Cross-Country Car Shipping Coast to Coast, Done Right.

Trusted nationwide carriers, transparent pricing, and on-time delivery – wherever in the U.S. your vehicle needs to go.

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What is cross-country car shipping?

Cross-country car shipping is a long-distance vehicle transport service that moves your car from one coast or region of the United States to another — typically anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000+ miles.

Instead of putting thousands of miles, wear, and risk on your own vehicle by driving it, a professional carrier picks it up at your door and delivers it to your new destination on a multi-vehicle trailer. The process is faster, safer, and almost always more affordable than the cost of fuel, lodging, and time off work.

Whether you’re relocating for a new job, sending a car to a family member, moving for the season, or buying a vehicle online, cross-country shipping is the simplest way to get it there in one piece.

Why Car Express is a top choice for cross-country car shipping.

Long-distance moves leave no room for guesswork. Here’s why thousands of customers trust us with their coast-to-coast shipments.

Largest Nationwide Network

vThousands of vetted carriers across every state and route — so we can move your car when and where you need it, even on rural lanes.

Transparent Cross-Country Pricing

Upfront quotes with no hidden fees, fuel surcharges, or last-minute add-ons. What you see is what you pay — backed by our Best Price Guarantee.

On-Time Coast-to-Coast Delivery

Dedicated dispatch and route planning keep your shipment moving on schedule, with proactive updates if anything changes.

Fully Licensed & Insured

Every carrier we work with is FMCSA-registered, bonded, and carries full cargo insurance — open or enclosed.

5-Star Customer Experience

A dedicated specialist from quote to delivery. Real humans, fast responses, and thousands of 5-star reviews from coast-to-coast customers.

True Door-to-Door Service

Pickup and delivery as close to your address as legally and safely possible — no terminals, no extra driving.

State-to-State vs Cross-Country Car Shipping

Not sure which service fits your move? Here's how short-haul state shipping differs from a full coast-to-coast haul.

State-to-State

  • Shorter distances Typically under 1,000 miles — neighboring or nearby states.
  • Faster delivery Pickup in 1–3 days and delivery in 1–5 days on average.
  • Lower cost Usually $400–$900 depending on route and vehicle size.
  • Best for Nearby moves, college relocations, and regional car purchases.
VS

Cross-Country

  • Long distances 1,500 to 3,000+ miles — coast to coast or across multiple regions.
  • Standard delivery Pickup in 1–5 days and delivery in 7–10 days on average.
  • Higher cost Typically $1,100–$1,950 depending on exact route and transport type.
  • Best for Coast-to-coast relocations, snowbird moves, and long-distance purchases.

How to prepare your vehicle for cross-country shipping.

A few simple steps before pickup make the whole coast-to-coast journey smoother — and protect you at delivery.

Wash & document condition

Clean the exterior so existing scratches and dings are easy to photograph before pickup.

Remove personal items

Carriers aren't insured for personal belongings — take out electronics, chargers, and valuables.

Leave about ¼ tank of fuel

Enough for loading and delivery, but light enough to keep carrier weight in check.

Disable alarms & toll tags

Turn off aftermarket alarms and remove or bag toll transponders to avoid false charges.

Check for leaks & mechanicals

Note any fluid leaks, low tires, or battery issues so your dispatcher can match the right carrier.

Note existing damage with photos

Timestamped photos from every angle protect you when signing the Bill of Lading at delivery.

Cross-country shipping vs. driving it yourself.

Most people underestimate what a coast-to-coast drive really costs. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown for a typical 2,800-mile trip.

Cost Factor

Drive It Yourself

Ship With Car Express

Fuel (~2,800 mi)

$350 – $450

Included

Hotels (3–4 nights)

$450 – $700

$0

Food on the road

$150 – $250

$0

Vehicle wear & depreciation

$500 – $800

$0

4–5 days off work

$800 – $1,500

None

Risk of accident / breakdown

High

Fully insured

Total estimated cost

$2,250 – $3,700

$1,100 – $1,950

Pricing & Transit

Cost and delivery time for cross-country car transport.

Cross-country prices depend on the exact distance, vehicle size, transport type (open vs enclosed), and seasonal demand. The ranges below are typical for long-haul shipments — your final quote may be lower based on your route.

Distance

Open Transport

Enclosed Transport

Delivery Time

1,500 – 2,000 miles

$1,050 – $1,350

$1,700 – $2,100

5 – 8 days

2,000 – 2,500 miles

$1,250 – $1,550

$1,950 – $2,400

6 – 9 days

2,500 – 3,000 miles

$1,450 – $1,750

$2,200 – $2,700

7 – 10 days

Coast-to-coast (3,000+ mi)

$1,600 – $1,950

$2,500 – $3,000

8 – 11 days

Built for every kind of cross-country move.

Car Express Transport works with a wide range of customers, each with unique cross-country needs:

Military PCS Moves

Trusted partner for active-duty families relocating across the country, with priority scheduling and military discounts.

Students

Affordable cross-country shipping for college moves — get your car to campus without the long drive.

Snowbirds

Seasonal car transport for retirees and travelers moving between summer and winter homes each year.

Online Car Buyers

Safely move vehicles purchased from online dealerships, auctions, or private sellers anywhere in the U.S.

Relocations

Families and professionals moving for work, retirement, or a fresh start — coordinated with your move-in date.

Dealerships & Fleets

Scalable cross-country solutions for dealerships, leasing companies, and fleet operators moving multiple vehicles.

What our enclosed transport customers
say.

Cross-country shipping, answered.

Everything you need to know about moving your vehicle from one coast to the other. Still unsure? Our team is one call away.

Coverage Fully Insured

How much does cross-country car shipping cost?

Cross-country shipping typically ranges from $1,100 to $1,950 depending on distance, vehicle size, transport type (open vs enclosed), and seasonal demand. Get a free instant quote for an exact rate on your route.

Coast-to-coast transit usually takes 7 to 10 days once your vehicle is picked up. Pickup itself happens within 1 to 5 days of booking, depending on your origin.

 

Yes. Every carrier in our network is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Open carriers include up to $100K in cargo coverage, and enclosed carriers offer $250K+ for high-value vehicles.

 

Open transport is the most popular and affordable option for daily drivers, SUVs, and trucks. Enclosed is recommended for luxury, classic, exotic, or low-clearance vehicles that need extra protection.

 

Either you or an authorized adult (18+) must be present at both ends to sign the Bill of Lading and inspect the vehicle. We coordinate timing windows to make it convenient.

 

Yes. We can arrange specialty equipment (winch-equipped carriers) for inoperable vehicles. Let us know during booking so we can match you with the right carrier.