Car shipping is a safe, practical way for seniors and retirees to move a car without a long, tiring drive. Whether you are relocating to be near family, splitting the year between two homes, or downsizing to a retirement community, a licensed carrier can pick up your car at one address and deliver it to another, usually in 1–10 days depending on distance. Typical costs run about $500–$1,900 for open transport and $800–$2,900 for enclosed.
Key takeaways
- Shipping saves you days of driving, hotel stays and wear on the car, and it is often close in cost once you add up gas, meals and lodging.
- Door-to-door service means you do not have to drive to a terminal. A trusted family member or friend can hand over or receive the car for you.
- Snowbird routes are busiest in fall (heading south) and spring (heading north), so book 2–4 weeks ahead in those seasons.
- Avoid companies that ask for large upfront deposits, and always check that the carrier or broker is registered with the FMCSA.
- Remove personal items, medical equipment and handicap placards before pickup, and keep copies of all paperwork.
Why many seniors choose to ship instead of drive
A cross-country drive can mean 40 or more hours behind the wheel, plus several nights in hotels. For many older drivers, that is not just tiring. It can be stressful, especially at night, in heavy traffic or in bad weather. Shipping removes all of that.
Comfort and safety
Instead of driving, you can fly or ride with family, rest, and arrive ready to settle in. Your car arrives a few days later, inspected and ready to go.
Less wear on the car
A 2,500-mile drive adds miles, oil changes and tire wear. On a carrier, your odometer barely moves. That helps if you plan to keep the car for years or sell it later.
The real cost comparison
When you add gas, two to five nights of lodging, meals and possibly a return flight for a family helper, driving is often not much cheaper than shipping. The table below shows the kinds of costs to think about. Your own numbers will vary.
| Cost item | Driving yourself (coast to coast) | Shipping your car |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Several hundred dollars, depending on the car | Included |
| Hotels | Usually 4–6 nights | None |
| Meals on the road | Several days' worth | None |
| Time | 5–7 days of driving | You travel by air in a day |
| Wear on car | About 2,500–3,000 miles | Minimal |
| Transport price | None | About $500–$1,900 open, $800–$2,900 enclosed |
To see what your route might cost, try the car shipping cost calculator.
Common situations for retirees
Seasonal "snowbird" moves
Many retirees spend winters in Florida, Arizona, Texas or Southern California and summers up north. Shipping lets you keep your own car in both places without making the drive twice a year. Southbound demand is highest from about October through January, and northbound from about March through May. Our snowbird car shipping page has route tips, and popular routes include New York to Florida.
Moving closer to children or grandchildren
Relocating to be near family is one of the most common reasons retirees ship a car. Often an adult child helps coordinate. That works well: you can list a family member as a contact for pickup or delivery.
Downsizing or moving to a retirement community
Some communities have limited parking or specific rules about vehicles. Check with the community before the car arrives. Ask where a large truck can safely stop, since car carriers usually cannot enter narrow private roads or gated lots.
Giving or selling a car to a family member
If you are handing down a car to a grandchild in college or a relative in another state, shipping gets it there without anyone needing to fly in and drive it back. See college car shipping if the car is going to a student.
How the car shipping process works, step by step
The process is simple, and you do not need to be present at both ends. Here is what to expect. For more detail, read how car shipping works.
- Get a quote. Share your pickup and delivery locations, your car's year, make and model, and your preferred dates.
- Book. Confirm the price and dates. With CTS, there is a $0 deposit to book.
- Carrier is assigned. A licensed, insured carrier is matched to your route, usually within 1–5 days.
- Pickup. The driver inspects the car with you or your helper, notes any existing marks on the Bill of Lading, and loads it.
- Transit. Your car travels about 1–3 days for short trips or 7–10 days coast to coast. You can get updates along the way.
- Delivery. You or your contact inspect the car, sign the paperwork and receive the keys.
Tips to make shipping easier and less stressful
Let a trusted person help
You can name a family member, neighbor or friend to meet the driver at pickup or delivery. Give that person a copy of the booking details and make sure the driver has their phone number. They will need to inspect the car and sign the Bill of Lading.
Choose door-to-door service
With door-to-door car shipping, the driver comes as close to your home as is safe. If your street is too narrow for a big truck, they may ask to meet at a nearby parking lot. You will not have to drive to a distant terminal.
Ask for everything in writing
Get your price, pickup window and any special arrangements in writing. CTS backs quotes with a Best Price Guarantee and a 100% satisfaction or money back promise, and you should expect a clear written agreement from any company you use.
Keep your phone handy
Drivers usually call 12–24 hours before pickup and delivery. If you do not answer calls from unknown numbers, ask your coordinator for the driver's name and expected call window so you know to pick up.
Preparing your car: a checklist for seniors
Use this list a few days before pickup. Our full vehicle shipping checklist has even more detail.
- Remove personal items, including sunglasses, garage remotes, phone chargers and anything in the trunk.
- Take out medical items such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes or portable oxygen. These should travel with you, not in the car.
- Remove a disability parking placard from the mirror. Keep it with you. Most placards and plates are tied to your state, so check with your new state's DMV if you are moving permanently.
- Remove toll transponders so you are not charged for tolls along the route.
- Wash the car and take clear, date-stamped photos of every side.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Check that the battery is strong and the tires are properly inflated.
- Make a copy of your registration and insurance card, and keep the originals with you.
- Write down any quirks, like a sticky door lock or a hidden alarm button, for the driver.
How to avoid car shipping scams
Unfortunately, some scammers target older adults. A few simple checks will protect you.
- Verify registration. Legitimate brokers and carriers have a USDOT number and an MC number you can look up on the FMCSA website. CTS shipments are arranged by Niki Auto Transport, USDOT 4535689, MC 1799148.
- Be wary of big upfront payments. Be cautious if a company asks for a large deposit or full payment by wire transfer or gift card before a carrier is even assigned.
- Watch out for prices far below others. A quote much lower than everyone else's may never get a driver, or may go up after you book.
- Never share sensitive information. No shipper needs your Social Security number or bank login.
- Ask a family member to review the paperwork. A second set of eyes is always a good idea.
Delivery day: what to check before you sign
Delivery is the moment that matters most, because the paperwork you sign confirms the car's condition. Take your time. A good driver will not rush you.
- Bring your photos. Have the pickup photos on your phone or printed so you can compare.
- Walk all the way around the car. Look at each panel, the bumpers, the mirrors, the wheels and the glass. Good light helps, so ask to move to a well-lit spot if it is getting dark.
- Check the inside. Look at the seats, dash and headliner, and make sure the mileage is close to what it was at pickup.
- Start the car. Make sure it runs and no new warning lights are on.
- Write down any new damage on the Bill of Lading before you sign, and take photos of it right away.
- Keep your copy of the paperwork. If you need to file a claim, you will need it.
If a family member is receiving the car for you, share this list with them ahead of time. If something does go wrong, contact your coordinator the same day. Most claims are much easier to resolve when damage is noted at delivery instead of discovered later. With CTS, you also get a 100% satisfaction or money back promise, so you are never left on your own.
Registration, insurance and paperwork
If you are moving permanently, your new state will typically ask you to register the car and get a new driver's license within a set period. Many states allow around 30 days, but deadlines vary, so check with your new state's DMV. Snowbirds who keep a primary home in one state usually do not need to re-register, but confirm the rules where you spend the most time.
Call your insurance company before the move. Let them know your new address or seasonal address, and ask how your policy covers the car while it is being shipped. Rates can change when you move to a new state.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be there for pickup and delivery?
No. A trusted adult you name can release or receive the car for you. They will inspect the car with the driver and sign the paperwork.
Is it safe to ship an older or classic car?
Yes. Many retirees own cars they have cared for over many years. For classics or cars with special value, enclosed car shipping adds protection from weather and road debris.
How far ahead should I book for a snowbird move?
Booking 2–4 weeks ahead is a good plan during peak snowbird season. Outside of peak months, 1–2 weeks is usually enough.
Can I put my belongings in the car?
Generally, no. Carriers are not licensed to haul household goods, and personal items are not covered by their cargo insurance. Pack them with your movers or take them with you.
Is there a senior discount?
Pricing is based mainly on route, distance, vehicle and timing. The best way to save is to book early, be flexible with dates and compare written quotes. If you find a lower written quote, CTS will match or beat it.
Ready to skip the long drive? Get a free quote with no deposit, and we will walk you or your family member through every step.
Updated November 4, 2026