How to Ship a Car to Another State?
I remember the first time when I was thinking about how to ship a car to another state. Not only for the reliable but also the cheapest way. Most people think about calling a random company. But shipping a car to another state shipping a car to another state needs real research. Because cost can feel confusing at first.
There are options, each with a different price tag. In this guide, we will walk through a step-by-step process to Ship a car to another state. Along with the most affordable methods and the cheapest one. Also, give you tips that help lower your car shipping costs.
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How to Ship a Car to Another State? Step-by-Step Process
Now the time has come to Ship a vehicle from state to state. With a simple step-by-step procedure, you can ship your car in no time and effort.
Day 1–3: Get Quotes (The Right Way)
- Call or go online to get instant quotes from 3 to 5 different companies. When you pick a broker, they will hire a truck for you. If you choose any direct carriers, they will provide you with their own truck.
- Ask each company this exact question: “Is this a binding or non-binding quote ?” A binding quote means the given price is fixed and will not change. Which is good. And a non-binding means the price can change later, which is not good.
- Ask for their FMCSA number, also known as the DOT number. This is a unique ID given by the government. It is a certainty that the company is legal and safe to use. If they do not provide it, do not use their services.
Day 4–7: Choose Your Transport
This part will decide how you are shipping a vehicle to another state.
- An open carrier is the cheapest shipping method. 9 out of 10 cars choose this method. The car that travels on an open trailer. Rain, sun, and road dust can all hurt it. This is normal for cars that are used daily, like sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
- When you hire an enclosed carrier, the costs are more 30% to 60%. You car rides inside a covered trailer. No need to worry about rain or snow. Use this service for classic cars and exotic cars. Also for winters when roads are salty and slushy.
Day 8–14:Get Your Car Ready
- Keep only a quarter tank of gas. A full tank adds about 100 pounds. More weight means higher cost.
- Take out toll passes, GPS devices, and any loose items. Insurance does not cover your personal things if they get lost or broken.
- Turn off your car alarm. Bumpy roads will make it go off and annoy everyone.
- Take photos of your car from every angle. Also, take a photo of the odometer showing the mileage. Make sure the photos have a timestamp.
- Remove bike racks, spoilers, and loose antennas. Anything that sticks out can get damaged or damage other cars.
- Check for any fluid leaks under your car. If you see a leak, tell the driver before they pick it up.
Key Takeaways
- Get 3 to 5 quotes from both brokers and direct carriers. Don’t forget to confirm whether the price is binding or non-binding.
- For everyday cars, open transport is cheaper. Enclosed transport is 30%-60% expensive, but better to protect classic or luxury cars.
- Make your car ready. Fill the gas tank quarter only, remove personal items. Also, turn off the alarm, take timestamped photos, and check for leaks.
- Get an alert if you find these red flags. Asks for a deposit of more than 20%, no FMSCA number, and offers prices below 40% average, and asks to pay in cash. Also, they have no physical address.
- Keep in mind the hidden fees. It may include terminal fees ($50-$150). Expedited shipping (+$200-$500). Rural delivery (+$100-$300), and storage fees ($50-$100/day).
- Insurance coverage is $0.50-$1 per pound of vehicle weight with a $250-$500 deductible. In case of any damage, file the claim within 24 hours of delivery.
- Book in advance 2-4 weeks and 4-6 weeks during summer and holidays. This will save you from any problem. Also, last-minute bookings cost 20%-30% more.
- If you are not running, you can ship it. But you may need to pay $150-$400 for winch loading.
- You can choose between brokers and carriers. Carriers have their own trucks with stable prices. Brokers will hire for you, but prices can change.
- The cheapest way combines open transport, terminal-to-terminal delivery, and flexible shipping dates.
Why Ship a Car to Another State? Driving VS. Shipping
After helping my friends and family with getting a car shipped to another state. Using a professional service lets you gain significant advantages over driving it yourself. It avoids the wear and tear of putting thousands of miles on your vehicle.
It also matters in preserving its value and preventing unexpected maintenance costs. Beyond the practical benefits, professional shipping saves your time and effort. The best company to ship a car allows you to focus on your move. While experts handle the logistics and ensure your car arrives in the best condition.
How much it Cost to Ship a Car to Another State?
The cost to ship a car does not have one set price. The cost depends on distance, route, and shipping method. The cost to ship a car 2000 miles is different from the cost to ship a car 1000 miles. Understanding the average helps to set real expectations. The following are some estimated costs for the major routes.
| Route | Distance | Open Carrier Cost | Enclosed Carrier Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA → New York, NY | ~2,800 mi | $1,000 – $1,600 | $1,600 – $2,500 |
| New York, NY → Miami, FL | ~1,300 mi | $600 – $900 | $900 – $1,400 |
| Dallas, TX → Chicago, IL | ~950 mi | $500 – $750 | $750 – $1,100 |
| Seattle, WA → Los Angeles, CA | ~1,150 mi | $550 – $850 | $850 – $1,300 |
| Chicago, IL → Houston, TX | ~1,100 mi | $550 – $850 | $850 – $1,300 |
| Denver, CO → Phoenix, AZ | ~850 mi | $450 – $700 | $700 – $1,000 |
| Boston, MA → Orlando, FL | ~1,250 mi | $600 – $900 | $900 – $1,400 |
Note:These are average estimates of some major routes. Final price depends on vehicle size, season, and exact zip codes.
Affordable Car Shipping Methods and Delivery Options
When shipping, you will be thinking about how can you ship a car within your budget. This also depends on where you pick up your car and where you drop it. Depending upon different factors, the following are the best factors where savings are possible.
Open Transport
Open Transport is usually the cheapest method because your car shares space on an open trailer with other vehicles. It is widely used by dealerships and moving companies, which makes it easy to book. The trade-off is that your car gets exposed to weather and road debris, but for everyday vehicles, it offers the best balance between cost and reliability.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed Transport, you get more protection but at a higher cost. Your car rides inside a car shipping container, safe from rain, snow, and road damage. Many people choose this for classic cars, luxury models, or vehicles with special paint. It can cost 30 to 50 percent more than open transport, but it gives peace of mind when your vehicle needs extra care during the move.
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping helps you save money by dropping off and picking up your car at set locations instead of your doorstep. Since drivers don’t have to reach your exact address, costs are lower. The downside is less convenience, and you might need to travel to the terminal. Still, if budget matters most, this option is worth it.
Door-to-Door Delivery
Door-to-Door Delivery is the easiest but not always the cheapest choice. The carrier comes right to your home or as close as possible to load and unload the car. This saves time and hassle, especially if you live in a busy area, but you will usually pay a bit more. For people who want maximum convenience, this method can be worth the extra cost.
What is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car to Another State?
People often ask for the cheapest car shipping method. As per my experience is usually using an open transport carrier. This method always works so well. They place your car on an open trailer with several other vehicles. This helps spread out the cost and keep prices low.
Also, choosing terminal-to-terminal delivery instead of door-to-door can save money. But if you don’t mind dropping off and picking up your car at specific locations.
Also, being flexible with your shipping dates saves money. This makes it easier to get a lower rate. By combining all these options, you can find the most affordable way to move your car.
Broker vs. Carrier – Which One Should You Hire?
Some people ask you to hire a direct carrier. While some suggest a broker. The following factors will help you make a better decision.
-
Who owns the truck?
A direct carrier answer is “Yes, we have our own trucks.” But a broker replies, “No, we can arrange a carrier for you.” -
Stable Price:
A direct carrier offers a more stable price. A broker can increase if no carrier accepts the job. -
Fast Pickup:
A direct carrier will take more time due to a limited fleet. But a broker can pick faster. As they have a large network of trucks to bring from. -
Advanced Deposit:
A direct carrier often asks for a deposit before. But a broker may also ask often, but not always.Best for… Pick a direct carrier if you have a set schedule and want one point of contact. Pick a broker if you have flexible dates and want competitive bidding.
Red flag warning
If a broker asks for more than 10% to 20% deposit upfront, walk away. This comes from real data from 2026 complaints.
Remember, everyone will suggest something based on their own experience. But there are certain mistakes to avoid when choosing a car shipping company.
Hidden Fees & Red Flags When Getting a Quote
The hidden fees trap and the red flags you never ignore when getting a quote. This will save your time, money, and also your car from any unexpected event.
5 Red Flags When Getting a Quote
-
Deposit over 20%
Good, honest companies ask for small deposits or none at all. If they want more than 20% upfront, that is a bad sign. -
No FMCSA number
Every legal car shipper must have this special government ID. If they cannot give you one, do not hire them. You can check it online for free. -
“Guaranteed Price.”
That’s 40% below average. This is a trick called bait-and-switch. They say a low price to hook you, then raise the price after you book. -
Requests cash-only
Paying only in cash leaves no paper trail. If something goes wrong, you cannot prove you paid them. Always use a check or credit card. -
No physical address or Google reviews
Scammers often work alone from home or a fake office. If you cannot find a real address or real customer reviews, walk away.
Hidden Fees to Ask About
-
Terminal fees ($50–$150):
You only pay this if you choose terminal-to-terminal shipping. It covers the cost of using their drop-off and pickup lot. -
Expedited shipping (+$200–$500):
This gets your car picked up faster than normal. Only pay this if you need your car very quickly. -
Rural delivery (+$100–$300):
If your home is 50 miles or more away from a major highway, the driver has to go farther. That extra distance costs more. -
Storage fees ($50–$100 per day):
If you are not ready to accept your car when it arrives, the company has to store it. They will charge you for each day you delay.
Insurance Deep Dive – What Actually Happens If Your Car Is Damaged?
Do you need insurance to ship a car?Whatever the answer is. Whether it’s a luxury car shipping or the cheapest way to ship a car.Have you asked your company about car shipping insurance ? You must know properly what happens when your car actually gets damaged.
What Standard Coverage Includes?
-
Cargo liability
This pays you if your car gets damaged during shipping. Most companies give you between 50 cents and $1 for every pound your car weighs. For example, a 4,000-pound car gets between $2,000 and $4,000 in coverage. This is not the full value of your car, just a small amount. -
Deductible
This is the money you pay before the insurance kicks in. Most companies ask for $250 to $500 per claim. If the damage costs $1,000 to fix and your deductible is $250, you pay $250, and the insurance pays $750. -
How to File a Claim?
At the time of delivery. Check your car before you sign anything. Note down if you notice any damage on the bill of lading (BOL). Also, take photos of the damage in the presence of the driver. Within 24 hours, send the photos with a copy of the Bill of Lading to the company’s claims department.
Don’t wait more than one day. Within 7 days, the company must reply to you that they have received your claim. This is federal law. If you get no reply, contact them again. It takes 30 to 90 days to resolve and finish the claim. The company may pay to repair your car or give you a cash settlement.
Pro Tip
Check your personal auto insurance or the credit card you used to pay the deposit. Some of them cover shipping damage. If they do, you might not have to pay the deductible at all
Conclusion
Finding the best way to ship a car to another state is about balancing the three things. The cost of shipping, safety, and convenience. Open transport is the most affordable, while enclosed trailers offer better protection.
Terminal-to-terminal delivery can cut costs if you handle the drop-off and pickup yourself. Whereas door-to-door adds comfort at a higher price. The key is to compare quotes, weigh the trade-offs, and choose what fits both your budget and your needs. You can also use a cost shipping calculator to estimate your cost before ordering.