What is cross-country car shipping?
Cross-country car shipping is long-distance auto transport, typically 2,000 miles or more, between states on opposite coasts or distant regions of the US. Common examples include California to New York, Washington to Florida, and Arizona to Maine.
Long-haul routes are the backbone of the auto transport industry. Because carriers are already running these routes regularly, cross-country shipping can be more efficient, and often cheaper per mile, than short-haul transport.
How cross-country shipping works
- Get a free instant quote: enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle type, and preferred date.
- Book your shipment: we dispatch a vetted carrier already running your route.
- Pickup at your address: the driver calls 24 hours in advance to confirm the pickup window.
- Track your vehicle: you receive the driver's contact info and status updates throughout transit.
- Delivery at your destination: inspect the vehicle, sign the Bill of Lading, and pay the carrier.
Why cross-country routes are usually cheaper per mile
Long-haul routes offer better value than short-haul because carriers can spread their fixed costs (fuel, driver time, equipment) across more miles. That's why a 2,500-mile trip often costs less per mile than a 300-mile trip.
For routes over 1,500 miles we charge a flat $1.00 per mile for standard vehicles under 7,000 lbs on an open trailer, so a 2,500-mile trip is about $2,500.
Pricing for cross-country transport
Cross-country shipping varies by vehicle type, transport type (open or enclosed), and market conditions. Typical estimates for a standard sedan:
- Over 1,500 miles, open transport: $1.00 per mile (about $2,790 New York to Los Angeles)
- Over 1,500 miles, enclosed transport: about $1.40 per mile
- 1,500 miles or less: an estimated range online, then your confirmed price by email within 2 business hours
These are estimates only. The final price is confirmed after your quote is reviewed. Our 30-day TruePrice Guarantee locks your quoted price so it won't increase after booking.