Shipping a car across the country is easy. Learn how it all works and how to plan your cross country vehicle transport. Get a price online.
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.
On this page, we will provide you with valuable shipping a car across country tips to make the process easier for you.
Corsia team will explain the current cost to ship a car across the country, and will make sure you understand how auto transport works.
The cost to ship a car across the country depends on several factors.
The cost of shipping a car across the country is often the most important factor for customers. However, determining the cost involves more than just calculating the distance and vehicle type. Several factors influence the final price, and understanding these elements can help you select the best service, company, and price for your needs. These factors include distance, location, transport type, seasonality, and the company you choose.
Distance significantly impacts the price of car shipping, as longer trips generally cost more due to higher fuel, labor, and time expenses. However, this is not always straightforward. For example, shorter trips may cost nearly as much as longer ones if they involve challenging routes or specific service requirements. Additionally, the distance pricing will depend on the vehicle type, the service level you choose, and the exact pickup and delivery locations.
Shipping a car to or from major cities is typically faster and more cost-effective than rural areas because urban areas are well-served by auto carriers. Rural locations often require extra effort, as fewer carriers travel to these areas, which can lead to higher costs and longer wait times for timely service. When shipping cross-country, rural pickups or deliveries can increase the delivery timeframe, potentially exceeding two weeks after the pickup.
The type of carrier you choose plays a critical role in both cost and protection during transport. For cross-country shipments, an enclosed trailer is highly recommended, particularly for high-value, luxury, or classic cars. Although enclosed transport is more expensive, it offers superior protection from weather, debris, and other potential hazards. Conversely, an open trailer is the standard in the industry and is a safe, reliable option for most vehicles. Your choice between these two transport types will significantly impact the cost and delivery timeline.
Seasonality directly influences car shipping prices through changes in supply and demand. During peak seasons, such as summer months or around holidays, demand for auto transport increases, leading to higher prices as truck availability diminishes. Conversely, prices may drop during off-peak seasons when demand is lower. This fluctuation means that auto transport quotes are typically valid for just one week, as rates can quickly change with market conditions. Booking in advance during high-demand periods can help ensure a spot and manage costs effectively.
The auto transport company you select will be a crucial factor in your experience and overall satisfaction. A reliable and trustworthy company, like Corsia Logistics, will transparently explain the factors affecting your shipping cost, guide you through the entire process, and provide regular updates for peace of mind. Choosing a company that prioritizes honesty and excellent customer service ensures a smoother, less stressful shipping experience.
Door-to-door auto transport is one of the most convenient and popular shipping methods available, providing a hassle-free experience for customers. With this service, your vehicle is picked up from and delivered to the specific addresses you specify, such as your home, office, or another convenient location. It eliminates the need to travel to a central terminal, saving time and effort while ensuring your car arrives safely and directly at your desired destination.
When arranging auto transport, choosing a top load placement can provide an additional layer of protection for your vehicle. Top load means your car is positioned on the upper deck of the transport trailer rather than the bottom level. This placement offers significant advantages, particularly for high-value, luxury, or classic vehicles that require extra care during transport.
In a multi-level transport trailer, cars can be loaded onto two tiers:
Choosing a top load ensures that your car is above other vehicles, minimizing exposure to certain risks associated with transportation.
Top load placement is considered a premium service, and carriers typically charge extra for this option. The cost varies depending on factors such as distance, carrier availability, and vehicle type. While it adds to the overall shipping cost, the benefits often outweigh the expense, especially for valuable or cherished vehicles.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
When your vehicle is assigned to a carrier, your agent will provide you with insurance certificate for complete peace of mind.
The cheapest way to ship a car across the country typically involves using open transport, the industry-standard method that accommodates multiple vehicles on an open trailer, reducing costs by splitting expenses among several customers. Booking your shipment during the off-peak season, when demand is lower, can also help you secure a better rate. Additionally, selecting flexible pickup and delivery dates allows carriers to optimize routes, which can result in discounts. Shipping to and from major cities instead of rural areas further reduces costs since carriers frequent these routes. While affordability is important, it’s crucial to balance cost with reliability by choosing a reputable company like Corsia Logistics, which offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality or safety.
