Approximately 25.87 million Americans moved to a new location in 2024. And many moved their cars with them. Moving to a new place is always challenging. Along with packing up your belongings, you’ve also got to figure out how to transport larger items - like your car.
So, how do you send your car to another state safely and without any extra hassle while you’re dealing with the home relocation? That’s exactly what this guide will answer, including how much it will cost, the time it might take, the process and more.
Reasons to Ship a Car to Another State
Seasonal Residence (Snowbirds):
One of the major reasons to ship a car to another state is the temporary migration to warmer states during the winter months. According to an estimate, in Florida alone, nearly one million snowbirds move for at least a month, increasing the state’s population by 5% during the peak winter season. And shipping their vehicle is the more convenient and less stressful option for the snowbirds
College or University Attendance:
Choosing to ship their vehicle instead of driving it to another state is common among cross-country students. This accommodates the students and allows them more time to focus on what matters; settling into the new environment
Special Events Attendance:
Another reason to ship your vehicle to another state is when you’re trying to save yourself from the long drive exhaustion and your vehicle from the wear and tear, especially when you’re going to attend an event in another state. For instance, a concert or a sports event
Car Shows or Exhibitions:
Whether you’re attending the Monterey Car Week in California or the Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan, shipping your luxurious vehicle to these car shows or exhibitions is the only safe way to move your valuable car to another state
Vintage or Classic Car Collection:
Moving your vintage or classic cars requires you to handle them carefully. And that’s where professional car shippers can help. They’ll make sure your prized vehicle stays intact from pickup to the delivery location
Temporary Work Assignments:
In 2023, roughly 5 million Americans moved to another state just for a job or transfer. And shipping your car with you to your new job location (either temporary or permanent) is a great choice for a taste of home and ease
Vehicle Restoration:
Car shipping is your best option when your vehicle restoration specialist is in another state. This will keep your car safe and protect it from more damage
Avoiding Long-Distance Driving:
Studies suggest that driving for long hours causes stress and anxiety. So if you specifically don’t like driving and it feels more like a chore to you. You should ship your vehicle to another state instead of driving it there
Military Relocation:
If you’re in the military service often moving to new states for temporary work assignments or job transfer, shipping your car to the new location is the best option. This will make your military moving process smoother allowing you to focus on your duty
Easier Relocation with Multiple Vehicles:
Shipping is a reliable option for families with more than two vehicles. It makes the moving process for large families simple, allowing them to focus on shifting other stuff
Avoiding Wear and Tear:
It costs around $900 per year in car repair and maintenance. And the extra wear and tear from long-distance driving can add more to it. So if you’re looking to avoid the added mileage and depreciation, shipping your car is a good option
Vacation:
This year around 66% of Americans have agreed they’ve taken or plan to take a vacation in the summer. Many go on vacation to a southern state, and some to another country. However, for the ease and convenience of a long vacation, shipping their car would be a great choice
Sale/Purchase of Car:
Whether you’re buying a new car or selling it in another state, shipping the car will make sure it remains intact and in its original condition
Dealerships Moving Inventory:
Shipping is also a good option for car dealerships, as this ensures the cars remain in their pristine condition and attracts more customers with a diverse collection
Inherited Vehicles:
When you inherit a vintage car or a vehicle that’s closer to your heart, shipping it becomes more of a necessity
Divorce Moves:
After a divorce, one party usually relocates. And if this relocation is in another state, shipping cars can help make the relocation a less stressful process
5 Methods of Car Transport to Another State
When it comes to shipping your car to another state, you have multiple options. Let’s evaluate all to see which one fits your needs.
Hire a Driver
The first viable option to move your car to another state is hiring a driver. This option is best for you if you’re short on time and you need your car present at your new location as soon as possible, but you also do not want to drive it yourself.
Hiring a driver usually costs around $800-$2,000 on average. And you can hire a professional one from trusted agencies in America that specialize in this service. They have well-trained drivers who can handle different cars on different routes and under all kinds of weather conditions.
Shipping via Train
Another impactful method for shipping your car to another state is shipping via train. It is both a budget-friendly and an eco-friendly way of transporting your vehicle over long distances. For instance, it can cost you anywhere between $570-$1,075. And as per research, shipping your car via a hybrid train can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75%.
Also, it’s similar to shipping via road. Your car is loaded and secured on a train until it reaches its destination.
Drive It Yourself
You can also drive your car yourself to the new location, if you enjoy driving on longer routes. This is your call to have that cross-country road trip you’ve been planning for a long time. For example, if you drive your car from California to Texas (1,400 miles), it’s a trip half across the country. Take breaks in between, stay at a motel, or even visit different locations on your way.
Hitch It To Your Trailer
If you’re planning to move your entire household at once via a trailer, you can move your car along by hitching it to the trailer. This is a convenient option, especially if you want your car immediately after reaching the new location.
Hire a Moving or Auto Transport Company
Lastly, the most reliable and trusted option is hiring a moving or auto transport company. This is the safest option when shipping your car to another state. Car shipping costs around $1,000-$2,000 on average. Plus, shipping companies also ensure your car’s safety. According to a report, the car transport carrier industry in the U.S. is expected to grow by 2.7% from 2023 to 2032, showing a significant trust factor among users for this method.
| Option | Costs | Benefits | Risks | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driving Yourself | Subjective | You can control your vehicle moving schedule and stop and rest song the way | Long distance driving can cause fatigue, dizziness and risk accidents. Vehicle can also break down in deserted areas. | It’s the most convenient option. |
| Hiring a Truck Transport Company | $1,000 | The transport company handles all logistics; the vehicle is secured on an enclosed truck, | Potential for damage in transit and delivery delays are possible (though rare). | Highly convenient |
| Hiring a Driver | $800-$2,000 | Comfortable ride-along, the driver handles all aspects of the drive. | Higher costs than transport companies, risk of issues with a hired driver. | Convenient |
| Ocean Shipping | Cost ($800-$1,200 for 800 miles) | Lowest cost for long distances, no concerns about roads/access. | Can take 2-4 weeks to ship your car so the transit is long and then documentation requirements are also a little strict | Least convenient |
| Train Transport | Cost ($570-$1,075 | Low cost, fast transport | Only one route of Lurton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida | Low convenience |
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
State to state car transport costs start from $150 and can go over $2,000 depending on the vehicle type, overall distance, time of year, shipping method (open or enclosed), and the shipping company you hire. Here’s a general idea of the costs:
| Shipping Route | Total Distance | Transport Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, Alabama car transport to Atlanta, Georgia | 146 mi via I-20 E | $150 | 1-2 Days |
| Augusta, Georgia auto shipping to Jacksonville, Florida | 255 mi via US-25 S | $255 | 2-4 Days |
| Hauling a car from Miami, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina | 583 mi via I-95 N | $437 | 2-4 Days |
| car hauling from Greenville, South Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina | 102 mi via I-85 N | $150 | 1-2 Days |
| Moving a car from Raleigh, North Carolina to Richmond, Virginia | 170 mi via I-95 N | $170 | 1-2 Days |
| Richmond, Virginia auto moving to Charleston, West Virginia | 317 mi via I-64 W | $320 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Shipping from Morgantown, West Virginia to Columbus, Ohio | 204 mi via I-70 W | $200 | 2-4 Days |
| Vehicle Transportation from Cleveland, Ohio to Frankfort, Kentucky | 327 mi via I-71 S | $330 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Shipping from Lexington, Kentucky to Nashville, Tennessee | 213 mi via KY-9002 W | $215 | 2-4 Days |
| Car Transport from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi | 383 mi via I-59 S | $399 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Shipping from Gulfport, Mississippi to Little Rock, Arkansas | 418 mi via US 49 N | $420 | 2-4 Days |
| Fort Smith, Arkansas car shipping to Baton Rouge, Louisiana | 498 mi via I-40 E | $500 | 2-4 Days |
| Move a car from Lafayette, Louisiana to Houston, Texas | 217 mi via I-10 W | $220 | 2-4 Days |
| Shipping a Vehicle from San Antonio, Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | 466 mi via I-35 N | $470 | 2-4 Days |
| Hauling a Car from Lawton, Oklahoma to Wichita, Kansas | 246 mi via I-44 E | $250 | 2-4 Days |
| Transporting a Car from Topeka, Kansas to Grand City, Nebraska | 263 mi via US-75 N | $270 | 2-4 Days |
| Lincoln, Nebraska vehicle moving to Sioux Falls, South Dakota | 236 mi via I-29 N | $250 | 2-4 Days |
| Hauling a Car from Rapid City, South Dakota to Fargo, North Dakota | 495 mi via I-94 E | $500 | 2-4 Days |
| Bismarck, North Dakota vehicle shipping to Billings, Montana | 415 mi via I-94 W | $450 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Shipping from Helena, Montana to Boise, Idaho | 486 mi via I-15 S | $499 | 2-4 Days |
| Boise, Idaho auto shipping to Cheyenne, Wyoming | 735 mi via I-84 E | $550 | 3-5 Days |
| Car Shipping from Jackson, Wyoming to Denver, Colorado | 511 mi via US-191 S | $383 | 2-4 Days |
| Boulder, Colorado auto transport to Albuquerque, New Mexico | 475 mi via I-25 S | $480 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Transportation from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Phoenix, Arizona | 479 mi via I-40 W | $480 | 2-4 Days |
| Tucson, Arizona vehicle hauling to Las Vegas, Nevada | 412 mi via I-10 W | $420 | 2-4 Days |
| Move a car from Reno, Nevada to Los Angeles, California | 472 mi via US-395 S | $480 | 2-4 Days |
| Ship a car from Sacramento, California to Portland, Oregon | 579 mi via I-5 N | $435 | 2-4 Days |
| Auto Shipping from Eugene, Oregon to Spokane, Washington | 460 mi via I-84 E | $460 | 2-4 Days |
| Vehicle Shipping from Seattle, Washington DC to Anchorage, Alaska | 2,260 mi via Alaska Hwy | $1,130 | 6-8 Days |
| Ship a car from LA, California to Honolulu, Hawaii | From Port of LA to Honolulu Port | $1,112 | 6-8 Days |
| Car transport from Houston, Texas to Miami, Florida | 1,187 mi via I-10 E | $712 | 4-6 Days |
| Auto shipping from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Tampa, Florida | 1,270 mi via I-65 S | $762 | 4-6 Days |
| Ship a car from Buffalo, New York to Los Angeles, California | 2,532 mi via I-80 W | $1,012 | 7-9 Days |
| Transport a car from Columbia, South Carolina to San Francisco, California | 2,696 mi via I-40 W | $1,078 | 7-9 Days |
| Boston, Massachusetts auto moving to Seattle, Washington | 3,044 mi via I-94 W | $1,217 | 8-10 Days |
| Ship a car from Salem, Massachusetts to San Francisco, California | 3,113.2 mi via I-80 W | $1,245 | 8-10 Days |
| Ship a car from Richmond, Virginia to San Diego, California | 2,601 mi via I-40 | $1,040 | 7-9 Days |
| Haul a car from Houston, Texas to Sacramento, California | 1,931 mi via I-10 W | $1,158 | 5-7 Days |
| Car Shipping from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to San Jose, California | 2,199 mi via I-80 W | $1,099 | 6-8 Days |
| Car transportation from Olympia, Washington to Miami, Florida | 3,365 mi via I-80 E | $1,346 | 8-10 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Newark, New Jersey to Orlando, Florida | 1,065 mi via I-95 S | $639 | 4-6 Days |
| Car Shipping from Juneau, Alaska to Tacoma, Washington | 1,742 mi via BC-37 S | $1,045 | 5-7 Days |
| Shipping a Car from San Oakland, California to New York City, New York | 2,899 mi via I-80 E | $1,159 | 7-9 Days |
| Auto Transportation from San Diego, California to Miami, Florida | 2,655 mi via I-10 E | $1,062 | 7-9 Days |
| Ship a Car from Los Angeles, California to Houston, Texas | 1,547 mi via I-10 E | $928 | 5-7 Days |
| Honolulu, Hawaii vehicle shipping to Los Angeles, California | Port of Honolulu to Port of LA | $1,121 | 7-9 Days |
| Auto Moving from San Francisco, California to Chicago, Illinois | 2,132 mi via I-80 E | $1,066 | 6-8 Days |
| Car Transportation from Pensacola, Florida to Columbus, Ohio | 821 mi via I-65 N | $615 | 3-5 Days |
| Vehicle Shipping from Tampa, Florida to Detroit, Michigan | 1,178 mi via I-75 N | $706 | 4-6 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Destin, Florida to Denver, Colorado | 1,495 mi via I-20 W | $897 | 4-6 Days |
| Transporting a car from Florida City, Florida to Cambridge, Massachusetts | 1,517 mi via I-95 N | $910 | 5-7 Days |
| Vehicle Shipping from Jacksonville, Florida, to New York City, New York | 930 mi via I-95 N | $697 | 3-5 Days |
| Shipping a Car from Madison, Wisconsin to Tallahassee, Florida | 1,111 mi via I-65 S | $666 | 4-6 Days |
| Transporting a Car from Vancouver, Washington to Austin, Texas | 2,057 mi via I-84 E | $1028 | 6-8 Days |
Step-By-Step Process of Shipping a Car to Another State
Research Your Options
Know your car transport options such as types of companies, carriers vs brokers, open vs enclosed trailers, and so on. Carriers usually offer less price but hard to reach, less accountability, and transparency. Brokers take a small commission but have their own vetted carrier networks with background and RMIS checks in place.
Furthermore, open carriers are more affordable compared to enclosed shipping but the latter offers better protection for expensive or vintage vehicles. We’ve found that customers with vehicles over $60,000 in value frequently choose enclosed carriers.
Get Quotes
You will have to contact different companies for quotes and provide details such as the vehicle pick and drop zip codes, make/model, pickup date etc.
Do not share your sensitive information such as bank details, credit card numbers, SSN, or anything else except for your phone number or email on which the quotes will be sent.
Once you have the quotes, compare them for cost to value, consider company reputation as well when comparing.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask as it’s better to have everything cleared upfront instead of confusion later on.
Hire a Car Transporter You Can Trust Yourself - Don’t Just Look at Reviews
- Choose the company you feel most comfortable with and confirm pickup and drop-off dates.
- Verify their USDOT number and insurance policies. Make sure coverage is at least $100,000.
- Ask about their driver screening and training processes. Well-trained drivers are safer.
- Request photos of previous shipments and inspect carrier equipment if possible. This helps avoid scams.
- Trust your gut feeling when speaking to company representatives on the phone. Professionalism is a good sign.
Paying for Your Shipment
- You may have to pay a small 20-30% deposit at the booking, which is normal. Do not pay anything above this. The rest of the balance will be paid to the carrier in most cases.
- Make sure to find out about the car shipping company’s cancellation, refund, and modification policies in case your plans change.
Preparing Your Vehicle For Shipping:
Vehicle Inspection
- Check your car for any existing damage and capture photos/video. This protects you in case of disputes.
- Check and top off all fluid levels - oil, transmission, coolant, brake fluid, wiper fluid. This prevents leaks.
- Ensure vehicle tires are inflated and have adequate tread depth. Helps avoid flats or blowouts.
Remove Personal Items From on and in Your Car
- Take out any valuables, electronics, cash, registration paperwork, or insurance documents.
- Remove toll transponders, parking passes, and easily stolen items.
Empty Your Gas Tank
- Only keep the vehicle gas tank filled to a quarter or less to reduce the overall vehicle weight.
- Disable or drain gas-powered accessories like generators. Gasoline vapors are dangerous in enclosed trailers.
Get an Extra Set of Keys Made
- Provide keys to the driver at pickup so your car can be secured and moved on/off the truck.
- Having a key helps the driver unlock the car and turn off the alarm if it goes off during the transit. However, do not give the original key to the carrier, give the copy.
Pick-up & Delivery Procedures:
Meet Your Carrier and Sign the Bill of Lading
- Do a final inspection of your car with the driver at pickup and note any new damage on the BOL.
- Sign the BOL that confirms the vehicle is picked up and notes the destination. The auto carrier will also sign this. Make sure to keep a copy of the BOL with you.
Stay Updated on Your Shipment
- Confirm when your car is loaded by the carrier and request updates every 2-3 days until delivery.
- If transport takes more than 7 days, inspect your car in transit if possible. Check fluid levels and battery charge.
After-Delivery:
- Inspect your car thoroughly at delivery before signing off. Note any new damage on the BOL.
- Pay any remaining balance either electronically or with a certified bank check.
- Update your insurance and registration for your new state if necessary.
Documents Required to Ship Your Car to Another State:
Although transport companies do not need a lot of documents when you ship with them, having some crucial ones handy will definitely help.
- Ownership Proof: The title of the car with your name on it is required just in case the hauler is stopped for a routine inspection by law enforcement. If the car has a lienholder, get a permission letter from them.
- Registration: An up-to-date vehicle registration copy should be available.
- ID: Identification of the car owner, such as a valid government passport, driver’s license, or ID card.
- Bill of Lading: The bill signed by you and the carrier who picked up your car. Keep a copy of it.
- Bill of Sale: If you purchased a car and are now moving it, keep the bill of sale copy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the cheapest company to ship your car?
Choosing the cheapest car shipping company to move your vehicle is never a good option. Such companies do not offer safe car shipping services and you will have to compromise on a lot. To relieve yourself of the extra stress, it’s better for you to go for a car shipping company that offers an average quote and a sensible set of facilities while shipping your car. For instance, go for the one that offers a fair quote, good customer service, and real-time vehicle tracking ability.
How much does it cost to ship a car from one state to another in the USA?
It costs around $500-$3,000 for cross country shipping. This price depends on the distance, your car size, and your car brand. For example, transporting a small sedan from 500-1,500 miles can cost about $500-$800.
What month is the cheapest to ship a car?
According to Forbes, winter or fall months are usually the cheapest time to ship a car. For instance, September to November are the cheapest fall months to ship a car. Hire a good car moving company at about 10-20% discount in fall months. If you’re in the military, many transports offer discounts to military members as well, including Easy Auto Ship.
How long does it take to ship a car from New York to California?
It is based on your transportation means. For instance, if you drive your car yourself, it will take approximately 4 days. But, if you hire a car shipping service, shipping will take around 7-10 business days. And the same number of days for coast-to-coast shipping.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Texas?
To move your car from Fl to TX, the average cost will be $700-$1,000. Also, expect to see your car after 4-6 days, since the driving distance from Florida to Texas is over 1,200 miles.
How much does it cost to ship a car from NY to TX?
You will pay around $1,000 to $1,500, when shipping your vehicle from NYC to TX. And the car will be delivered to your new location within 7-10 days.
What is the best way to ship a car to Texas?
If you own a valuable vehicle (over $50k in value), it’s best to ship it in an enclosed trailer. Otherwise, an open container is a viable option to ship your car to Texas. Do your research, read online reviews and get three quotes at least from different car haulers before committing to one.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Texas to LA?
You will have to pay $750-$1,000, when shipping a car from Texas to LA. Get a quote for an exact price. Let your shipping company know about the estimated distance, the make and model of your car, and if you’ve done any modifications to it. And expect a waiting time of at least 4-6 weekdays before you receive your vehicle.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Miami to Houston?
A professional car shipping company will cost you around $1,000 to $1,300, when moving from Miami to Houston. The shipping rate changes with distance, the size of your vehicle, and the current fuel charges. Also, with 1,186 miles distance, your car will be delivered to the designated drop-off site within six days.
How much does it cost to ship a car from NYC to Dallas?
You will have to pay around 1,200-1,500 dollars. With a distance of 1,500 miles, your car will be delivered to your new location within 5-8 days.
Can I send my car to Florida?
Yes, you can send your car to Florida through an auto transport company. All you need is your ID, vehicle title, Bill of Sale, and insurance proof for a cross-state transport. The shipment cost will depend on the distance and car size.
How much does it cost to ship a car from San Antonio to Houston?
The distance from San Antonio to Houston is 317 km. So shipping will cost approximately $200.
How much is it to ship a car from Mass to Florida?
You will typically have to pay around $800-$1000, when shipping your car from Massachusetts to Florida. Then, wait for 4-6 days for the car to arrive.
How much does it cost to ship a car 150 miles?
A short trip like this will cost $1 per mile.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Texas?
Expect to pay $850 to $1,000 to the car shipping company. And for a door-to-door service, wait for at least 7 days before you receive your car.
How do I transport my car from Florida to Texas?
You can hire a car transport company to transport your car from Florida to Texas. Do your research and hire a reliable, highly trusted company to move your valuable vehicle with. Also, get these documents ready for an across the country shipping: Your ID, Bill of Sale, and Vehicle Title.
