How to Move a Car: Costs, Options, and Step-by-Step Prep

If you are searching for how to move a car — across town, to another state, or as part of a household relocation — you have three practical paths: drive it yourself, tow it, or use professional auto transport. For most interstate and cross-country moves, shipping is the cleaner option: less wear, fewer travel days, and a clearer schedule while you handle the rest of the move. This guide walks through options, cost ranges, prep steps, and the questions to ask before you book. When you are ready to convert that plan into a shipment, request a quote on our auto transport service page — this article educates; that page is where you book.

Key Takeaways

• In 2026, shipping a car often lands roughly $600–$1,800 depending on distance and open vs enclosed transport (planning ranges, not a quote).
• Hiring professionals to move or ship your car typically makes more sense than driving for cross-country moves.
• Open transport is the most affordable option and is suitable for most vehicles.
• Enclosed transport protects luxury, classic, and high-value cars from weather and road debris.
• A licensed moving broker can coordinate household goods and vehicle transport on aligned schedules — without competing with the national auto transport landing page for booking intent.

Ways to Ship a Vehicle Between States

There are several ways to ship vehicles between states, and people do it for many reasons. Some do it as part of their move, while others are simply selling the car. They could also be relocating a classic vehicle to warmer weather for the winter. Shipping a vehicle makes sense if you’re using residential moving services to transport everything else and need to fly to your new home.

You have options when it comes to car-shippers including open carrier transport and enclosed transport. Open carrier transport is the most common and affordable choice. Open carrier transport involves loading the cars onto a trailer or car carrier, often loaded with several other vehicles.

Enclosed transport offers added protection for luxury or vintage vehicles. This type of transport uses fully enclosed trailers to offer protection from road debris and weather elements, among other hazards.

When shipping your car, you may opt for door-to-door delivery, where the transporter picks up your vehicle at the old home and delivers it to the new one. You can also choose terminal-to-terminal, which costs less and makes sense for people who can drop off and pick up their car at specific locations.

Ultimately, your choice depends on budget, distance, and necessary protection for the car being shipped.

Why Professionally Transport Your Car Instead of Driving

Moving a car with professional transporters and reliable moving services instead of driving it yourself has plenty of benefits. Before you learn how to move a car, let’s go over some of the benefits that include:

• Time savings: Avoid spending hours or days on a long drive, which is particularly important for coast-to-coast, long-distance moves.
• Vehicle protection: Transporting a vehicle minimizes exposure to road hazards, weather, and wear.
• No mileage accumulation: Reduce mechanical wear and preserve your vehicle’s value by keeping your mileage low.
• Safety: Professional transport helps avoid risks from breakdowns or accidents on the road.
• Peace of mind: Professional transport provides a hassle-free, secure shipping process so you can focus on other aspects of your move.

Cost of Car Shipping in 2026

In 2026, the average cost to ship a car ranges from $600–$1,000 for routes under 1,000 miles and $1,000–$1,800 for coast-to-coast moves. These apply to open transport on a standard sedan; enclosed transport typically costs 40–60% more.

Key factors that affect your vehicle transport cost include:

• Distance: Per-mile rates decrease on longer routes — short hauls often cost more per mile than cross-country shipments.
• Vehicle size: SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more than sedans due to extra space and weight.
• Transport type: Open carrier is the most affordable; enclosed carrier offers maximum protection for an added premium.
• Seasonality: Summer (May–September) is peak season — prices run 15–25% higher than winter months.
• Delivery speed: Expedited or guaranteed delivery dates add to the overall cost.

To get the most accurate estimate, gather quotes from multiple carriers at once. A moving broker can source these quotes as part of your overall long-distance move, saving you hours of research.

How to Move a Car in 5 Simple Steps

Moving your car with third-party transport is actually pretty easy. The following steps outline the process.

Pick a Transport Date

Before you can start shopping around, you’ll need to pick a shipping date. If you’re not sure what makes sense, figure out which day you absolutely need the car in its final location and work backward.

Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Prep your car for transport. Check your tires and battery to make sure they’re in good shape. Don’t neglect the emergency brake, as most transport companies won’t accept the vehicle if it doesn’t work. Check for any leaks or wet spots, such as oil, transmission fluid, or something else. Top off important fluids and fix any mechanical issues that might keep the car from starting during the transport process.

Because your car will be out of your possession, disable the alarm and turn off any EZPasses or toll devices you have. Clean your car inside and out if possible.

Document the Car’s Condition

Document your vehicle’s condition in writing and with photos. Note any existing damage carefully. This is important, should you need to file a claim with the transport company.

Updated Registration and Insurance Information

When shipping your vehicle from state to state, ensure all your paperwork lines up. You’ll need new plates, an updated registration, and new insurance after you arrive. Many states require you to establish these details within a specific period, so having that documentation prepped and ready will reduce the stress of doing so.

Coordinate Pickup and Delivery Logistics

With your final drop-off date determined, you can figure out a pick-up time. To nail those details down, call a professional who can determine how long your transport will take. The service provider will dictate the logistics, including the mode of transport.

If you have questions about how to move a car between states and feel overwhelmed, remember that a moving broker who offers long-distance moving services can help facilitate your vehicle’s transportation.

How to Move a Car? Here are Some Questions to Ask the Professionals

It’s always a smart choice to talk to your service providers or ask questions about car transportation. This will help you avoid hidden costs of moving and help you find out about all the details. That will ensure that you know every detail of the assistance you’ll get for your money. Let’s go over some of the most common questions asked when they find themselves in this situation:

• Should clients use the same moving company for car and other transport?
• How to approach moving more than one vehicle?
• Is emptying the gas tank a must?
• Are personal belongings allowed in the car?
• How long will the process take?
• What happens in case of damage?
• Does someone need to be present at the delivery?
• Is enclosed shipping worth it for regular cars?

Should I Use the Same Company for Moving and Car Transport?

Some cross country moving companies include car shipping in their services, while others work with a separate transport carrier. If you choose one company for both, ask if the car will stay on a single truck or transfer between carriers. Ask about damage coverage, pickup and drop-off dates, and if someone must be present for delivery. Using the same company can reduce phone calls and simplify scheduling, but check if the bundled cost is higher than booking separately. Also, confirm whether the company handles enclosed or open transport. Ask directly: “Do you insure the vehicle during transport?” and “Who will move the car?”

What If I’m Moving More Than One Vehicle?

If you’re moving more than one car, ask for multi-vehicle pricing. Some carriers offer discounts when all vehicles go to the same address. Confirm if both cars can ship on the same trailer. Ask if the price changes based on size—moving a sedan and an SUV may cost more than two compact cars. Check if delivery times match for both vehicles. If you’re using moving companies with packing services, ask if they also coordinate car transport. Always ask: “Is the rate lower for two cars?” and “Will the vehicles arrive together?” This helps avoid delays, confusion, and surprise charges.

Should I Empty My Gas Tank Before Shipping My Car?

Keep your gas tank one-quarter full before shipping your car. This level gives the carrier just enough fuel to load and unload the vehicle without adding weight or raising safety risks. A full tank increases fire danger and shipping costs. Most transport companies will reject a vehicle with too much fuel. Some may charge extra or ask you to remove fuel on the spot. Avoid delays and fees by checking the fuel level in advance. Ask the company for its fuel limit policy when booking. Clear rules vary, but all aim to keep transport safe, fast, and problem-free for everyone involved.

Can I Put Personal Belongings in the Car While It’s Being Shipped?

Most car transport companies do not allow personal items inside the vehicle. Extra weight can raise fuel use and shipping fees. Insurance does not cover lost or damaged belongings. If a carrier permits items, the limit is usually 100 pounds, kept below window level and placed in the trunk or backseat. Loose items can shift and cause damage during transit. Some companies may refuse service if the vehicle is overloaded. Always ask your transporter about its rules on personal belongings. Clear answers help avoid surprise charges, delays, or insurance issues. Pack only what the company allows and remove everything else.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?

Delivery times depend on distance, route, and pickup options. Short trips under 500 miles often take 1–3 days. Cross-country shipments can take 7–10 days. Ask the carrier for estimated pickup and drop-off windows. Confirm if delays from weather or traffic may affect timing. Some drivers stop for other pickups, which can slow the trip. If your car must arrive by a certain date, mention that early. Carriers with tight schedules may offer guaranteed delivery for an extra fee. Companies that provide commercial storage and facilities services may also offer holding options if your drop-off time changes unexpectedly.

What Happens If My Car Gets Damaged During Transport?

If your car gets damaged during transport, report the damage right away and file a claim with the carrier’s insurance. Before pickup, take clear photos and write down any existing scratches or dents. At delivery, inspect the car and match it with your records. If you see new damage, note it on the bill of lading before signing. Keep all records, including the driver’s contact details and transport agreement. Most carriers carry liability coverage, but limits vary.  Going over the guide to interstate moving costs will have a positive impact on the whole process. Ask the company what the insurance covers and how to file a claim. Fast reporting and strong documentation help speed up the process.

Will Someone Need to Be Present at Pickup and Delivery?

Most carriers require someone to be present at pickup and delivery to sign inspection forms and confirm the vehicle’s condition. If you can’t attend, appoint someone you trust. That person must show ID and follow the carrier’s instructions. During pickup, the representative checks the vehicle, signs the bill of lading, and gets a copy. At delivery, the same steps apply. This helps avoid confusion or missed damage claims. If no one is available, the carrier may reschedule or charge storage fees. Always confirm this policy with the company before booking to avoid delays or extra charges.

Is Enclosed Transport Worth It for Regular Cars?

Enclosed transport provides more protection, making it ideal for high-value or rare cars. For regular vehicles, open transport is generally sufficient and more cost-effective. On top of that, it’s one of the tips for moving in winter that helps your car avoid harsh conditions. However, if you’re concerned about harsh weather, road debris, or potential damage during transit, enclosed transport can offer additional peace of mind. The added protection helps prevent scratches or dings and shields your car from dust or rain. Though it costs more, the extra security may be worth it if you’re moving a car in poor condition, a new car, or want to ensure its safety throughout the journey.

Finding Professional Movers for Auto Transport

Shipping cars from state to state is a process, much like moving the other items in your home. Now that you know the rough costs, how it works, and what kinds of options are available the next question is how to find the people for the job.

You could source quotes from car transport companies on your own, but that typically takes hours when you need to focus on other aspects of your move. Instead, consider partnering with a moving broker like Safe Ship. Our auto transport service connects you with FMCSA-licensed carriers in our vetted network. We facilitate long-distance moves for thousands of customers and can align household delivery with vehicle pickup windows. Request a free auto transport quote when you are ready to book — and read how to avoid auto transport scams before you pay any deposit.

Make Car Shipping a Smooth Part of Your Move

Knowing how to move a car helps you avoid delays and damage. Choose open or enclosed transport that fits the vehicle. Prepare your car before pickup. Confirm pickup and delivery windows in writing. Keep photos and the bill of lading ready. When you are ready to book, start on our auto transport page for a free quote — Safe Ship matches you with licensed carriers and keeps one coordinator on your shipment. For scam red flags before you pay a deposit, read how to avoid auto transport scams.

Frequently Asked Questions