Nationwide Car Shipping Services
Expert Car Shipping Across All 50 States
Best Car Shipping Service: We’re Licensed and 5 Stars Rated Car Shipper in U.S.A

What is Car Shipping?
Car shipping, also referred to as auto shipping or vehicle shipping, is a specialized service dedicated to transporting cars from one location to another. This service proves invaluable for individuals and businesses looking to move their cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other types of vehicles across long distances. Car shipping companies often use trucks/trailers, ferries and sometimes drivers to pick up and drop-off vehicles to desired locations. The location can be interstate or state to state. Whether the need arises from relocation, a vehicle purchase from a distant seller, car auctions, or a rental business transporting their cars, car shipping offers a convenient alternative to driving. It is particularly useful for shipping your car(s) across states, island moves or even shipping your car(s) internationally, eliminating the stress and hassle associated with long-distance car transportation.
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Why book your car shipping with us?
AutoStar Transport Express is a secure, reliable, and economical car shipping company, providing nationwide service across the USA. Here’s why we’re the best choice for your car shipping needs:
Why do customers say AutoStar Transport Express is the best company to ship a car
Car Shipping Process
Understanding the car shipping process helps ensure a smooth experience from start to finish:

1. Get a Quote
- Provide vehicle details (make, model, year, condition)
- Specify pickup and delivery locations
- Choose service type (open/enclosed, door-to-door/terminal)
- Review pricing and available dates
2. Vehicle Preparation
- Remove personal belongings from vehicle
- Document existing condition with photos
- Ensure vehicle is clean inside and out
- Check fluid levels and tire pressure
- Disable alarm systems

3. Book Your Shipment
- Complete booking with required documentation
- Schedule pickup date and time window
- Receive carrier assignment and contact information
- Get tracking information for shipment monitoring
4. Transport & Tracking
- Vehicle loaded securely on carrier
- Regular updates provided during transit
- Professional handling throughout journey
- Weather and route monitoring for safety

5. Vehicle Pickup
- Carrier arrives within scheduled window
- Complete vehicle inspection with driver
- Sign bill of lading documenting condition
- Receive estimated delivery timeframe

6. Delivery
- Carrier contacts you before delivery
- Final vehicle inspection upon arrival
- Compare condition to pickup documentation
- Complete delivery paperwork and payment
Car Shipping Benefits
Car shipping offers numerous advantages for vehicle owners across the United States. Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a vehicle from another state, or need to transport multiple vehicles, professional car shipping provides:
Convenience & Time Savings
- Eliminates long-distance driving and associated fatigue
- Saves valuable time that can be spent on other priorities
- No need to arrange return flights or accommodations during road trips
- Professional handling from pickup to delivery
Cost-Effective Transportation
- Often more economical than driving when factoring in gas, lodging, and meals
- Prevents wear and tear on your vehicle
- Reduces mileage and depreciation
- No risk of breakdown expenses during long trips
Safety & Protection
- Professional drivers with specialized training
- Comprehensive insurance coverage during transport
- Reduced accident risk compared to long-distance driving
- Secure loading and unloading procedures
Flexibility & Options
- Door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service
- Open or enclosed transport options
- Expedited shipping when needed
- Multi-vehicle shipping discounts available
Car Shipping Cost
Car shipping costs vary based on several key factors. Understanding these variables helps you budget appropriately and compare auto transport prices more effectively:
1. Distance-Based Pricing
- Under 200 miles: Average $2.92 per mile
- 200-500 miles: Average $0.93 per mile
- Over 1,000 miles: Average $0.78 per mile
- Cross-country shipping: $1,200-$1,800 typically
2. Vehicle Type Impact
- Standard sedans: Base pricing
- SUVs/Trucks: 10-20% premium
- Luxury vehicles: 15-25% additional
- Inoperable vehicles: $150-300 extra fee
Car Shipping Safety Measures
Safety remains the top priority in professional car shipping operations:
Car Shipping Preparation Checklist
Proper preparation ensures smooth pickup and delivery:
Documentation Required
- Valid driver's license or ID
- Vehicle registration and title
- Insurance information
- Any lien holder documentation
Vehicle Preparation
- Remove all personal belongings
- Clean vehicle inside and out
- Document existing damage with photos
- Check and top off all fluid levels
- Ensure tires are properly inflated
Car Shipping Seasonal Considerations
Seasonal factors significantly impact car shipping logistics and pricing:
Top Car Shipping Companies 2025 Comparison
| Company | Experience | Services | Coverage | Customer Rating | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AutoStar Transport Express | 18 Years | Door-to-door, Terminal, Open/Enclosed | Full Coverage across U.S.A | 4.9 Stars | Competitive |
| Competitor A | 18 Years | Open and Enclosed | 48 states | 4.7 Stars | Higher |
| Competitor B | 10 Years | Open and Enclosed | 48 states | 4.7 Stars | Lower Quality |
| Competitor C | 9 Years | Open and Enclosed | 48 states | 4.5 Stars | Most Expensive |
AutoStar Transport Express Advantages
- 19+ years of proven industry experience.
- Comprehensive service options (open, enclosed, door-to-door, terminal).
- Licensed and safe operations.
- 4.9-star out of 5.0 overall customer satisfaction rating.
- Nationwide coverage with reliable scheduling.
- Transport all sizes and kinds of vehicles running or non-running.
- Competitive pricing without compromising quality.
- Award-winning and approachable customer support throughout the shipping process.
Best Auto Transport Services Comparison
| Service Type | Cost Level | Protection | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Transport | Most Economical | Weather Exposed | Standard | Daily Vehicles |
| Enclosed Transport | Premium Pricing | Full Protection | Standard | Luxury/Classic Cars |
| Door-to-Door | Convenience Premium | Varies by Type | Fastest | Busy Schedules |
| Terminal-to-Terminal | Most Affordable | Varies by Type | Flexible | Budget-Conscious |
| Expedited Shipping | Highest Cost | Varies by Type | Fastest Available | Urgent Needs |
Service Recommendations by Vehicle Type
- Standard Vehicles: Open transport, door-to-door.
- Luxury Cars: Enclosed transport, door-to-door.
- Classic/Antique: Enclosed transport, white-glove service.
- Multiple Vehicles: Open transport, terminal service for savings.
- Non-Running Vehicles: Specialized equipment, enclosed preferred.

Best Auto Shipping Companies: Award-Winning Car Shipper
If you are searching for ‘car shipping near me‘ or best vehicle shipping companies in the USA, you’ve come to the right place. AutoStar Transport Express takes pride in shipping your vehicle anywhere in the country. With over 18 years of experience in the car shipping industry, AutoStar Transport Express is dedicated to providing efficient and personalized services to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re relocating to a new state or need reliable shipping for single or multiple vehicles, we offer a range of services, including door-to-door car shipping, terminal-to-terminal car shipping, inoperable vehicle shipping and various modes like open and enclosed car shipping, trailer/truck car shipping and car ferry shipping. Entrusting your car shipping needs to experienced professionals ensures a smooth and stress-free shipping experience, making AutoStar Transport Express a reliable choice in the car shipping industry.
Car Shipping Quote!
Our Car Shipping Options and Services
We offer two main car shipping options to meet your needs, including open car shipping, where vehicles are loaded onto an open trailer, and enclosed car shipping, which offers extra protection for valuable or delicate vehicles. We use specialized car carriers to transport your vehicle safely and efficiently. There are two main auto shipping services that we offer:
- 1. Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Door-to-door car shipping is the most convenient option, but it is also the most expensive. As time is money, this option is ideal for people who do not have the time or ability to pick up and drop off their car themselves. In this service, We pick up your car from your specified location and deliver it directly to your desired location. - 2. Terminal-to-Terminal Service
Terminal-to-terminal car shipping (also referred to as dock-to-dock car shipping), is the most economical option, but it requires the customer to pick up and drop off the car at designated locations. This option is ideal for people who are shipping their car to a specific location, such as a new home, a new job, or shipping a newly purchased car from out of state.


How much does it cost to ship a car?
On average, we charge approximately $2.92 per mile for distances under 200 miles, $0.93 per mile for distances between 200 and 500 miles, and $0.78 per mile for journeys over 1,000 miles. It depends on multiple factors, the distance, the type of vehicle, the time of year. So it is always recommended to check pricing through our car shipping calculator.
The average cost of shipping a sedan car from Miami, FL to Los Angeles, CA, a distance of 2,730 miles, is
- Average Cost: $1,575 (Average Rate).
- Highest Cost: $1,850 (Enclosed Car Shipping).
- Lowest Cost: $1320 (Open Car Shipping).
How much time does it take to ship a car?
On average, the vehicle shipping duration depends on the distance to be covered and the transportation method chosen.
For distances under 200 miles, the typical shipping time is around 1-2 days. If the distance falls between 200 and 500 miles, you can expect the shipping duration to be approximately 2-4 days. Longer journeys exceeding 1,000 miles may take 5-7 days on average.
As an example, the estimated time for shipping a sedan car from Miami, FL, to Los Angeles, CA, covering a distance of 2,730 miles is:
- Average Time: 5-7 days (Average Transit Time).
- Expedited Time: 4-6 days (Express Shipping).
- Extended Time: 7-10 days (Economic Shipping).
These timeframes can vary based on factors such as weather conditions, transportation routes, and specific shipping arrangements. For faster delivery options, you can learn more about our priority shipping services, which help reduce transit times for urgent shipments. It’s advisable to consult with the car shipping service provider for a more accurate estimate based on your unique circumstances.

Call our car shipping experts to answer all your questions, Get a quote.
Car Shipping Routes
Here are some common car shipping routes along with distance in miles and transit times.
| Route | Origin | Destination | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast to West Coast | New York City, NY | Los Angeles, CA | 2,730 miles | 5-7 days |
| Midwest to Southwest | Chicago, IL | Phoenix, AZ | 1,630 miles | 3-5 days |
| Southeast to Northwest | Miami, FL | Seattle, WA | 3,150 miles | 6-8 days |
| Northeast to Southwest | Boston, MA | Las Vegas, NV | 2,320 miles | 4-6 days |
| Southwest to Northeast | El Paso, TX | New York City, NY | 2,010 miles | 4-6 days |
| Pacific Coast to Rocky Mountains | Los Angeles, CA | Denver, CO | 960 miles | 2-3 days |
| Rocky Mountains to Gulf Coast | Denver, CO | Houston, TX | 1,800 miles | 3-5 days |
| Gulf Coast to Atlantic Coast | Houston, TX | Miami, FL | 1,250 miles | 2-4 days |
| Atlantic Coast to Great Lakes | New York City, NY | Chicago, IL | 790 miles | 1-2 days |
| Great Lakes to Pacific Coast | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | 2,200 miles | 4-6 days |
Ship Your Car To or From Any State Across the Country
What is open car shipping
- Cost: Open car shipping is generally less expensive compared to enclosed car shipping.
- Exposure to Elements: Vehicles shipped through open car shipping are exposed to weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and debris.
- Protection Level: Open car carriers provide basic protection against road hazards, but the vehicles are not enclosed or sheltered during transit.
- Visibility: With open car shipping, the vehicles are visible to the public and other drivers during car shipping.
- Common Usage: Open car shipping is commonly used for regular vehicle car shipping, including everyday cars, trucks, and SUVs.
- Availability: Open car shipping carriers are more readily available and have higher capacity, making them a popular choice for car shipping.


Enclosed Car Shipping
- Cost: Enclosed car shipping is generally more expensive compared to open car shipping due to the additional protection provided.
- Protection from Elements: Enclosed car shipping offers a higher level of protection as the vehicles are shipped in fully enclosed trailers or containers, shielding them from weather elements and potential damage.
- Protection Level: Enclosed car carriers provide enhanced protection against road hazards, dust, debris, and potential scratches.
- Privacy: Enclosed car shipping offers more privacy as the vehicles are not visible to the public or other drivers during car shipping.
- Common Usage: Enclosed car shipping is often preferred for high-value, luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles that require extra care and protection during transit.
- Availability: Enclosed car shipping carriers are less common and have limited capacity compared to open car carriers, which can result in longer wait times for booking.
Ready to ship the car; get a quote from the top car shipper.
FAQs About Car Shipping Nationwide
Is it possible to ship a non-running vehicle?
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
What factors should I consider when requesting car shipping quotes?
How does car shipping work?
What factors influence the cost of car shipping?
How long does it typically take to ship a car?
Can I ship personal belongings inside my car during car shipping?
Can I choose between door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal car shipping?
How does the weather impact car shipping schedules?
How does distance impact the cost and time of car shipping?
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
What is car shipping?
How does auto transport work?
Is vehicle shipping safe?
When do I need car shipping?
- Long-distance relocations (over 500 miles)
- Purchasing vehicles from distant sellers
- College student moves
- Military deployments and relocations
- Snowbird seasonal moves
- Multiple vehicle transportation
- Luxury or classic car transport
- When driving isn’t practical or safe
Why choose professional auto transport?
- Safety: Experienced drivers and proper equipment
- Convenience: Door-to-door service options
- Cost-Effective: Often cheaper than driving costs
- Time-Saving: Focus on other priorities
- Vehicle Protection: Prevents wear, tear, and mileage
- Insurance Coverage: Full protection during transport
- Reliability: Scheduled pickup and delivery windows
How much does car shipping cost?
How long does auto transport take?
- Under 200 miles: 1-2 days
- 200-500 miles: 2-4 days
- 500-1,000 miles: 3-5 days
- Cross-country: 5-10 days Weather, route, and carrier schedule can affect these timeframes.
Can I ship personal items in my car?
What should I do to prepare my car for shipping?
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
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