Shipping a car from one state to another usually costs $500 to $1,900 on an open carrier and takes 1 to 3 days for trips under 500 miles or 7 to 10 days coast to coast. You book with a licensed broker or carrier, prepare the car, sign an inspection report at pickup, and check the car again at delivery. After you arrive, you will typically need to update your title, registration and insurance in the new state.
Key takeaways
- Most state-to-state shipments travel on open carriers; enclosed trailers cost more but protect high-value cars.
- Price depends mostly on distance, route popularity, vehicle size, trailer type and season.
- Book 1 to 2 weeks ahead for the best mix of price and pickup timing.
- The Bill of Lading inspection at pickup and delivery is your most important document.
- New residents usually have a limited time to register the car in their new state, so check the state DMV rules early.
How state-to-state car shipping works
Interstate car shipping follows the same basic steps no matter which states you are moving between:
- Get a quote. You share pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the vehicle, trailer type and your first available date.
- Book the order. You sign an agreement that lists the price, pickup window and terms.
- Carrier assignment. The broker matches your car with a licensed, insured carrier heading your way.
- Pickup and inspection. The driver checks the car, notes any existing damage on the Bill of Lading, and you both sign.
- Transit. The car rides on the trailer with other vehicles going the same direction.
- Delivery and inspection. You check the car against the pickup report, sign, and pay any balance due.
Our how car shipping works page walks through each step in more depth.
Door-to-door vs. terminal
Most shipments today are door-to-door, meaning the driver gets as close to your address as they safely and legally can. Big car carriers can't always fit down narrow streets, cul-de-sacs, or roads with low trees, so you may meet the driver at a nearby store parking lot. Terminal shipping, where you drop the car at a lot, is less common and can add storage time.
What state-to-state shipping costs
The biggest price factor is distance, but price per mile drops as trips get longer. A 300-mile move might cost more per mile than a 2,500-mile one because loading and unloading take the same effort either way.
| Trip length | Typical open carrier | Typical enclosed | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $500–$800 | $800–$1,200 | 1–3 days |
| 500–1,000 miles | $700–$1,100 | $1,000–$1,600 | 2–5 days |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $900–$1,400 | $1,300–$2,100 | 3–6 days |
| 1,500–2,500 miles | $1,100–$1,700 | $1,600–$2,600 | 5–8 days |
| Coast to coast | $1,300–$1,900 | $1,900–$2,900 | 7–10 days |
These are typical ranges for a standard sedan and they vary with fuel prices, season and demand. SUVs and pickups usually cost more. For your exact route, use the car shipping cost calculator.
What else changes the price
- Route popularity. Busy corridors like New York to Florida or Texas to California have more trucks and often better prices.
- Direction and season. Snowbirds push north-to-south prices up in the fall and south-to-north prices up in the spring.
- Vehicle size. A large pickup or van takes more room and weight. Lifted or modified trucks may need a custom quote.
- Condition. Non-running cars need a winch and cost more.
- Speed. A fast pickup on a tight deadline adds cost.
Open or enclosed for a state-to-state move?
Open transport is what most people use for everyday cars. Your car rides on a two-level trailer exposed to the weather, much like it would be if you drove it. It is the most available and lowest-cost option.
Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered trailer. It protects against road debris, rain, snow and dust. It is the better choice for classic cars, luxury and exotic vehicles, freshly painted cars, or cars with low ground clearance that need a liftgate.
| Open | Enclosed | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Lower | Usually 30%–60% more |
| Availability | Very high | Fewer trucks, may need more lead time |
| Protection | Exposed to weather and road dust | Fully covered |
| Best for | Daily drivers, SUVs, used cars | Classic, exotic, luxury, show cars |
How long state-to-state shipping takes
Total time has two parts: the wait for pickup and the time on the road.
Pickup usually happens 1 to 5 business days after your first available date for standard orders. Major metro areas tend to be faster. Small towns far from an interstate can take longer.
Transit runs about 1 to 3 days for trips under 500 miles and 7 to 10 days for coast-to-coast moves. Drivers follow federal driving-hour limits and usually make other stops along the way.
If you have a firm date, ask about a guaranteed delivery option. For very long moves, expect the longer end of that range, especially in winter.
Preparing your car
A few minutes of prep makes pickup faster and protects you if there's a damage question later.
- Wash the car so the driver can see the paint clearly during inspection.
- Take clear, dated photos of every side, the roof, wheels and the odometer.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel or less.
- Remove toll tags, parking passes and garage remotes.
- Take out personal items. Carriers typically aren't licensed to haul household goods, and their insurance usually doesn't cover them.
- Check tires, battery and fluids. Note any leaks for the driver.
- Fold in mirrors and remove racks or loose parts.
- Have a spare key ready for the driver.
Read our full vehicle shipping checklist before pickup day.
Pickup and delivery: what to check
At pickup
Walk around the car with the driver. Make sure every existing scratch or dent is marked on the Bill of Lading. Do not sign a blank or incomplete report. Get a copy, either paper or digital.
At delivery
Inspect the car in good light before you sign. Compare it to the pickup report and your photos. If you find new damage, write it on the delivery Bill of Lading before signing and take photos right away. Then contact the company to start a claim with the carrier's insurer.
After you arrive: title, registration and insurance
Moving to a new state usually means changing your car's paperwork. Rules differ a lot from state to state, so treat this as a general guide and check your new state's DMV website for exact steps.
- Registration deadline. Many states give new residents somewhere around 30 to 60 days to register, but some are shorter or longer.
- Title transfer. If you have a loan, your lender may hold the title, and the DMV may need to contact them.
- Driver's license. Most states also expect you to get a new license within a set time after you become a resident.
- Inspections. Some states require a safety inspection, an emissions test, or a VIN verification for cars coming from out of state.
- Insurance. Update your policy to your new address. Minimum coverage levels vary by state.
Our state pages, such as Florida car shipping, include local tips. Always confirm details with the official state agency.
How to choose a company for an interstate move
- Verify the USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website.
- Compare at least three written quotes for the same shipment.
- Be careful of a quote far below the rest; it may rise later.
- Read the contract for deposit, cancellation and price-change terms.
- Ask how carriers are vetted and how insurance claims work.
- Ask how you'll get updates in transit.
CTS shipments are arranged by Niki Auto Transport (USDOT 4535689, MC 1799148) through a network of 100,000+ licensed and insured carriers across all 50 states, with a $0 deposit and 24/7 in-transit updates. Popular corridors such as New York to Florida and Texas to California usually have the most trucks and the quickest pickups.
Special situations on interstate moves
Shipping to or from Hawaii
Hawaii moves combine a truck leg on the mainland with an ocean leg on a ship from a West Coast port. Ocean shipping has its own rules on fuel level, personal items and paperwork, and some lenders must give written permission before a financed car leaves the mainland. Plan extra time. Our Hawaii car shipping guide covers the steps.
Buying a car in another state
If you bought a car from a dealer or private seller out of state, the seller should give you the signed title or the paperwork the dealer handles. Make sure the release person at pickup knows the car is being shipped and has the order details. Some states also collect sales tax when you register the car, so check your home state's rules.
Leased or financed cars
Moving a leased or financed car to a new state is normal, but tell your leasing company or lender about your new address. They may need to be involved in the new registration.
Planning your move timeline
The car is only one piece of a state-to-state move. Use this rough timeline to keep it on track:
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 3–4 weeks before | Collect quotes, compare terms, check licensing |
| 1–2 weeks before | Book your shipment and set your first available date |
| A few days before | Wash the car, take photos, remove personal items and toll tags |
| Pickup day | Inspect with the driver, sign the Bill of Lading, hand over keys |
| During transit | Watch for updates; confirm who will receive the car |
| Delivery day | Inspect, note any new damage, sign and pay any balance |
| First weeks in new state | Update insurance, then title, registration and license |
Should you ship the car before or after you move?
Many people set the first available date a day or two before they leave, so the car is picked up while they are still at the old address. Then they fly or drive another vehicle to the new home. Plan for the car to arrive a few days after you do, and line up a ride or rental for that gap. If someone else will receive the car, give the company their name and contact info ahead of time.
Shipping more than one vehicle
If you're moving two cars, ask for them on the same truck. It can lower the cost per car and keep both arrivals on the same schedule. Be sure both vehicles are listed separately on the quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to ship a car to another state?
Open transport with a flexible pickup window, booked 1 to 2 weeks ahead, is usually the lowest-cost option. Meeting the driver near a major highway can help too.
Can I ship a car to another state if it isn't running?
Yes. Tell the company up front so they send a carrier with a winch. Expect to pay more than for a running vehicle.
Do I need to be there for pickup and delivery?
You or someone you trust, age 18 or older, needs to be there to hand over keys and sign the inspection report at both ends.
Is my car insured while it's being shipped?
Licensed carriers carry cargo insurance that covers damage caused during transport. Ask for the carrier's certificate of insurance once assigned, and check whether your own policy offers extra coverage.
Can I put boxes in my car?
It is generally not recommended. Carrier insurance usually doesn't cover personal items, and extra weight can cause problems. Some carriers allow a small amount in the trunk; ask first.
Moving to a new state? Get a free quote for your route in about a minute. Learn more on our state-to-state car shipping service page.
Updated November 4, 2026