Shipping a car across country

Reliable Cross-
Country Car Transport

Ship your car across the country with an expert trucker. Nexus partners with top car shippers to ensure your vehicle is safe from coast to coast.

4.3 7,349 reviews
4.2 2,191 reviews
A+ Rating

Quote From Senior Auto Transport Experts

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Midsize Car
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Large Car
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Hypercar
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Boat
As soon as possible
Within 7 days
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What Is Cross-Country
Car Shipping?

Cross-country car transport has an average distance of 2,000 miles or more from east to west and 1,400 miles from north to south. You can ship a car cross-country from coast to coast and border to border, or any other auto shipping route spanning a large chunk of the country.

Also known as long-distance car shipping, cross-country car transport helps customers navigate long distances without spending days driving their car from one point to another. Having such nationwide coordination saves time when relocating a family to start a new job, change base assignments in the military, or simply get your vehicle south when the winter is about to hit.

Map of the United States with a coast-to-coast shipping route
Coast-to-
Coast Shipping
Specialists
Built for Major
Long-Haul
Moves

You can move a car across the country by renting or driving a trailer hitch, but the risks often outweigh the rewards. When you’re trying to prepare for another semester at school or purchase a luxury car from a few steps away, that added stress of organizing hotel stays, paying for fluctuating fuel prices, or adding wear and tear to your car isn’t worth it. Professional cross-country car shipping services take the load off your shoulders, eliminating the guesswork with secure, experienced cross-country transport.

Car hauler carrying vehicles along a forested highway

What is Door-to-Door
Cross-Country Car Shipping?

Door-to-door cross-country car shipping is a convenient form of transport in which a driver comes to one doorstep to pick up a car and delivers it to another exact location.

Note: Cross-country car shippers can only access safe and legal locations with a car hauler. Your driver may contact you before arrival to set up an adjacent meeting space in a parking lot or nearby.

Car hauler collecting a vehicle from a suburban driveway

How Do You Ship a Car Across the Country?

Nexus Auto Transport breaks down cross-country auto shipping into three very simple steps so you don’t have to stress about getting your car where it needs to go.

Step one — Nexus car shipping quote form

Use our Nexus car shipping cost calculator for free cross-country vehicle shipping quotes. Choose between open car hauling, enclosed car shipping, and expedited vehicle shipping. You can then schedule your delivery online or call us for immediate assistance. We provide the door-to-door shipping you need, whether 400 miles away or from New York City to Los Angeles.

Step two — loaded car hauler ready to depart

Once booked, we’ll match the needs of your cross-country vehicle delivery to our massive network of vetted, insured, professional drivers. They will provide the equipment and expertise to safely load your vehicle for its journey. Please be sure to be available for pickup or communicate to the carrier any assigned adult who can manage pickup for you. We do ask you to remove any personal items from the car and have the gas tank about a quarter full to reduce overall weight during transportation.

Step three — Nexie mascot holding a completed bill of lading

We pride ourselves on fully managing our customers’ cross-country auto transportation experience. The carrier will alert you when they are near for final delivery. Once arrived, you’ll complete a full inspection, comparing the vehicle against the Bill of Lading to ensure it is safe and sound. The full service payment can be made via credit cards or directly to the driver via certified funds.

*Demo images are for promotional purposes only. Contact us for complete and accurate details.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across
the Country?

The average cost to ship a car across the country is $1250 to $2500. Your cross-country car shipping quote will vary based on time of year, driver availability, car’s make and model, auto transport method, and other extenuating factors.

Shipping route from California to Texas
4-door sedan Open Transport

From$1515

SUV, van, or truck Open Transport

From$1585

Classic car Enclosed Transport

From$2115

Shipping route from New York to Florida
4-door sedan Open Transport

From$1045

SUV, van, or truck Open Transport

From$1075

Classic car Enclosed Transport

From$1645

Nexie mascot holding a calculator

How Much Does it Cost Per Mile to Ship a Car Across the United States?

The average cost to ship a car across the nation is between $0.40 and $0.58 a mile.

Distance Type of
Transport
Avg. Price per Mile
0-500 milesOpen$.80 to $1.25
500-1000 milesOpen$.75 to $1.15
1000-1500 milesOpen$.70 to $.85
1500-2000 milesOpen$.55 to $.70
2000-2500 milesOpen$.40 to $.60
2500-3000 milesOpen$.45 to $.65
3000+ milesOpen$.45 to $.65

*Final pricing may vary based on route timing, vehicle details, pickup window, transport option and any other shipping preferences you may have.

What Factors Affect the Cost of My
Shipment?

  • Route Distance
  • Weather Conditions
  • Trucker Availability
  • Consumer Demand
  • Your Car’s Make and Model
  • Route Popularity
  • Current Fuel Costs

What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship a
Car Across the Country?

Open auto transporters are the most cost-effective form of car shipping in the United States. It is the popular option the majority of clients prefer, and has the largest network of available carriers. If you want to save money shipping a car across the country, try to:

Book as early as possible so you gain access to more available carriers with open spots on their trailers in the timeframe you want.

Use a car shipping calculator when you move a car across the country.

If you have multiple vehicles, book them at once to maximize a lower per mile cost per car.

Try to book in the off seasons like late fall, winter, and early spring when demand is low.

Leverage if you’re part of any discounted or groups with targeted promotions such as military members, first responders, and college students at certain universities. You can see more details for available discounts at the bottom of this cross-country car shipping page.

No matter how you book your cross country auto transport, be open to flexible timing and schedule shifts. That flexibility is appreciated by carriers trying to maximize profits. There is often an opportunity to get in a lower price quote in these situations as they can stack orders and conserve gas, without sacrificing quality customer service.

Also, be sure to choose door-to-door car shipping instead of terminal-to-terminal shipping. While it may be cheaper on the sticker to ship a car from terminal to terminal, you have to factor in added costs for driving to a terminal to meet the carrier. Depending on when you are able to pick up your vehicle, you may also have to pay for storage costs.

Cross-country car shipping companies like Nexus Auto Transport offer budget-friendly rates for full-service scheduling and shipping. You may be surprised at how per-mile prices drop as the miles increase, so shipping your car a longer distance leads to better rates!

Driver loading a pickup truck onto an open car hauler

Cross-Country Car Shipping Discounts

Nexus Auto Transport currently offers discounted shipping rates to certain client groups. We’re always happy to discuss multi-car, fleet, and dealer deals on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to our shipping experts for current savings on your car shipping needs. Those discounts might include:

Nexus is proud to help reduce the costs of attending university by offering select shipping discounts for certain universities, colleges, and higher education institutions.

Nexus wishes to thank all service members with our military car shipping discounts, which help alleviate the cost of moving personal vehicles from base to base and door to door.

Nexus thanks all essential fire, police, emergency, medical, and other first responders who dedicate their lives to keeping people healthy and safe.

Nexus has many snowbird and older clients who relocate seasonally and when moving closer to family. We are proud to make those changes easier with our discounted car shipping.

Nexus aims to make the first car-shipping experience as smooth and easy to understand as possible, occasionally offering promotions and seasonal discounts to new clients.

Nexus will occasionally run promotional programs for return customers as a way to say thank you for the years of trust shipping cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and more around the country.

The best way to get cost-effective car shipping rates through Nexus Auto Transport is to book services at least 2–3 weeks before your estimated pickup date.

Nexus partners with cab companies, ride-share groups, collectors, municipalities, and other organizations to ship vehicle fleets at specialty rates for bulk orders.

If you’re ready to ship groups of vehicles for multi-family relocations, auction houses, collectors, or more, talk to our shipping experts for any discounted programs.

Ship your car with confidence using the experienced coordination of Nexus Auto Transport.

Ship your car across the country through the massive carrier network provided by Nexus Auto Transport. Calculate the cost of door-to-door car transport in seconds.

How Long Will It Take to Ship a Car Across
the Country?

Average cross-country transit time: 5 to 8 days

It takes 5-8 days to ship a car across the country. The time it takes to ship your car varies depending on the specifics of your cross-country car shipping services. Factors affecting your shipment’s length include route popularity, inclement weather, route accessibility, and road conditions. For more information, contact one of our car shipping experts at 224-218-2949.

When Should I Schedule Cross-Country
Car Transport?

Booking car transportation for 1,000 miles or more often saves you time, energy, money, and hassle, especially when you’re relocating a family, starting a new job, or making a significant purchase. Book cross-country coordination to:

Save from fluctuating hotel, fuel, food, and on-the-road expenses.

Reduce the wear and tear on your vehicle.

Avoid many of the dangerous risks from weather, congested roads, and other drivers.

Have a vetted professional with cargo insurance manage the delivery for you.

Save time from taking off of work or using vacation days you could be storing up for later.

It’s much better to have a team like Nexus coordinate everything for you at an affordable price and with communication you can trust.

What Time of Year Should I Ship My Car
Across the Country?

The season you choose to ship your car can affect the cost of auto transportation. Let’s examine the four different seasons of cross-country vehicle transport.

If you’re shipping your car in the winter, be mindful that ice and snow can cause delays of one to a few days on a given transport route.

In December, many transport drivers take time off for the holidays. So, you should book around one month to ensure your car gets a spot.

January is a very popular time for car shipments as “snowbirds” head south to vacation for the winter. Rates can increase, and a backlog might occur. February is a relatively slow month for car shipment bookings and is often one of the cheapest months to ship a car in the United States.

Late winter and early spring are often the best seasons to ship your car across the country. Rates remain low in March until the rain clears and the weather gets warmer up north.

The bookings can pile up in April and May, and car shipping company rates will get higher.

Summer is the peak season for car shipments. Demand from vacationers, students, families, and relocating businesspeople is very high in the summer. The price to ship a car in the summer is often unstable. Demand pushes prices up, but increased competition and driver availability can lead to some soft spots in the schedule.

The weather is usually pleasant during the fall, and the number of people trying to ship their cars decreases. Costs remain consistent at the start of the school year in September, with slow price drops in October and November.

6 Expert Tips For Shipping A Car
Across The Country

1. Choose the right car delivery service.

It pays to do your research on long-distance car shipping companies. Only schedule cross-country car transport with a provider with a reputation for safe, secure, and efficient services. For example, Nexus Auto Transport holds an A+ rating with the BBB and over 1,100 reviews on sites like Google Review and Trustpilot, confirming positivity with our reliable pickup coordination. With more than 10+ years of operation with one of the most experienced teams in the industry.

2. Use a car shipping calculator when you move a car across the country.

An accurate car shipping cost calculator provides up-to-the-second pricing based on the current conditions of your car shipping route. We’ve designed our cross-country transport calculator to assess market pricing, ensuring you get a fair price each time you grab a quote. You can also save quotes for seven days as you decide.

3. Be flexible about scheduling.

Give yourself 1–3 weeks of leeway between scheduling cross-country auto shipping and your desired pickup date. The more time between scheduling and services, the better rate you’re likely to receive.

4. Clean and take photos of your car.

The best way to spot preexisting damage on your vehicle, including slight cosmetic damage you may not be aware of, is by washing your car thoroughly and cleaning it inside and out before transport. Take hi-res photos from all angles and note all damage. This will help you and your driver spot new damage at the delivery inspection in the unlikely event of an on-road incident.

5. Choose enclosed car shipping for vehicles over $70,000 in value.

We recommend open car hauling for 95–97% of our customers. However, enclosed car shipping is perfect for high-value vehicles, luxury sedans, classic cars, muscle cars, and vehicles of high sentimental value. Enclosed shipping offers an added layer of protection from road hazards, inclement weather, and potential theft.

6. Grab cash before you meet your driver at pickup.

Once we assign your vehicle to a carrier, you’ll receive a phone number to contact that driver. Full Service Price can be paid with a credit card or directly to the driver with any certified funds. Cash is also accepted and some third-party carriers accept select electronic payment apps such as Zelle, Venmo, and CashApp. Contact your third-party carrier, assigned dispatcher, or customer support specialist at (224) 218-2949 for payment method beforehand.

Testimonials

What Nexus Customers Have to Say

Nexus Auto Transport is proud to be a trusted car shipping partner for individuals, dealerships, collectors, families, students and military members through every stage of life. Our shipping experts have served over 500,000 customers since early 2015. Nexus is fully licensed and certified by the FMCSA and U.S. Department of Transportation, carefully coordinating your nationwide auto shipping with transparent pricing, clear communication, and personalized service.

Leighan H. — Nexus Auto Transport customer
Leighan H. Review source logo

After a bad experience with shipping a car in the past I was very leery of having to do so again. However, after contacting Nexus and having Beck transport the car. I will never look elsewhere again if the need arises to ship a car in the future. William sent a quote without needing my email address; he remained in contact with me without any pressure until I committed to shipping the car. I needed to alter the shipment due to weather delays…also no problem! Beck was assigned to be the driver. He was so kind and competent with getting the car onto the truck. He kept in touch while in transport. At the receiving end…again nothing but kind and courteous! I will forever be a customer after this seamless experience! Thank you all so much!!

Scott J. Review source logo

I highly recommend using Nexus auto transport. They were very professional kept me up-to-date on the entire process right through to delivery. Every person that I spoke with during this process was extremely professional and courteous. My daughter‘s car broke down while on her way home from vacation in Virginia and Nexus scheduled the pick up of her vehicle within 24 hours to transport to Buffalo New York.

Jacob F. — Nexus Auto Transport customer
Jacob F. Review source logo

I was nervous to ship my car for the first time, especially coming from across the country over 3000 miles away. My car is also low to the ground and I didn't know if they could accommodate it. They made everything smooth and I was able to get a quote for a good price and picked out dates for the delivery. They stayed in touch the whole time which was reassuring. When the car arrived it has no damages and it was taken care of from the drivers. I would recommend nexus to anyone shipping a car especially for military members.

Jacob W. — Nexus Auto Transport customer
Jacob W. Review source logo

Nexus Auto Transport earned every bit of 5 stars. I needed my mustang shipped across the country on short notice, and they paired me with an excellent driver within hours who picked it up the very next day. Communication was fantastic—the driver provided pickup / drop off locations and texted updates. My car arrived on time and in perfect condition. Pricing was fair and transparent with no hidden fees, and the Nexus team followed up to ensure everything went smoothly. Fast, professional, and truly stress-free—highly recommend Nexus and will use them in the future.

Ryan T. — Nexus Auto Transport customer
Ryan T. Review source logo

Nexus was great to work with! They were regular communicators and kept me updated every step of the way. The driver / drop off went great. They were extra careful with the car to ensure it didn’t bottom out or get damaged at all. I would use them again if I needed to ship another vehicle.

Eric Review source logo

I’m a returning customer with Nexus Auto Transport. First time I shipped my full size 2024 GMC Sierra SLT from a dealership in Alabama to my home in Southern California. The process was simple and straight forward. I called them over the phone and booked the delivery. Last week I purchased a 2024 GMC Canyon from a dealership in Iowa and booked the delivery directly thru the website. I had it delivered to my home in Southern California. Each time I booked, the process was simple and got the best rate possible as I checked other sites to confirm. The vehicles were delivered on time and the drivers were very professional. I definitely recommend Nexus Auto Transport for all your vehicle delivery needs!

Alexander C. — Nexus Auto Transport customer
Alexander C. Review source logo

I had a great experience with Nexus Auto Transport. The process was easy from start to finish, and their communication was excellent throughout. They kept me informed every step of the way. The driver was professional, punctual, and took great care of my vehicle. Pickup and delivery were smooth, and my car arrived exactly as promised. I’m very satisfied with the service and would definitely recommend Nexus Auto Transport to anyone needing reliable auto shipping.

Anonymous Review source logo

Recently, I utilized Nexus Auto Transport to transport my vehicle from Virginia to South Carolina. Nexus Auto Transport demonstrated prompt and efficient handling of my rescheduling request, ensuring a hassle-free experience. My vehicle arrived on time and in pristine condition, at a reasonable price. I am confident in my decision to continue utilizing Nexus Auto Transport for future shipping requirements.

Frank X. P. — Nexus Auto Transport customer
Frank X. P. Review source logo

We had a great experience with Nexus Auto Transport shipping my daughter’s Jeep Renegade from Philadelphia to Tempe. From the very first call, their team was professional, responsive, and easy to work with. Communication throughout the process was clear and consistent, and the pricing was straightforward with no surprises. The vehicle was picked up and delivered on schedule and arrived in excellent condition. This was our first time shipping a car cross-country, and Nexus made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I would definitely use them again and highly recommend them to anyone needing auto transport services.

Ann R. N. Review source logo

We had a great experience with Nexus Auto Transit in transporting our car from Dallas to San Diego. Timing, value, and communication were all excellent! I highly recommend Nexus to anyone that needs to transport a vehicle!

Anonymous Review source logo

Very professional and accommodating. I had to change pickup locations and dates a few times and they were so nice about it. Very flexible. No hidden fees or costs. Stayed true to the original estimate. The guys that picked up my car were literally the nicest humans I’ve ever met and very cute. I highly recommend. My car arrived just as it was. Thank you so much!!

Ian S. Review source logo

I’m actually amazed on how flawless this experience was. I had a 1939 Ford Deluxe shipped from Georgia to Ohio. This vehicle was my grandfathers then my uncles and is very important to me. I was nervous to have anyone handle the car. Nexus and their driver did a fantastic job with handling and care. From quote to delivery was 72 hours! Simply fantastic as was the price.

FAQ

Your Shipping a Car Across Country
Questions, Answered

Car shipping with Nexus Auto Transport takes 3 simple steps:

1. Get your free quote. Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle details, and preferred shipping dates. You can also select services such as open transport, enclosed transport, or inoperable vehicle shipping.

2. Schedule your shipment. Book your order online or by phone. Nexus will coordinate your shipment and assign a qualified third-party carrier based on your route, vehicle, and pickup window. Before pickup, clean your vehicle, leave approximately ¼ tank of gas, and document any existing damage.

3. Complete pickup and delivery. The carrier will inspect your vehicle, record its condition on the Bill of Lading, load it securely onto the transport trailer, and deliver it to your destination. The driver will usually contact you before pickup and delivery to coordinate the meeting time. At delivery, inspect the vehicle before signing the final Bill of Lading and complete any remaining payment according to your selected payment method.

Yes. Nexus Auto Transport offers door-to-door car shipping nationwide. Your assigned driver picks up and delivers your vehicle as close as possible to your specified addresses. If local restrictions, such as narrow streets or low bridges, prevent direct access, your driver will contact you to coordinate a nearby safe meeting point.

Yes. 95% of customers select open transport for affordability and quick scheduling. For luxury, classic, or vehicles valued at $70,000 or more, enclosed transport provides maximum protection from weather, sight, and road debris.

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, call a Nexus transport specialist at (224) 218-2949. We’re happy to assist.

Yes. Professional car shipping is one of the safest ways to move your vehicle long-distance. Every third-party carrier certified by Nexus Auto Transport has been handpicked for their experience, safety records, and overall quality of service.

Your car will be secured and strapped down in an open or enclosed trailer, remaining stationary during transit. This eliminates road wear and mechanical stress from driving a car yourself, along with maintaining the car’s current value.

Most shipments arranged through Nexus are assigned to a third-party carrier within one to three days of your first available pickup date; however, pickup and delivery timeframes are estimates only and are not guaranteed. Actual transit times depend on distance, route conditions, weather, traffic, mechanical issues, and third-party carrier availability.

As a licensed transportation broker, Broker Company coordinates shipment with independent third-party motor carriers. While we remain available to assist with communication and provide status updates as information becomes available, all transportation services are performed by the assigned third-party carrier.

Booking your shipment one to two weeks in advance gives Nexus more flexibility to secure the best third-party carrier and rate. We do offer fast pickup services built to minimize wait times and meet tight schedules. Just select “expedited” on the sidebar on your quote retrieval screen to get started.

Driving long-distance adds unnecessary mileage, wear, and fuel costs. It also adds the stress of a multi-day road trip and the potential of lost work income. Nexus Auto Transport takes the load off your shoulders with the help of licensed, trusted professional third-party auto carriers.

There are several ways that informed customers can reduce auto shipping costs:

  • Shipping cars during off-peak seasons
  • Picking easy-to-access locations for pickup and delivery
  • Select open carrier for lowest pricing
  • Remain open to scheduling shifts and be flexible

Car transport rates shift with periodic supply and demand. Peak seasons (spring and summer) may cost more due to higher demand and limited driver availability. Off-peak times, like late winter or fall, often offer better pricing.

Learn more about the ins and outs of seasonal auto relocation here.

Vehicle transport rates are assessed based on several factors, including:

  • Distance between pickup and delivery locations
  • Vehicle make, model, size, and weight
  • Vehicle condition (running or non-running)
  • Type of carrier: open or enclosed
  • Time of year (seasonal demand)
  • Optional add-ons such as enclosed transport

For a precise, up-to-the-minute quote, use our instant car shipping cost calculator.

An auto transport bill of lading documents your car’s condition at pickup and serves as an official shipping agreement between a client and a shipper.

Inspect your vehicle carefully before shipment and note any pre-existing damage. This damage needs to be included on the BoL for future insurance claims. All insurance claims and coverage are the primary responsibility of the independent owner/operators we assign.

Yes. Once our dispatch team okays a third-party carrier, we will provide you with the third-party carrier’s full contact info. While third-party carrier’s cannot respond while on the road, they will do their best to get back to you as soon as possible.

Here are some small tasks for you to perform prior to your driver’s arrival:

  • Remove all personal items (unless specified)
  • Lower fuel to ¼ tank fuel tank at ¼ full
  • Ensure operating condition (unless non-running option is booked)
  • Note pre-existing damage to write on the bill of lading
  • Clean inside and out for easier inspection

Most third-party vehicle carriers ask that all cabs and trunks be cleared of personal belongings. Exceptions may be allowed from transporter to transporter for an additional fee.

Note: Items left inside may not be covered by independent cargo insurance policies. Call (224) 218-2949 with any questions or concerns.

Secure all loose parts, remove luggage racks, remove or deactivate toll pass, ensure that the vehicle is in good working condition (unless you selected non-running vehicle shipping), disarm any alarm system, remove all personal belongings/ sensitive materials/ do not store dangerous or illegal items inside the car.

Pickup and delivery dates are estimated, not guaranteed, due to road conditions, traffic, or route changes.

For specific needs, call us at (224) 218-2949 for a customized quote.

Schedule a cross-
country car shipment in seconds.

Book your cross-country vehicle shipping services online or over the phone.