Shipping a car coast to coast is one of the bigger price tags in car shipping, and one of the most worthwhile. Here’s what drives the cost, and how to compare it with driving.
What Drives a Cross-Country Price
- Exact cities. Los Angeles to Miami or New York, both big metros on main interstates, cost less per mile than a small town to a small town.
- The vehicle. A large truck or SUV costs more than a sedan; a car that doesn’t run costs more still.
- Open or enclosed. Enclosed adds a premium, and on a 2,500-mile trip that premium is real money.
- Season. Summer moving season and snowbird season raise demand on some routes. Winter can slow northern routes over the mountains.
- Direction. Some lanes are busier one way than the other, which can make the same route cost a different amount depending on direction.
Shipping vs. Driving
Driving 2,500 to 3,000 miles isn’t free. Before you decide, add up:
- Fuel for the whole trip
- Four to six nights of hotels
- Meals on the road
- Days off work, or vacation days used
- Wear on tires, brakes and resale value from thousands of extra miles
- A flight home, if you’re driving a car somewhere for someone else
Compare that total with a real shipping quote. And remember the cost that doesn’t show up on a receipt: a week of your life on the interstate.
How to Keep the Price Down
- Book two to three weeks ahead.
- Be flexible by a few days on pickup.
- Choose open transport unless the car really needs enclosed.
- Meet the carrier near a main road if your street is hard to reach.
- Avoid peak weeks on your route if your dates can move.
Why We Don’t Post an Average
A national “average cost to ship a car cross-country” hides most of what matters: your cities, your vehicle and your dates. We’d rather give you a real number for your move. Get a free quote, and see how long-haul moves work on our cross-country car shipping page.
Keep Reading
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