Introduction
Relocating to a new city, purchasing a vehicle online, or sending a car to a family member across state lines? Whatever the reason, shipping your car across the country can feel overwhelming if it’s your first time. The good news is that the process is simpler—and often more cost-effective—than you might expect.
At Auto Transport Wave, our mission is to make nationwide auto transport stress-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about car shipping: from choosing the right transport option to preparing your vehicle, understanding costs, and ensuring a smooth delivery.
Why People Choose Car Shipping Instead of Driving
Driving your vehicle across long distances isn’t always practical. Here are the main reasons people prefer auto transport:
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Time savings: A cross-country drive can take 4–7 days, depending on the route. Shipping frees up your schedule.
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Vehicle protection: Long-distance driving adds unnecessary mileage, wear-and-tear, and risks accidents.
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Convenience: Professional carriers handle the logistics, so you don’t have to.
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Specialty vehicles: Owners of luxury, classic, or exotic cars prefer enclosed transport for safety.
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Relocation & military moves: Families and service members moving across the U.S. often ship multiple vehicles.
Types of Auto Transport
When planning car shipping, you’ll need to choose between service options.
1. Open Carrier Transport
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The most common and affordable option.
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Cars are loaded onto a two-level trailer exposed to the elements.
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Best for everyday vehicles, SUVs, and standard sedans.
2. Enclosed Carrier Transport
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Vehicles are shipped inside a covered trailer.
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Protection against weather, dust, and road debris.
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Recommended for luxury, exotic, antique, or high-value cars.
3. Door-to-Door Service
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Carrier picks up your vehicle at your location and delivers to your destination address.
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Convenient, but may be limited in tight neighborhoods.
4. Terminal-to-Terminal Service
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Vehicle is dropped off at a designated terminal and picked up at another.
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Usually more affordable but less convenient.
How Pricing Works
Car shipping costs depend on several factors:
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Distance: Longer distances generally mean higher costs, but lower cost per mile.
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Route popularity: Busy routes are cheaper; rural areas may cost more.
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Vehicle size & weight: SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost more than compact cars.
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Transport type: Enclosed transport typically costs 30–60% more than open.
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Seasonality: Summer and snowbird seasons (winter moves south) often see higher demand and prices.
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Pickup speed: Expedited services cost more than standard shipping.
💡 Pro tip: Request a free quote from Auto Transport Wave to get an exact estimate based on your route and vehicle type.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
Before handing over your car, follow these steps to ensure a smooth experience:
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Wash & inspect your car – A clean car makes it easier to spot pre-existing scratches or dents.
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Take photos – Document your car’s condition from all angles.
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Remove personal items – Carriers are not responsible for belongings left inside.
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Check fluids & leaks – Ensure your vehicle is in safe operating condition.
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Leave only ¼ tank of gas – Enough for loading/unloading but keeps weight down.
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Disable alarms – Prevent unnecessary interruptions during transport.
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Provide a spare key – Required for carrier handling.
Insurance & Protection
Every reputable car carrier must carry liability and cargo insurance. At Auto Transport Wave:
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Coverage is included in your transport price.
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Insurance protects against carrier-related damage.
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Customers should confirm coverage details in writing before booking.
💡 Tip: Your personal auto insurance may also extend coverage during shipping—check with your provider.
Common Myths vs. Facts
❌ Myth: Shipping a car is unsafe.
✅ Fact: Professional carriers handle thousands of vehicles each year with minimal issues.
❌ Myth: It’s always cheaper to drive.
✅ Fact: When you add gas, hotels, food, lost time, and mileage depreciation, shipping is often the better deal.
❌ Myth: Any company with a truck can ship your car.
✅ Fact: Always check licensing (FMCSA), insurance, and reviews before booking.
Step-by-Step Process with Auto Transport Wave
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Request a free quote – Provide details like vehicle type, route, and preferred dates.
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Book your transport – Choose open or enclosed carrier and confirm pickup.
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Prepare your car – Follow the steps above.
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Carrier pickup – Driver inspects your vehicle and loads it securely.
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In-transit updates – Track your shipment as it moves across the country.
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Delivery – Carrier unloads at destination, you inspect and sign off.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to ship a car across the country?
A: Typically 7–10 days, depending on route and weather. Expedited services are available.
Q: Can I put belongings in my car during shipping?
A: Most carriers prohibit personal items, but small items (under 100 lbs) may be allowed with restrictions.
Q: What if my vehicle is inoperable?
A: Non-running vehicles can be shipped, but special equipment is required—usually at an extra cost.
Conclusion
Shipping your car across the country doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, understanding of options, and a trusted partner like Auto Transport Wave, your vehicle will arrive safely and on time—without the hassle of a long road trip.
👉 Ready to ship your car? Get your free, no-obligation quote with Auto Transport Wave today and experience smooth, reliable car shipping across the nation.