Cross country auto transport experiences from our customers

SGT Auto Transport delivers on-time, reliable, car shipping and excellent customer service

Chris M.
Great experience - deliver was faster than expected. Thank you!!!
Doug P
This was the best transport company I have used from start to finish. Everything was smooth and the people were great.
Gary Paduana
I had a great experience going with SGT to ship a vehicle approximately 1400 miles. They arrived on time, loaded up quickly, and met me on the receiving end at my convenience.
Jeff Sundin
They made it easy to transport a car from Oregon to Alabama and returned calls fairly quickly. Thank you for the efficient service.
Mike B.
This is the second time I used SGT and I was just as happy with my service this time as the last time. Very responsive and competitive prices.
Robert B.
Was great all around experience, driver was great and professional at pick up. Good outfit to work with
What is cross country car transport

What do you need to know about cross country car transport?

You can ship a car across country in many different ways, but most are expensive, especially when you factor in all the additional costs. The most reliable, quick, easy, and affordable way to do it is to ship your car across country with an auto transport company. This door-to-door service makes it easy to take your car from one side of the country to the other, with no hassle or stress.

How much does it cost to ship a car across the country

What is cross country car transport?

Cross country car transport is a service that allows you to move your car from city to city, state to state, coast to coast, or anywhere in between. Your vehicle is picked up and loaded onto a trailer and delivered to your chosen location.

How long does it take to ship a car across the country

How long does it take to ship a car across country?

The time it takes to move a car across country depends on several things. Shipping a car across the US can take from 1-9 calendar days, depending on the distance. Rest assured we do everything we can to ensure your car is shipped swiftly, efficiently, and with no delays.

Cross-country car shipping is door to door

Is cross country car transport door-to-door?

Yes, cross country vehicle shipping is door-to-door, as long as the locations you choose allow it. Alternative pick-up and delivery locations will need to be arranged if the locations are not safe or are illegal. The carrier will arrange a location as close to your door as possible.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car across country?

The cost to transport a car across country depends on how you choose to do it. Driving it yourself might seem like the cheapest way to ship a car across country, but there are additional costs to include. The cheapest way by far is cross country auto transport.

Show more

What is the cost to ship a car across country?

Vehicles come in all shapes and sizes. Therefore, the average cost to ship a car across the country varies as well. However, there are several factors that directly affect the cost to ship a car across country. They include:

  • Make and model: Smaller vehicles cost less to transport than larger vehicles.
  • Distance traveled: Shorter distances cost less than longer distances.
  • Delivery time frame: If you want an expedited cross country auto transport service, the average cost is higher
  • Transport type: For owners of standard vehicles, open car transport is the best value option. On the other hand, you might be the owner of a classic, vintage, luxury, antique, expensive, or modified car. If this is the case, enclosed auto transport might be a better option because it offers added protection. The cost is a little higher but the added protection is worth it.
  • Vehicle condition: Vehicles that are operable cost less. Inoperable vehicles cost more because specialist loading and unloading equipment is necessary. This is often the case since the vehicle can’t be moved or modified.
  • Location: If you’re shipping between major cities, it costs less to transport a car across the country. Countryside auto transport can cost more because of the remote locations.
  • Time of the year: Shipping a car cross country is much cheaper during the summer. During the winter, dangerous road conditions increase the cost.

With these in mind, let’s take a look at an example. Typically, the average price per mile of an open transport is around $0.80. This is the standard rate if the distance is less than 500 miles. So, for a 250-mile trip, your cost would be around $200.

The longer the trip, the lower the average price per mile. If shipping a car across the country a distance of 1000 miles, your average price per mile would be about $0.70. And these costs are reflective of a standard open carrier, bringing your total to $700. Simply put, a smaller vehicle, in open transport, with flexible delivery times is going to be cheaper than the alternatives.

Show more

How does shipping multiple cars across country work?

Shipping multiple cars across country works just the same as shipping a single car, however, it is generally with an open truck and trailer. Arrangements are made to pick-up the cars, load them onto the trailer, and deliver them to your chosen location. For more information, speak with our shipping advisors.

Show more
DistanceType of 
transport
Avg. price
per mile
Sample distanceSample price
0 - 500 milesOpen$0.80250 miles$200
500 - 1000 milesOpen$0.73700 miles$511
1000 - 1500 milesOpen$0.701000 miles$700
1500 - 2000 milesOpen$0.481750 miles$840
2000 - 2500 milesOpen$0.372400 miles$888
2500 - 3000 milesOpen$0.352700 miles$945
3000+ milesOpen$0.333200 miles$1122

The Avg. price per mile rates shown up above are reflective of current market conditions as of 2023. The rates are subject to change due to seasonal fluctuations, price of gas, pick-up/delivery locations, etc.

Want to know the cost of shipping a car with us?

Take a look at some of our favorite cross country car transport stories

They show how we provide an exceptional cross country vehicle transport service

How to ship a car across country in 3 easy steps

Get a quote and book your order | We pick up your vehicle | You receive your vehicle

1

Get a quote and book your order

To get your free instant quote, use our online calculator. Provide a few basic details and you’ll find out the cost to transport a car cross country with just a few clicks. You will enter such details as:
• your pick-up city and state
• delivery city and state
• vehicle year
• make and model
• condition of the vehicle
• transport type
• first available shipping date (this is the first date your car will be ready for pick-up.

You are also entitled to a personalized cross country vehicle shipping quote if you prefer. This entails calling and speaking with our enthusiastic shipping advisors directly. You are also welcome to send us an email or use our Live Chat option.

You’ll get a price in just a few seconds, and it'll be all-inclusive of taxes and insurance.

Then, click on the link in the quote that was emailed to you and complete your booking. You can also email directly, call (864) 546-5038 to book your cross country car transport, or use our Live Chat option.

Upon assigning a carrier, we’ll collect a small partial payment from your debit or credit card, if you selected our Discounted Price. The balance is due on delivery of your vehicle and you can pay via cash, cashier check, and money order. For those who opted for the Regular Price, we collect payment in full when a carrier is assigned to your shipment.

Show more
2

We pick up your vehicle

Your assigned carrier will contact you a few hours before the pre-arranged pick-up time. This call will confirm your pick-up information. Additionally, the carrier will also want to clarify the location is accessible for large commercial vehicles.

If the location is not safe and legal, they can arrange an alternative. There might be a wider street nearby, for example, or a parking lot, or you could have it picked up from where you work.

Before the carrier loads your vehicle onto the trailer, you and the driver must inspect your vehicle together. Dents, dings, scratches, and any other existing damage is recorded on the Bill of Lading. You then sign this important document and get a copy to keep safe.

Show more
3

You receive your vehicle

It won’t be long before you get a confirmation phone call to let you know your vehicle is not very far away from its delivery locations close. If you know you’re not going to be available, there’s the option of nominating a third-party to accept delivery on your behalf. It could be a friend, relative, colleague, or neighbor, as long as they’re aged 18 or over.

Upon delivery of your car, you’re given the opportunity to inspect it closely. This process is just to make sure everything is in order. Lastly, you sign the Bill of Lading to accept delivery of your car.

As soon as your car is unloaded, it’s ready to drive away

Show more

We provide cross country auto transport services you can rely on

Discover what makes us the obvious choice when you want to ship your car across country

usp-0-upfront
You pay $0 upfront

If you’re shipping a car across the US, book your reliable cross country shipping service with us and you pay nothing in advance. Our cross country car transport rates are also all-inclusive. We only take payment when we find a carrier and dispatch your car for shipping.

usp-uship
A trustworthy cross country auto transport company at uShip

uShip considers us one of the most trusted cross country auto transport providers. We have an impressive number of shipments, low ratio between booked vs. cancelled shipments, and our customer reviews are outstanding.

usp-insurance
Full insurance coverage

Your vehicle is fully insured and secure when you ship your car across country with SGT Auto Transport. The cost to ship a car across country includes insurance coverage and taxes. Our prices are all-inclusive and there are no hidden charges, guaranteed.

usp-customizable
Customizable and personal cross country car transport

We understand that everyone’s needs are different, therefore we made our cross country car transport service fully customizable. Our shipping advisors will work with you to ensure you find the best way to ship a car across country. Our dispatch, support, and claims departments are also on hand to ensure your shipment is efficiently handled.

usp-24-7
Around the clock customer support

When it comes to shipping a car across country, we’ve earned a reputation for providing smooth and hassle-free services around the clock. Our dedicated shipping advisors are available 24/7 to answer questions and monitor your shipment. If you need us, we’ll make sure we’re available and will monitor your shipment 24/7.

usp-dollar-sign
Cancellation is free

If you decide you want to cancel your order before we assign a carrier you pay no penalties. We’ll keep the non-refundable small partial payment if you have to cancel your order after we assign a carrier. Ship a car across country with us again in the next six months and you can use the deposit.

Want to know the cost of shipping a car with us?

Enjoy many benefits when you ship a car across country

Save time, energy and money, it’s safer than driving and many more

customer-support-icon_1

Multiple shipping options are available

We offer a range of cross country car transport options, depending on your needs. Open car shipping, for example, is a budget-friendly way to ship a car across country. There’s also enclosed auto transport if your vehicle is high-value. Guaranteed pick-up is an add-on service if you’re pressed for time.

customer-support-icon_1

Ship a car across the country multi-vehicles Shipping multiple cars across country is an option

An increasing number of households have more than one car. This won’t be a problem if you want to ship them across the country and we’ll make sure you get the best possible deal. For dealerships, this is an important benefit, likewise if you’re a regular exhibitor at US car shows.

customer-support-icon_1

Personal possessions are permitted

Choose cross country car transport and you can ship up to 100 pounds of personal possessions with your car. You do, however, have to secure them in a box or suitcase in the trunk of your vehicle.

customer-support-icon_1

Vetted carriers with lots of experience

We carefully vet all the carriers we work with and only work with cross country car transport carriers that are experienced, reliable, professional, and trustworthy.

customer-support-icon_1

Saves time, energy, and money

If you want to ship a car across the country, we’ll do all the hard work for you. Our efficient shipping advisors secure the best deal and make all the arrangements. Sit back and let us take the lead. Cross county car transport is easier than you think.

customer-support-icon_1

Safer than driving

You might like the sound of a road trip, but long hours spent behind the wheel can be stressful, tiring and dangerous. Cross country car transport is safer, cheaper, quicker, and more convenient than driving. You’re also saving on unnecessary mileage and wear and tear.

How long does it take to ship a car across country?

Several factors affect the time it takes to ship a car across the country. The most obvious one is distance. It’s bound to take longer to ship a car from Montana to Louisiana than Oklahoma to Mississippi. Also, if you want your car picked up or delivered to a remote location, it’ll take the driver longer to reach there compared to a city.

The number of stops the driver has to make along the way can also affect the timeframe. Weather conditions impact the speed at which we transport your vehicle. Heavy traffic, detours, and road construction might also hamper the carrier. One final factor that has an impact is driver’s hours. The Department of Transportation mandates that truck drivers can only be on the road legally for 70 hours each week. The reason for this is to ensure truck drivers are well-rested and safe to drive.

DistanceAvg. transit time
(calendar days)
0 - 200 miles1 - 2 days
200 - 600 miles2 - 4 days
600 - 1000 miles3 - 5 days
1000 - 1500 miles4 - 6 days
1500 - 2000 miles5 - 7 days
2000 - 2400 miles 6 - 8 days
2400+ miles 7 - 9 days

The Avg. Transit Times shown up above can be affected by weather conditions, road conditions, traffic, etc.

When we recommend cross country car transport

If you’re relocating from one side of the country to the other, heading south for the winter or north for the summer, this is the service we recommend. Your vehicle can be picked up from your home and transported to your new location. With your cross country car transport needs taken care of, you can get on with making your own travel arrangements and be there to take delivery of your car when it arrives. It’s also a convenient auto transport service if you want to buy a car online.

Show more

We offer both open and enclosed auto transport

adobestock_539007206_1

Open car transport

Our open car transport service is excellent value for the money. It’s flexible, fast, and efficient. It is also one of the most used types of auto transport for our customers. Your vehicle is transported using a truck and trailer, along with other cars and vehicles. The trailer is open on all sides, but it is still a safe and secure way to ship your car. It’s easy to arrange, offers a quick turnaround, and it is convenient.
7ge8bzersdamne71b6jsl8k5gfxkfulbkbnhil1w

Enclosed auto transport

Use our enclosed auto transport service when you want to transport your most valued possession. Vehicles being shipped in an enclosed car trailer are protected on all four sides from the weather, dust, and dirt. If you’re the proud owner of a new, classic, luxury, high-end, custom, antique, or vintage vehicle, we’ll make sure it’s given the treatment it deserves.

Frequently asked car shipping questions

Everything you need to know about our reliable auto transport services

How long is my vehicle shipping quote valid?

However you get your cross country car shipping quote, whether it’s from one of our auto transport shipping advisors or online, it is valid for seven calendar days. The cross country car transport industry is very fluid and cross country auto transport rates change weekly and this is the reason for the timeframe. There’s no need to worry, however, because fair pricing is something we believe in and will do everything we can to give you the most accurate price possible.

Is my vehicle fully insured during cross country car transport?

Yes, your vehicle is fully insured throughout the shipment. from the moment a carrier picks it up to the time of delivery it’s covered. To ensure the carriers we work with meet all insurance requirements under the Department of Transport (DOT) regulation, we pre-screen every one. Your vehicle’s value, the type of trailer used, and the company determine how much your vehicle will be insured. 

It is usual for an open cross country car transport carrier to offer cargo insurance coverage between $100,000 and $150,000. An enclosed transport carrier, on the other hand, will offer cargo insurance coverage between $250,000 and $3,000,000. Carriers’ certificates of insurance can be provided upon request. 

Hawaii vehicle shipments things are slightly different as they are subject to the ocean freight liner’s insurance limitations. Our shipping advisors will be able to give you more details.

How do I pay for my cross country car transport service?

Here at SGT Auto Transport, we offer two payment options with our cross country vehicle shipping services - Discounted Price and Regular Price.

  • Discounted Price: Once we’ve assigned a carrier to pick up your vehicle, we collect a small partial payment from your credit or debit car. When the driver delivers your car you pay them the balance, using cash, a cashier’s check or money order.
  • Regular Price: As soon as we assign a carrier to pick up your vehicle you pay in full. This means there is no balance to pay at the time of delivery.
How far in advance should I book a cross country car transport service?

It is usual for people to book their cross country auto transport service between 1 and 2 weeks in advance. This gives us plenty of time to find and secure your cross country shipping service promptly. 

There are occasions when you might be in a hurry to move a car across country and only have a day or two before your desired pick-up date. In such instances, we can offer a guaranteed pick-up service. Speak with one of our experienced cross country car transport advisors to clarify the price and timeframe. When the cross country car shipping booking is complete, you’ll be contacted to arrange the final details.

Can I get a quote if I don’t know the exact car shipping pick-up address?

Yes, you use our instant online quote calculator to get a free, instant cross country car transport quote. You’ll need to provide the city/ZIP codes of the pick-up and delivery locations. Alternatively, you can also call and speak with our cross country car transport shipping advisors or use Live Chat. The exact address is not required if you want a cross country car shipping quote, but you’ll need to provide it when you book your cross country vehicle transport service.

What does the First Available Pick-up Date mean?

The First Available Pick-up Date is the date when your vehicle is ready to be picked up. As soon as we’ve assigned a car shipping carrier for your shipment, we’ll contact you to confirm the exact vehicle shipping date of your shipment.

How long does it take to deliver my vehicle?

Transit times for our cross country car shipping services depend on a number of things. These include road construction, traffic, seasonality, weather, driver’s hours, and detours. On average, you can expect shipping your car across country to take 1-2 days for distances under 200 miles. For distances over 2,000 miles it can take up to 9 days. 

Our car shipping advisors do everything possible to ensure your car is shipped across the country with no delays, quickly, and efficiently. 

There are alternatives if you’re pushed for time. Services such as express car shipping or a guaranteed pick-up expedite the shipping process.

Can I ship personal items in my car when I ship my car across country?

Up to 100lbs of personal items can be shipped in the trunk/cargo area of the vehicle being shipped. However, these items must be secured in a suitcase or a single box. 

It is possible to load more personal items when you move your car across country, but you must provide the estimated weight when you make your cross country car transport booking. With this information, we’ll be able to calculate an all-inclusive price. 

When you ship personal items in your car specific requirements must be followed. Both front seats and front seat floorboards must be empty and free of any personal items. The backseat and backseat floorboards must also be empty and free of any personal items. That is unless you’ve received an all-inclusive rate for items to be placed there. 

According to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, items shipped outside of a vehicle on an open transport trailer are strictly forbidden. In an enclosed auto transport trailer, however, you can ship additional items such as an engine or transmission. They must be secured in a crate. 

The above information doesn’t apply if you want to ship your vehicle to/from Hawaii. No personal items can be shipped inside the vehicle. If any items are found, the port will refuse the vehicle. The only exception to this rule is children’s car seats.

When will my car be picked up?

From the first available pick-up date, the standard car shipping pick-up window is between 1 to 4 business days. This is the date when your vehicle is ready to be picked up for cross country car transport.

4.7
/ 1,024 reviews /
4.7
/ 7,012 reviews /
4.5
/ 285 reviews /
4.8
/ 3,203 reviews /

Want to know the cost of shipping a car with us?

Hints and tips for shipping a car across country

Cross country car shipping advice from experienced car shippers