Moving across the country or even a few states away? You probably don’t want to rack up countless miles on your vehicle towing a packed moving truck or trailer. What if your car breaks down halfway to your new home? Major bummer! The smart way is to have your car towed by professionals. But long-distance towing seems complicated…how much does it cost, who do you trust, what do they even tow it with?
What Is Long Distance Towing?
Long-distance towing services transport all types of vehicles across multiple states for various reasons. Maybe you bought a classic Mustang sight unseen and need it shipped from another state. Perhaps you moved and want your beloved car with you but driving it that far isn’t feasible. Or you could have a motorcycle that needs transport to a multi-state race event. At Shipaa, we specialize in professional long-distance towing services to make the process smooth and stress-free.
Long distance towing, also called auto transport, involves carefully transporting your vehicle long distances – usually over 150+ miles. It requires a specialized towing company with the proper equipment, licensing, and skilled drivers. The right provider will safely tow using tried and true methods tailored to your specific vehicle. For example, an antique Porsche 911 would require an enclosed trailer and white glove handling, whereas a rugged Jeep Wrangler can easily be towed on an open-air carrier.
Shipaa has over 20 years combined experience towing all types of vehicles long distance. Our extensive equipment fleet includes flatbed trailers, wheel lift systems, and detachable tow dollies to securely haul cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, and more across the country. Whether it’s a rare 60s Ferrari, a daily driver sedan, or an ATV that needs shipping, Shipaa has the versatile gear and expertise to transport it.
Long Distance Towing Cost
Long-distance towing costs depend on a variety of factors, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 – $2,200+ for standard long-distance towing. Here are more details so you know what to budget.
Distance
Big shocker here – longer distances cost more to tow:
| Distance | Approximate Cost |
| <150 miles | Starts around $80+ |
| 0-500 miles | $850+ |
| 500-1000 miles | $1,100+ |
| 1000-1500 miles | $1,600+ |
| 1500-2000 miles | $2,000+ |
| Coast to coast (2500+ miles) | $2,200+ |
Vehicle Type
Towing costs vary based on vehicle type and transport method needed:
| Vehicle Type | Approximate Cost | Transport Method |
| Small sedan | $950+ | Open carrier |
| Midsize SUV | $1,100+ | Open carrier |
| Luxury car | $1,250+ | Enclosed trailer |
| Classic car | $1,600+ | Enclosed trailer |
| Motorcycle | $750+ | Open carrier |
| ATV | $650+ | Open carrier |
Additional Services
Additional fees may apply for:
- Door-to-door pickup/dropoff – $100+
- Expedited shipping
- Additional insurance
- Custom enclosures
Get a Custom Quote
Every situation is unique when shipping vehicles long distances. The easiest way to get an accurate rate is to get a free, no-obligation custom quote from Shipaa by filling out some basic trip details. Provide info like pickup location, destination, vehicle type, and any special requirements. We’ll provide a detailed breakdown of expected costs for your specific tow.
The average cost to ship a car long distance falls somewhere between $800-$2,200 depending on exact mileage and vehicle. But with variables like vehicle type, trailer type and delivery options, costs will fluctuate. Connect with Shipaa to get a tailored quote outlining exactly what to expect cost-wise for your long-distance towing needs.
Shipaa Long Distance Towing Experts You Can Trust
Reliable Nationwide Network
Shipaa partners with a reliable network of screened, approved auto transporter companies across the US. That means we can dispatch a proven, dependable tow truck driver and equipment to handle your long-distance towing needs quickly and efficiently. No worrying about getting stuck with some random contract tow truck off the highway!
Fully Licensed and Insured
All Shipaa long-distance towing drivers and transport vehicles are licensed, bonded, and insured. Should any damage occur en route, you have peace of mind knowing claims will be promptly addressed. We provide up to $500,000 in liability insurance on every haul.
Real-Time Tracking and Notifications
Our state-of-the-art transport tracking system allows you to follow your vehicle’s shipping progress every step of the journey. Get text and email notifications when your car pick-up happens and at each checkpoint along the mapped route. No more wondering where your vehicle is!
Door-to-Door Convenience
For ultimate convenience, Shipaa offers door-to-door long-distance towing service. No need to drive your car to a transport lot or terminal. Our drivers will pick up your vehicle at home, work or really anywhere within reason and deliver right to your end destination.
Enclosed Trailer Option
If you’re towing a classic car, luxury vehicle, or motorcycle, Shipaa offers enclosed trailers to fully protect your asset from road debris and weather en route. Avoid exterior damage or dirt with our covered transport. Open carrier trailers are also available.
Competitive Rates
Even with all the above advantages, we strive to offer competitive rates on long-distance towing. Get an instant online quote for your specific vehicle type, pickup locations, and destination zip code. Call us to discuss adjusting options to meet your budget needs – safety is still our top priority!
Customer Testimonials
We wouldn’t be in business without our loyal customers who trust us to safely tow their vehicles long distance. See what they have to say about their experience with our long-distance towing service:
“I was extremely impressed with the entire long-distance towing process. The communication was great – I knew what to expect at every step and when the driver would arrive. He took great care in preparing my SUV for the 800-mile journey. I honestly forgot it was even being towed! My vehicle arrived safely and on time, as promised. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Shipaa’s professional long-distance towing services again.” – Michelle S., Ohio.
“My classic Corvette broke down while on a road trip far from home. I was worried about getting it towed over 600 miles back safely without causing any damage. The Shipaa team put my mind at ease. Their towing method kept my ‘Vette secure and protected the entire trip. If you need to long-distance tow a vehicle, call these guys!” – Ryan D., Tennessee.
“I had to suddenly relocate cross country due to a new job. I chose to have my car professionally long distance towed by Shipaa instead of driving it. It was cheaper than paying for gas, hotels, and meals! Their enclosed transport kept my car safe from road debris and saved wear and tear. Thanks to their diligent long-distance towing service, my car arrived at my new home ready to drive without any headaches.” – Stacy P., California.
“I purchased an antique Chevy at an online auction 600 miles away. Shipaa made transporting it back home easy. They answered all my questions about safely towing older vehicles long distance and what I needed to prepare beforehand. Everything went smoothly – would definitely use them again and recommend their professional long-distance towing company.” – Doug C., Indiana.
How to Prepare for Long-Distance Towing
So you’ve booked your long-distance tow with Shipaa – great! Now it’s time to get your vehicle ready for transport so everything goes as smoothly as can be. Properly preparing your vehicle takes some planning but is important for safety and peace of mind. Follow these tips before your scheduled pickup date:
Give It a Thorough Cleaning
Dirt and road grime accumulate quickly and cause issues in transport if left for hundreds of miles. Give your vehicle an interior and exterior wash so it’s clean for loading day – you’ll be glad you did at the destination! Check under floor mats and thoroughly vacuum. Wipe down the dash, doors, seats, etc, inside. And don’t forget to clean the engine bay and wash the wheels in addition to the body. A sparkling clean car helps spot any new damage during unloading.
Check Fluids, Tires, and Battery
It’s smart to have your car maintenance up to date for long distance travel – whether driving yourself or using auto transport. Top off essential fluids like oil, transmission, coolant, and windshield wipers. Ensure tires are properly inflated with plenty of tread depth. And test whether the battery plus terminals are corrosion-free. This preventative care reduces the chances of issues arising mid-transport.
Remove Loose Items and Accessories
The tow truck needs full access when loading up your vehicle. Remove antennas, low-hanging spoilers, bike racks, or anything extending from the car. Take out all extra loose items from inside, too, like charging cables, tools, or clutter. Professional long-distance towing services aren’t responsible for personal belongings left inside. Empty the trunk if transporting a sedan or coupe. And carefully pack up any aftermarket accessories you can, like side mirrors or fog lights, to prevent damage.
FAQs on Long Distance Car Towing
- What damage can happen from towing a car?
Really, none if it’s done properly! Modern vehicles can easily be towed thousands of miles without issue using the correct equipment. Avoid damage by ensuring proper tire pressure and battery connections, using tow dollies/trailers for front-wheel drive vehicles, securing parts that may shake, and taking wide turns to avoid spinout.
- What is the best way to tow a car long distance?
Hands down, hiring a professional towing company with all the right equipment for the job. Companies like Shipaa ensure your car is secured and all parts protected for a smooth, damage-free ride across the country. Trying to DIY with improper setup risks transmission damage and dangerous situations if something goes wrong far from home.
- What is the cheapest way to tow a car long distance?
Renting a tow dolly can save money for shorter trips but has more risks over very long distances. Shipaa offers affordable open transport options that balance cost savings with safety and security when towing your vehicle out of state.
- What vehicles can be towed over a long distance?
Nearly any properly functioning passenger vehicle can be safely towed long distance including sedans, coupes, trucks, and SUVs. Special equipment helps transport front-wheel drives and vehicles with low ground clearance. Even hybrids and EVs can be towed but require extra care and prep.
- How long does it take to tow my car to another state?
Towing times vary based on distance, route, and weather. But as an estimate figure, each 100 miles takes about 2 hours. So if towing your truck the 800 miles from Dallas to St. Louis give yourself around 16 hours total drive time. We plan efficient routes, and experienced drivers stop for breaks every few hours. And for multi-day trips vehicles are securely parked overnight.
- How far can you tow a car?
Our seasoned professionals are equipped for tows spanning hundreds or even thousands of miles – we’ve gone as far as towing a classic Chevrolet over 1,500 miles from Oklahoma to New York! As long as your vehicle is in sound road condition, there’s virtually no distance limit for towing.
- Is a tow dolly good for long distances?
Towing your front-wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly works for shorter trips. However, for hauling long distances, we recommend full towing with all four wheels off the ground. It prevents wear on your vehicle’s transmission and is safer for traversing mountains or bad weather. We use state-of-the-art towing equipment designed specifically for smooth, long hauls.
