Key takeaways
- A standard car on an open trailer costs about $2,000 for 2,000 miles and about $2,800 coast to coast.
- Enclosed transport typically adds 30% to 50%; a car that does not run adds about $150 to $400.
- Expect about 5 to 9 days from pickup to delivery on a long route.
- Your exact price comes from a quote for your route and vehicle.
The short answer
For a standard car on an open trailer, a trip of about 2,000 miles costs about $2,000, and a coast-to-coast trip of about 2,800 miles costs about $2,800. Enclosed transport costs more, and a car that does not run adds a fee. Your exact price comes from a free quote for your route and vehicle.
Cross-country price examples
These are estimates for a standard sedan, door to door.
| Route | Distance | Typical time | Estimated price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA to Chicago, IL (open) | about 2,020 mi | 5 to 7 days | about $2,020 |
| New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA (open) | about 2,790 mi | 6 to 9 days | about $2,790 |
| Denver, CO to Miami, FL (enclosed) | about 2,080 mi | 6 to 8 days | about $2,910 |
Examples are for planning only. Prices depend on the date, the vehicle and the carriers available on your route.
What changes the price of a cross-country move
1. Distance
The biggest factor. Long routes cost more in total.
2. Open or enclosed
Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, so they typically add 30% to 50%. Most cars ship open. See open vs enclosed transport.
3. Vehicle size
Large SUVs and pickups take more space. Vehicles over 7,000 pounds and commercial vehicles are quoted individually: see shipping heavy or commercial vehicles.
4. Whether the car runs
A car that cannot drive onto the trailer needs a winch and adds a fee, about $150 to $400. See shipping a car that does not run.
5. Timing
Summer and the winter snowbird months are busier. A flexible pickup window helps.
How to keep the cost down
- Choose open transport unless the car needs enclosed protection.
- Give a flexible pickup window of a few days, so a carrier already on your route can take the car.
- Tell the company the truth about the car (does it run, is it modified) so the price does not change on pickup day.
- Book early in busy seasons.
- Be careful with a quote far below the others. A very low price can mean no carrier accepts the job, and the price goes up later. Read how to avoid auto transport scams.
How long does cross-country shipping take?
Usually about 6 to 9 days from pickup to delivery for a coast-to-coast trip, and 5 to 7 days for routes around 2,000 miles. Weather, the carrier's other stops and the season can change this. For timing details see car shipping transit times.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to New York?
About $2,790 for a standard sedan on an open trailer, as an estimate. Your confirmed price comes with your quote.
Is it cheaper to ship open or enclosed?
Open transport is the more affordable choice. Enclosed typically costs 30% to 50% more.
Does the price change after I book?
Ask the company this before you agree, in writing. Check what the quote includes, when you pay, and what happens if no carrier is assigned.
How do I get an exact price?
Enter your pickup and delivery locations and your vehicle in the free quote form, or call our Car Shipping Hotline at (888) 885-0991.
Does TS Fast Auto Logistics transport vehicles to every state?
Yes. We arrange door-to-door vehicle transport between any two US states, nationwide. Hawaii, Alaska, and commercial, oversized or very heavy vehicles are quoted individually. We transport vehicles only: we do not ship packages, parcels or household goods, and we are not a local tow or roadside assistance service.
Get your price
Get a free car shipping quote or call the Car Shipping Hotline at (888) 885-0991. For how prices are set in general, see how much it costs to ship a car.
Get your free quote