What Is Cross Country Car Shipping?
Cross country car shipping moves your vehicle over long distances across the United States. Typically this means routes covering 1,500 miles or more. Common examples include California to Florida, New York to Texas, or Washington to Maine.
At Xpress Auto Transport, cross-country auto transport is one of our most-requested services. We coordinate long-haul vehicle moves in all 50 states. Furthermore, we work with experienced long-distance carriers who specialize in transcontinental routes.
Why People Ship Cars Cross Country
Driving a car across the country sounds appealing. However, the reality involves serious wear and tear, fuel costs, hotel stays, and several days off work. Most people quickly realize that shipping makes more sense.
Common reasons customers ship a car cross country include:
- Relocation — job transfers, retirement moves, and family relocations.
- Snowbird travel — seasonal moves between northern and southern states.
- Buying a car online — vehicles purchased from out-of-state sellers.
- College students — shipping cars to and from school.
- Military PCS orders — service members moving between bases.
- Selling a vehicle — delivering to a buyer in another state.
How Does Cross Country Auto Transport Work?
The cross-country shipping process is simple. First, request a free quote with your pickup zip, drop-off zip, vehicle details, and ideal timeframe. Then, we secure a vetted carrier from our nationwide network.
Next, the assigned driver arrives at your pickup location at the scheduled time. You both perform a quick inspection and sign the Bill of Lading. During transit, you receive updates from your dispatcher. Finally, the driver delivers your vehicle and you pay only after a successful drop-off.
Cross Country Car Shipping Cost
Cross country auto transport pricing varies based on several factors. Below are typical ranges for popular long-haul routes.
- California to Florida — approximately $1,100 to $1,500 on an open carrier.
- New York to California — approximately $1,200 to $1,600 on an open carrier.
- Texas to Washington — approximately $900 to $1,300 on an open carrier.
- Florida to Massachusetts — approximately $900 to $1,200 on an open carrier.
Enclosed cross-country shipping costs roughly 50% to 80% more than open transport. Request your free quote for an exact price on your specific route.
What Affects Cross-Country Shipping Cost?
Several variables influence the final price you pay. Understanding them helps you save money.
- Total distance — the biggest pricing factor.
- Route popularity — high-volume corridors cost less per mile.
- Vehicle size — trucks and large SUVs cost more than sedans.
- Carrier type — enclosed transport costs significantly more.
- Season and demand — snowbird season raises southbound prices.
- Pickup and delivery accessibility — rural addresses add cost.
How Long Does Cross Country Shipping Take?
Long-haul transit times depend on distance and route. Below are realistic estimates for cross-country auto transport.
- 1,500 to 2,000 miles — 5 to 8 days in transit.
- 2,000 to 2,500 miles — 7 to 9 days in transit.
- 2,500 to 3,000 miles — 8 to 10 days in transit.
- Coast to coast (over 3,000 miles) — 9 to 12 days in transit.
These timelines reflect federal driving regulations. Specifically, drivers can only operate so many hours per day. As a result, cross-country routes naturally require multiple driving days.
Open vs. Enclosed for Cross Country Shipping
Both transport types work well for long-distance moves. The right choice depends on your vehicle and budget.
Open carrier transport is the affordable choice for standard vehicles. About 90% of cross-country shipments use this method. Your car travels exposed to weather but remains fully insured.
Enclosed transport is the premium choice for luxury, exotic, and classic cars. Your vehicle travels inside a fully covered trailer with maximum protection. Choose enclosed if your vehicle is worth more than $80,000 or simply irreplaceable.
Most cross-country auto transport shipments arrive without incident. However, the long distances involved make working with a reputable broker essential. Choose carriers carefully.
Tips for Cross Country Car Shipping
A successful cross-country move starts with smart preparation. Below are essential tips for first-time shippers.
- Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead during peak season for best pricing.
- Keep less than a quarter tank of fuel to reduce weight.
- Remove personal items from inside the vehicle (insurance doesn’t cover them).
- Document your vehicle’s condition with photos before pickup.
- Confirm pickup and delivery contact information in advance.
- Have keys ready and the vehicle accessible at pickup time.