Shipping a Car to Another State: Costs, Timing and Tips
Shipping a car can save you days of driving on a cross-country move. Here's what it costs, what drives the price, and how to avoid surprises.
What it costs
Our model fitted to published 2026 route prices estimates these ranges for a sedan on an open carrier:
- $690–$1,040 for a short haul of about 500 miles,
- $1,030–$1,510 for about 1,400 miles (for example California to Texas),
- $1,550–$2,240 coast to coast.
The calculator assumes a 25% increase for an SUV or pickup and a 35% increase for enclosed transport. Those are model uplifts, not universal carrier surcharges. The enclosed 1,400-mile sedan example is $1,390–$2,040; actual quotes can differ with the vehicle, route, dates and carrier. Enclosed carriers protect the car from weather and road debris. Published mainland-to-Hawaii prices start around $1,500 from the West Coast; mainland-to-Alaska prices run from about $2,100 from the Seattle area and more from farther away. Get your route's estimate with our car shipping calculator.
What drives the price
- Distance, but not linearly. The price per mile falls on longer trips because loading and pickup cost the same either way.
- Route popularity. Busy interstate corridors between big metros are cheaper than rural pickups far from main highways.
- Season. Summer is peak moving season, and "snowbird" routes to Florida and Arizona get pricier in fall (southbound) and spring (northbound).
- Vehicle size and condition. Larger vehicles take more space; cars that don't run need a winch and cost more.
- Flexibility. A wider pickup window usually lowers the price.
How long it takes
Roughly 1–4 days for short routes, 3–7 days for mid-distance moves and 5–10 days coast to coast, plus a few days to assign a truck. Ocean shipping to Hawaii or Alaska takes 2–5 weeks.
Ship or drive?
Driving a long route costs fuel, one or more hotel nights, meals, and days away from work, plus wear on the car. For trips over about 1,000 miles, shipping is often close in total cost, and it frees you to fly. Under about 500 miles, driving usually wins.
Before pickup
- Get at least three quotes. For an interstate shipment, use FMCSA’s Licensing and Insurance search to match the carrier or broker’s legal name and USDOT or MC number, and check its active operating authority and insurance filings. A registration number alone does not confirm active authority or the coverage for your car.
- Ask whether the quote is from a broker or the carrier, what insurance covers, and whether the price is guaranteed.
- Wash the car and photograph every side, so you can document its condition.
- Remove personal items and toll tags; most carriers don't allow belongings in the car.
- Leave about a quarter tank of gas.
- At delivery, inspect the car before signing the bill of lading, and note any damage on it.
After you arrive, you'll need to title and register the car in your new state; see our new resident deadlines.