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Shipping a car across the country can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. Many people worry about the price, how rates are calculated, and whether they’re getting a fair deal. The good news is that car shipping costs follow clear patterns once you understand the factors involved.
This guide explains what drives cross-country car shipping prices, the average costs you might see, tips to save money, and how AmeriFreight helps make the process affordable and reliable.
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, we will answer:
How much does it cost to ship a car cross-country?
What factors affect shipping costs?
What are the best tips to save on shipping a car cross-country?
Overview
Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs
Several key details affect how much you’ll pay when moving a car across the country:
Distance and route: The farther the vehicle travels, the higher the base cost. Busy routes tend to cost less than remote ones.
Type of vehicle: Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs weigh more and take up more space, which increases shipping rates.
Transport method: Open transport is the most common and cost-effective, while enclosed carriers cost more but offer extra protection.
Seasonal demand: Prices often rise during peak moving seasons, such as summer or snowbird migration periods.
Pickup and delivery location: Shipping to or from major metro areas is cheaper than shipping to rural locations.
Fuel prices: Fluctuations in fuel prices can directly impact transport fees.
Insurance and extras: Basic coverage is standard, but optional upgrades or expedited service will increase the price.
Average Cost To Ship a Car Across Country (Distance and Shipping Type
The cost of car shipping varies based on distance, carrier type, and vehicle condition, with enclosed transport offering greater protection at a higher price.
Pro Tip: Use our car shipping calculator to get a personalized quote and see how much it will cost to transport your car across the country.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Cross-Country
Shipping a car across the country typically takes seven to 10 days, but exact timing depends on several important factors.
Main Factors That Affect Delivery Time:
Distance and Route: Longer routes and less common destinations take more time, while major metro-to-metro routes are faster.
Transport Type: Open carriers are more common and can be scheduled more quickly, while enclosed carriers may take longer to dispatch due to limited availability.
Vehicle Condition: Non-running or modified cars require extra loading time and specialized equipment, which can delay pickup or delivery.
Season and Weather: High-demand seasons (summer and winter holidays) or severe weather can impact carrier schedules.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations: Urban and accessible routes move faster than rural or hard-to-reach areas.
Carrier Schedule and Load Size: Transporters optimize routes for multiple vehicles; your car’s position in the load order affects delivery timing.
Distance and Route: Longer routes and less common destinations take more time, while major metro-to-metro routes are faster.
Transport Type: Open carriers are more common and can be scheduled more quickly, while enclosed carriers may take longer to dispatch due to limited availability.
Vehicle Condition: Non-running or modified cars require extra loading time and specialized equipment, which can delay pickup or delivery.
Season and Weather: High-demand seasons (summer and winter holidays) or severe weather can impact carrier schedules.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations: Urban and accessible routes move faster than rural or hard-to-reach areas.
Carrier Schedule and Load Size: Transporters optimize routes for multiple vehicles; your car’s position in the load order affects delivery timing.
Cheap Way To Ship Car Across Country: Savings Tips
Car shipping doesn’t have to break the bank. You can lower costs with a few wise choices:
Be flexible with pickup and delivery dates: More flexibility means carriers can offer better rates.
Choose open transport: This is safe, widely used, and more affordable than enclosed options.
Ship multiple vehicles: If moving more than one car, bundling them together often earns a discount.
Get multiple quotes: Comparing rates helps you see where the market stands.
Avoid peak seasons: Shipping during off-peak months is usually cheaper.
Common Myths About Car Shipping Costs
It’s easy to run into misinformation. Here are a few myths to avoid:
“Expedited service is always faster.” It often means priority scheduling, but it may not guarantee overnight transport.
“Enclosed shipping is always necessary.” For most standard cars, open carriers provide safe, reliable transport.
“Insurance isn’t needed.” Most licensed carriers include basic cargo insurance as required by federal law. For high-value vehicles, customers may consider additional coverage for added protection.
“All carriers charge the same.” Prices vary widely, which is why requesting quotes matters.
Final Thoughts: Plan and Ship Smart
Shipping a car across the country doesn’t have to be complicated or overly expensive. By understanding the factors that affect price and making strategic choices, you can save money and reduce stress.
Why Ship Cross-Country with AmeriFreight?
With more than 20 years of top-rated service, AmeriFreight Auto Transport helps make cross-country car shipping simple, affordable, and dependable. Our team connects you with carefully vetted, licensed, and insured carriers who understand how to handle every detail.
AmeriFreight is here to assist throughout the process, from helping you understand your options to coordinating with trusted carriers that fit your needs.
Get a free, no-obligation quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the biggest factor in shipping costs?
Distance is the main driver, followed by vehicle size and transport method.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car cross-country?
The cheapest way to ship a car cross-country is to use an open carrier with flexible pickup and delivery dates, allowing carriers to fill routes efficiently and offer lower rates.
Is enclosed transport worth it?
It is recommended for luxury, exotic, or classic cars that need added protection.
Do seasons affect prices?
Yes. Summer and winter snowbird seasons often see higher demand and rates.
