Relocating to a new state? Buying a car online? Sending a vehicle to a family member across the country?
Whatever your reason, car shipping services in the USA provide a safe, efficient, and hassle-free way to move your vehicle from point A to point B, without the stress, mileage, or time investment of a cross-country drive.
But let’s be real: shipping your car isn’t something you do every day. The industry is full of brokers, carriers, and confusing options.
That’s why we created this detailed guide to car shipping in the USA in 2025.
You’ll learn how the process works, how much it costs, what types of transport options are available, how to choose a reliable provider, and what to expect every step of the way.
Let’s dive in.
What Is Auto Transport?
Auto transport (also known as car shipping or vehicle transport) is the professional relocation of a vehicle via a licensed carrier. Instead of driving the car yourself, you hire a transport company to pick it up and deliver it to your destination, often across state lines or even across the country.
Whether moving a car across the state or the nation, auto transport services like Tiger Auto Transport take care of the logistics for you and provide a safer, more effective option.
This service is used by:
- People moving across the U.S.
- Car dealerships transporting inventory
- Military personnel relocating
- College students and their families
- Online car buyers
- Snowbirds traveling between seasonal homes
- People sending vehicles to/from Alaska or Hawaii
Why Choose Car Shipping Over Driving?
Sure, you could drive your car across the country, but here’s why many people choose to ship it instead:
1. Avoid Wear and Tear
Long-distance driving puts hundreds or thousands of miles on your vehicle. That’s additional depreciation, potential mechanical issues, and the possibility of accidents along the way.
2. Save Time
Driving cross-country can take days. If your time is valuable, or you simply don’t want to spend it behind the wheel, shipping lets you focus on other priorities.
3. Reduce Stress
Road trips can be fun — but they’re also unpredictable. Bad weather, traffic, breakdowns, and overnight stays can all turn a drive into a headache.
4. Save Money (Surprisingly!)
Once you factor in gas, hotels, food, tolls, and time off work, the cost of driving isn’t always cheaper than shipping — especially for longer routes.
8 Top Reasons to Ship a Car in the USA
The U.S. is a huge country, and there are countless reasons people choose to ship their vehicles every day:
- Cross-country relocation for work or family
- Online car purchases (from platforms like Carvana, eBay Motors, or private sellers)
- Military or government transfers
- Students attending college out of state
- Seasonal travel (snowbirds going between Florida and the Northeast)
- Sending a car to a loved one or collector buyer
- Corporate fleet management
- Shipping to/from Alaska or Hawaii
Types of Car Transport Services in the USA
Understanding your transport options is key to making the right decision. In 2025, most companies offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs.
Open Transport
This is the most common and cost-effective option. Your car is transported on an open-air carrier along with 7–10 other vehicles. It’s the standard method used by dealerships and online car sellers. While your car is exposed to the elements, damage is rare.
Best for: Standard sedans, SUVs, and trucks.
Enclosed Transport
Your car is shipped inside a fully covered trailer, protected from weather, debris, and prying eyes. Enclosed transport typically costs 30–60% more than open, but it’s the gold standard for luxury, exotic, vintage, and collector vehicles.
Best for: High-value or rare cars.
Door-to-Door Delivery
Rather than dropping your vehicle off at a terminal, door-to-door service brings the transporter directly to your home, office, or designated address (as long as it’s truck-accessible). This is the most convenient option for most people.
Best for: Residential or business pickup/drop-off.
Terminal-to-Terminal
Involves dropping your vehicle off and picking it up from a transport terminal. This option is less common in 2025 and usually reserved for budget-conscious customers or urban areas where direct delivery isn’t feasible.
Best for: Budget-conscious shippers or metro areas.
Expedited Shipping
Need your vehicle delivered fast? Expedited shipping offers priority pickup and faster delivery, usually at a premium. Great for last-minute moves or urgent situations.
Best for: Time-sensitive shipments.
Shipping to Alaska or Hawaii
Shipping to/from non-contiguous states like Alaska and Hawaii involves a mix of ground transport and ocean freight. Not all carriers offer these routes, so it’s essential to work with experienced providers who understand the process and can coordinate both legs of the journey.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in the U.S.?
Prices vary widely, but here’s what typically influences the cost of car shipping in the USA:
1. Distance
The longer the trip, the higher the price, but the cost per mile decreases as distance increases.
| Distance | Estimated Cost |
| Under 500 miles | $400–$700 |
| 500–1000 miles | $600–$900 |
| 1000–2000 miles | $900–$1300 |
| Coast-to-coast | $1200–$1800 |
2. Vehicle Size & Weight
Larger and heavier vehicles (like pickup trucks, vans, or SUVs) cost more to ship due to space and weight limitations.
3. Transport Type
Enclosed transport costs significantly more than open transport, sometimes up to 2x depending on the route and type of vehicle.
4. Seasonality
Shipping is typically more expensive in the summer and during snowbird seasons (fall and spring), when demand is highest.
5. Delivery Speed
Expedited shipments come at a premium. Flexibility in your pickup window can often reduce costs.
6. Location
Rural pickups or deliveries can be more expensive than urban routes due to driver availability and detours.
Bonus: Carrier vs Broker
Most consumers book through brokers, who connect you with vetted carriers. Some carriers offer direct booking, often cheaper, but less flexible.
How the Car Shipping Process Works in 6 Steps
Here’s what the process generally looks like:
Step 1: Get a Quote
Submit your vehicle details, route, and desired transport type. Reputable companies offer instant or same-day quotes.
Step 2: Book Your Shipment
Once you accept the quote, you’ll finalize the order. Most companies don’t require a deposit upfront unless they’re brokers.
Step 3: Vehicle Preparation
- Clean the car inside and out
- Remove all personal items
- Leave only 1/4 tank of gas
- Take dated photos for documentation
- Disable alarms and remove toll tags
Step 4: Pickup
The driver will inspect the vehicle and ask you to sign a Bill of Lading. You’ll hand over the keys and the vehicle is loaded onto the truck.
Step 5: Transit
You can usually track your shipment via phone or online. Transit times vary by distance and weather conditions.
Step 6: Delivery
Upon arrival, inspect the car again and compare it to the pickup condition. Sign off only after ensuring everything checks out.
How to Choose a Car Shipping Company
Not all car shippers are equal. Here are 5 things to look for when selecting a provider:
- Transparent Pricing: Avoid companies with vague quotes or last-minute fee changes. Look for fixed-price guarantees or price-lock options.
- Positive Reviews: Search for recent reviews on Trustpilot, BBB, and Google. Watch out for patterns, both good and bad.
- Insurance Verification
Every carrier must carry cargo insurance, but coverage varies. Always ask for a copy of the insurance certificate and understand the deductible. - Licensing and Registration: Check their DOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA website to ensure they’re legally registered.
- Clear Communication: Choose companies that are easy to reach, answer your questions clearly, and provide updates throughout the shipping process.
Spotlight: Tiger Auto Transport
One of the most trusted names in the industry, Tiger Auto Transport is known for its:
- Nationwide coverage across all 50 states
- Price match guarantee
- No upfront payment until a driver is assigned
- Real-time tracking on most routes
- 24/7 customer support
- Fully insured drivers with years of experience
Whether you’re shipping a family sedan from Florida to Texas or a classic car to a collector in California, Tiger Auto Transport has the expertise and reputation to deliver peace of mind in 2025.
Final Thoughts: Is Car Shipping in the USA Worth It?
Absolutely, especially in 2025, where digital tools, competition, and improved logistics have made the process smoother than ever. Whether you’re moving cross-country, buying a car online, or sending a vehicle to a loved one, car shipping is a time-saving, reliable, and often cost-effective option.
If you’re looking for a provider that balances professionalism, affordability, and excellent service, Tiger Auto Transport is one of the most trusted names in the business — and a top pick for your next shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is my car insured during shipping?
Yes. Most carriers provide insurance coverage between $100,000 and $250,000. Always confirm the specific amount before booking.
Can I ship personal items in my car?
Some carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items, but insurance doesn’t cover them. Avoid packing valuables or anything above the window line.
How early should I schedule my shipment?
Ideally 1–2 weeks in advance. For expedited shipping, you may be able to book 2–3 days ahead, depending on availability.
Do I need to be there for pickup/delivery?
Yes, or you can assign someone you trust. They must be 18+ and able to sign off on the vehicle’s condition.
Can I ship a non-running car?
Yes, but you must notify the company. Special equipment is required, and the cost may be higher.
Does it cost more to ship to/from Hawaii or Alaska?
Yes. Ocean freight is involved, and delivery times are longer. Expect higher rates for these routes.