Specialized carriers, optimized routes, and coordinated scheduling have kept the automotive market fluid and responsive.
On average, cross-country car shipping takes less than 14 days. Regional moves take about 3 days, and interstate transport takes almost 7, depending on the routes, distance and individual circumstances.
To send vehicles cross-country and for that you must pick a route that is the safest, fastest and affordable.
5 Most Popular Routes for Coast-to-coast Car Transport
These are the common routes for cross-country car shipping.
Miami, FL to New York, NY
The most direct route from Miami to New York City spans roughly 1,280 miles.
I-95 dominates this corridor. According to a survey, it is considered one of the busiest routes in the U.S. due to high population density and frequent seasonal moves. Carriers notice potential congestion delays near major metro centers. In 2025, 17% of New Yorkers relocated to cities like Miami to benefit from a lower cost of living, a stronger job market, no state income tax, and warmer weather, making these routes even busier. If you also decide to follow these trends, it would be a suitable choice for your vehicle transport.
San Francisco, CA to Seattle, WA
This nearly 800-mile corridor from San Francisco to Seattle primarily follows the I-5. This route has seen a consistent rise in traffic due to the booming tech industry in Seattle. Since the trip isn’t long, many carriers use open trailers on this route. Cross-state car shipping services on the West Coast typically take 2 to 4 days for door-to-door shipments.
Atlanta, GA to Washington, D.C
This East Coast route is almost 640 miles. It is a high density corridor due to considering it connects major business and population centers. With major highways like I-85 and I-95, the roads are wide, well-maintained, and built for long travels. It would take 2 to 3 days to ship a vehicle on this route, making this one of the fastest and most reliable long distance routes. The route from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. is really smooth which makes it suitable for open trailer shipments.
Houston, TX to Los Angeles, CA
This is a 1370 miles long, southern cross-country route that typically follows I-10. It is the main east-west interstate connecting Houston to Los Angeles. It passes through major cities like San Antonio, El Paso, and Phoenix, making it efficient for nationwide auto transport. It would take 4-7 days to transport a vehicle on this route.
Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY
Between Los Angeles and New York City, the shortest road stretches 2,790 miles. If you drove through it non-stop, it would take you 2 days to reach the other side. However, it would take a vehicle shipping company 4 to 10 days to deliver the unit. This would depend on factors like traffic flow, holidays, and peak times. For longer routes as such, the cost per mile also goes down, so chances are you would get a good offer.
Types of Cross Country Car Shipping Methods
Below are the common long-distance vehicle shipping methods:
- Open carriers are standard and most cost effective. In this method, cars are transported on multi-vehicle trailers and are exposed to weather and road debris. It is good for everyday vehicles and the most common option.
- Enclosed carriers are fully covered trailers and are used for high-value, classic, or show cars. They cost more but reduce environmental exposure.
- Door-to-door is when a carrier picks up and drops off at specified addresses. It is convenient but may cost more if access is limited.
- Terminal-to-terminal service is cheaper in some cases. You drop the car at a terminal and pick it up at the destination terminal. It is better for those who have a flexible schedule.
- Specialty transport is for inoperable, salvage, oversized or collector vehicles which require a winch service, flatbeds, or enclosed soft-side trailers.
How to Choose the Best Company for Cross-country Car Shipping?
Consider the following factors before hiring a shipping company and choosing a U.S. auto transport route. All of these are important considerations for long routes.
Check Route Experience
See if the carrier is familiar with your choice of route and knows the safest roads, common cause of delays and state-by-state regulations. Also if they offer vehicle tracking for reassurance and how they handle geographical challenges. Experienced carriers have proper pickup and drop-off points, smoother schedule and good contacts along the way for improved service. This allows them to make fewer detours, face lower risks and have more accurate delivery times.
Examine the Registration and Safety Records
Firstly, as per FMCSA recommendation, confirm the 7-digit USDOT number and 6-digit MC docket numbers before hiring. You can also run a registration validity check here. Avoid any transporter that is unable to provide any reliable information.
Broker vs Carrier and Equipment
Understand whether you’re dealing directly with a company that owns its fleet or a broker who arranges carriers for you. Check the trailer that will transport your vehicle and see if it holds the necessary safety and insurance records. Confirm registrations where applicable. Also check if they have the suitable equipment type and ramp capabilities for low-clearance and classic vehicles.
Get Written Quotes
A company can deceive you by changing their words and using clever sales tactics. Always get itemized, written quotes that include all the details from pick and drop fees to fuel charges, terminal fees, and cancellations fee. If you notice unusually low prices compared to market rates, they are most likely due to signal bait pricing.
Cargo Insurance and Liability Limits
Typically, carriers should cover basic liability and tell you about their cargo coverage and limits. Check if their policy covers cross-country car shipping or if additional coverage is needed. You may need to consider your own insurer or third-party cargo cover if you need higher protection. Also, get a signed report at pickup and delivery photos. In case anything happens, this helps you support your claims.
Confirm Pick-up and Drop-off Windows
Companies determine the delivery time based on U.S. auto transport route efficiency, distance, carrier availability. They also factor in the weather, seasonal demand and if the pickup and delivery points are in urban or rural areas. Check what timing is being offered to you. Popular cross-state car shipping services may offer narrower windows or expedited delivery for higher fees.
Call (888) 687-3243 for reliable A-Z car transport solutions and free, transparent quotes in minutes.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Cross-Country Auto Shipping?
To ensure least risk and damage, you must prepare your vehicle appropriately for cross-country car shipping.
- Clean vehicle and document condition with photos from all sides.
- Remove personal items. Personal items are generally not covered by carrier insurance.
- Disable alarms, fold mirrors, and note fluid levels.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Check tire pressure and battery condition.
- Keep keys and title accessible per the carrier or broker instructions.
5 Tips to Save Money in Cross-Country Shipping
You can cut down on costs significantly with a little planning. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose flexible pickup and drop-off dates, allowing the carrier to cut costs and adjust your delivery at the lowest price.
- Terminal-to-terminal delivery is often cheaper, making it a more affordable choice.
- Avoid expedited delivery and book several weeks in advance to save on last-minute delivery costs.
- Do your research and get at least three quotes to compare. Ask questions about hidden charges of storage, fuel and tolls to avoid surprises and scams.
- Unless your car needs extra protection, just opt for an open carrier. As enclosed carriers are often more expensive.
Easy Auto Ship Has a Network of 15,000+ Carriers Across All Domestic Routes
Shipping your vehicle cross country can be overwhelming but it’s also important to choose the right cross-country car shipping route to ensure timely delivery and fair cost of transport. You can always contact Easy Auto Ship at (888) 687-3243 to benefit from our massive network of carriers continuously going up and down the US, ensuring you get matched with the right person with the correct route.
We take distance, route popularity, geographic challenges, vehicle type, cost and carrier availability into consideration before assigning a carrier to your shipment. This ensures everything aligns with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a non-running or salvage vehicle cross-country?
Yes. You will need specialized equipment such as a flatbed or winch, and explicit disclosure at booking. Expect higher fees and longer scheduling lead times.
Can route popularity influence shipping rates and carrier availability?
Yes because popular routes have more competition due to which carriers reduce their costs. However, due to high-demand on these routes, you may notice delayed services or lack of carriers overall. A cross-state car shipping service broker
is usually helpful in such situations to help you get the best offer.
What are some common geographical challenges faced in coast-to-coast car transport?
Mountain passes, seasonal weather, and urban congestion create real constraints. These conditions change carrier routes, cause delays, and sometimes increase cost when drivers must detour. You can stay updated with state DOT notices for closures on your exact route.
How soon should I book for cross-country car shipping?
Book your move 2 to 4 weeks in advance to get better prices and a hassle-free delivery.
Can I ship more than one vehicle at a time for cross-country shipment?
Yes, you can. Many companies also offer discounted prices for two or more vehicles, so it is also beneficial.
