From back roads to major highways, you’ve likely spotted long-distance car transportation trucks while out and about. You may have seen large open carriers hauling anywhere from five to nine vehicles at a time across the country.

Enclosed trailers tend to be less noticeable since their roof and walls shield vehicles from view, but you’ve probably passed a few of those as well often transporting classic, exotic, or high-value cars.

Some individuals move vehicles themselves using rented trailers or tow bars. However, for major interstate or cross-country moves, those options are often impractical. Instead, most people rely on a professional auto transport company to safely handle long-distance vehicle shipping.

What Is Long-Distance Car Transportation?

Long-distance auto transport refers to shipping a vehicle across a large state, across state lines, coast-to-coast, or internationally. The best long-distance car shipping companies offer full-service, door-to-door auto transport, simplifying the process for the customer.

When you need long-distance car transport services, look for established companies like Nexus Auto Transport, known for safe, secure, and efficient vehicle shipping. With the right provider, the benefits of long-distance auto transport far outweigh the potential drawbacks.

What Are the Benefits of Long-Distance Car Transport?

Long-distance car shipping offers numerous advantages compared to driving a vehicle yourself. Below are the seven key benefits customers value most:

7 Benefits of Long-Distance Car Transport

It saves time and eliminates long road trips
It reduces fuel, lodging, food, and travel expenses
It protects your vehicle from wear, tear, mileage, and breakdown risk
It’s efficient and convenient, especially with door-to-door service
You can book a shipment quickly and let professionals handle the logistics
Enclosed transport protects luxury, classic, or vintage vehicles from debris and weather
It’s often more cost-effective overall than self-transport

What Services Do Long-Distance Car Transport Companies Offer?

Most long-distance car transport companies provide:

Open carrier transport (most common and cost-effective)
Enclosed carrier transport (premium protection for high-value vehicles)

With a full-service provider like Nexus Auto Transport, customers can also ship motorcycles, golf carts, EVs, inoperable vehicles, classic cars, and specialty equipment. Many companies also assist with international shipping coordination and military or corporate relocations.

How Much Does Long-Distance Car Shipping Cost?

If you’re searching for affordable long-distance car transportation, the table below reflects updated national averages for 2026. These prices apply to open carrier transport for a standard-sized passenger vehicle under normal conditions.

The Average Cost of Long-Distance Car Transport

Shipment Distance	Avg. Cost Per Mile	Sample Distance & Price
0–500 miles	$0.80	300 miles for $240
501–1,000 miles	$0.73	750 miles for $548
1,001–1,500 miles	$0.70	1,200 miles for $840
1,501–2,000 miles	$0.48	1,800 miles for $864
2,001–2,500 miles	$0.37	2,500 miles for $925
2,501–3,000 miles	$0.35	2,800 miles for $980
Over 3,000 miles	$0.35	3,300 miles for $1,155

Note: Prices vary based on vehicle size, operability, route demand, seasonality, fuel costs, and pickup/drop-off accessibility. Enclosed transport typically costs 30–60% more.

Tip One: Give Yourself Plenty of Lead Time

Auto transport is often overlooked during a move until the last minute. Unfortunately, delayed booking, especially during peak seasons like summer and snowbird months, can limit carrier availability and increase costs.

Booking early gives you more options, better pricing, and flexibility with pickup windows. It also allows time to understand how the car shipping process works and avoid unnecessary stress.

Tip Two: Comparison Shop Car Shipping Companies

Start by requesting quotes from multiple companies servicing your route. Reputable auto transport companies offer free, no-obligation quotes.

Be cautious of companies that require payment to provide a quote. This is often a red flag. Use quotes as a starting point, not the final decision, pricing that seems too low is often unrealistic.

Tip Three: Verify Companies You’re Considering

Always verify that a car transport company is properly licensed and insured.

Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for reviews and complaint history
Look up the company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, all interstate auto transport companies must be registered and compliant.

Tip Four: Inquire About Insurance Coverage

Licensed auto transport carriers are required to carry cargo insurance, but coverage limits vary. Ask for a copy of the policy and review it carefully.

You may also want to consult your personal auto insurance provider to understand any coverage overlap. Supplemental insurance may be available if additional protection is needed.

Tip Five: Choose a Car Shipping Service

Open Carrier Car Transport

Open transport is the most popular and affordable option. While vehicles are exposed to weather and road debris, the risk is similar to everyday driving. This option is ideal for daily drivers and standard vehicles.

Enclosed Carrier Car Transport

For classic, exotic, luxury, or high-value vehicles, enclosed transport provides maximum protection from weather, dirt, and road hazards.

Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

Door-to-door shipping offers maximum convenience, with pickup and delivery as close to your address as legally and safely possible.

Terminal-to-terminal shipping, once more common, is now less frequently offered and often involves added storage fees, travel time, and inconvenience. For most customers, door-to-door shipping provides better overall value.

Tip Six: Understand the Shipping Process

Once booked, your pickup and delivery windows are scheduled based on carrier availability and route logistics. Prices may fluctuate slightly due to market demand, fuel costs, or route adjustments, similar to airline pricing.

Urban routes are typically less expensive than rural ones. You or a designated representative must be present at pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading.

Many companies now offer shipment tracking updates for added peace of mind.

Tip Seven: Cultivate Realistic Expectations

Long-distance car shipping is not instant. Most shipments arrive within 6 to 12 days, though cross-country routes may take longer depending on weather, traffic, and carrier schedules.

Reputable companies provide estimated windows rather than guaranteed dates to account for variables beyond their control.

Tip Eight: Inquire About Payment Options and Documentation

Most auto transport shipments involve:

An initial booking payment
A remaining balance due at delivery

Payment methods vary. Always confirm acceptable forms of payment ahead of time.

Required documentation typically includes:

Bill of Lading
Insurance documentation
Photo ID

Additional authorization may be required for Hawaii or international shipments.

Tip Nine: Prep Your Car for Transport

Remove all personal items from your vehicle. Personal belongings are not insured and may cause weight or safety issues.

Additional prep tips:

Wash your vehicle before pickup
Check tire pressure and fluid levels
Keep fuel at approximately ¼ tank

Proper preparation helps ensure a smooth and timely pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ship personal items in your car?

Most companies discourage it. At Nexus, we recommend removing all personal belongings, as they are not insured.

Is your car insured during transport?

Yes. Vehicles shipped with Nexus Auto Transport are fully insured. For coverage details, call 224-650-6077.

How do you pay for long-distance car shipping?

Nexus accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal for booking. Balances due at delivery can be paid by check, cash, or money order.