Auto Transport Blog:
Expert Car Shipping Tips & Guides

Nationwide car shipping typically costs between $800 to $2,000 depending on several factors:

• Distance: Longer routes cost more (e.g., coast-to-coast vs regional)
• Vehicle size: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks cost 10-20% more
• Transport type: Enclosed transport costs 30-50% more than open transport
• Season: Summer and snowbird season (fall/spring) have higher demand
• Route popularity: Common routes are cheaper than remote areas

Get an instant quote to see exact pricing for your route.

Open Transport:

• Vehicles exposed to weather and road debris
• Most affordable option (standard pricing)
• Used for 90% of vehicle shipments
• Safe for everyday vehicles

Enclosed Transport:

• Complete protection from weather and elements
• Costs 30-50% more than open transport
• Recommended for luxury, classic, and exotic cars
• Climate-controlled options available

Typical transit times for nationwide car shipping:

• 0-500 miles: 1-2 days
• 500-1,500 miles: 3-5 days
• 1,500-2,500 miles: 5-7 days
• Coast-to-coast (2,500+ miles): 7-10 days

Factors affecting delivery time include weather conditions, route popularity, and pickup/delivery locations. We provide real-time GPS tracking for all shipments.

Yes, all vehicles are fully insured during transport. Our carriers maintain comprehensive cargo insurance with coverage up to $1,000,000.

Insurance includes:

• Damage from accidents or carrier negligence
• Weather-related damage (enclosed transport recommended for full protection)
• Loading and unloading incidents

We provide insurance certificates before pickup and conduct thorough vehicle inspections at both pickup and delivery. High-value vehicles over $100,000 can purchase additional coverage.

Essential preparation steps:

• Clean your vehicle: Inside and out for accurate inspection
• Remove personal items: Insurance doesn't cover belongings (up to 100 lbs in trunk allowed)
• Document condition: Take photos from all angles
• Check fluids and tire pressure: Ensure vehicle is in running condition
• Disable alarms: Prevent battery drain during transport
• Leave 1/4 tank of gas: Enough to load/unload, but not too heavy
• Remove or secure loose parts: Antennas, spoilers, etc.

Download our complete preparation checklist for more details.

Yes, we can ship non-running or inoperable vehicles. This requires special equipment and has additional costs.

Requirements for inoperable vehicles:

• Notify us when booking (usually adds $150-$300 to shipping cost)
• Vehicle must roll, steer, and brake
• Requires flatbed truck or trailer with winch
• Provide detailed condition description

Common scenarios include project cars, auction purchases, or vehicles with mechanical issues. Contact us for a specialized quote.