New Jersey Car Shipping: Costs, Key Details & Recommended Companies (2026)
Shipping a car to or from New Jersey usually costs between $500 and $1,200 depending on how far you’re going. Nearby states cost around $300-$600, while cross-country trips to places like California run about $1,000-$1,500. Most shipments take 1-5 days for close-by states, around 5-7 days to the Midwest, and 7-10 days to go coast-to-coast.
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What Are the Steps to Ship a Vehicle In or Out of New Jersey?
Shipping a car in New Jersey can be tricky with traffic, tolls, and tight city streets. A clear step-by-step process helps ensure smooth transport.
Request Multiple Quotes
Compare prices from reputable New Jersey car shipping companies. Consider whether open-air transport, enclosed carriers, or expedited services best fit your needs. Learn how to obtain and compare car shipping quotes.
Select a Licensed, Insured Carrier
Choose a carrier experienced with New Jersey’s unique challenges, such as navigating the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway tolls, and congested metro areas like Newark or Jersey City.
Organize Required Documents
Have your vehicle title, registration, bill of lading, and valid photo ID ready. These documents are often necessary to complete the booking and release your car for shipment.
Recommended: Check out the
car shipping documents.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport
Wash your vehicle, remove personal belongings, check fluid levels, ensure tires are properly inflated, and disable any alarms to avoid delays.
Arrange Pickup or Drop-Off
Coordinate service from your home, workplace, or a nearby terminal. In tight urban neighborhoods, meeting the carrier at a larger accessible location may be necessary.
Inspect Your Vehicle Before Pickup
Take detailed photos and notes of your car’s condition. This documentation protects you in case of any damage during shipping.
Check Your Car at Delivery
Upon arrival, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for new dents, scratches, or mechanical issues. Address any concerns before signing the delivery paperwork. Consider exploring ways to ship a car.
New Jersey Car Shipping Costs & Transit Times: An Overview
On average, New Jersey car shipping costs range between $750 and $1,350, depending on distance, route, transport type, and season. Below is a table that shows general costs based on some major routes, distance, and carrier type.
| Route Category | Distance Range (miles) | Carrier Type | Cost Estimate (USD) | Average Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (e.g., NY, PA, CT) | 100 – 300 | Open / Enclosed Option | $300 – $600 | 1 to 3 days |
| Southeast (e.g., FL, GA, NC) | 700 – 1,200 | Open Carrier / Enclosed Optional | $850 – $1,250 | 3 to 5 days |
| Midwest (e.g., OH, IL, MI) | 600 – 1,000 | Open / Enclosed Option | $750 – $1,200 | 2 to 5 days |
| West Coast (e.g., CA, AZ, WA) | 2,500 – 2,900 | Open / Enclosed / Expedited | $1,300 – $1,800 | 6 to 9 days |
| Local & In-State | Under 150 | Open Carrier | $250 – $450 | 1 to 2 days |
Disclaimer: These prices and transit times are estimates and can vary depending on different factors. Always request a customized quote from reputable car shipping companies.
All About Key State-to-State Car Shipping
Routes To and From New Jersey
Explore key routes connecting New Jersey with other states, including average costs, transit times, and unique challenges.
Note: Review these details before planning to ship your car from New Jersey to another state or vice versa.
Shipping from New Jersey to Florida is common among snowbirds, students, and families relocating south for the winter.
Average Cost
$900–$1,300
Transit Time
3–5 days
Returning vehicles from Florida to New Jersey is popular for seasonal residents and long-distance buyers.
Average Cost
$900–$1,400
Transit Time
3–5 days
Used for cross-country relocations, military moves, and online vehicle purchases.
Average Cost
$1,200–$1,700
Transit Time
6–8 days
Families, dealerships, and relocators often ship cars from California to New Jersey.
Average Cost
$1,300–$1,800
Transit Time
6–8 days
Short-distance shipping for commuters, students, and vehicle sales in the tri-state area.
Average Cost
$200–$400
Transit Time
1–2 days
A frequent route for commuters, students, and local buyers returning vehicles.
Average Cost
$200–$400
Transit Time
1–2 days
Popular for regional relocations, business moves, and college students.
Average Cost
$300–$600
Transit Time
1–3 days
Short regional route used for vehicle purchases, seasonal relocations, and business moves.
Average Cost
$300–$600
Transit Time
1–3 days
Used for relocations, military moves, and student transport.
Average Cost
$500–$800
Transit Time
2–4 days
A popular return route for students, military families, and seasonal relocators.
Average Cost
$500–$800
Transit Time
2–4 days
High-volume long-distance route for relocations and business moves.
Average Cost
$900–$1,400
Transit Time
4–6 days
Used for military PCS moves, long-distance relocations, and online vehicle sales.
Average Cost
$900–$1,500
Transit Time
4–6 days
Disclaimer: The prices and delivery times are estimates and may vary based on different factors.
What Are the Factors That Influence New Jersey Car Shipping Costs
Vehicle Size, Modifications, and Weight Directly Impact Price
Oversized or modified vehicles like lifted trucks or custom cars cost more to transport across California.
Port traffic delays
New Jersey’s major ports in Newark and Elizabeth can cause scheduling backups for carriers during peak shipping seasons
Garden State Parkway restrictions
Commercial vehicles face limitations on certain parkway sections, forcing carriers to take longer routes that add to costs
Dense urban pickup challenges
Getting a car carrier truck into tight city streets in places like Jersey City or Hoboken often requires smaller trucks and costs more
Winter road salt damage concerns
Many people ship enclosed during winter months to avoid the heavy road salt New Jersey uses, which drives up seasonal prices
NY metro area congestion fees
Pickups near the New York border can include extra charges due to traffic delays and new congestion pricing zones
Shore town seasonal access
Summer shipments to beach towns like Cape May or Wildwood cost more due to limited carrier access on crowded coastal roads
Is It Hard to Ship a Car to Remote or Shoreline Areas in New Jersey, Like Cape May or Sussex County?
Shipping to remote or coastal towns such as Cape May, High Point, or parts of the Pine Barrens is entirely possible. However, carrier access may be limited in more rural or shore-adjacent areas. In such cases, carriers might request a meeting at nearby towns or highway-adjacent locations for easier pickup or delivery, especially during peak summer months or winter storms.
How Does New Jersey’s Coastal and Seasonal Climate Affect Vehicle Transport?
- Winter weather (snow, ice) can delay shipments in North Jersey and hilly areas.
- Salt air near the Jersey Shore can contribute to corrosion—enclosed transport helps protect finishes.
- High humidity and seasonal rainstorms may slow down service but don’t typically cause major issues.
Are Car Shipping Services Available During Harsh Winter Weather in New Jersey?
Yes, but road closures due to snow and ice can delay pickups or deliveries, especially in northern or higher-elevation areas like Warren or Sussex Counties. Booking early and being flexible with timing can help avoid major disruptions.
Can I Ship a Car to or From Barrier Islands or Shore Towns Like Long Beach Island or Brigantine?
- Yes, but large transport trucks may face access issues due to narrow roads or bridge weight limits.
- In many cases, delivery is coordinated at nearby mainland locations like Manahawkin or Atlantic City.
Is It Cheaper to Ship a Car From Newark Than From Smaller Towns in New Jersey?
Yes. Newark is a major transportation hub with direct access to I-95, the Port of Newark, and Newark Liberty International Airport. This makes it one of the most cost-effective locations for car shipping. Smaller towns may incur additional pickup fees or result in longer wait times due to limited carrier availability.
What Highways Do Most Car Carriers Use When Transporting Through New Jersey?
I-95 (New Jersey Turnpike)
Primary north-south route connecting NYC and Philadelphia.
I-78 and I-80
Major east-west shipping routes from PA through NJ to NYC.
Garden State Parkway
Used for access to the Jersey Shore, although large carriers may avoid southern sections due to toll restrictions and road size.
Are There Extra Fees for Shipping a Car to Mountainous or Remote Towns Like High Point or Blairstown?
Some carriers may charge extra for hard-to-reach areas in northwest New Jersey with steep or winding roads. Meeting at nearby towns or larger highway exits is often suggested to avoid accessibility issues.
Can I Ship a Car From New Jersey to Canada or Across the U.S. Border?
Yes, you can ship a car from New Jersey to Canada, but it typically requires a cross-border logistics provider. For shipments heading south, carriers often go through Philadelphia or Baltimore before continuing cross-country or to the southern states.
What Are the Busiest Months for Car Shipping in New Jersey?
- April to September: Peak season due to college moves, relocations, and snowbird returns.
- December holidays: Slower carrier availability and possible weather-related delays.
- Late October: Increased activity due to seasonal auto shows and student vehicle returns.
How Do I Arrange Car Shipping During Events Like Summer Tourism or the Jersey Shore Season?
Try to book at least 3–4 weeks in advance during summer months. Shore traffic, limited parking, and high carrier demand in towns like Wildwood or Seaside Heights can lead to delays. Meeting carriers inland at larger parking lots is often necessary.
Is Vehicle Transport Common for Students at Rutgers University or Princeton?
Yes. Many students at Rutgers, Princeton, Montclair State, and other New Jersey colleges ship their cars for semester-long stays or out-of-state moves. Carriers often provide campus pickups or meet students at nearby lots with easy truck access.
Recommended Car Shipping Companies for New Jersey
We’ve researched the top auto transport companies, and based on performance, reliability, and customer feedback, here are four we recommend for New Jersey car shipping:
AutoStar Transport Express
AutoStar Transport Express has a strong track record of safe, on-time deliveries across New Jersey. Their experience navigating urban traffic, toll-heavy highways, and dense metro areas makes them a reliable choice for stress-free transport.
Montway Auto Transport
Montway offers nationwide coverage with solid service in New Jersey. Their responsive support team and flexible scheduling make them dependable for seasonal relocations, college moves, and long-distance shipments.
SGT Auto Transport
SGT provides secure and efficient vehicle transport in New Jersey. With options for both open and enclosed carriers, they’re a solid choice for customers seeking a smooth, worry-free shipping process.
These are the companies we recommend based on performance and customer feedback. To secure the best price and service, we still suggest requesting and comparing multiple quotes from the top car shipping companies.
Conclusion
New Jersey is a highly active state for car shipping, thanks to its dense population, bustling ports, and central location along key interstate corridors. Whether you’re moving across the country, purchasing a vehicle online, or sending a car to a college student, choosing the right shipping method and carrier is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my car shipment while it’s in transit?
What types of vehicles can be shipped to or from New Jersey?
How should I prepare my vehicle for inspection before shipping?
Can I ship multiple vehicles at once from New Jersey?
Are there car shipping services for snowbirds traveling to and from New Jersey?
a4AutoTransport is a group of auto transport researchers and experts that comes in handy for anyone who wants to move their car/vehicle without putting extra miles on the odometer. At a4AutoTransport, We researched over a hundred car shipping companies, interviewed real customers and industry leaders, and collected nearly 500 quotes to find the nation’s best auto transport companies. With our combined 5 years of industry experience and research, we’ll help you find the right car shipper for your budget.