Why Prices Change Daily in Auto Transport
Pricing & Cost Insights
12/16/2025
Wimple Auto Transport guarantees transparent car shipping with no hidden fees. Every shipment is fully insured and handled by vetted carriers. We have delivered thousands of vehicles safely nationwide. Enjoy a low price on every route with instant quotes and clear updates. Terms and conditions apply.
Wimple Auto Transport guarantees transparent car shipping with no hidden fees. Every shipment is fully insured and handled by vetted carriers. We have delivered thousands of vehicles safely nationwide. Enjoy a low price on every route with instant quotes and clear updates. Terms and conditions apply.
Shipping a car across the country
Transport your vehicle across the nation safely, on schedule, and within your budget.
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Vehicle
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Date
Transport type
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What is cross country car shipping?
Cross-country auto shipping, sometimes known as long-distance or state-to-state a auto transport, is a professional service that transports your car from one part of the United States to another, whether it's from north to south, coast to coast, or somewhere in between. You hire a licensed, insured carrier to handle pickup, transit, and delivery door to door rather than driving for days.
How much does it cost to ship a car across country?
For coast-to-coast routes, the majority of cross-country auto shipping costs (open carrier) range from $1,100 to $1,500; the final cost can vary depending on the time of year, route demand, and vehicle specifications. The cost per mile decreases with increasing distance, according to independent pricing studies and carrier rate tables. Compared to long hauls, short hops are more expensive per mile.
Typical price ranges & per-mile averages
Short distance (1*500 mi): around $1.85/mi (example:~$555 for 300 miles).
Mid distance (500-1,500 mi): around $0.91/mi (example:~$910 for 1,000 miles).
Long distance (1,500+ mi / cross-country): around $0.59-$0.94/mi (example:~$1,180 for 2,000 miles).
The cost of enclosed shipping, which offers additional protection for rare and classic items, is usually between 40 and 60 percent more than that of open transportation.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car across the country?
An open car hauler is the least expensive choice for shipping a car across the country. Because they can move several vehicles at once (typically seven to ten, depending on the trailer), open carriers are the most economical and industry standard. This allows them to spread the cost of fuel and operating expenses over a large number of shipments. You will pay less for auto transport as a result of those efficiencies.
Select door-to-door auto shipping over terminal-to-terminal shipping for convenience and overall cost. Although terminal prices may appear lower up front, if your pickup window is short, you'll probably end up paying more for additional driving, ridesharing, lost time at work, and possible storage costs. Door-to-door delivery reduces unexpected expenses by transporting your car from your address to your destination (or the closest secure location).
Here are some additional strategies to reduce the cost of cross-country auto shipping:
- Reserve enclosed transportation only for show cars, exotics, or classics; book open transportation for regular vehicles.
- In order for carriers to match your route, be accommodating with your pickup window.
- If you're in a very rural area, meet close to a major metro or highway.
- Inquire about discounts for repeat customers, military personnel, students, seasonal deals, first-time shippers, and multi-vehicle owners.
- Longer routes frequently offer better per-mile pricing because, as distance increases, the cost per mile usually decreases.
Ready to compare quotes? Use Wimple`s car shipping cost calculator to see open vs. enclosed pricing, get a free instant quote, and book online in minutes.
Step by step how cross country car shipping works
How Wimple ships your car across the country
Step 1
Get an instant price with our calculator
Use Wimple's car shipping cost calculator to get free, instant quotes for cross-country auto shipping. Examine the costs of expedited vehicle transport (fastest pickup), enclosed car shipping (premium protection), and open car hauling (best value). Make a door-to-door , nationwide reservation in a matter of minutes, or give us a call for prompt assistance. While you finalize your plans, you can keep your coast-to-coast auto transport quote for seven days without incurring any additional costs.
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Step 2
Wimple ships your car safely
Rather than driving yourself, use cross-country auto transport. For dependable state-to-state delivery, Wimple Auto Transport collaborates with reputable carriers. Maintain your schedule while avoiding needless miles and unforeseen road costs. Use our instant calculator to compare open and enclosed options and lock in the current price.
Step 3
Receive your vehicle. That`s it!
You can unwind knowing that Wimple Auto Transport takes care of every aspect of your cross-country auto shipping. We'll send a licensed, insured driver for door-to-door pickup (or the closest secure, accessible location) if you just prepare your car, give it a quick wash, take out your personal belongings, and take pictures. At both pickup and delivery, the carrier completes thorough condition inspections and photo documentation on the Bill of Lading (BOL); after you review and sign, your state-to-state auto transport is finished. Enjoy a seamless, nationwide delivery experience, select open or enclosed transportation, and receive updates along the way.
Estimated transit times
How long does it take to ship a car across the country?
Door-to-door, the majority of cross-country auto shipping deliveries take 5-8 days. The particulars of your shipment and carrier availability will determine your precise timeframe.
What can cause delivery to go more quickly or more slowly:
Route demand & distance
Compared to remote pickups or drop-offs, popular lanes (such as major metros and interstates) typically move more quickly.
Seasonality
Pickup windows may be extended by snowbird migrations and busy moving seasons.
Weather & road conditions
Road closures, wildfires, and storms could add time.
Access & logistics
Schedules may be impacted by gated communities, downtown restrictions, or rural roads.
Vehicle details
Special equipment and additional coordination may be necessary for vehicles that are inoperable or have low clearance.
Scheduling flexibility
Carriers can match your job sooner when the pickup window is broader.
Use Wimple's calculator to get a precise ETA and an instant price, or call (888) 491-7162 to speak with a shipping expert right now.
Cross country car shipping services
Open carrier (most economical)
You've probably seen open carrier car shipping use multi-level trailers to deliver cars to dealerships; these trailers usually hold 7-10 vehicles, but smaller "hotshot" trailers can hold 3-5. Alongside other automobiles, vehicles are secured on an open deck and transported from one state or coast to another.
Enclosed carrier (premium protection)
With enclosed auto transport, your car is placed inside a trailer with either hard or soft sides; typically, there are one to six vehicles per load. Liftgates and extended ramps are common features of enclosed trailers, making them perfect for performance and low-clearance vehicles.
Door-to-door (standard when accessible)
The carrier picks up and delivers your car at your address, or as close as is safe and permitted by law, when you use door-to-door shipping. If there are access limitations on your street (narrow roads, low trees/bridges, HOA or city restrictions), the driver will arrange a meeting place nearby.
Expert advice on cross-country auto shipping
Photos + BOL: Take pictures of your car and check the Bill of Lading (BOL) when it is picked up and delivered. This records its condition for insurance purposes.
For standard vehicles, use open; for high-value or low-clearance vehicles, use enclosed.
Access prep: To ensure a seamless, on-time pickup if you're on a narrow street, recommend a nearby lot in advance.
Insurance & Protection
Auto Transport Insurance
During transit, your car is covered by the carrier's insurance. All of the carriers that Wimple works with must have current motor truck cargo and auto liability insurance. Before allocating a load, we confirm coverage, and upon request, we can produce proof of insurance. Here's how coverage operates in detail, along with how to make claims simple in the event of an issue.
Frequently asked questions about auto transport insurance:
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Visit our help center or reach out to our customer support team.
Popular cross-country routes
Popular cross-country routes we serve
Los Angeles to New York car shipping
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Miami to Seattle car shipping
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Houston to Phoenix car shipping
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Portland to San Diego car shipping
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Detroit to Naples car shipping
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Don't see your route? We ship all 50 states!
Preparation Checklist
Prep your vehicle for shipping
If permitted, remove personal belongings and keep them under 100 pounds; secure loose accessories; take pictures of all sides; record any pre-existing damage on the BOL; and leave about a half-tank of fuel.
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Frequently asked questions about cross country car shipping:
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Visit our help center or reach out to our customer support team.