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Shipping a car

across country

Shipping a car across the country is easy. Learn about how it all works and how to plan your cross country vehicle transport. 

shipping a car across the country?

Shipping a car across the country is easily manageable with the right car shipping company. Researching auto transport companies is the first step. Reading customer reviews and verifying USDOT licensing is the second.

Next is collecting car shipping quotes. Several quotes will give you a broad idea of the price spectrum and current market prices.

Always aim for a price in the middle of the spectrum. A very low price will not ship your car now – it is usually a low ball price that is not realistic. A very high price is usually a speculation by sine companies that aim to bill you as much as possible.

The price that lies in the middle is a realistic market price that will ship a car across the country now.

Once you book your car shipping across the country, you have to choose your first available pick-up date. Our service is door-to-door, which means we need a delivery address. For both pick-up and delivery you need to be present or to have a designated person.

When your order is assigned to a car carrier, we can give you an estimated time of delivery. Due to weather, road and traffic conditions we can not guarantee an exact delivery date. Dates in logistics are always estimated.

At delivery, the driver will perform an inspection and it is recommended that the customer also inspects the vehicle. Then sign your Bill of Lading / Inspection Report and accept delivery.

Corsia team will explain the current cost to ship a car across the country, and will make sure you understand how auto transport works.

Factors to consider when shipping a car across the country

The cost to ship a car across the country depends on several factors.  

The Cost

The cost to ship a car across the country is usually the most important element. However, the cost is not a simple deduction based on distance and vehicle type. The better you understand all elements of a car shipping cost, the easier it will be to choose the right service, company and price.

The Distance

The distance always has an effect on the price to ship a car. In general, longer distances cost more. However, shorter distances sometimes cost as much as a long distance trips. It really depends on the type of vehicle you want to ship, but also on the type of service and exact location.

The Location

Shipping from and to major cities usually equals faster service. Rural areas are more difficult to schedule because less carriers are willing to go. This means the price will be higher if you want a timely service. When shipping across country this could mean more than two weeks for delivery, after pick-up.

Transport Type

When shipping across country we always recommend enclosed trailer. It is usually more expensive, but will protect your car fully. Open trailer is the standard in the industry and certainly just as safe. It all depends on the type of vehicle you are shipping. The type of carrier you choose will affect your cost and delivery time.

Seasonality

Seasonality is driven by supply and demand peaks and drops. When supply is higher, prices drop, when demand is higher prices go up. In auto logistics, when demand is high the truck spots fill quickly, which means more customers compete and prices increase. That is why a price quote is good for one week only.

The company

The auto transport company you choose will make all the difference. An honest and reliable company like Corsia Logistics will explain all of these details, and help you understand how shipping a car across country works. The company must be your guide every step of the way to give you updates and peace of mind.

Additional cost to ship a car factors

door to door auto transport corsia

Do you need door-to-door service?

Door-to-door auto transport is the standard shipping method we offer to all customers and all locations across the country. This means pick-up and deliver at specified address. 

Do you need a top load for your vehicle?

Top load means loading a vehicle on the top deck of the vehicle transport trailer. This ensures against possible leaks from other vehicles, from flying road debris, and it is generally safer.

corsia car shipping

How does cross country car shipping work?

Hire a company

Research and choose among the best car shipping companies. Corsia is one of the best – check our customer reviews now and call our team to discuss your auto transport needs. 

Book your order

Booking your cross country car shipment is easily done online or by phone. We do not ask for money up front.  Request a car shipping quote online now. 

Vehicle pick-up

Choose your first available pick-up date. That is when your pick-up windows stars. With 1 to 5 business days we will pick-up your car and your shipping a car across the country service begins. We can also offer a guaranteed pick-up date.

Vehicle delivery

Accept delivery of your vehicle from across the country, when the time comes. Inspect your car alongside the carrier and sign your Bill of Lading. This is it. Your cross country car shipping is over and your car is safe at your new home! 

Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments and you rely on it every day. We work with vetted carriers with years of experience. We have large carrier network covering the entire country, and we offer several vehicle shipping solutions. This is how we guarantee that your vehicle will be picked-up and delivered in a timely manner.

Cross Country Car Shipping Price

Choosing the cheapest cross-country car shipping quote is not the best idea. With very low prices usually comes low quality of service. Corsia works with high-rated car carriers to provide the best cross country car shipping service. We take your budget and shipping requirements into consideration and work with you every step of the way. Our team will provide full auto transportation management so you can have peace of mind, while your car is being shipped across the country.

With Corsia you will know the exact cost to ship a car across country, and you will work with one agent only.

Shipping a car across country in different seasons

shipping a car in winter

Shipping a car across country in winter

Shipping a car across country in winter can take longer than in other seasons due to delays caused by the cold weather. Additionally,  many car carriers know things can get complicated as the days get shorter and road conditions become more difficult and choose to stay home for longer. This lowers trucks availability which may affects certain route prices.

Winter is a slow season for the auto transport industry, which means shipping a car across the country cost is usually lower. 

In the end of December, as well as January, is when customers can receive some good discounts across most states.  The demands for the southern states is higher throughout winter, which means higher costs to ship a car south, especially Florida.

February is a good month to save on auto transport. Most drivers return on the road, but demand is low and this is the time to book car transport when you are on a budget.

Shipping a car across country in autumn

Mild weather and good driver availability in the fall season results in a slightly lower car shipping cost. Usually depends on the specific destinations, but overall shipping a car across the country is cheaper. 

September is often still busy on certain routes due to college students shipping cars back to school, but that is only in some states. 

The rest of the season, such as the months of October and November are slower and offer good car carrier availability with some discounts available.

car shipping autumn
shipping a car in spring

Shipping a car across country in spring

The spring season is a great time to ship a car! The costs are lower in early spring compare to the summer and thus it is a good time to ask for discount. The weather improves dramatically, the days get longer and carriers availability increases. Like bears, all carrier wake up and start working!

March is the month when car shipping prices remain low for most cross country routes. This is when most snowbirds start planning their return north in April and May, but it is not yet busy. 

Cross country car shipping in summer

Summer is the busiest season for car shipping, hence the cost to ship a car across the country dramatically increases. The summer months is when everybody is on the move! 

July and August are extremely busy months, with high demand, but also high supply of car carriers. This means that the auto transport market is in a balanced state for most states. Whether you need open car transport, enclosed car carrier or expedited delivery, the cost to ship a car will be higher compared to other seasons on most routes. 

shipping car in summer

When your vehicle is assigned to a carrier, your agent will provide you with insurance certificate for complete peace of mind.