The cost to ship a car cross country in 2026 is $1,000 to $2,000 for open transport and $1,500 to $3,000 for enclosed transport. On a long coast-to-coast route the per-mile rate drops to roughly $0.40 to $0.70, so a 2,000-mile move averages about $1,000 to $1,400 open. According to Kelley Blue Book, the U.S. average is around $1,020 — about $1.02 per mile to move a vehicle 1,000 miles — and the per-mile rate falls as distance grows. Distance, transport type, vehicle size, and season are the four levers that set your cross-country car shipping cost.
This guide breaks down the cost to ship a car cross country by distance and vehicle, explains open versus enclosed transport, shows how to prepare your car, and helps you avoid lowball brokers. It includes a free cross-country car shipping estimator using tiered per-mile rates. The most important takeaway: per-mile cost drops sharply on long routes, so cross-country is more economical per mile than a short haul.
The estimator uses tiered 2026 per-mile rates ($1.60/mi under 500 mi, $0.90/mi for 500-1,500 mi, $0.55/mi beyond 1,500 mi), with size multipliers for SUVs and trucks, a 50 percent enclosed surcharge, and a $550 minimum. Your final quote depends on the carrier, exact route, and season.
Distance is the primary driver, but the per-mile rate falls steeply on longer routes — which is why coast-to-coast shipping is cheaper per mile than a regional haul. Here is the 2026 picture from carriers including Nexus, RoadRunner, and Sherpa Auto Transport.
| Distance | Per-mile (open) | Open transport cost | Enclosed transport cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 miles (regional) | $1.40-$2.20 | $450-$700 | $700-$1,050 |
| 1,000 miles | $0.90-$1.10 | $900-$1,150 | $1,350-$1,750 |
| 1,500 miles | $0.70-$0.90 | $1,050-$1,350 | $1,575-$2,025 |
| 2,000 miles | $0.50-$0.70 | $1,000-$1,400 | $1,500-$2,100 |
| 2,800 miles (coast to coast) | $0.40-$0.60 | $1,150-$1,700 | $1,700-$2,800 |
| Factor | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Baseline | 40-60% more |
| Protection | Exposed to weather/debris | Fully enclosed |
| Best for | Standard daily vehicles | Luxury, classic, exotic, high-value |
| Availability | Most carriers | Fewer carriers, book earlier |
| Winter routes | Higher risk | Recommended |
According to RoadRunner Auto Transport, enclosed car shipping typically ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, with the cross-country premium reflecting the added protection. For an everyday sedan or SUV, open transport on a multi-car carrier is the standard, cost-effective choice.
| Route | Approx. distance | Open transport 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles to New York | 2,790 mi | $1,150-$1,600 |
| Miami to Seattle | 3,300 mi | $1,300-$1,800 |
| San Francisco to Chicago | 2,130 mi | $1,000-$1,450 |
| Boston to Los Angeles | 3,000 mi | $1,200-$1,700 |
| Dallas to Portland | 2,070 mi | $1,000-$1,400 |
| New York to Las Vegas | 2,540 mi | $1,100-$1,550 |
Door-to-door car shipping picks up and delivers as close to your specified addresses as the truck can safely reach, and it's the standard, most convenient option for a cross-country move. Terminal-to-terminal requires you to drop off and collect the car at the carrier's lots, which can shave a small amount off the price but adds time and the hassle of getting to often-distant terminals. For most movers, door-to-door is worth the modest premium, especially since you're likely busy with the rest of a long-distance move.
Ben is shipping a compact sedan from Los Angeles to New York, about 2,790 miles, on an open carrier.
| Item | Detail | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Line-haul | 2,790 mi at ~$0.48/mi effective | $1,339 |
| Door-to-door | both metros (included) | $0 |
| Base insurance | carrier cargo coverage | $0 |
| Total open coast-to-coast | ~$1,339 |
Lena is shipping a large SUV from Boston to Los Angeles, about 3,000 miles, in an enclosed carrier for extra protection.
| Item | Detail | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Open-transport baseline | 3,000 mi sedan | $1,650 |
| SUV/large-vehicle size | +18% | $297 |
| Enclosed surcharge | +50% | $974 |
| Total enclosed cross-country SUV | ~$2,921 |
The car-shipping industry is broker-heavy, and the most common problem is a lowball quote used to win your booking that then can't attract a carrier at that price, leaving your car unshipped or the cost rising at pickup. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move), companies arranging interstate transport must be registered, and you can verify their USDOT and MC numbers. Insist on a written, all-in quote, ask whether you're dealing with a broker or the actual carrier, avoid large upfront deposits, and read recent reviews. A quote far below the market is a red flag, not a bargain.
Reputable carriers include cargo insurance, but coverage limits vary, so confirm the dollar amount and whether it matches your vehicle's value — especially for an expensive or classic car, where you may want enclosed transport and higher declared coverage or confirmation your own policy extends to transport. Your timestamped photos and the condition notes on the bill of lading at pickup and delivery are the foundation of any claim. Inspect the car thoroughly at delivery, compare against your photos, and note any new damage before signing — a signed clean bill of lading can waive your claim.
$1,000 to $2,000 for open transport and $1,500 to $3,000 for enclosed. On a long coast-to-coast route the per-mile rate drops to about $0.40-$0.70, so a 2,000-mile move averages $1,000-$1,400 open. The U.S. average is around $1,020, about $1.02 per mile for 1,000 miles, with the per-mile rate falling as distance grows.
About $0.40 to $0.70 per mile on long routes in 2026. Shorter hauls cost more per mile — a 300-mile move might be $1.40-$2.20 per mile — while a 2,000-mile move can drop to $0.40-$0.70 per mile. Enclosed transport runs about 40-60% higher per mile than open.
Open is better for most standard vehicles because it costs 40-60% less and is widely available; the only downside is exposure to weather and debris. Enclosed is better for luxury, classic, exotic, or high-value vehicles and winter routes because it fully protects the car. For a typical sedan or SUV, open is the standard choice.
About 7 to 10 days for a coast-to-coast route of 2,500-3,000 miles. Transit time depends on the route, the number of vehicles on the carrier, and weather. Pickup may take 1-5 days after booking as the carrier assembles a load. Door-to-door is typical; a flexible pickup window helps with rate and placement.
Wash it and photograph all sides and existing damage, remove personal items and toll transponders, leave about a quarter tank of fuel, note any leaks, disable the alarm, retract the antenna and fold the mirrors, and record the odometer. Document the condition on the bill of lading at pickup and delivery, and inspect before signing.