8 Mins
Mar 22, 2023

Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country (2024)

What is Cross Country Car Shipping?

Cross-country car shipping is a long-distance auto transport that spans many of the United States. Shippers can ship their car from the East Coast to the West Coast, Midwest to the South, or any other route that usually spans 2,000 or more. The exact definition of “cross-country” depends on the pick-up and delivery location. You are able to move a car across the country by yourself or with a rented trailer hitch, but professional car shipping services will have more resources to ensure the safety of your car. Some movers prefer DIY cross-country car transport because of its lower cost. Despite a widespread belief to the contrary, DIY cross-country auto transport is difficult and often expensive. The time and effort you spend transporting a car across the country on your own can end up costing more than, say, hiring a cross-country auto transport company. All the time you save initially could result in expensive damages to your car. A professional car shipping company takes care of the entire cross-country shipment from beginning to end.

When you ship your car with us, you can rely on our professional cross-country auto transport experts. Bold makes it simple by providing you with an easy-to-use calculator that will help you get an instant quote and find an affordable vehicle shipping rate.

If you need to transport your vehicle across the country for a trip or a move, and you don’t want to drive your car or fly a rental to your destination, cross-country car shipping is a good option, and our team at Bold Auto Transport is ready to help.

If you’re not sure what to expect from an auto transport service provider, we can help. We don’t want you to worry about the cost of transporting your vehicle. Our pricing is straightforward so that you can budget accordingly. Bold offers a variety of shipping options for your vehicle so you can determine which one is best for your needs and budget.

Our network of auto transport companies can help you get your car moved to its new location. When you plan to ship a vehicle and look for the best service for the best price, it’s not always easy to know what’s possible or what to expect. Our auto shipping services are competitively priced, and our staff is here to answer any of your questions.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Cross-Country?

The cost to ship a car across the country is around $0.28 per mile for a family sedan, between $0.32 and $0.35 per mile for an SUV or truck, and between $1.03 and $2.19 per mile for classic and exotic cars. Many factors impact the final cost of shipping a car across the country; distance, vehicle size, and weight, time of the year, and vehicle's condition combined with the method you choose to ship.

The Average Cost To Ship A Car Across The Country

Ship a 4-door sedan from CA to FL:
$700 to $1,100 for open car transport

Transport an SUV, van, or truck from CA to FL:
$900 to $1,170 for open vehicle hauling

Ship an SUV, van, or truck from NY to CA:
$900 to $1,200 for open vehicle hauling

Transport a classic car from NY to CA:
$1,700 to $4,200 for closed car hauling, special protection

If you're looking to ship a car in the US, you can use our online auto transport calculator to get a more accurate picture of how much it will cost to ship your car based on your budget, schedule, and route.

How Do You Transport Your Car Across the Country?

In just six easy steps, you can transport your vehicle across the country.

1) Decide on a pickup address and destination for your car shipping.

2) Choose your pickup and delivery dates.

3) Work with a reliable car shipping company.

4) Get a free car shipping quote right away.

5) Prepare your car for shipment.

6) Make arrangements to drop your car off and pick it up.

Bold Auto Transport offers affordable door-to-door shipping options to transport your vehicle across the country. Bold Auto Transport makes cross-country shipping affordable and easy by offering door-to-door shipping for customers who are busy or not close to a shipping depot. Our professional drivers will pick up your vehicle from your home and deliver it to its destination. Save time and money by skipping the hassle of waiting at the depot.

Open and enclosed car haulers are two types of door-to-door shipping available to you. Open carriers are the cheaper option and are widely available, but your car is vulnerable to inclement weather. However, it is extremely rare to sustain damage this way. Enclosed car haulers are more expensive than open car haulers, but closed carriers are more water and weatherproof, making them the recommended choice for shipping classic cars or expensive sports cars.

Reasons Why You Should Ship A Car Cross Country with Bold Auto Transport

Convenience

Having your car transported across the country for you by someone else is the most practical thing possible. Consider the money you will save on petrol and other expenses, such as all the roadside snacks and meals.

With cross-country car shipping you will save time as your automobile will arrive sooner than you could. As you won't need to pay for gas and other expenses along the road, you'll save money. Since the car doesn't go those miles, you'll save on your odometer. You'll save money on the worth of your automobile with our affordable car shipping cost and perhaps some insurance premiums. You can check the quotes instantly by using our car shipping costs calculator.

Time

Bold Transport is an expert at transporting vehicles throughout the country, including cars, trucks, vans, and other heavy objects. We hire experienced transporters with over-the-road driving skills.

You should evaluate how long it will take to transport your automobile from A to B if you are relocating across the country. How long would it take you to drive alone to your new house with your car? What is the company's anticipated timeframe for vehicle shipping? These automobiles are transported by our truck drivers, who have much more experience with cross-country vehicle shipping across the country than you have. They'll ensure your cross-country vehicle shipping or car shipping across the country is quicker and better.

Safety

With our incredible car shipping costs, moving your car across the country is not only more practical and affordable but also safer. Your automobile is handled with utmost care and attention by our transport drivers while they move car across the country. We strap and secure your car perfectly so that you don’t have to worry about its damage.

Driving cross-country is not something to take lightly, and you probably aren't as used to it as our drivers who have years of experience handling cross-country car transport. A mishap outside your home state is the last thing you need. Let us drive the long distance to keep you and your vehicle as safe as possible. Choose a cross-country car transport service that ensures safe and damage-free vehicle transportation.

Want to know the cost to ship a car across the country? Or cheapest way to ship a car cross country? Reach out to us! Trust Bold Auto Transport to move your car across the country safely.

Door to door Car Shipping

You can be running out of time or don’t have anyone to pick up or drop your car off to us to ship a car to another country or cross-country. Bold transport can help you save time and money.

We understand that it can be hard to drop off or pick up your car from a certain point which is why we offer affordable door to door car shipping options. Your car will be picked up from your home by one of our skilled drivers and delivered to the desired location. With this service, you can ship a car from one country to another without wasting any time and money. Choose only the best way to ship a car cross-country with Bold Auto Transport.

You won't have to navigate by yourself

The process of shipping a car across the country from point A to point B can seem very simple. Now that we have technology like Google Maps on our phones, this is particularly true.

But the truth is that it's not that easy. Some routes can be temporarily blocked depending on the time of year you intend to move your car, while others might be more suitable. Even if you are familiar with the area, it may take hours to find out how to take the safest and fastest route as it can be complicated.

That's something we'll handle if you entrust our experts at Bold Auto Transport. All you need to do is hand over your car to us, then sit back and wait for it to arrive safely at the location of your choice. We can also guide you on how to ship a car from one country to another country.

You can ship several vehicles at once

Yes, it could be possible to drive a car across the country by yourself. But what if you need to transport two, three, or five cars? Finding enough reliable people to move those cars for you will be challenging in those conditions.

You are free to transfer however many automobiles you like with our auto shipment. Knowing that the vehicle mover would take excellent care of vehicles while traveling will give you ease of mind. Additionally, we may load them all at once, saving you the trouble of scheduling several pickup times. Moreover, it is also the cheapest way to ship a car across the country.

When you can handle auto shipping in a single step, it may save up a significant amount of your time and reduce the stress that you'd otherwise have to attempt to work out the logistics for several automobiles.


Wondering what’s the cost to ship a car across the country? Or perhaps the cheapest way to ship a car cross country? Call us! We will help you move car across the country with utmost safety and care.

What Is the Most Economical Way to Transport a Car Across the Country?

If you’re planning to ship a car across the country, here’s what you need to know about finding the best rates.

  • We’ll address this issue in detail later, but for now, it’s crucial to know that shipping a vehicle between September and November will help you save on costs.
  • An open car hauler is the most economical vehicle transport service. It holds up to ten vehicles at once, which cuts down on fuel and transportation expenses, and then passes those savings on to you.
  • When you’re ready to ship a vehicle, make sure to check out the special discounts. We offer various discounts, including military auto transport discounts, to show our ongoing appreciation for our service members.
  • While the total cost of shipping a long distance can be significantly more than the same shipment over a short distance, the per-mile price for longer runs can end up being less expensive. Look for this flexibility in rates so you can take advantage of those savings.
  • If you need to ship your car in a hurry, you may consider an expedited shipping option. However, fast results come at a cost: such services are more expensive than standard transport. If you need your car delivered quickly and affordably, organize it enough time before moving.

What should I know about cross-country car shipping?

Cross-country car transport requires a high level of expertise and safety precautions. When shipping your car cross-country, to ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely, it is crucial to work with an auto transport company that employs trained professional drivers.

When you need nationwide auto shipping, look to the experts at Bold for a solution. Our cross-country car transport drivers will handle your vehicle with care from pickup to delivery.

Car shipping costs are tied to the season in which a vehicle is being shipped. Since the time of year of the shipment from point A to point B will affect the transport costs, it is important for a person seeking to ship a car across the country to be aware of the different seasons and the impact those seasons have on auto transport costs.

Seasonal Affects on Cross-Country Car Shipping Costs

Weather conditions and the number of cars on the road determine how much it costs to ship your car, depending on the time of year.

Car Shipping In Winter

Shipping a car during the winter may slow down the delivery time. This is because of the shorter days and inclement weather conditions.

In December, many truck drivers are taking time off for vacation, so if you book your car move in advance, you can ensure that it will be picked up when it is scheduled to be moved.

January is a peak month for auto transport as people relocate to warmer states for the winter, so expect rates to rise and service to be more rushed. However, in February, car shipping is usually slow, so rates can be more competitive.

Car Shipping In Spring

The second quarter of the year is generally considered the best time to transport a car, specifically in March, when demand is lower, and prices are still low. The rates do increase as the year goes on, though; this is because people become more likely to drive back to their homes in the north and start transporting vehicles again.

Car Shipping In Summer

The demand for auto transport services is highest in summer. This is true for several reasons. Many people take vacations, employees relocate to new offices, and students go home for summer break. All this means that more cars are being transported in the summer months, causing rates to be higher. Because of this high demand, prices stay less stable throughout the summer.

Car Shipping In the Fall

The number of customers shipping their cars is low during the fall, which decreases the costs involved. In September, rates rise because of a spike in business from students shipping their cars to school, but they then drop off again as October and November come.

Factors that affect cross-country car shipping cost

When shipping your car across the country, the cost of auto transport can be affected by several factors. The factors below can help you understand more about cross-country car shipping.

Delivery time and distance

The cost of cross-country car shipping depends on how long it takes to transport your vehicle from one place to another. Longer trips, interstate or otherwise, generally take longer to ship. Shipping times vary between 5-14 days for cars traveling from the West Coast to the East Coast. However, if you are shipping a vehicle from the Midwest to either the West Coast or the East Coast, it might take as little as 3-8 days for it to arrive at its destination. It takes approximately 3-8 days to ship a vehicle from the North to the South.

If you need a vehicle quickly, you may be charged more. If you wish to ship your car on a specific date or require additional services, you will pay more than those who are flexible with their travel arrangements.

Type of auto transport trailer

Open auto transport trailers are usually less expensive than enclosed ones, and this cost-saving option is the most popular. But using an open trailer exposes the vehicle to potential damage from weather and debris, but the risks are quite low.

If you own a classic or valuable car, consider using an enclosed transport trailer for shipping. Its limited capacity means that it is more expensive, but the enclosed structure of the trailer guards against damage from bad weather or other variables.

The cheapest way to ship a car across the country

Open auto transport, which includes terminal-to-terminal delivery, is the cheapest way to get a vehicle from one location to another. Open auto transport can accommodate up to ten cars at once, saving companies on transportation costs.

To reduce transportation costs, ship your vehicle during the cheaper seasons above. Terminal-to-terminal service is often a more affordable option than door-to-door service, as terminal-to-terminal requires less driver time and a trip to the pickup point and back. However, if there are storage fees, then door-to-door service might be the cheaper choice.

Look out for payment method fees

Most auto transport companies accept credit and debit cards, personal checks, and cash. However, some companies charge extra for using a credit or debit card. It is best to ask your auto transport company what payment methods they accept and charge extra for before arranging your vehicle's transportation.

When hiring a car transport company, one should be aware that some companies request a deposit fee. Upon delivery, this fee will be credited toward the total cost of the vehicle, minus any extra fees. Most companies offer a 100% refundable deposit.

Knowing how much will it cost to transport a vehicle

Shipping a car across the country is not as expensive as one might think. Using a professional mover will save you money in the long run, especially instead of driving your vehicle cross-country yourself. Shipping a car across the country can be done relatively quickly and inexpensively. With a car shipping company, you have the convenience of a professional driving your vehicle instead of having to drive it yourself. Plus, you will almost still end up saving money by choosing auto transport over driving yourself.

Consumers who are informed about the costs of shipping across the country can develop a stronger understanding of their purchasing decisions, which can save them money in the long run.

Shipping a car across the country can be nerve-wracking. A respected car transport company like Bold Auto Transport alleviates the worry. Our staff can ship your car across the country with a team of experienced, licensed truck drivers who are responsible and knowledgeable. We use the most modern technology in the industry and provide pickup and delivery services seven days a week. Our commitment to excellence and customer service is reflected in every shipment we handle.

Tips before you ship a car across the country

Check the tires

Make sure your car's tires are properly inflated and suitable for the road conditions where you're going before cross country car transport. To ensure your automobile can be driven, you might need to get new tires before transporting it if you're relocating.

Make sure to buy new tires if you need them, and do so a month to a few weeks before the ship date.

Inspect your battery

Ensure that the battery in your car is fully charged and installed securely. If a loose battery is bumped around excessively while being transported, it might harm other engine components of your car. Just to be safe, verify it a few weeks before your shipping date.

Wash your vehicle

There are several good reasons to thoroughly clean the outside of your automobile before shipping it. However, the most important one is that a spotless car makes it simpler to discover and photograph blemishes like dents and dings.

Don't leave any personal items in your car

Most people are aware not to leave valuables like jewelry or iPads in their cars. But you shouldn't leave any personal items in the car when shipping your automobile cross-country. Make a point of removing anything from spare change to automated parking cards and toll tags to your emergency box, as insurance rarely covers anything left in the vehicle.

Are you looking for the cheapest way to ship a car to another state or cross country? Call Bold Auto Transport right away! Call us at (469) 942-5444 or send an email to info@boldautotransport.com to get in touch with us.

That’s how we do it. We Transport it Boldly.

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