Shipping a car for the first time is simpler than most people expect: you request a quote, book a pickup window, hand your car to a licensed carrier after a quick inspection, and receive it at your destination after another inspection. Most shipments cost about $500 to $1,900 on an open carrier and take 1–3 days for trips under 500 miles or about 7–10 days coast to coast. This guide answers the questions first-time shippers ask most, in the order you'll run into them.
Key takeaways
- Most people ship on an open carrier; enclosed costs more and is best for classic, exotic or high-value cars.
- Prices depend mainly on distance, vehicle size, route, season and transport type.
- Pickup is usually a window of a few days, not an exact hour, unless you pay for expedited or guaranteed service.
- The bill of lading inspection at pickup and delivery is your most important protection.
- Remove personal items, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, and photograph the car before pickup.
The basics: how car shipping works
Who actually moves my car?
Most shipments involve two parties: a broker, who handles booking, pricing and finding a truck, and a carrier, the trucking company that physically moves the car. Brokers connect you with carriers that already run your route, which usually means faster pickup and better pricing than calling truckers one by one. Both must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate across state lines.
CTS shipments are arranged by Niki Auto Transport (USDOT 4535689, MC 1799148), using a network of more than 100,000 licensed and insured carriers.
What are the steps?
- Get a quote with your vehicle, pickup and delivery locations, and dates.
- Book and confirm your pickup window.
- A carrier is assigned and contacts you before pickup.
- You and the driver inspect the car and sign the bill of lading.
- The car is loaded and transported, with updates along the way.
- You inspect the car at delivery, note any issues, sign and pay any balance due.
For a deeper walkthrough, read how car shipping works.
Cost questions
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Typical prices run about $500 to $1,900 for open transport and $800 to $2,900 for enclosed, but your exact price depends on several factors.
| Factor | How it affects price |
|---|---|
| Distance | Longer trips cost more overall but less per mile |
| Route | Busy routes between big cities are cheaper than rural routes |
| Vehicle size and weight | Large SUVs, trucks and vans take more space and cost more |
| Open vs. enclosed | Enclosed usually costs more for the added protection |
| Season | Summer and snowbird season can raise prices on certain routes |
| Running condition | Non-running cars need a winch and cost extra |
| Speed | Expedited or guaranteed dates cost more |
Try our car shipping cost calculator for a quick estimate.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
It depends on the company. With CTS, there's a $0 deposit to book, and if you find a lower written quote, our Best Price Guarantee means we'll match or beat it.
Why are some quotes so much lower than others?
A quote far below the others may not be enough to attract a carrier, which can mean a long wait for pickup. Compare what's included, the pickup window, and whether the price is confirmed in writing.
Timing questions
How long does car shipping take?
| Distance | Typical transit time |
|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | 1–3 days |
| 500–1,000 miles | 2–5 days |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | 4–8 days |
| Coast to coast | 7–10 days |
Transit time starts after pickup. Weather, traffic and other stops on the route can add a day or two.
How far ahead should I book?
Booking 1–2 weeks ahead is a good target for most routes. More notice helps in summer and during snowbird season. If you're in a rush, same-day pickup is available in most major metros, and expedited shipping can shorten the wait.
Will the driver arrive at an exact time?
Usually, you get a pickup window of a few days, and the driver calls ahead with a more precise time, often 12–24 hours before. Exact times are hard because drivers handle several cars on one trip.
Choosing the right type of transport
Open or enclosed?
Open car shipping is how most new cars get to dealerships, and it's the right choice for most daily drivers. The car rides on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road dust, but damage is uncommon.
Enclosed car shipping keeps the car inside a covered trailer. It's best for classics, exotics, new luxury cars and anything with special paint.
What is door-to-door shipping?
The driver picks up and delivers as close to your addresses as is safe and legal. If a big truck can't fit on your street, you'll meet at a nearby parking lot.
Preparing your car
What should I do before pickup?
- Wash the car so the inspection is accurate.
- Take dated photos of every side, the roof, wheels, interior and odometer.
- Remove personal items, toll tags and garage remotes.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Check for leaks, and make sure the battery is charged and tires are inflated.
- Fold mirrors, remove or secure loose parts, and turn off the alarm.
- Have a set of keys ready for the driver.
Our vehicle shipping checklist has the full list.
Can I pack things in the car?
Most carriers don't allow personal items, or limit them to a small amount in the trunk. Carrier insurance generally doesn't cover belongings, and extra weight can cause problems. Ask before packing anything.
Do I need special documents?
For a trip within the continental U.S., you usually don't need to hand over your title. You may need to confirm you own the car or have permission to ship it. Ocean shipments, like to Hawaii, require more paperwork. Ask about the extra steps if your car is going overseas.
Pickup and delivery day
Do I have to be there?
You or someone you trust, age 18 or older, needs to be there at pickup and delivery to hand over keys, do the inspection and sign the bill of lading. Make sure that person knows to inspect carefully before signing.
What is the bill of lading?
The bill of lading (BOL) is the shipping contract and receipt. It includes a condition report showing any existing damage at pickup. At delivery, you compare the car against it. Note any new damage on the BOL before you sign.
How do I pay?
Payment terms vary. Often part of the cost is paid when the car is delivered. Confirm the amount and payment method before delivery day so it doesn't rush your inspection.
Safety, insurance and tracking
Is my car insured during shipping?
Licensed carriers carry cargo insurance that covers damage caused in transit, within the policy's limits. You can ask for the carrier's certificate of insurance. For high-value cars, coverage up to $2M can be arranged. Check with your own auto insurer, too.
How do I know where my car is?
CTS offers 24/7 in-transit updates, so you can check your car's progress whenever you want.
What happens if my car is damaged?
- Note the damage on the bill of lading before signing.
- Take photos and video before the driver leaves.
- Report it to your broker or carrier the same day.
- Get a repair estimate.
Damage is uncommon, and good paperwork makes claims much smoother.
Special situations
- Electric vehicles: charge to about 30–50% and share any special towing or transport mode. Ask about charging rules when you book.
- Non-running cars: tell the booking agent so a truck with a winch is assigned.
- Students and military: plan around move-in dates or PCS orders.
- Online purchases: arrange release paperwork with the seller first.
Mistakes first-time shippers often make
Most problems on a first shipment come from a few simple, avoidable mistakes. Knowing them ahead of time puts you a step ahead.
- Booking at the last minute. A few extra days of notice usually means a better price and an easier pickup window.
- Choosing only by the lowest number. A quote that is far below the rest may sit unbooked while carriers pick better-paying loads.
- Expecting an exact pickup time days ahead. Plan around a window and keep your phone on.
- Leaving the car full of stuff. Boxes and loose items can be refused, and they are not covered by carrier insurance.
- Skipping photos. Without your own pictures, it is harder to show what condition the car was in before pickup.
- Signing at delivery without looking. Your signature confirms the car arrived in good shape, so inspect first.
- Not telling the company about your street. Low trees, steep hills or gated entries can block a large truck. Mention them when you book so the driver can plan a meeting spot.
If you only remember one thing from this list, make it this: take your time at the two inspections. Pickup sets the record, and delivery is your chance to point out anything new. Everything else about car shipping is fairly forgiving, but a rushed signature is hard to undo.
Questions to ask before you book
A good shipping company will answer these clearly and in writing. If you get vague answers, keep looking.
- Is the price in writing, and what does it include?
- Is there a deposit, and when is the rest paid?
- What is the pickup window, and how much notice will the driver give?
- Is this open or enclosed transport?
- Can I see the carrier's insurance certificate once a carrier is assigned?
- What USDOT and MC numbers will appear on the paperwork?
- How will I get updates while the car is on the road?
- What happens if pickup or delivery is delayed?
- What should I do if I find damage at delivery?
You can check any carrier or broker's registration yourself on the FMCSA website by searching its USDOT or MC number.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to drive or ship my car?
For long trips, shipping is often close in cost once you add fuel, hotels, food, time off work and wear on the car. For short trips, driving is often cheaper.
Can I ship a car that doesn't run?
Yes. Tell us when you book. It costs a bit more because the carrier needs a winch to load it.
Can someone else hand over my car?
Yes. Any trusted adult can release or receive the car if they have the keys and know to inspect it carefully.
Do you ship to every state?
CTS serves all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.
What if I'm not happy with the service?
CTS offers a 100% satisfaction or money back guarantee. Tell us what went wrong and we'll work to make it right.
Ready for your first shipment? Read our car shipping FAQs for more answers, or get a free quote in a couple of minutes.
Updated November 4, 2026