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Shipping a Car Across Country – Everything You Need to Know

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    Ultimate Guide: Shipping a Car Across Country Cost, Methods & Tips

    Shipping a car across the country seems confusing if you haven’t shipped a vehicle before, given the sheer number of options. Even the prices for the same service vary drastically.

    For example, the average cost of shipping a vehicle cross-country ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.

    But worry not – with this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the shipping process, knowing possible costs and methods and having expert tips at hand.

    What is Cross Country Car Shipping?

    Simply put - it's a service that transports your vehicle across the country. Maybe you're relocating for a new job, heading to college, or simply needing your car moved - cross-country auto shipping companies like Shipaa will get your ride where it needs to go. The process is simple: you provide the pickup and delivery locations, choose between open or enclosed transport, and schedule a date. Then, a carrier picks up your car and safely hauls it to the destination. Shipaa even offers door-to-door service, so you don't have to worry about getting your car to or from a terminal.
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    Why is Shipping Your Car Across Country Better Than Delivering It Yourself?

    First of all, shipping your car across the country saves you time and energy. Why spend days on the road when you can fly to your destination while your vehicle is safely delivered by experienced truck drivers? You can focus on other important aspects of your move without worrying about the wear and tear of a long road trip in your car. Besides, it's more cost-effective if you factor in expenses like gas, food, lodging, and potential maintenance issues that arise during the journey. With Shipaa's door-to-door transport service, your car is picked up at your location and delivered as close to your new address as possible - no need for additional transportation arrangements. Finally, you get insurance coverage that protects your vehicle throughout the shipping process. That's why many people opt to reap the benefits of professional auto transport.
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    How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country?

    Here’s a breakdown of the average costs:

    Distance

    Average Cost per Mile

    Example Cost
    0-500 miles $0.80/mile $400 for 500 miles
    500-1,000 miles $0.73/mile $730 for 1000 miles
    1,000-1,500 miles $0.70/mile $1,050 for 1500 miles
    1,500-2,000 miles $0.48/mile $960 for 2000 miles
    2,000-2,500 miles $0.37/mile $925 for 2500 miles
    2,500-3,000 miles $0.35/mile $1,050 for 3000 miles
    3,000+ miles $0.33/mile $1,320 for 4000 miles

    These are average costs, so the actual price may be different depending on the specific route, vehicle type, and shipping method chosen.

    Types of Transport Trucks

    The cost of shipping a car across the country varies based on the type of transport truck used.

    Below are the main types of transport trucks for cross-country car shipping:

    • Open auto transport: The most common and economical method. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer along with other cars, but it’s exposed to the elements during transit. Nevertheless, it’s suitable for most vehicles and is the go-to choice for most.
    • Enclosed auto transport: If you have a luxury, classic, or high-value vehicle, enclosed transport will get you that extra layer of protection. Your car is shipped in a fully enclosed trailer, shielding it from weather, debris, and potential road hazards. It’s more expensive but guarantees that your car will arrive in mint condition – without even a speck of dust.
    • Flatbed trucks: These are for larger vehicles like trucks, SUVs, or vans that don’t fit on a standard trailer. Your vehicle is securely fastened to the flat, open bed of the truck for transportation. This method allows for easy loading and unloading.
    • Lowboy trailer: These trailers come into play when shipping taller or oversized vehicles, such as lifted trucks or cargo vans. They have a lower deck height, allowing for the safe transport of vehicles that might otherwise exceed height restrictions on standard trailers.

    Seasons

    Weather influences the prices throughout the year - big time. During summer, soaring demand for auto transport services leads to higher shipping rates compared to other seasons. On the flip side, winter months offer lower demand, which results in lower costs. When arranging cross country vehicle transport, it's important to consider the potential challenges that harsh winter weather may present. Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures cause delays and even damage to vehicles during transport. Shipaa takes extra precautions to make sure your car arrives safely at its destination, regardless of the season. Our experienced team monitors weather patterns and adjusts routes accordingly to minimize any risks associated with inclement conditions.
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    Delivery Location

    Delivery location affects the cost of shipping your car across the country. If you're shipping to or from a major city or metropolitan area, the price will be lower than if you're shipping to a more remote or rural location because carriers can more easily fill their trucks when delivering to high-population areas.
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    Other Factors

    The size and weight of your vehicle matter - larger, heavier vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and classic cars cost more to transport than compact cars or sedans. The time of year matters, too, as peak seasons like summer and holidays mean higher demand and prices. Your car's condition is another consideration; inoperable vehicles require special equipment and may incur additional fees. The transport method - open or enclosed carrier - affects the price and level of protection for your vehicle during its journey. Shipaa takes all these factors into account to give you accurate quotes and tailored solutions for your cross-country car shipping needs.
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    What Is The Cheapest Way to Ship a Car Across Country?

    Open auto transport is the most budget-friendly option. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer along with other cars.

    For people looking to save some cash, open transport is a go-to choice despite the possibility of it being under the elements like rain or snow.

    Shipaa provides flexible payment options to ensure that the vehicle shipping process is as convenient as possible for our customers. You can pay the full amount online when you book your shipment or opt for a deposit and pay the balance in cash upon delivery.

    We accept all major credit cards, so you can rack up those reward points while getting your car where it needs to go.

    Factors to Consider When Ship Car Across Country

    When choosing a company to ship your car across the country, consider price, transportation type, timing, tracking, reliability, and experience - to have peace of mind and ensure your vehicle is delivered in mint condition.

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    Cross-country car shipping cost

    The cost to ship a car across the country depends on: Distance - the further your vehicle needs to go, the more it'll cost. But that's not all. The size and weight of your ride also matter. Bigger vehicles like SUVs and trucks cost more to transport than compact cars. Expedited shipping will bump up the price, too. Shipaa offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Our average rates range from $0.33 per mile for long hauls over 3,000 miles to around $1.85 per mile for shorter trips under 500 miles. So, for a 1,000-mile journey, you're looking at about $730. We'll work with you to find an affordable option that fits your budget and timeline.
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    Type of transportation for cross-country car shipping

    Here you have two options: open auto transport and enclosed one. Open auto transport means loading your vehicle onto an open-air trailer along with several other cars. It's perfect for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport provides extra protection by transporting your car in a fully enclosed trailer. While pricier, it's ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that require extra TLC during transit. Shipaa offers both open and enclosed transport options to meet your specific needs and budget. Our state-of-the-art carriers ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely and securely, whether you opt for the cost-effective open transport or the premium enclosed service.
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    Timing

    Timing is crucial when shipping your car across the country, so it's best to plan ahead and book your shipment well in advance, especially if you need expedited service. Keep in mind that transit times vary depending on the distance. For instance, a trip under 200 miles usually takes 1-2 days, while a coast-to-coast shipment of over 2,400 miles can take 7-9 days. Weather, traffic, and other factors can also impact delivery times. Shipaa offers flexible scheduling options to meet your needs - our team will work with you to find the best solution and provide you with estimated pickup and delivery windows so you can plan accordingly
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    Tracking

    Shipaa provides 24/7 tracking so you always know where your vehicle is. Our state-of-the-art GPS technology allows you to monitor your car's progress in real time. Plus, our dedicated customer service team is just a phone call away if you have any questions or concerns. They'll keep you updated with regular check-ins, ensuring you're never left in the dark about your vehicle's status.
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    Reliability

    Reliability is paramount. You want to be sure that your vehicle will arrive at its destination safely and on time. With a team of experienced professionals and a fleet of well-maintained carriers, Shipaa ensures that your car is in good hands throughout the entire shipping process, and customer reviews reflect that. With high ratings across various platforms, including 4.7 stars on Google, 4.6 stars on BBB, 4.8 stars on Transport Reviews, and 4.7 stars on My Moving Reviews, Shipaa consistently delivers on its promises.
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    Experience

    Always choose an experienced company that's been around the block a few times - one that knows the ins and outs of the auto transport industry. Shipaa has been in the game for years, and its team has seen it all. But experience isn't just about the number of years a company has been in business. It's also about the quality of service they provide. Shipaa delivers top-notch customer service every step of the way.

    How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Across Country?

    The time it takes to ship a car across the country depends on the distance between the pickup and delivery locations. Auto transport haulers typically travel 500-700 miles per day.

    So, for a coast-to-coast shipment of around 2,400 miles or more, you can expect delivery to take about 7-9 business days. Shorter distances will have quicker transit times – for example, shipping a car 200-600 miles usually only takes 2-4 days.

    Here are the estimated delivery timeframes based on mileage:

    – 0-200 miles: 1-2 days

    – 200-600 miles: 2-4 days

    – 600-1000 miles: 3-5 days

    – 1000-1500 miles: 4-6 days

    – 1500-2000 miles: 5-7 days

    – 2000-2400 miles: 6-8 days

    – 2400+ miles: 7-9 days

    These are general guidelines, so the actual shipping time can vary based on weather conditions, road closures, and the trucker’s hours of service limits per FMCSA regulations.

    Shipaa benefits

    Here are some of the benefits you can expect when you choose Shipaa for your vehicle transport needs:

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    Reliable Delivery Times

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    Affordable Pricing Options

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    Experienced Drivers

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    Excellent Customer Support

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    FAQ

    You'll need a bill of lading and a vehicle inspection checklist. The bill of lading shows the pickup and delivery dates, while the inspection report notes your car's condition before it's loaded onto the trailer. Make sure to have your auto insurance card handy, too, just in case.
    Clean out personal items from the trunk and interior, and take photos to document your vehicle's condition. Before you ship your vehicle, it's essential to perform a thorough inspection, which includes checking fluid levels and inflating tires to the recommended pressure. Gas up to about a quarter tank since more fuel will add unnecessary weight.
    Open transport is the go-to for most sedan, SUV, and pickup truck shipments. Your ride will be exposed to the elements, but you'll pay less. Enclosed trailers offer more protection from elements and road debris, which is ideal for luxury or classic vehicles, but is more expensive.
    It depends on the vehicle size, shipping distance, and seasonality. On average, expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 for sedan delivery from east to west. Larger vehicles, like passenger vans or SUVs, can run at $1,200 to $2,000. Shopping around for car shipping quotes is key to scoring the best deal.
    Choose a shipper that's registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for added peace of mind. If damage occurs, notify the driver ASAP and ensure it's noted in the bill of lading. You'll want to file a claim with the carrier's insurance provider. Your personal auto insurance may cover damages, too, minus your deductible.