Thinking about interstate car shipping? You’re not alone. As a ShipYourCarNow expert, I’ll break down everything you need to know about shipping a car across state lines, costs, methods, risks, and how to make it stress-free.
Key Takeaways
- Interstate car shipping requires understanding transport methods, timelines, and pricing.
- The best auto transport companies offer full insurance coverage, tracking, and flexible scheduling.
- Choosing between open and enclosed transport affects cost and vehicle protection.
- Pickup and delivery locations impact overall car shipping cost.
- A reliable company like ShipYourCarNow offers door-to-door transport, fast quotes, and transparent pricing.
What Is Interstate Car Shipping?
Interstate car shipping refers to the process of transporting your vehicle from one U.S. state to another using a professional auto transport service.
It’s the safest, most efficient way to move a car long-distance, without racking up miles, wear and tear, or time off your schedule.
Whether you’re relocating, selling, buying a car out of state, or just avoiding a long drive, interstate shipping gets your car where it needs to go, fast and stress-free.
Why Interstate Car Shipping Isn’t a One-Size-Fits-All Deal
Every car shipment has a different starting line and finish line.
Some customers need expedited shipping because they’re on a deadline. Others want to save money and don’t mind a few extra days.
Then there’s vehicle type. Are you moving a sedan or shipping multiple vehicles? Is it a classic car or a car online you just bought sight unseen?
Each of those has different insurance needs, transport methods, and shipping prices.
Marco Maggiore, our Chief Strategy Officer, nailed it: “Car shipping isn’t just logistics, it’s about trust. Our job is to make sure your vehicle arrives safely, on time, and without surprises.”
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
You’ve got two main options: open transport or enclosed carriers, each with its own pros, cons, and best-use scenarios.
Open Auto Transport
✅ Cheapest shipping method: Open transport is the most affordable option because it’s the industry standard and most widely available.
✅ Best for standard, daily use vehicles: Ideal for sedans, SUVs, and vehicles without special protection needs.
✅ Faster carrier availability: More open carriers operate nationwide, meaning quicker pickup options.
✅ More visibility to weather and road debris: Vehicles are exposed during transit, which means they may pick up dust or debris en route.
Enclosed Auto Transport
✅ Maximum protection for your vehicle: Vehicles are shipped in covered trailers that shield them from all outside elements.
✅ Best for classic cars, luxury, or exotic models: Enclosed transport is ideal for high-value, show, or collector cars.
✅ Fewer vehicle shipping companies offer it: Enclosed carriers are specialized, so availability can be more limited.
✅ Costs more, but worth it for valuable cars: Though it carries a premium, the added security justifies the price for valuable assets.
How Interstate Car Shipping Works
Wondering what the actual process looks like? Here’s how we move your vehicle from one state to another with zero guesswork.
1. Request a Car Shipping Quote
Start by getting a personalized car shipping quoteusing our online tool or speaking directly with one of our agents. This quote is based on your pickup state, destination, vehicle type, and desired transport method, open or enclosed.
2. Choose a Reputable Car Shipping Company
Not all auto transport companies are created equal. You’ll want a company with verified reviews, full insurance coverage, and transparent pricing. ShipYourCarNow checks all those boxes and more.
3. Schedule Your Pickup Date
We’ll coordinate the pickup date that works best for your schedule. Whether you’re flexible or need expedited shipping, we’ll match you with a carrier availability window that suits your timeline.
4. Prepare Your Car for Shipping
This includes removing all personal items, noting any existing scratches or dents (which we refer to as documenting the vehicle’s condition), and ensuring your gas tank is approximately ¼ full for safe transport. We also recommend disabling toll passes and alarms.
5. Carrier Arrives at Pickup Location
Our vetted car transporter will arrive at your designated pickup location, conduct a final inspection, and load your vehicle onto the truck. Whether you’re shipping from your home, work, or a designated terminal, we make it easy.
6. Vehicle Gets Transported Safely
Once your car is loaded, it’s on the move. During transit, we provide updates and tracking so you always know where your car is. Our carriers are fully insured and trained to ensure your vehicle shipment is safe and compliant.
7. You Receive It at the Delivery Location
When the vehicle reaches your selected delivery location, the driver will unload and do a final inspection with you to confirm the vehicle condition. From start to finish, your car stays protected, insured, and on schedule.
That’s the full journey, door-to-door transport handled by pros, no stress, no confusion. Whether you’re moving across the state line or across the country, we’ve got every mile covered.
What Impacts Car Shipping Prices?
Not all car shipping companies charge the same. Here’s what affects the total cost:
✅ Shipping distance: Longer trips cost more, especially for coast-to-coast moves.
✅ Pickup and delivery locations (urban is cheaper than rural): Urban areas are easier and cheaper to service than remote or rural destinations.
✅Vehicle type and weight: Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space and require more fuel, increasing costs.
✅ Transport method (open vs enclosed transport): Enclosed transport offers more protection but comes with a higher price tag.
✅ Carrier availability: Fewer available carriers in your area or during peak times can drive up your quote.
✅ Time of year: Prices spike in summer and around the holidays when demand surges.
✅ Personal items left in the vehicle: Extra weight from personal belongings can increase your shipping price or lead to additional fees.
Don’t worry, we provide full insurance coverage, so your vehicle is fully protected from pickup to delivery.
Interstate Car Shipping for Inoperable Vehicles
Yep, we handle those too.
Many auto shipping companies charge extra to move inoperable vehicles. We offer competitive pricing and full cargo insurance, even when your car can’t drive itself onto the trailer.
Inoperable cars require specialized equipment such as winches or liftgates to load and unload them safely.
Our carriers are trained to handle everything from vehicles with dead batteries to those missing wheels or involved in accidents.
If you’re unsure whether your car qualifies as inoperable, we’ll assess it during the quoting process so there are no surprises.
We’ll also work with you to coordinate pickup and delivery locations that are accessible for special loading tools.
Regardless of the condition, our goal is to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and arrives as expected.
Want to Save Money on Interstate Car Shipping?
We get it, shipping a vehicle isn’t pocket change. You want reliable service, but you don’t want to overpay. The good news? There are simple ways toreduce your car shipping cost without sacrificing quality or safety.
Choose Open Transport Over Enclosed
If you’re not shipping a high-end or classic vehicle, go with open auto transport. It’s the most common and cost-effective option. Enclosed carriers are great for maximum protection, but they come with a premium price tag, sometimes 30–50% higher.
Ship During Off-Peak Seasons
Timing matters. Avoid summer and holidays when demand spikes and car shipping companies raise their rates. Fall and winter are slower, which means more carrier availability, quicker turnaround, and better rates.
Be Flexible With Pickup Date and Delivery Speed
Tight timelines cost more. If you give us a flexible pickup date window and can wait a few extra days for delivery, we can match you with a wider range of carriers and pass those savings on to you. Flexibility = lower quote.
Use Our Car Shipping Cost Calculator
Before you book, use our car shipping calculator to get an accurate estimate. It helps you compare options and understand how your pickup location, vehicle type, and transport method impact your total.
Avoid Putting Personal Belongings in the Vehicle
It might be tempting to load the trunk with boxes, but don’t. Personal items add weight, which affects fuel and can trigger extra fees. Plus, they’re not covered by cargo insurance. Travel light, and save money.
Cutting costs doesn’t mean cutting corners. With ShipYourCarNow, you get competitive pricing and high-quality service, every time.
How to Choose the Best Interstate Car Shipping Company
Not all interstate car shipping companies are created equal. If you want your vehicle transported safely, you need more than just a low quote, you need a team that’s dialed in.
Here’s what to look for before you book:
1. Reputation & Reviews
Check real customer feedback. Look for a reputable car shipping company with hundreds (or thousands) of verified reviews. Don’t trust a company with no footprint or too-good-to-be-true promises.
2. Insurance Coverage
Make sure they provide insurance options with clear terms. Ask how your vehicle is insured during transport, and what the insurance claim process looks like if something goes wrong.
3. Real Support From Real People
You want a company that picks up the phone. If their only contact method is a bot or an email form, run. A good car shipping company will give you a dedicated agent who explains the full car shipping process step by step.
4. Range of Services
Do they offer enclosed transport for luxury cars? Can they handle inoperable vehicles? Do they support door-to-door transport or only terminals? Look for companies that don’t just say “yes”, they show you how it works.
5. Transparent Pricing
No mystery fees. No bait-and-switch. The best auto shipping companies show you the total cost upfront and explain what’s included, taxes, tolls, fuel, and pickup and delivery locations.
6. Licensed and Registered
Always verify that the company is FMCSA-licensed and bonded. You can also check their USDOT number online to confirm they’re legit auto transporters.
When in doubt, call us. We’ll show you what a reliable company looks like, and why ShipYourCarNow is consistently rated among the best auto transport companies.
Why Use ShipYourCarNow?
We’re not just another name in a sea of auto transport companies. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Fast, online car shipping quotes
- Full insurance options and insurance claim support
- Expert agents who walk you through the car shipping process
- Support for multiple vehicles, classic cars, and inoperable vehicles
- Door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal car transport across the U.S.
- International shipping for military and business clients
- 24/7 service with real humans
“When you book with ShipYourCarNow, you’re not just hiring a transporter,” Marco adds. “You’re partnering with a team that’s obsessed with making sure your car arrives safely and on schedule.”
Final Thoughts on Interstate Car Shipping
Shipping a car across state lines doesn’t have to be complicated.
When you know the right questions to ask, understand your transport options, and choose a company that gives a damn, interstate car shipping becomes a smart, stress-free move.
Whether you’re relocating, buying a car online, shipping a classic car, or moving multiple vehicles, ShipYourCarNow brings clarity, speed, and confidence to the entire process.
We’ve spent over 17 years refining this system, no gimmicks, just real results from real people who care about getting your car transported safely.
Get a free online car shipping quote today!
FAQs
Can you ship your car to another state?
Absolutely. That’s our specialty. We’re one of the best auto transport companies for long-distance and interstate car shipping. We ensure maximum convenience.
How do I choose from so many car shipping companies?
Look for customer reviews, insurance options, and whether they offer enclosed auto transport if you need it. Need a list? Start here.
How long does car shipment take?
Depends on shipping distance and delivery locations. A coast-to-coast vehicle shipment can take 7–10 days. Shorter routes? 2–5 days.
What if I’m shipping multiple vehicles?
We do that too. Whether you’re a family relocating or a dealership needing bulk transport, we’ve got flexible shipping services.
Do I need to remove personal belongings?
Yes. Always. Items left inside may not be covered under cargo insurance, and they can affect shipping price.
Senior automotive logistics professional with a passion for the industry and a 10+ year history of accomplishments. Proven track record of exemplary client management working with both RMCs, Van Lines and OEMs. Keen ability to react to an ever-changing marketplace while offering superior technology solutions, programs and services. Architect of award winning auto transport portal technology offering transparency and agility to clients, agents and transferees. Successful team builder and leader easily managing budgets with effective leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving capabilities.