Shipping a car across the country

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What Is Cross-Country Car Shipping?

Cross-country car shipping involves the transportation of your vehicle from one part of the country to another. At Safe Car Hauler, we offer flexible services that range from door-to-door delivery to terminal-to-terminal shipping, depending on your preferences and budget.

Types of Cross-Country Vehicle Shipping Services

Choose the best transport option for your vehicle based on budget, protection, and urgency. Whether you need affordable open transport, premium enclosed shipping, or fast delivery, we’ve got you covered.

White car hauler semi-truck transporting vehicles on a two-level hydraulic trailer along a one-way highway, performing cross-country auto transport services

Open Carrier Transport

Open carrier transport is the most cost-effective and commonly used option for cross-country vehicle shipping. Vehicles are transported on an open trailer, ensuring a safe and efficient journey. While exposed to weather and road conditions, this method remains a reliable and budget-friendly choice for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks. Vehicles are securely strapped to ensure they arrive safely.

Can-Am 4-wheeler being loaded into a hard-side enclosed car carrier using a lift gate, ensuring secure enclosed transport for powersport vehicles

Enclosed Carrier Transport

For luxury, classic, or exotic cars, enclosed carrier transport provides the highest level of protection. Vehicles are shipped inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielding them from weather, road debris, and damage. This premium service is ideal for high-value cars requiring extra security and careful handling. Though more expensive, enclosed transport ensures vehicles arrive in pristine condition.

White compact car hauler semi-truck transporting vehicles on a two-level hydraulic trailer along a curving highway through a green mountain forest, used for open auto transport services

Expedited Car Shipping

When fast delivery is a priority, expedited car shipping ensures quicker pickup and shorter transit times. This service is ideal for urgent relocations, last-minute moves, or time-sensitive deliveries. With expedited transport, the shipping process is prioritized to reduce delays, ensuring the vehicle reaches its destination as quickly and safely as possible.

Why Trust Safe Car Hauler with Your Vehicle? Here’s Why

Door-to-Door Shipping

We make car shipping stress-free by arranging door-to-door transport across the U.S. Your vehicle is picked up and delivered as close to your specified locations as safely and legally possible. This eliminates terminal hassles and ensures unmatched convenience and reliability.

No Upfront Payment

Booking with us means no financial risk. Unlike companies requiring full payment upfront, Safe Car Hauler only collects payment once a carrier is confirmed. This transparent approach ensures trust and gives you confidence that your transport is secured with care.

Focused on Safety

Safety is at the heart of Safe Car Hauler’s operations. We work with carriers who meet strict safety standards to ensure every shipment is handled with care. From secure loading to reliable transport practices, your vehicle’s protection is always our top priority.

Full Insurance Coverage

Every shipment comes with full insurance coverage at no extra cost. From pickup to delivery, your vehicle is protected by policies covering a minimum of $100,000, ensuring peace of mind throughout the transport process and eliminating worries about unexpected risks.

Trusted Carrier Network

Our commitment to quality begins with our carriers. We partner only with fully licensed and insured professionals who meet strict compliance standards. Every carrier is vetted to uphold the highest safety and reliability standards, ensuring your vehicle is in capable hands throughout its journey.

Transparent Inspections

Your vehicle’s condition is thoroughly inspected at both pickup and delivery. All details are documented on the Bill of Lading to ensure accuracy and transparency. This gives you confidence that your vehicle will arrive in the same condition it left.

Why Trust Safe Car Hauler with Your Vehicle? Here’s Why

Door-to-Door Shipping

We make car shipping convenient by arranging door-to-door transport across the U.S. Your vehicle is picked up and delivered as close to your chosen locations as safely and legally possible. This eliminates the hassle of terminals and keeps the process stress-free. Whether you're shipping across town or cross-country, our service offers unmatched convenience and reliability.

No Upfront Payment

Booking with us means no financial risk. Unlike some companies that charge full payment upfront, Safe Car Hauler doesn’t require a deposit until a carrier is confirmed. You pay only when your transport is secured, ensuring transparency and trust. This customer-first approach gives you confidence that your booking is handled with care.

Focused on Safety

At Safe Car Hauler, safety is at the core of everything we do. We work with carriers who meet strict safety standards and ensure that every shipment is handled with care. From secure loading to reliable transport practices, your vehicle’s protection is always our top priority. Trust us to make your car shipping experience safe and worry-free.

Full Insurance Coverage

Your vehicle’s safety is our top priority. That’s why every shipment comes with full insurance coverage at no extra cost. From pickup to delivery, your car is protected with policies that cover a minimum of $100,000. This ensures peace of mind, knowing your vehicle is fully insured throughout the entire transport process.

Trusted Carrier Network

Our commitment to quality begins with our carriers. We partner only with fully licensed and insured professionals who meet strict compliance standards. Every driver is vetted to ensure they uphold the highest safety and reliability standards. You can trust that your vehicle is in capable hands throughout its journey.

Transparent Inspections

Your vehicle’s condition is carefully documented at both pickup and delivery. A thorough inspection is performed and noted on the Bill of Lading to ensure transparency. This step-by-step process gives you confidence that your vehicle will arrive in the same condition it left, offering you complete peace of mind.

Factors Affecting Cross-Country Car Shipping Costs

Several factors influence the cost of shipping a vehicle across the country. Understanding these elements can help you plan your budget and make informed decisions about transport options.

Distance

The total mileage between the pickup and delivery locations is the biggest cost factor in car shipping. Longer distances require more fuel, driver hours, and logistical coordination, which naturally increases the price. Coast-to-coast shipments tend to cost more than regional transports. While longer routes have a higher overall cost, the price per mile may be lower compared to shorter distances.

Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger and heavier vehicles require more space on the carrier and add extra weight, which can increase fuel consumption and affect transport costs. SUVs, trucks, and vans generally cost more to ship than compact sedans. Enclosed carriers have limited space, making size and weight even more significant factors. If a vehicle is oversized or modified with large tires or accessories, special accommodations may be needed, leading to additional charges.

Seasonality

The time of year plays a major role in pricing due to fluctuations in demand. Summer is typically the busiest season, leading to higher rates as more people move or travel. Winter can sometimes offer lower prices, but severe weather conditions may cause delays, particularly in snowy or icy regions. Fall and spring are often the most balanced seasons in terms of availability and pricing, with fewer weather-related disruptions.

Transport Method

The type of shipping service selected impacts the overall cost. Open carrier transport is the most affordable and widely used method, while enclosed carrier transport provides additional protection but comes at a premium. Expedited shipping also raises costs by prioritizing pickup and delivery over standard scheduling. The choice between these options depends on the vehicle’s value, the owner’s timeline, and budget considerations.

Pickup and Delivery Locations

Where a vehicle is being picked up and dropped off influences pricing. Transporting a car between major metropolitan areas or along well-traveled routes is generally more affordable due to high carrier availability. Remote or rural areas may have limited access to carriers, requiring additional time and fuel for transport, which can raise costs. Urban pickups and drop-offs often offer more flexibility and lower pricing due to frequent carrier traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cross-country car shipping take?

The time it takes to ship a car across the country depends on the distance, route, and any potential delays such as weather or traffic. On average, cross-country car shipping can take anywhere from 7 to 10 days.

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

Pricing varies based on factors like distance, vehicle size, transport method (open or enclosed), and seasonal demand. On average, shipping a car cross-country can range from $1,000 to $1,500, but exact rates depend on current market conditions. For an accurate quote, use our online calculator or contact our team.

How far in advance should I book my cross-country car shipment?

It’s recommended to book at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance to secure the best rates and ensure availability. If you need faster service, expedited shipping may be an option, but booking early provides more flexibility and lower pricing.

Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

Yes, either you or an authorized representative must be present at both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of Lading and inspect the vehicle. If you’re unavailable, you can arrange for a trusted friend, family member, or colleague to handle the process on your behalf.

What happens if my car is damaged during shipping?

In the rare event of damage, it must be noted on the Bill of Lading at the time of delivery. You can then file a claim with the carrier’s cargo insurance. It’s important to inspect your vehicle upon arrival and take photos before and after shipping for documentation.

Can I ship an inoperable vehicle across the country?

Yes, inoperable vehicles can be shipped, but they require special equipment like a winch or forklift for loading and unloading. This service typically costs more than transporting a running vehicle, so let us know in advance if your car isn’t operable.

Are there restrictions on what types of vehicles can be shipped?

Most standard cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles can be shipped without issue. However, oversized, heavily modified, or specialty vehicles may require custom pricing and equipment. If your vehicle has modifications like lifted suspensions, large tires, or attachments, inform us ahead of time for proper arrangements.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Open transport is the most affordable and commonly used method, where vehicles are shipped on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road conditions. Enclosed transport provides additional protection by shipping vehicles inside a covered trailer, ideal for classic, luxury, or high-value cars that require extra care.

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