Travel nurses and contract workers can ship their car to each new assignment on a car carrier instead of driving it, usually for about $500 to $1,900 on an open truck depending on distance and season. Shipping lets you fly in rested, start your contract on time, and avoid adding thousands of miles to your car every 13 weeks. The key is to book as soon as your contract is signed and to time pickup so your car arrives close to your first shift.
Key takeaways
- Most travel assignments run about 13 weeks, so plan your car shipping around both your start and end dates.
- Book as soon as your contract is confirmed; two to three weeks of lead time gets you the most carrier options.
- Coast-to-coast transit typically takes 7 to 10 days, and shorter trips under 500 miles take 1 to 3 days.
- Ask your agency whether travel stipends can help cover shipping, and keep your receipts.
- Registration and license rules depend on where your permanent home is; confirm with the DMV before you assume anything.
Why travel nurses and contractors ship their cars
Travel nursing, travel therapy, traveling tech jobs, lineman work, and other contract roles all share one problem: you need a car where you work, but the job keeps moving. A typical contract lasts around 13 weeks, and many travelers take three or four assignments a year in different states.
Driving to each one sounds simple, but it adds up fast:
- Lost days: A 2,000-mile drive takes most people four or five days, often between the end of one contract and the start of the next.
- Fatigue: Starting a new unit or job site after days of driving is hard, especially if your first shifts are nights.
- Mileage and wear: Several long drives a year can add 10,000 or more miles, which matters for lease limits, warranties and resale value.
- Travel costs: Hotels, meals and fuel on the road often eat a big part of your travel stipend.
Shipping lets you fly to the new city, settle into housing, and have your car delivered close to when you need it.
What it costs to ship your car between assignments
Car shipping prices depend mostly on distance, vehicle size, route popularity, season and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Most open-carrier shipments fall between about $500 and $1,900. Enclosed transport usually runs about $800 to $2,900 and is rarely needed for a daily driver.
| Trip length | Example move | Typical transit time | What to expect on price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | Between nearby states | 1–3 days | Low end of the range |
| 500–1,500 miles | Midwest to the Southeast | 3–6 days | Middle of the range |
| 1,500–2,500 miles | Texas to the Pacific Northwest | 5–8 days | Upper-middle of the range |
| Coast to coast | East Coast to California | 7–10 days | Upper end of the range |
These ranges vary with fuel prices, demand and how close your pickup and delivery points are to major highways. For a fast estimate on your exact route, try the car shipping cost calculator. Busy lanes between large cities are often cheaper because carriers run them constantly.
Timing your shipment around a contract
Timing is the hardest part for travelers. Your old contract may end on a Friday, and the new one may start Monday in a city 1,500 miles away. Here is how to plan.
Option 1: Ship before your last week
If you can get by without a car for your final few shifts, ship it early. Use rideshare or a short rental for the last days, and your car may already be at the new city when you land. This works well for coast-to-coast moves.
Option 2: Ship on your last day
Schedule pickup for your last day and rent a car for the first few days at the new assignment. This is the most common plan, and a short rental is usually cheaper than a long drive.
Option 3: Expedited or guaranteed delivery
If your gap between contracts is short and you need your car right away, ask about expedited car shipping or a guaranteed delivery date. Same-day pickup is available in most metro areas, which helps when your contract end date moves at the last minute.
Sample timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Contract signed | Request a quote and pick target pickup dates |
| 2–3 weeks before | Book your shipment; confirm housing address for delivery |
| 1 week before | Prep the car, remove personal items, take photos |
| Pickup day | Inspect with the driver, sign the bill of lading, hand over one key |
| In transit | Fly out, settle in, track your car |
| Delivery day | Inspect again before signing |
Picking a delivery spot near short-term housing
Door-to-door car shipping means the driver brings your car as close to your address as safely possible. Many travelers stay in apartments, extended-stay hotels or furnished rentals where a large truck cannot easily stop. In that case, agree on a nearby meeting spot, such as a large store or hospital overflow lot. Ask your housing manager or facility security first if you plan to use their lot.
If you will be on shift when the truck arrives, you can name a trusted person to accept the car. They will need to inspect it and sign the bill of lading for you.
Preparing your car for transport
Travelers often live out of their car between contracts, so this step matters. Use this checklist, and see the full vehicle shipping checklist for more detail.
- Empty the car. Carriers are not licensed to move household goods, and belongings are not covered by their insurance. Ship your scrubs, books and kitchen items separately or check them on your flight.
- Remove toll tags and parking permits from your last facility.
- Wash the car so existing damage is easy to see.
- Take dated photos of every side, the roof, wheels, interior and odometer.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Check tires, battery and fluids. Carriers may refuse a car with an active leak.
- Turn off the alarm or explain how to disable it.
- Keep your spare key and give the driver one working key.
Driving an EV between assignments? Read our electric vehicle shipping guide for charge-level tips.
Paying for it: stipends, reimbursements and taxes
Many travel contracts include travel money, sometimes paid as a lump sum at the start or end of the assignment. Agencies handle this in different ways, so ask your recruiter:
- Is there a travel stipend or reimbursement, and what is the cap?
- Can it be used for car shipping, or only for mileage or airfare?
- Is it paid up front, with your first paycheck, or at the end of the contract?
Keep your shipping invoice and receipts. Tax treatment of travel stipends and moving costs depends on your tax home and other details, and rules can change. A tax professional who works with travel healthcare workers can tell you what applies to you.
With CTS you pay $0 deposit to book, which helps when your stipend arrives after you start. If you have a lower written quote for the same service, our Best Price Guarantee means we will match or beat it.
Registration, insurance and licensing while on contract
This is where travelers get confused, because the rules depend on where your permanent home is, not where you happen to be working. Many travel nurses keep their car registered and insured in their home state while on short assignments. Some states, however, treat you as a resident after a certain period of living or working there, and may expect you to register the car locally.
Because these rules vary a lot, do three things:
- Check the assignment state's DMV website for rules on nonresidents and temporary workers.
- Tell your auto insurer where the car will be garaged. Rates and coverage can depend on location.
- Keep proof of your permanent address, such as a lease or mortgage, utility bills and voter registration, in case you are asked.
If you do decide to make a new state your home, you will usually need to get a new license and register the car within a set period. Deadlines differ by state, so confirm the exact timing with that state's motor vehicle agency.
Back-to-back contracts and round trips
Some travelers stay in one region for several contracts. Others bounce between coasts. A few planning tips:
- Stay in one region when you can. Shorter hops cost less and take only a few days.
- Book the return trip early if you already know your next assignment.
- Watch the season. Summer is the busiest moving season, and snowbird traffic raises prices on north-south routes in fall and spring.
- Assignments in Hawaii or Alaska involve ocean transport and longer timelines. See Hawaii car shipping for the details.
How to choose a reliable shipping company
You do not have time for a missed pickup between contracts. Look for a provider with active federal authority, insured carriers, and clear communication. CTS shipments are arranged by Niki Auto Transport (USDOT 4535689, MC 1799148), using a network of more than 100,000 licensed and insured carriers. You get 24/7 in-transit updates, so you can check on your car between shifts. To learn more about each step, see how car shipping works.
Should you ship, drive or rent?
Shipping is not always the best answer. If your next assignment is only a few hours away, driving is usually cheaper and simpler. If your contract is short and the new city has good transit, a long-term rental or going car-free might work. Shipping tends to win on long moves of 1,000 miles or more, when your gap between contracts is short, or when you want to protect a newer car from heavy mileage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost for a travel nurse to ship a car?
Most open-carrier shipments cost about $500 to $1,900, depending on distance, vehicle size and season. Short regional moves cost less, and coast-to-coast moves are at the higher end.
How soon should I book after signing a contract?
As soon as you can. Two to three weeks of notice gives you the best choice of carriers and dates. Shorter notice is often possible, especially in big metro areas, but it may cost more.
Can I pack my belongings in my car?
It is best not to. Car carriers are not licensed to move household goods, extra weight can cause problems, and personal items are not covered by cargo insurance.
Do I need to re-register my car in every state I work in?
Not always. It depends on whether that state considers you a resident. Many travelers keep their home-state registration on short contracts, but rules vary, so check with the assignment state's DMV.
What if I am working when my car is delivered?
You can name a trusted adult to receive the car. They will need to inspect it and sign the bill of lading. You can also schedule delivery for your day off.
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Updated November 4, 2026