Moving to a new city or across the country comes with a long to-do list—and one of the biggest questions is what to do with your car. Should you hit the road and drive it yourself, or hand over the keys and have it professionally shipped? It might seem like a no-brainer at first.
But when you factor in fuel prices, wear and tear, overnight stays, and the sheer time commitment, that adventure can quickly turn into a logistical headache—especially if you’re already juggling the chaos of a move.
You’re not alone in facing this decision. In fact, more than 17 million vehicles are shipped across the U.S. each year—a clear sign that many people are choosing convenience over cross-country miles.
On the flip side, shipping your car can save you time, reduce stress, and help you arrive at your new destination without adding hundreds (or thousands) of miles to your odometer. Whether you’re relocating for work, moving your college student across the country, or sending a seasonal vehicle to a second home, auto transport is often the most efficient and hassle-free choice.
But every situation is different—and what works for one person might not work for another. That’s why we’ve created this guide. By the end, you’ll have a clear answer and if you’re leaning toward shipping, Sherpa Auto Transport is here to ensure your vehicle gets from point A to point B safely and stress-free.
Key Takeaways:
- Auto transport typically makes sense for customers needing to move their vehicle 1,000 miles or more.
- While driving your vehicle has several perks, cross-country auto transport is often less expensive, considering all associated costs.
- A long-distance vehicle shipment will cost at least $1,100. Opting for open auto transport and flexibility in your timing will help you save on your shipment.
In This Review:
- Drive or Ship a Car: Pros and Cons
- What to Know About Car Shipping
- What to Look for in a Car Shipping Company
- Car Shipping Costs on Average
- Popular Auto Transport Routes
- Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
- Drive or Ship a Car FAQs
Drive or Ship a Car: Pros and Cons
Several factors must be considered when deciding whether to drive or ship your car for a long-distance move. Depending on the journey’s length, the financial and physical toll of driving could be more burdensome than the cost of using a professional auto transport service.
Driving your car cross-country might seem like an adventure, but unexpected car breakdowns, rising gas prices, and hotel stays can quickly add up, making the trip more expensive and stressful than anticipated. Additionally, the extended drive contributes to wear and tear on your vehicle, along with increased mileage.
On the other hand, shipping your car offers a hassle-free alternative, sparing you from the potential pitfalls of a long road trip and ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its destination. Still, some may prefer the flexibility and control that comes with driving. As you weigh your options, consider the following pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Driving Your Car
Pros
- You set the pace
- Can be a fun road trip
- Allows you to move personal items in the car
- Less immediate out of pocket expense
Cons
- Fuel costs and other expenses, such as hotels
- Takes more of your time and energy
- Adds mileage, depreciation, and wear and tear on the vehicle
- Shipping your vehicle brings a different set of factors to consider
Pros and Cons of Shipping Your Car
Pros
- No added wear and tear or mileage
- Convenient and saves time
- Pay only for shipping costs
Cons
- Options such as enclosed shipping can be expensive
- Pickup and delivery dates are estimates
- Limited to 100 lbs of personal items stored in the vehicle
- Can be more expensive than driving
What to Know About Car Shipping
Whether you have an upcoming cross-country move or a shorter journey to a new home, shipping car vs driving is a great way to simplify a potentially stressful situation. Knowing your vehicle will be well taken care of and won’t rack up more mileage can bring peace of mind.
If you choose to drive your car, you’ll have to consider the factors of driving long distances, which may be less predictable. Gas prices, food costs, tolls, and possible hotel stays could be expenses during your journey. Also think about how your car would hold up and the mileage you’d add.
However, if you choose to ship your car, there could be other things you’ve never dealt with before. It’s important to understand the car shipping process before you make your decision. That way, you’re fully informed of how auto transport works and what to expect.
The Car Shipping Experience
The first step in the auto shipping is getting a free quote. By getting car shipping quotes online and comparing prices, you can see what you’ll likely pay for your shipment. Once you choose a car shipping company or a broker connects you with an auto transport carrier, you’ll arrange a pickup time and location. Your car will be loaded onto a transport trailer after a full vehicle inspection, including photos of all sides and the roof.
Depending on the car shipping company you work with, you may be able to track your vehicle throughout its journey. You’ll have other contact information to stay in the loop if tracking isn’t available. As your car nears its destination, the company will contact you to set up a drop-off time and location. After a final inspection and signing of a bill of lading, you’re all set.
Car Shipping Services
There are a few car shipping options to consider.
- Door-to-door shipping: Sherpa Auto Transport provides door-to-door transport on all shipments within the 48 contiguous states. Door-to-door transport means your car is picked up from and then dropped off as close to each address as possible for maximum convenience.
- Expedited pickup window: While a five-business-day window is the best option for those seeking cheap car shipping, expedited pickup windows are available for those in a hurry. Keep in mind that an expedited pickup window will increase the price of your vehicle shipment.
Types of Auto Transport
You also have two options for the type of trailer the carrier will use to transport your vehicle. Your budget will determine your choice, but you’ll also need to consider how much protection you want from road debris and bad weather.
- Open auto transport is the most common and cost-effective way to ship your vehicle. Although your car will be exposed to road hazards and adverse weather conditions, open shipping is the fastest option.
- Enclosed auto transport provides additional protection for high-end vehicles or classic cars. This method takes longer since there aren’t as many enclosed trailers available, and it will come at a premium price.
What to Look for in a Car Shipping Company
The first thing you should look for when choosing an auto transport company is experience. Connect with a company that has expertise in a variety of transport methods.
It’s also important to find a company that offers:
- Transparent pricing
- Locked-in quotes
- A proven track record of safety
- Positive customer reviews
- Registration with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Car Shipping Costs on Average
Car shipping rates can vary significantly. The distance, your car’s size, the time of year, and several other factors will determine your price. Here are Sherpa Auto Transport’s price ranges for open carrier vehicle transport of an operable vehicle.
| Shipment Mileage | Price per Mile |
|---|---|
| 0 to 500 miles | $1.55 to $2.50 |
| 501 to 1,000 miles | $1.00 to $1.45 |
| 1,001 to 1,500 miles | $0.80 to $1.10 |
| 1,501 to 2,000 miles | $0.65 to $0.90 |
| 2,001 to 2,500 miles | $0.55 to $0.75 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.50 to $0.65 |
Popular Auto Transport Routes
Sometimes, seeing routes gives you a better idea of how your shipment might compare. Here are some popular car transport routes and the price ranges for them. Your price could vary depending on shipment details and market conditions.
| Route | Est. Price |
|---|---|
| New York City to Miami | $1,100 to $1,400 |
| New York City to Los Angeles | $1,325 to $1,625 |
| Los Angeles to New York City | $1,350 to $1,925 |
| Miami to New York City | $1,000 to $1,525 |
| Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles | $1,225 to $1,475 |
| Los Angeles to Dallas | $1,025 to $1,375 |
| San Francisco to New York City | $1,425 to $1,875 |
| Chicago to Phoenix | $1,050 to $1,225 |
| Atlanta to Los Angeles | $1,100 to $1,475 |
| San Francisco to Washington, D.C. | $1,225 to $1,650 |
Enclosed auto transport, transporting an inoperable vehicle, and other details will likely make your shipment more expensive than the rates shown here.
Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport was founded to provide a superior car shipping experience. We’re proud to serve thousands of customers annually, treating each shipment as our own vehicle onboard.
Locked-in Quotes
Our Price Lock Promise ensures the price our team quotes you is the price you’ll pay for your shipment. If the original quote is too low to secure a carrier, we’ll contribute up to $300 to make up the difference. With our exclusive Price Lock Promise, we provide affordable and transparent pricing so you are well-informed of the total price of your shipment.
Customer Reviews
We are committed to providing a five-star shipping experience, and we believe our customer reviews are the best testament to our level of service. From our thousands of five-star customer reviews, we hold an industry-leading Total Review Score of 4.9 out of 5 stars. We’re also proud to hold an A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
A Network of Top-Notch Carriers
We’ve built and maintained a trusted network of elite auto transport partners. Our vetting process doesn’t end with one job. We continually evaluate carriers to ensure they meet our high standards.
Drive or Ship a Car FAQs
Should I drive my car or have it shipped?
If you are wondering if it is cheaper to drive or ship a car cross country then count in the fuel costs and other expenses, you may find that driving your car is not much cheaper than having it shipped.
Shipping your vehicle also comes with greater security and protection from the elements, especially if you opt for enclosed car transport.
Can I fill my car when I ship it?
Sherpa allows up to 100 lbs of personal items stored in the trunk area of the vehicle and stowed below the window line. Note that Sherpa, nor the carrier, is not responsible for items left in the vehicle during transport.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Transit time is dependent on the distance and is always estimated. You can expect your shipment to take two to four days if under 1000 miles, or seven to ten days if over 2000 miles.
If you’re making a cross-country trip, it could take up to two weeks to receive your car. Weather conditions and road hazards could affect the timeline as well.
How do I track a car in transit?
Most reputable car shipping companies, including Sherpa Auto Transport, offer ways to keep tabs on your vehicle while it’s on the move. While real-time GPS tracking isn’t always available, you’ll usually receive updates through email, phone calls, or by contacting the carrier directly.
At Sherpa, we make it easy to stay informed. Once your vehicle is picked up, you’ll have access to key contact information and regular status updates throughout the journey.