare Your Car for State to State Transport
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Between States?
Your Top Car Shipping Questions
Making Your State to State Car Shipping Simple
What Is State to State Car Shipping?
State to state car shipping is simply moving your vehicle across any distance that involves crossing state lines. We call this long distance car shipping or interstate car transport. This service handles the logistics of getting your car from a pickup location in one state to a delivery spot in another.
The core difference is the distance. Local transport moves a car within a single metropolitan area or county, often with one driver handling the whole job quickly. Car moving across states, however, requires specialized planning for long hauls, permits, and connecting different regions. Local moves usually do not cover the hundreds or thousands of miles that make up cross country car shipping.
You need auto transport state to state for specific, large life changes. We handle vehicle transport for many reasons, often involving big mileage.
Here are a few common situations where people use this service:
Relocation: You got a new job or are moving your family and need to ship your car to a new residence.
Buying/Selling: You found a rare classic car online or sold your truck to a buyer on the other side of the country. Check our guide on how to ship a car that you bought online.
Military Moves: Moving for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) means you require state to state vehicle transport for your personal vehicle. See our tips for auto shipping for military personnel.
When you consider driving versus shipping, the miles and time quickly add up. Shipping is often the best way to ship a car long distance, saving you wear and tear. Finding reliable car shipping companies state to state makes the whole transition much easier.
Process Of Car Shipping Across States
When you plan for car shipping across states, the process is simple and follows clear steps. You start with a quote request. Our digital tools let you enter your origin, destination, and vehicle details. This generates an instant online estimate for the cost to ship a car interstate. This estimate uses real-time market data to show you a fair price.
Next, you move to carrier booking. After you approve the price, we secure a spot on a truck running a route that matches your state to state vehicle transport. Once booked, we give you a pickup window.
The main steps for interstate car transport are:
Quote Request: You get an estimate for how much is car shipping from state to another.
Carrier Booking: We match your shipment with a professional, licensed transporter.
Vehicle Pickup: The driver inspects the car and loads it onto the trailer.
Transport: Your car is on the road for long distance car shipping.
Delivery: You inspect the car and sign off at the destination.
How long does car transport from one state to another take? For cross country car shipping, transit time is typically 7 to 14 days, though shorter trips are faster. You can look at our guide on how long it takes to deliver my vehicle for a full breakdown.
Keep in mind factors like weather or the truck's overall route affect the delivery date. Car moving across states requires patience, but you get time back you would have spent driving. You'll find this structured approach to be the best way to ship a car long distance.
Average Car Shipping Rates by Distance
The biggest factor in answering how much is car shipping from state to another is the distance. As a general rule, the cost per mile drops the farther your vehicle travels. This means your rate for long distance car shipping is usually lower per mile than for a short haul.
Look at this breakdown of typical costs for shipping car between states:
Distance (Miles)
Type
Estimated Cost
Cost per Mile
300–500
Short distance
$450–$700
$1.00–$1.40
500–1,000
Mid-range
$700–$1,100
$0.80–$1.10
1,000–1,500
Long distance
$1,000–$1,400
$0.70–$1.00
1,500+
Cross country
$1,200–$1,800
$0.60–$0.85
You can see that a shorter car transport from one state to another costs more per mile. For a full cross country car shipping trip (1,500+ miles), the total estimated cost is higher, but the cost per mile drops significantly—sometimes to as low as $0.60.
This per-mile drop is why car moving across states is often more economical than you might think. We have found that while you want the cheapest way to ship a car across states, you also need quality service. If you want to know more about what affects the final price, you should read our guide on how much does car shipping cost: factors that affect pricing.
Keep in mind that factors beyond distance, like vehicle size and transport type (open versus enclosed auto transport between states), will adjust the final price.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Car Transport Between States
Several factors determine the final price when you look for cheapest way to ship a car across states. It goes beyond the basic mileage of your long distance car shipping.
Distance and the exact delivery route matter most. Carriers charge less per mile for a long, straight run between major cities than for a shorter, remote delivery. The easier the path for the truck, the lower the cost to ship a car interstate.
Your vehicle details also affect the price. Bigger, heavier vehicles take up more space and fuel, increasing the cost for interstate car transport. A non-running car needs special equipment to load, which also raises the price.
The type of carrier is a key choice. Open transport is standard and less expensive, giving you the cheapest way to ship a car across states. Enclosed auto transport between states offers maximum protection, ideal for luxury or classic cars, but it costs more. For more detail, read our guide on open vs enclosed car transport: which one is right for you.
Fuel prices constantly change and directly impact the carrier's operating cost. When fuel goes up, rates for car shipping across states increase quickly. Seasonal demand also plays a role; expect higher prices during summer and around holidays when more people require state to state car shipping. Also, pickup and delivery locations affect pricing. Rural or hard-to-access areas cost more than major metropolitan hubs.
If you are looking for the best way to ship a car long distance, remember that you are paying for professional logistics and safe delivery, not just mileage. We recommend checking out the U.S. Energy Information Administration for current fuel price trends.
How to Get a Reliable Quote for Auto Transport State to State
Getting an accurate price is the first big hurdle when planning car moving across states. You are looking for a reliable quote for your auto transport state to state, not just the lowest number. A good quote shows you the real cost to ship a car interstate. We focus on transparency so you know exactly what you are paying for when booking a long distance vehicle transport. Learning how to read and compare these estimates is key to finding the best way to ship a car long distance.
How Do Online Car Shipping Quotes Work?
Online quotes give you a fast estimate for how much is car shipping from state to another. Instant calculator tools use specific data inputs you provide to determine the price. You must give your exact pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the vehicle’s year, make, model, and the date range you need service. These details allow the system to calculate distance and gauge current carrier demand on that route.
The quote process differs between brokers and carriers. As a broker, we access a wide network of reliable truckers. This lets us offer you competitive pricing from multiple sources. Direct carriers, which are the actual truck owners, only quote their own rates and schedule. Their quote might be slightly cheaper if they have an empty slot on a planned route, but a broker gives you more options for your car shipping across states. Remember, the first quote is an estimate, not a fixed price. The price only locks in when a carrier accepts the load, which often happens quickly.
What Hidden Fees Should You Watch Out For?
You need to know what a quote does not include before you book your state to state vehicle transport. Some companies offer a low rate only to add charges later. We recommend looking closely at these potential fees.
Remote Location Fees: You may see extra charges for remote pickup or delivery. This happens if your location is far off the carrier's main route, often in a rural area. The truck has to drive extra miles for your specific drop-off or pickup.
Expedited Shipping: If you need a guaranteed delivery window or a quick pickup, you will pay a premium for expedited shipping. This service bumps your car to the front of the line, which increases the cost to ship a car interstate.
Insurance Coverage: While all carriers must carry basic cargo insurance, you should check the limits. If you have a high-value vehicle, you may want to discuss additional coverage.
Cancellation Penalties: Understand the policy before you commit. If you cancel your long distance car shipping after a carrier is assigned, you often pay a rebooking or cancellation fee.
If you are concerned about price surprises, read our guide on auto shipping hidden cost: what to watch out for.
Compare Quotes From Different Car Shipping Companies
Do not choose a company based on price alone. When comparing quotes for car shipping companies state to state, evaluate four key areas.
Price: Look at the total, all-inclusive price. If one price is significantly lower, ask what it excludes.
Carrier Rating: Use third-party sites like Google and Transport Reviews to check customer feedback. A company's reputation for on-time service and handling is vital.
Insurance: Request confirmation of the carrier’s insurance and its coverage limits.
Delivery Time: Compare the estimated pickup window and delivery time frame.
Verify the legitimacy of any company you consider. Always check for their FMCSA registration and DOT numbers on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. These numbers confirm the company is licensed to perform interstate car transport and tracks their safety record. When you do your research, you ensure your shipping a car out of state guide leads to a safe choice.
Want a straightforward quote with zero hidden fees? Click here to get a transparent price for your cross country car shipping today. We offer reliable auto transport state to state for all vehicle types.
Cheapest Way to Ship a Car Across States
If your goal is finding the cheapest way to ship a car across states, you have control over several factors that reduce the cost to ship a car interstate. This is about aligning your needs with the carrier's convenience.
First, be flexible with your pickup dates. Carriers prefer full loads and predictable routes. Giving us a wider window for pickup and delivery allows us to fit your long distance car shipping onto a route that is already full, which costs you less.
Choosing an open carrier is the most reliable way to save money. Open transport trucks haul most vehicles in the country. It is the cheapest option compared to enclosed auto transport between states because the truck can hold more cars and weighs less.
You should also book your cross country car shipping in advance. We recommend booking two to four weeks ahead of time. This avoids rush fees and secures you a better rate before carrier prices increase due to high demand.
Think about terminal-to-terminal shipping if your schedule allows. This is an option where you drop off your vehicle at a central terminal and pick it up at a terminal near the destination. It removes the carrier's need to navigate busy residential areas for door-to-door delivery, which lowers the cost to ship a car interstate. If you compare the two, you will see the difference. You can read our detailed breakdown of terminal-to-terminal vs door-to-door auto transport.
Finally, always ask about discounts. We proudly offer various promotional rates and group discounts, including those for military personnel, students, and first responders. Using a discount helps make auto transport state to state the cheapest way to ship a car across states for you.
How to Prepare Your Car for State to State Transport
Taking a few simple steps prepares your vehicle and ensures a seamless car transport from one state to another. Preparation is key to successful shipping a car out of state guide.
Before the truck arrives for your state to state car shipping, handle these essential items:
Clean and Document: Wash your car completely. Then, walk around and take photos of its current condition, noting any existing dents or scratches. This documentation prevents disputes later.
Remove Personal Items: Carriers prohibit shipping personal items inside the vehicle, and they are not covered by insurance. Remove everything except a maximum of 100 pounds of stuff in the trunk.
Check Fluids and Tires: Check the tire pressure and fluids. The gas tank should be around one-quarter full—just enough to load and unload the car.
For documentation, you must have copies ready for the driver at pickup. This typically includes the vehicle registration and proof of insurance. The driver also needs your photo ID to confirm identity. You can find more detail on what documents do you need to ship a car.
The job is not over until you get the car back from cross country car shipping. When the driver delivers the car, you must perform a final inspection immediately. Use your photos from before shipping and check every panel against the Bill of Lading (BOL).
If you see any new damage, note it clearly on the BOL before signing. The BOL is the crucial document for filing a claim. If damage occurs, you need that signed, clear documentation to start the claim process with the carrier's insurance. This final inspection ensures your car moving across states ends exactly right.
Ready to ship your car? Get a quick quote now and let us handle your long distance car shipping with expert care.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Between States?
When you arrange shipping car between states, you need a clear timeline. The delivery time for state to state vehicle transport depends mainly on the distance the carrier must travel. For long distance car shipping, you can expect the journey to take roughly one week.
Here are some route examples for car transport from one state to another:
Route Example
Distance
Estimated Delivery
New York → Florida
1,200 mi
4–6 days
Texas → California
1,500 mi
5–7 days
Illinois → Arizona
1,700 mi
6–8 days
East Coast → West Coast
2,800 mi
7–10 days
A typical cross country car shipping trip, like moving a car from the East Coast to the West Coast, usually takes 7 to 10 days. Remember, these times are estimates, not guarantees.
Factors can delay the schedule for your interstate car transport. You should be aware of these potential issues when planning:
Weather: Snowstorms or heavy rain can force a detour or cause the truck to pull over for safety.
Route Detours: Unexpected road closures or accidents create delays.
Mechanical Issues: Truck breakdowns happen, which require the carrier to arrange a repair or transfer the load.
Scheduling Gaps: Sometimes the driver needs extra time to manage multiple pickups and drop-offs.
It is important to understand these variables before you book auto transport state to state. Being flexible helps avoid the stress of a tight timeline. We have detailed information available on what to do if your car shipment gets delayed.
Your Top State to State Car Shipping Queries
Here are the most common questions people ask when they start planning their vehicle move across state lines.
How much is car shipping from state to another for an SUV versus a sedan?
Larger vehicles like SUVs take up more space and weigh more, making the final rate for your car shipping from state to another about 20% to 35% higher than shipping a standard sedan.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car across states if I need speed?
The cheapest way to ship a car across states is usually open transport with flexible dates. If you need it fast, you will pay a premium for guaranteed pickup, raising your cost to ship a car interstate.
How to ship a car out of state when it doesn't run?
You can still ship a car out of state if it is not operational, but you must tell us upfront. The carrier needs to use special equipment like a winch, which adds to the total transport price.
What is the best way to ship a car long distance for a collector's item?
The best way to ship a car long distance for a classic or luxury vehicle is always enclosed auto transport between states. It costs more but shields your investment from all weather and road debris.
How do I choose the right car shipping companies state to state?
Focus on transparency and reviews when selecting car shipping companies state to state. Verify their FMCSA registration and ensure they provide proof of liability insurance coverage before you book.
Can I get a discount when using a car shipping company state to state?
Yes, many reliable car shipping companies state to state offer discounts. We regularly provide reduced rates for military personnel, students, and seniors. Always inquire about available savings.
What is included in a shipping a car out of state guide regarding insurance?
A complete shipping a car out of state guide confirms the carrier's insurance covers your vehicle from pickup to delivery. This coverage is included in the base rate for your transport service.
Making Your State to State Car Shipping Simple
Understanding how state to state car shipping works demystifies the process. You now know that auto transport state to state involves clear steps, from securing an accurate quote to preparing your vehicle for pickup. Whether you are moving or buying a car, choosing open transport is often the cheapest way to ship a car across states, but enclosed transport is available for premium vehicles.
Always prioritize reliable car shipping across states over an unrealistically low price. This diligence ensures your long distance car shipping is completed safely and on schedule. Trusting an experienced broker simplifies the logistics, saving you time and the massive mileage of driving yourself. Stop worrying about your move and start focusing on your destination.
Ready to schedule your interstate car transport? Get a Quote now and let our trusted carriers handle your car transport from one state to another efficiently.
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