Cross Country Vehicle Shipping
Coast-to-coast transport done right
Whether you are relocating across the country, buying a car from another state, or shipping a vehicle for any reason -- this is the complete guide to cross-country auto transport. Real pricing, real timelines, and everything you need to know before booking.
What's Inside This Guide
Everything about shipping a vehicle across the country
What Is Cross Country Vehicle Shipping?
Cross-country auto transport means shipping a vehicle 1,500 miles or more -- typically from one coast to the other, or between distant regions of the United States. These are the longest domestic routes in auto transport, covering distances like New York to Los Angeles (2,800 miles), Miami to Seattle (3,300 miles), or Boston to San Francisco (3,100 miles).
Over 1.3 million vehicles are shipped across the US every year according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Cross-country routes represent the most common long-haul shipments, driven by interstate relocations, online car purchases, snowbird seasonal moves, military PCS orders, and dealer-to-dealer transfers.
The good news for cross-country shippers: per-mile rates are at their lowest on long-haul routes. While a 300-mile haul might cost $1.20-$2.00 per mile, a 2,800-mile coast-to-coast run drops to $0.38-$0.52 per mile. Carriers prefer long-haul loads because they can plan efficient multi-stop routes and keep their trucks full for days at a time.
Cross Country Route Pricing
These are real pricing ranges for the 12 most popular cross-country routes, based on actual shipment data. Prices reflect open transport for a standard sedan. SUVs add $50-$200, trucks add $100-$250, and enclosed adds 30-60%.
| From | To | Miles | Open Rate | Enclosed Rate | Per Mile | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Los Angeles | 2,800 | $1,100 - $1,450 | $1,600 - $2,200 | $0.39-$0.52 | 7-10 days |
| San Francisco | New York | 2,900 | $1,150 - $1,500 | $1,700 - $2,300 | $0.40-$0.52 | 8-10 days |
| Miami | Seattle | 3,300 | $1,250 - $1,600 | $1,800 - $2,500 | $0.38-$0.48 | 9-12 days |
| Boston | San Diego | 2,980 | $1,150 - $1,500 | $1,700 - $2,300 | $0.39-$0.50 | 8-11 days |
| Washington DC | Phoenix | 2,300 | $1,000 - $1,300 | $1,450 - $1,950 | $0.43-$0.57 | 7-9 days |
| Atlanta | Los Angeles | 2,175 | $950 - $1,250 | $1,400 - $1,900 | $0.44-$0.57 | 6-8 days |
| Chicago | San Francisco | 2,130 | $950 - $1,200 | $1,400 - $1,800 | $0.45-$0.56 | 6-8 days |
| New York | Miami | 1,280 | $700 - $950 | $1,050 - $1,400 | $0.55-$0.74 | 4-6 days |
| Dallas | Seattle | 2,130 | $950 - $1,200 | $1,400 - $1,800 | $0.45-$0.56 | 6-8 days |
| Philadelphia | Las Vegas | 2,530 | $1,050 - $1,400 | $1,550 - $2,100 | $0.41-$0.55 | 7-9 days |
| Minneapolis | Tampa | 1,660 | $850 - $1,100 | $1,250 - $1,700 | $0.51-$0.66 | 5-7 days |
| Detroit | Phoenix | 1,980 | $900 - $1,150 | $1,350 - $1,750 | $0.45-$0.58 | 6-8 days |
* Standard sedan, open transport, off-peak pricing. Your exact price depends on vehicle type, season, and pickup speed.
Cross Country Transit Times
Total delivery time = pickup window + transit time. The pickup window is how long it takes to assign a carrier (typically 1-3 business days for standard, 1-2 for expedited). Transit time is the actual drive time once loaded. FMCSA regulations limit drivers to 11 hours per day, so a 2,800-mile coast-to-coast run takes a minimum of 4 driving days.
| Distance | Transit Time | Pickup Window | Total Estimate | Example Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 - 1,500 miles | 4-6 days | 1-3 days | 5-9 days | NY to FL, TX to IL |
| 1,500 - 2,000 miles | 5-7 days | 1-3 days | 6-10 days | FL to CO, GA to AZ |
| 2,000 - 2,500 miles | 6-8 days | 1-3 days | 7-11 days | IL to CA, MA to AZ |
| 2,500 - 3,000 miles | 7-14 days | 1-3 days | 8-17 days | NY to LA, DC to SF |
| 3,000+ miles | 9-14 days | 1-3 days | 10-17 days | Miami to Seattle, Boston to San Diego |
What Can Cause Delays
Cross-country shipping involves thousands of miles and multiple variables. Here is what can extend your delivery window -- and how we handle it.
Weather
Severe winter storms, hurricanes, or flooding can add 1-3 days. Mountain passes (Rockies, Appalachians) close during heavy snow. Carriers will not risk vehicle safety.
Mechanical Issues
Carrier trucks travel 100,000+ miles per year. Breakdowns happen. Reputable carriers have contingency plans and will notify you immediately. Typical delay: 1-2 days.
Driver Hours of Service
FMCSA regulations limit drivers to 11 hours driving per 14-hour window, with mandatory 30-minute breaks. A cross-country run requires at least 3-4 driving days of pure transit time.
Multi-Stop Routes
Your carrier has 7-10 vehicles on board, each with different pickup and delivery points. The carrier optimizes their route for all vehicles, which may add stops between your pickup and delivery.
Seasonal Demand
During peak months (January, June-August), carrier availability tightens. Pickup windows can extend from 1-3 days to 5-7 days. Book early to secure your preferred dates.
Open vs. Enclosed for Cross Country
This decision matters more for cross-country shipping than shorter routes. Your vehicle will be on the carrier for 7-10 days straight, traversing multiple climate zones, weather systems, and thousands of miles of highway. Open is safe for 90% of vehicles. Enclosed is the right call for high-value cars making the long trip.
| Feature | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Coast-to-Coast Cost (Sedan) | $1,100-$1,500 | $1,600-$2,400 |
| Cost Premium | Baseline | +30-60% |
| Carrier Capacity | 7-10 vehicles | 2-6 vehicles |
| Weather Protection | ||
| Road Debris Protection | ||
| Sun / UV Protection | ||
| GPS Real-Time Tracking | ||
| Full Insurance Coverage | ||
| Door-to-Door Service | ||
| Condition Reports | ||
| Max Exposure Time Cross-Country | 7-10 days on open air | Zero exposure |
| Best For | Daily drivers, standard vehicles | Luxury, classic, exotic, show cars |
Choose Open When:
- Your vehicle is a daily driver worth under $50,000
- You are shipping a standard sedan, SUV, or truck
- You want the most cost-effective option
- Your vehicle is 5+ years old with existing wear
- You are shipping multiple vehicles (volume discount)
Choose Enclosed When:
- Your vehicle is worth $50,000 or more
- Classic, vintage, or collector car
- Exotic or supercar (Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren)
- Show car being transported to an event
- Brand-new vehicle with zero miles
- You simply want maximum protection regardless of value
What Drives Cross Country Shipping Costs?
Eight variables determine your cross-country quote. Understanding them helps you budget accurately, time your shipment for savings, and avoid the bait-and-switch pricing many brokers use.
Distance
Largest impactCross-country routes (2,000+ miles) have the lowest per-mile rates: $0.38-$0.52/mile. This is because carriers spread fixed operating costs across more revenue miles. The per-mile rate drops significantly after the 1,500-mile mark.
Vehicle Size & Weight
Moderate impactA midsize SUV adds $50-$150 over a sedan. A full-size truck adds $100-$250. Oversized vehicles (lifted trucks, dually pickups) add $200-$400. Carriers charge more because larger vehicles take more deck space and add weight to the trailer.
Season & Demand
Significant impactJanuary (snowbird routes) and June-August (summer moving season) add $100-$400 to cross-country rates. February-April and October-November are the cheapest months. The NY-FL corridor in January can cost 30% more than February.
Transport Method
Significant impactEnclosed adds 30-60% to your cross-country rate. On a $1,200 open quote, enclosed would be $1,560-$1,920. For a 2,800-mile coast-to-coast run, enclosed averages $1,600-$2,400 vs. $1,100-$1,500 open.
Route Corridor
Moderate impactHigh-traffic corridors (NY-FL, CA-TX, IL-AZ) are 10-20% cheaper than low-traffic routes (Montana to Mississippi, Maine to New Mexico) because more carriers run popular lanes, creating competition.
Pickup Speed
Moderate impactStandard pickup (1-3 days) gets the best rate. Expedited (1-2 days) adds $150-$300. On cross-country routes, expedited pickup is harder because carriers plan multi-day routes in advance.
Vehicle Condition
Low impactNon-running vehicles add $150-$250 for winch loading. Vehicles with low clearance, missing bumpers, or no brakes require special handling. Always disclose condition upfront to avoid day-of surcharges.
Pickup & Delivery Access
Low impactMost addresses are accessible. Narrow streets, gated communities, or dead-end roads may require meeting the carrier at a nearby lot. Rural pickup/delivery locations can add $50-$100 if far from major highways.
Want a Deeper Breakdown?
Our complete Car Shipping Costs guide has per-mile tables, seasonal calendars, and vehicle type pricing for every scenario.
Major Cross Country Shipping Corridors
The auto transport industry runs on established corridors -- major highway routes that carriers travel repeatedly. Knowing your corridor helps you understand your pricing and optimize your timing.
I-95 Corridor (Northeast to Florida)
Very High trafficBoston / NYC / DC to Miami / Tampa / Orlando
The single busiest auto transport corridor in the US. Thousands of snowbirds ship vehicles south for winter. January is 20-30% more expensive. Reverse direction (FL to NE) is cheaper in winter.
Feb-Apr, Oct-Nov
January (snowbird)
East Coast to West Coast
High trafficNYC / NJ / PA to LA / SF / San Diego
The classic cross-country route. High carrier availability year-round. Westbound is slightly cheaper because more people ship eastbound during peak season.
Feb-Apr, Oct-Nov
Jun-Aug (summer moves)
Midwest to West Coast
High trafficChicago / Detroit / Minneapolis to CA / WA / OR
Popular with relocations and dealer transfers. Carriers often combine Midwest pickups with Northeast loads heading west, creating competitive pricing.
Mar-May, Sep-Oct
Jun-Aug
Texas Triangle to Coasts
High trafficHouston / Dallas / Austin to CA, FL, NY
Texas is a major auto transport hub due to its central location. Carriers frequently pass through TX on long-haul routes, meaning good availability and pricing.
Feb-Apr, Oct-Nov
Jun-Aug
Southeast to Southwest
Medium trafficAtlanta / Charlotte to Phoenix / Las Vegas / Denver
Growing corridor driven by population migration from Southeast to Sun Belt. Prices are moderate due to increasing carrier activity on this route.
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Jun-Aug, Jan
Pacific Northwest Loop
Medium trafficSeattle / Portland to CA or to East Coast
Seattle/Portland to LA is a short run with good availability. PNW to East Coast is less common and may require slightly longer pickup windows.
Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
Jul-Aug
Who Ships Cars Cross Country?
Cross-country auto transport is not just for people moving. Here are the six most common reasons people ship vehicles long distances -- and a pro tip for each.
Relocating for Work
Corporate transfers, job changes, and cross-country moves make up the largest segment of long-haul auto transport. Many employers reimburse car shipping costs. Average shipment: 1,800-2,500 miles.
Ask your employer if car shipping is covered in your relocation package. Many Fortune 500 companies include it.
Buying a Car Out of State
Found a better deal 2,000 miles away? Online vehicle marketplaces have made out-of-state purchases common. Shipping costs $1,100-$1,500 cross-country -- often less than the savings on the vehicle itself.
Have the seller meet the carrier for pickup. Scott's coordinates directly with dealers and private sellers.
Snowbird Seasonal Shipping
Northeastern retirees shipping to Florida or Arizona for winter drive the biggest seasonal demand spike. January is peak. The I-95 corridor sees a 30% price increase during snowbird migration.
Book 3-4 weeks before your travel date in peak season. Or ship in December or February to save $100-$300.
Military PCS Moves
Military personnel receive a Personally Procured Move (PPM) allowance or can have the military arrange transport. Cross-country PCS moves between bases are extremely common during summer.
Your PCS orders may cover the full cost of shipping. Contact your Transportation Management Office (TMO) for entitlements.
College Students
Students attending school across the country often ship their vehicle at the start and end of each academic year. August-September and May-June are peak student shipping months.
Split the cost with another student shipping on a similar route. Multi-vehicle discounts apply.
Dealers & Auctions
Auto dealers purchase vehicles at auctions nationwide and need them transported to their lots. High-volume dealer accounts move hundreds of vehicles monthly across the country.
Scott's offers dealer volume pricing with dedicated account management for 5+ vehicles per month.
Preparing Your Vehicle for a Cross Country Ship
Cross-country transport means your vehicle will be on the road for 7-10+ days traversing multiple states and climate zones. Proper preparation protects your vehicle and ensures a smooth pickup and delivery process.
Wash Your Vehicle
A clean vehicle makes it easier to document pre-existing damage during the condition inspection. Take photos from all angles, including close-ups of any dents, scratches, or chips before pickup.
Remove Personal Items
Carriers are not insured for personal belongings inside the vehicle. Remove everything -- electronics, documents, toll transponders, garage openers, child seats, and aftermarket accessories that are not permanently installed.
Document the Condition
Take 20-30 dated photos: all four sides, roof, wheels, odometer, dashboard, and any existing damage. The carrier will do a Bill of Lading inspection at pickup, but your own photo documentation is essential.
Reduce Fuel to 1/4 Tank
Less fuel means less weight. A full tank adds 100-150 pounds. Most carriers require 1/4 tank or less. This is enough fuel for the carrier to load, unload, and move the vehicle short distances.
Check for Mechanical Issues
The carrier needs your car to start, steer, and brake for loading/unloading. If your vehicle is inoperable, disclose this upfront -- special equipment (winch/forklift) will be arranged, and pricing may be $150-$250 higher.
Disable Alarms & Toll Tags
Deactivate aftermarket alarms to prevent false triggers during transport. Remove or deactivate toll transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass) to avoid charges as the carrier passes through toll roads across multiple states.
Secure or Remove Loose Parts
Retract antennas, fold mirrors, remove custom spoilers or loose trim. Any part that could come loose at highway speeds should be secured or removed. Convertible tops should be up and latched.
Leave One Set of Keys
Provide one set of keys to the carrier driver. They need keys to start, shift, and steer the vehicle during loading and unloading. Do not leave your only set -- always keep a spare.
Prepare Access for the Carrier
A full-size car carrier truck is 75 feet long. Ensure there is adequate space for the truck to pull up safely. Discuss the closest accessible meeting point with your transport coordinator if your street is narrow or restricted.
Confirm Your Contact Information
Provide a working phone number where you can be reached during the pickup window. The driver will call 12-24 hours before arrival to confirm. Make sure someone is available to meet the driver at both pickup and delivery.
Drive vs. Ship: The True Cost Comparison
Most people only compare fuel cost vs. shipping cost. That is a mistake. A 2,800-mile cross-country drive involves far more expenses than fuel alone. Here is the real math for a New York to Los Angeles move.
Drive It Yourself
Plus: 2,800 miles of depreciation, 3-4 days of travel, fatigue, and accident risk on unfamiliar roads
Ship It with Scott's
Includes: door-to-door, full insurance, GPS tracking, and a one-way flight to your destination
The bottom line: Shipping saves you $930-$1,605+ in real costs, 2,800 miles of vehicle wear, 3-4 days of driving, and the risk of a breakdown or accident 1,500 miles from home.
Get your free quoteTop Cross Country Shipping Routes
These are the most requested long-distance auto transport routes in the country. Each page has detailed pricing, transit times, and route-specific tips.
New York to Los Angeles
New York to Miami
Los Angeles to Houston
Chicago to Phoenix
San Francisco to Boston
Seattle to Miami
Dallas to Atlanta
Denver to Orlando
Why 20,000+ Customers Trust Scott's for Cross Country Shipping
Cross-country shipping is where the difference between a great company and a bad one really shows. Long-haul routes have more variables, more time in transit, and more opportunities for things to go wrong. Here is why Scott's consistently outperforms.
| Feature | Scott's Auto Carrier | Typical Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Price Guarantee | ScottPrice Lock -- never changes | Estimate only, often increases |
| Booking Cost | Reserve free, pay when carrier confirmed | $150-$500 upfront deposit |
| Coast-to-Coast Network | Direct carrier partnerships, all 48 states | Sub-brokered to unknown carriers |
| Cross-Country Experience | 20,000+ long-haul shipments completed | Varies, often unverifiable |
| Transit Tracking | Real-time GPS on every shipment | Rarely offered or inaccurate |
| Communication | Dedicated coordinator, available 7 days a week | Call center, limited hours |
| Hidden Fees | Zero -- all-inclusive pricing | Fuel, broker, seasonal surcharges |
| Insurance | $750K minimum per carrier, verified | Varies, often unclear coverage |
| Cancellation | Free before dispatch | Non-refundable deposit common |
| Customer Rating | 4.9/5 across 3,200+ reviews | Mixed, often unverified |
ScottPrice Lock for Long Haul
Cross-country routes are where bait-and-switch is most common -- carriers face variable fuel costs, weather delays, and demand fluctuations over 2,500+ miles. Other companies use this as an excuse to raise prices after booking. Scott's absorbs these variables. Your price is locked. Period.
"We shipped our Tesla from San Francisco to Boston -- 3,100 miles. The quote was $1,350 and that's exactly what we paid. The tracker updated every few hours and the car arrived in perfect condition on day 8. Best auto transport experience we've ever had."
-- Verified Customer, CA to MA ShipmentCross Country Shipping Glossary
Cross Country Shipping
Auto transport over 1,000 miles, typically spanning multiple states or coast-to-coast. The longest standard routes are approximately 3,300 miles (Seattle to Miami).
Coast to Coast
Shipping between the East Coast and West Coast of the United States, typically 2,500-3,300 miles with 7-10 day transit times.
Corridor
A major shipping lane with high carrier traffic. Popular corridors (I-95, I-10, I-80) have more carriers competing, which keeps prices lower and pickup windows shorter.
Snowbird Route
Seasonal shipping lanes between northern states and Florida/Arizona. Extremely busy (and expensive) from October-January as retirees migrate south, and April-June heading north.
Transit Time
The number of days from carrier pickup to delivery. Does not include the pickup window (1-3 days to assign a carrier). Cross-country transit is typically 7-14 days.
Open Transport
Vehicles shipped on an open multi-level trailer exposed to weather and road conditions. The industry standard for 85-90% of all shipments. Safe, reliable, and most affordable.
Enclosed Transport
Vehicles shipped inside a fully enclosed trailer with complete protection from weather, debris, and UV. Costs 30-60% more than open. Recommended for vehicles valued at $50K+.
Per-Mile Rate
The cost of shipping divided by the total distance. Long-haul rates are lower per mile ($0.38-$0.55) than short hauls ($1.00-$2.00) because fixed costs are spread over more distance.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
The legal document recording your vehicle's condition at pickup and delivery. Serves as your receipt, insurance record, and proof of delivery. Always inspect and sign carefully.
Door-to-Door
The carrier picks up and delivers as close to your specified address as safely and legally accessible. Areas with narrow streets, low-hanging trees, or restricted access may require a nearby meeting point. The most popular service type for cross-country shipping.
ScottPrice Lock
Scott's proprietary pricing guarantee. The price quoted at booking is permanently locked and will not change for any reason. No fuel surcharges, no seasonal adjustments, no exceptions.
Pickup Window
The estimated timeframe for a carrier to arrive for pickup after booking. Standard is 1-3 business days (rural areas may require 3-5 days). Expedited (1-2 days) costs $100-$300 extra.
Cross Country Shipping FAQ
15 questions every cross-country shipper asks -- answered with real data and experience.
Coast-to-coast shipping (2,500-3,000 miles) costs $1,100-$1,500 for open transport of a standard sedan. Enclosed runs $1,600-$2,400. SUVs/trucks add $100-$300. The per-mile rate drops significantly on long-haul routes -- typically $0.38-$0.55/mile compared to $1.00-$2.00/mile for short distances.