Cross Country Auto Transport
Whether you're relocating coast to coast or shipping a vehicle halfway across the country, we'll help you find the right carrier at the right price. No guesswork, no runaround — just straightforward car shipping.
What Is Cross Country Auto Transport?
Cross country auto transport is exactly what it sounds like — shipping your vehicle from one side of the country to the other (or close to it). We're talking distances of roughly 1,000 miles or more, coast to coast or anywhere in between.
People ship cars cross country for all kinds of reasons. Maybe you bought a car online from a seller three states away. Maybe you're relocating for work or retiring somewhere warmer. Or maybe you just don't want to put 2,500 miles on your odometer driving it yourself (we don't blame you).
Here at American Auto Shipping, we connect you with vetted, insured carriers who are already running your route. Our marketplace matches your shipment with carriers who have open spots on their trucks — which means you get competitive rates without sacrificing reliability.
How Cross Country Auto Transport Works
Get a Car Shipping Quote
This is where everything starts. We always recommend getting multiple quotes so you can compare rates and service levels. You can get a quote right here on our site — it takes about 60 seconds — or give us a call at (800) 930-7417 if you'd rather talk to a real person.
Our rates calculator can give you a ballpark estimate before you commit to anything. And honestly, there's no obligation — we just want you to have good information upfront.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before your car gets picked up, you'll want to make sure we know a few things about it. The main stuff: its current condition, whether it runs and drives (or doesn't), and any modifications like lift kits, oversized tires, or aftermarket bumpers.
Why does this matter? Because non-rolling vehicles need special equipment (like a winch or forklift) to load, and that costs more. Modified vehicles can also affect how the car fits on the carrier. The more accurate your description, the more accurate your quote will be — no surprises for anyone.
A quick tip: remove any personal belongings, retract your antenna, and make sure your car has about a quarter tank of gas. That's really all the prep you need.
Schedule Pickup
Once you book, we start searching for a carrier on your route. Most pickups happen within a 1-to-7-day window (it depends on the route and time of year). We'll keep you posted throughout the process.
When a carrier is assigned, the driver will contact you directly to coordinate a specific pickup time. You'll get the driver's name, phone number, and truck information so you always know who's handling your vehicle.
At pickup, the driver does a thorough vehicle inspection — documenting any existing scratches, dents, or dings on a condition report. You'll both sign it, and you'll get a copy. This is your protection (and ours), so make sure you review it carefully.
Receive Your Vehicle
When your vehicle arrives, the driver will do a second inspection with you. Compare it to the pickup condition report — if everything checks out (and it almost always does), you sign off and you're good to go.
One thing to keep in mind: if you're shipping a large truck, SUV, or anything oversized, the carrier may need to meet you at a nearby parking lot or wider street instead of your driveway. Those big rigs don't always fit on residential streets (especially cul-de-sacs).
Most cross country shipments are COD — meaning you pay the carrier directly at delivery. Some companies require a deposit upfront, and we'll always make that clear before you book.
How Much Does Cross Country Auto Transport Cost?
This is the big question, and the honest answer is: it depends. We know that's not what you want to hear, but cross country shipping rates vary based on a handful of real factors. For a deep dive, check out our full guide on how much it costs to ship a car. But here's the short version.
Factors That Affect Your Rate
- Distance: Longer hauls cost more total but less per mile. A 2,500-mile shipment is cheaper per mile than a 500-mile one.
- Vehicle size and weight: Bigger vehicles take up more space on the carrier. A sedan costs less than a full-size truck or SUV.
- Vehicle condition: Non-running vehicles need special loading equipment, which adds to the cost.
- Transport type: Open auto transport is the most affordable. Enclosed auto transport costs 30-40% more but provides full protection.
- Time of year: Summer and early fall are peak season (snowbirds, relocations, online purchases). Winter routes heading south tend to be pricier too.
- Pickup and delivery locations: Door-to-door service is convenient but may cost slightly more than terminal-to-terminal. Rural areas can also be pricier because fewer carriers run those routes.
How Long Does Cross Country Auto Transport Take?
As a general rule, car carriers cover about 500 miles per day. That accounts for driving hours, fuel stops, rest requirements, and the occasional pickup or drop-off along the way. So for a full coast-to-coast shipment (say, New York to Los Angeles), you're looking at roughly 10 to 14 days from booking to delivery.
That said, transit time really depends on your specific route. Here are some rough estimates to give you an idea:
| Route | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| East Coast to Midwest | 2-4 days |
| West Coast to East Coast | 7-10 days |
| East Coast to West Coast | 7-10 days |
| Midwest to West Coast | 4-6 days |
| Southeast to Northwest | 7-10 days |
| Full Coast to Coast | 10-14 days |
Keep in mind, these are estimates. Weather, traffic, and the carrier's current load schedule can all affect timing. We'll always give you the most accurate window we can when you book.
What's the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car Cross Country?
If you're looking to save as much as possible (and who isn't?), here's the playbook. For a complete breakdown, head over to our guide on the cheapest way to ship a car.
The most affordable combination is open auto transport with terminal-to-terminal service. Open carriers hold more vehicles per trip, so the cost per car is lower. And dropping off or picking up at a terminal (instead of your front door) saves the carrier time, which they pass on to you in the form of a lower rate.
Booking in advance also helps. When you give carriers more lead time, you're not paying the premium that comes with last-minute or expedited shipments. If your schedule is flexible, try to book at least two to three weeks before your ideal pickup date.
And here's one more thing — avoid peak season if you can. Summer months (June through August) and the January snowbird rush tend to push rates up across the board. If you have flexibility on timing, shipping in the shoulder months (spring or late fall) can save you a meaningful amount.
Should You Ship Your Car or Drive It Yourself?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it's a fair one. On the surface, driving seems cheaper — but once you do the math, it's usually a lot closer than you'd think (and sometimes shipping actually wins).
The True Cost of Driving
- Gas: A 2,500-mile drive at 25 MPG and $3.50/gallon is about $350 in fuel alone.
- Hotels: You'll need 3-4 nights at $100-150 per night. That's $300-600.
- Food: Figure $50-75/day for meals on the road. Another $150-300.
- Wear and tear: Tires, oil, brakes — 2,500 miles of highway driving adds real wear to your vehicle. Plus the depreciation from all those extra miles on your odometer.
- Your time: Three to five days behind the wheel. What's your time worth?
Total: $800-$1,500+ (not counting your time)
The Case for Shipping
- Zero miles on your car. Your odometer stays exactly where it is.
- No weather risk. You don't have to drive through blizzards, thunderstorms, or desert heat.
- No accident risk. Long road trips increase your exposure to highway accidents, tire blowouts, and breakdowns.
- Get your time back. Fly to your destination in a few hours instead of spending days on the road.
- Insurance coverage. Your vehicle is covered by the carrier's cargo insurance during transit.
Cross country shipping: typically $900-$1,500 for a standard sedan
When you add it all up, shipping often costs about the same as driving — and you get your time back. For most people, that's a no-brainer. But hey, if you love road trips, we get it. No judgment here.
Ready to Ship Your Car Cross Country?
We've been helping people ship their cars across the country since 1999. Whether you're moving, buying, selling, or just need your vehicle somewhere else — we'll take care of it.
Get a free quote online in under 60 seconds, or call us at (800) 930-7417. We're here to help.
Have more questions? Check out our FAQ, browse auto transport by state, or learn about military car shipping if you're PCSing.