Understanding the car shipping process will make it easier for you to transport your vehicle. Our team has compiled this guide to help you better understand how to ship a car. We’ll take a look at the car shipping process, car shipping costs, and a few tips for how to prepare for auto transport.
Key Takeaways:
- Car shipping is an efficient and cost-effective way to transport your vehicle long distances. By working with an expert auto transport company, like Sherpa, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands.
- Since the price of cross country vehicle shipping depends on many factors, getting a free quote is the best way to determine the cost of transporting your vehicle.
- We make it simple for our customers to lock in their shipment. Many customers can book their shipment fully online or speak to an expert for tips on cost-effective transport.
- Once your shipment is locked in, our team will secure a qualified carrier. We handle all logistics so our customers have an easy and stress-free experience.
In This Guide:
- What is Car Shipping?
- Research Transport Methods
- How to Ship a Car
- Get an Instant Quote
- Lock in Your Shipment
- Prepare Your Vehicle to Be Shipped
- Meet the Carrier at Pickup
- How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
- Factors Impacting Car Shipping Cost
- How to Ship a Car for Less Money
- Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
- How to Ship a Car FAQs
What is Car Shipping?
Car shipping, also known as auto or vehicle transport, is a service that moves your car from one location to another. It’s instrumental in situations where driving a car yourself is inconvenient or impossible.
People use car shipping for many scenarios, including getting used vehicles they bought online, making cross-country moves to new homes, or transporting seasonal vehicles such as RVs and motorcycles.
Whether you’re shipping a car across the state or the country, auto transport services simplify the logistics of getting your vehicle where it needs to be without the hassle of a long drive.
We are proud to be an auto transport broker. We work with top-notch carriers in the industry to ensure the safe delivery of our customers’ vehicles, providing peace of mind from pickup to drop-off.
Cross Country Car Shipping
Cross-country car shipping is a common use case for auto transport, especially for those relocating across the country. Driving a car over long distances can add unnecessary wear and tear to your vehicle and can be physically taxing for drivers. With cross-country car shipping, your vehicle is loaded onto a carrier and safely transported to your new destination, allowing you to avoid the stress of a multi-day drive.
Professional car shipping companies, like Sherpa Auto Transport, offer a range of transport options to suit your timeline and budget, ensuring your vehicle arrives in excellent condition, no matter how far it’s traveling.
Research Transport Methods
When considering car shipping, it’s important to research the different transport methods available to ensure you choose the best one for your needs. The two primary methods are open transport and enclosed transport. Open auto transport is the most common and affordable option, where vehicles are loaded onto an open-air carrier.
While reliable, cars are exposed to the elements during transit. Enclosed transport, on the other hand, offers added protection by transporting vehicles in an enclosed trailer, shielding them from weather, debris, and road conditions—ideal for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or motorcycles.
By thoroughly researching these options, you can determine which transport method fits your vehicle’s needs, budget, and the level of protection you want during the shipping process.
How to Ship a Car
We’ve broken down the steps to help you research how to ship a car.
Get an Instant Quote
Getting a car shipping quote online from a reputable auto transport company like Sherpa is the first step in planning your cross-country car transport. Since many factors impact the cost of car shipping, an instant quote is the best way to understand how much you may need to spend to get your vehicle safely delivered.
When requesting a car shipping quote, we will ask for these details:
- Your vehicle’s year, make, and model
- Vehicle operability
- Pickup and delivery locations
- The desired time frame for pickup
- Preferred car shipping method (open or enclosed trailer transport)
- Your name and contact information
All of our quotes are backed by our exclusive Price Lock Promise, meaning your price is locked in. You know exactly how much you will pay for your shipment.
Most customers can receive an instant quote and even book their shipment fully online. Our team of experts are also available at (877) 850-1231 to answer questions and provide advice to save money on car shipping services. For some specific shipments, we may ask you to call our team to ensure we provide an accurate price.
Lock in Your Shipment
Once you receive your quote with Sherpa and review the details, we make it easy to lock in your shipment. We provide windows for both pickup and delivery and once a carrier is secured, our team will provide more specific timing.
Nothing is due to book with Sherpa. If you opt to pay for your shipment via credit card, your payment method will be charged once a vetted carrier is assigned to it.
Prepare Your Vehicle to Be Shipped
Once you have your pickup date, you must prepare your car for shipment. Here’s a list of steps to take to ensure your car’s in prime shape for transport:
- Wash your car. A thorough wash will help you find any dings, scratches, or other cosmetic issues. If you’re shipping internationally, some countries won’t let your car pass quarantine if it wasn’t washed before leaving port.
- Inspect your vehicle for existing damage. Once your car is clean, you’ll have a better chance of discovering any cosmetic damage. Take photos of any scratches or dents before you have your car shipped. This way, if any damage occurs during shipping, you can show the auto transport company what damage was already present.
- Remove valuables and limit personal items. Except in the case of ocean transport, your shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items stored in the trunk or below the window line. Make sure to remove any valuables from the vehicle since Sherpa and the carrier are not responsible for items left in the vehicle during transport.
- Secure or remove loose parts. Any removable or loose parts (like a radio antenna, hood ornament, or spoiler) should be removed and placed in the trunk to avoid damage. If possible, you should also fold in your side mirrors and ensure your sunroof or convertible top is fully closed.
- Do a routine maintenance check. Be aware of any mechanical issues or leaks, which can delay your car shipment. Top off all fluids, fully inflate your tires, make sure your car’s battery has a charge, and record your current mileage.
- Empty your gas tank. You should keep no more than a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle, as a full tank adds weight.
- Make an extra set of keys. The trucker will need keys to drive your car on and off the carrier truck, so make sure you give them an extra key or have a spare with you.
Meet the Carrier at Pickup
Sherpa provides door-to-door service, meaning the carrier will get as close to your specified pickup and delivery locations as possible. You or someone else 18 years or older will meet the carrier at pickup to hand over the keys and perform an inspection. With our nationwide door to door service, we’re confident we can get your vehicle anywhere you need it.
Wait for Delivery
While your vehicle is in transit, Sherpa handles the heavy lifting. We provide frequent updates on its status so you can sit back and relax.
Pick Your Vehicle Up and Pay the Remaining Balance
Once your car arrives, you and the driver will perform another inspection. You’ll then sign a Bill of Lading to complete the service and pay the carrier the remaining balance.
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
The auto shipping industry doesn’t have a set standard for car shipping costs, as they can vary widely depending on a number of factors. On average, you can expect to pay between 45 cents and $1.50 per mile, but this price range is influenced by several key elements, including the distance, vehicle type, and the transport method you choose.
For short-distance shipments (typically under 500 miles), the per-mile cost tends to be higher, often approaching or exceeding $1 per mile. In contrast, long-distance moves (over 1,500 miles) tend to bring the per-mile cost down, averaging closer to 50-75 cents.
These figures give you a rough estimate, but prices fluctuate based on market demand, fuel prices, seasonal factors, and the availability of carriers.
To get an accurate idea of the cost of shipping your vehicle, it’s always best to use our instant quote tool or contact our team directly. By doing so, you’ll receive a custom quote tailored to your unique needs and the specifics of your shipment. This personalized approach ensures you’re not paying more than necessary for your vehicle transport.
Factors Impacting Car Shipping Cost
When it comes to shipping your vehicle, there are a variety of factors that will ultimately influence the cost. Each of these elements plays a role in shaping the final price tag, much like putting together pieces of a puzzle.
Let’s explore them one by one:
Shipping Distance
Imagine you’re driving cross-country from New York to California. It’s a long trip, but the farther you go, the more fuel-efficient the journey becomes per mile. The same applies to cross country car shipping.
While longer distances naturally cost more in total, the per-mile rate drops because transport companies can spread out fixed costs, such as fuel and labor, over a larger distance. On the other hand, if you’re shipping your car a shorter distance—say, from one city to a neighboring state—the cost per mile is higher because those same fixed costs are compressed into a shorter trip.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Your vehicle’s pickup and drop-off points matter. Urban areas, with their extensive networks of highways and shipping hubs, make life easy for transport trucks. Think of it like catching a flight from a major airport—it’s more convenient and affordable.
However, if you’re shipping to or from a rural area, it’s like needing to charter a private plane; carriers often have to go out of their way, which increases the cost. If you’re in a remote area, you might want to explore how much you could save by meeting the driver in a nearby city or closer to a highway.
Trailer Type
The type of trailer you choose for your vehicle is like choosing between economy and first-class on a flight. The most common and budget-friendly option is an open trailer, where cars are exposed to the elements but still safely transported. It’s ideal for most people.
However, if your car is a prized luxury or classic model, you may opt for enclosed auto transport, which offers protection from weather and road debris—think of it as that first-class cabin. Naturally, this added protection comes at a premium.
Pickup Window
Flexibility can be your best friend when it comes to saving money. You’ll likely score the best rate if you have a flexible schedule and can give Sherpa a five-business day pickup window.
However, if you’re pressed for time and need your vehicle picked up on short notice—say within a couple of days—the urgency bumps up the price. The tighter the time frame, the more you’ll pay for expedited service.
Vehicle Size
Just as airlines charge more for oversized luggage, vehicle size matters regarding shipping. A standard sedan is cheaper to transport than a large SUV or truck, which takes up more space and weighs more on the carrier.
The dimensions, weight, and even ground clearance of your vehicle can all influence the cost. For example, cars with low ground clearance require special handling, which raises the price.
Vehicle Condition
Shipping an inoperable vehicle can be compared to needing a tow truck for a broken-down car. If your vehicle can’t roll, brake, or steer independently, special equipment like a winch or forklift is required to load it onto the trailer.
This extra step adds to the overall shipping cost. However, if your vehicle is fully operational, you’ll save on these additional handling fees.
Time of Year
Just like the price of flights or hotels can soar during peak travel seasons, the cost to ship your car fluctuates depending on the time of year. The auto transport industry sees a spike in demand during January
How to Ship a Car for Less Money
Here are a few tips for shipping your car to ensure affordable, hassle-free transport.
Be Flexible
The wider the window you can provide for pickup and delivery dates, the more affordable your transport will likely be. Sherpa’s most cost-effective option is a five-business-day window for pickup. We also offer expedited shipping, which comes with an upcharge.
Book in Advance
Book your auto transport as far in advance as possible. Get quotes from a reputable car shipping company as soon as you think you may need to ship a car. The more lead time you give, the more likely you will receive the best rate. Generally, you should book your shipment at least two weeks before the move date.
Open Trailer Shipping
Open carrier shipping is the cheapest way to transport your vehicle. Most open transport trucks can fit eight to 10 vehicles, so shipping routes have multiple stops to drop off and load cargo.
If you have a classic car or a vehicle with a low clearance, you may want to consider enclosed carrier shipping, as it protects your vehicle from road debris and hazardous weather conditions.
Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
From our initial, all-inclusive quote to your vehicle’s delivery, Sherpa Auto Transport is an excellent choice for a smooth car shipping experience.
Here are a few things that set us apart from the competition:
Price Lock Promise
When you get a quote from Sherpa, that price is locked in. With our exclusive Price Lock Promise, you can have peace of mind knowing what you’ve been quoted is what you’ll pay. Sherpa will cover up to $300 of the difference if your shipment price changes, so you know exactly what you will pay for our cross country car transport.
Thorough Carrier Vetting
Our comprehensive vetting process means we work with only the best car shipping companies. We study accident reports, maintenance records, insurance coverage, and other data points to maintain an elite network of trusted carriers.
Customer Reviews
Sherpa was founded to make the auto transport process easy and stress-free. We evaluate our success based on the feedback we receive from our customers, and we are proud to have a 4.9 out of 5 star Total Review Score from thousands of customer reviews. We are also accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, the highest award possible.
How to Ship a Car FAQs
Is it worth it to ship a car?
If you’re moving over 500 miles, shipping your car is generally safer and more convenient than driving. For shorter distances, driving your car to your destination may be more affordable.
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?
Shipping a car from New York City to Los Angeles generally costs between $1,325 and $1,625, while shipping from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles ranges from $1,225 to $1,475.
However, many factors affect how much a cross-country auto transport costs, including market demand and the type of service selected.
What is the safest way to ship a car?
The safest way to ship a car is using enclosed transport (sometimes referred to as covered transport). The enclosed trailer will protect your car from hazards like road debris and poor weather conditions.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Depending on the delivery location and total mileage of your transport, it can take anywhere from one to 14 days to ship a car.