Shipping a Car to Another State:Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about interstate vehicle transport, including our free car shipping cost estimator and how to choose the best vehicle transport company for your move.
Car Shipping Cost Estimator
Our car shipping cost estimator helps you budget for interstate vehicle transport. Get instant, accurate quotes based on real-time market rates.
Average Interstate Shipping Costs by Distance
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-500 miles | $300-$600 | $450-$900 | 1-2 days |
| 500-1,000 miles | $600-$900 | $900-$1,350 | 2-4 days |
| 1,000-2,000 miles | $900-$1,300 | $1,350-$1,950 | 4-6 days |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,300-$1,800 | $1,950-$2,700 | 5-8 days |
Distance
Base rate per mile decreases with longer distances
Vehicle Size
Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks) cost more to transport
Transport Type
Enclosed transport costs 30-60% more than open
Season
Summer and winter peaks affect pricing
Route Popularity
Major routes often have lower rates
Timeframe
Express shipping costs extra
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Car Shipping Calculator
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Shipping Route
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Competitive Pricing
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On-Time Delivery
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Broker Disclosure
Caravan Transport is a licensed auto transport broker (USDOT 3136996, MC 1112727). We arrange transportation with vetted, licensed carriers and do not operate trucks ourselves. Carrier availability and pricing can change based on route demand and pickup window. You can verify carrier registration through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
How Vehicle Transport Works: State-to-State Shipping
Shipping a car to another state is straightforward with the right vehicle transport company. Here's our simple 5-step process:
Get Your Quote
60 secondsUse our car shipping cost estimator or call for instant pricing. We provide transparent, all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees.
Book Your Transport
5 minutesChoose your pickup date, transport type (open or enclosed), and provide vehicle details. We handle all interstate permits and documentation.
Vehicle Pickup
1-3 days from bookingOur certified driver performs a detailed inspection and loads your vehicle. You receive photos and a signed Bill of Lading.
Interstate Transit
Varies by distanceTrack your vehicle in real-time as it travels to another state. Our team provides regular updates and 24/7 support.
Delivery & Inspection
As scheduledVehicle delivered to your chosen location. Complete final inspection and sign off on delivery. Payment processed only after successful delivery.
Popular State-to-State Shipping Routes & Pricing
Real-time pricing for the most common interstate vehicle transport routes. Rates shown are for standard sedan/SUV open transport.
How to Choose the Best Vehicle Transport Company
Not all vehicle transport companies are equal. Here's what to look for when shipping a car to another state:
Must-Have Features
- FMCSA licensed and bonded (verify MC/DOT numbers)
- Minimum $750,000 cargo insurance coverage
- Real-time GPS tracking for your vehicle
- A+ BBB rating or 4.5+ stars on Google/Trustpilot
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Written contract and Bill of Lading
- 24/7 customer support during transport
- Door-to-door service availability
Red Flags to Avoid
- Demands large deposits upfront (over 25%)
- No physical address or phone number
- Unusually low quotes (30%+ below average)
- No written contract or documentation
- Cannot provide insurance certificates
- No online reviews or all reviews from same period
- Pressure tactics or "today only" deals
- Won't provide references or MC number
Why Caravan Transport is Your Best Choice
State-Specific Vehicle Transport Requirements
When shipping a car to another state, be aware of these specific requirements and considerations:
Registration & Title
- • Most states give 30-90 days to register after arrival
- • Keep current registration during transport
- • Title not required for transport (keep secure)
- • Some states require emissions testing upon arrival
Insurance Considerations
- • Your auto insurance covers during transport
- • Carrier provides additional cargo insurance
- • Document pre-existing damage before shipping
- • Update insurance with new state requirements
Special State Rules
- • California: Strict emissions standards
- • Hawaii: Requires port shipping
- • Alaska: Combined truck/ship transport
- • Florida: Hurricane season considerations
Tax Implications
- • Some states charge sales tax on vehicles
- • Military members often exempt from fees
- • Job relocation may be tax deductible
- • Keep transport receipts for tax records
Frequently Asked Questions About Interstate Car Shipping
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
The cost of shipping a car to another state typically ranges from $500 to $1,500 for open transport, depending on distance. Short distances (under 500 miles) average $1.00 per mile, while cross-country routes average $0.60 per mile. Use our car shipping cost estimator for accurate quotes based on your specific route, vehicle type, and timing needs.
How long does vehicle transport take between states?
Interstate vehicle transport typically takes 1-2 days for distances under 500 miles, 2-4 days for 500-1,500 miles, and 5-7 days for cross-country shipping over 2,500 miles. Express shipping options can reduce transit times by 1-2 days. Weather, route popularity, and season can affect delivery times.
What's the best vehicle transport company for interstate shipping?
The best vehicle transport company offers licensed and insured service (verify FMCSA registration), transparent pricing with no hidden fees, real-time tracking capabilities, and excellent customer reviews (4.5+ stars). Look for companies with at least $750K insurance coverage, A+ BBB ratings, and 24/7 customer support.
Is enclosed transport worth the extra cost?
Enclosed transport costs 30-60% more but is worth it for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles valued over $50,000. It provides complete protection from weather, road debris, and prying eyes. For standard vehicles, open transport is safe and economical, used for 90% of vehicle shipments.
What items can I leave in my car during transport?
Most vehicle transport companies allow up to 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk, below window level. Remove all valuable items, electronics, and important documents. Items left in the vehicle are not covered by carrier insurance. Check with your specific carrier for their policy.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Either you or an authorized representative (18+) must be present for both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of Lading and perform vehicle inspection. If you cannot be present, you can designate someone else but must notify the transport company in advance.
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Professional vehicle transport company serving all 50 states since 2019