Planning to move your vehicle across state lines or even coast-to-coast? Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a car from another state, or shipping a vehicle to a family member, long-distance car movers are the most efficient and secure way to ensure your car arrives safely.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about hiring a long-distance car transport company—what services are available, what affects the price, how to prepare, and what to expect along the way.
Why Use Long-Distance Car Movers?
Using a professional car shipping company for long hauls saves time, protects your vehicle, and reduces stress. Here are the top reasons why Americans choose long-distance auto transport:
- Avoid wear and tear: Long trips can lead to tire wear, oil changes, and potential mechanical issues.
- Save time and energy: Skip the long drive and let professionals handle logistics.
- Insurance coverage included: Most companies offer up to $100,000 in cargo insurance (or more).
- Peace of mind: Your vehicle is handled by licensed, DOT-compliant experts with tracking updates available.
Who Typically Uses Long-Distance Car Shipping?
Long-distance car movers serve a variety of customers:
- Military personnel relocating across the country
- College students moving between states
- Classic and luxury car owners attending out-of-state shows
- Snowbirds moving between northern and southern homes
- Dealers and auction buyers transporting inventory
If you’re making a move that’s more than 300 miles away, hiring a long-distance car transport service is a smart decision.
Types of Long-Distance Car Moving Services
Open Transport
This is the most common and cost-effective method. Vehicles are shipped on open-air trailers that hold 6–10 cars. Perfect for daily drivers.
Enclosed Transport
Offers full protection from the elements and road debris. Ideal for classic, collector, exotic, or luxury vehicles.
Door-to-Door Transport
The carrier picks up your vehicle at your location and delivers it directly to the destination address—no need to drop off or retrieve from a terminal.
Expedited Shipping
For time-sensitive shipments, you can upgrade to priority scheduling for faster pickup and delivery.
What Does Long-Distance Car Transport Cost?
Costs can vary, but here’s a general estimate:
| Distance (miles) | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $600 – $850 | $950 – $1,250 | 2–3 days |
| 1,000 – 1,500 miles | $850 – $1,200 | $1,300 – $1,600 | 3–5 days |
| 1,500 – 2,500 miles | $1,000 – $1,500 | $1,600 – $2,200 | 5–7 days |
Several factors influence pricing:
- Vehicle type and weight
- Transport method (open vs enclosed)
- Route popularity and distance
- Seasonality (winter/summer demand)
- Expedited vs standard delivery
How to Prepare Your Vehicle
To ensure a smooth process:
- Wash your vehicle: Clean surfaces help with inspection.
- Photograph the vehicle: Document existing damage.
- Remove personal items: These are not covered by insurance.
- Keep fuel below 1/4 tank: Reduces trailer weight.
- Disable alarms and make sure the battery is charged.
- Check tire pressure to ensure safe loading/unloading.
Watch and Learn: How Car Shipping Works
For a complete breakdown of the car transport process, watch this short video:
▶️ How to Ship Your Car – Fast, Safe, Affordable in 2025 – by Nexus Auto Transport
Choosing the Right Long-Distance Car Movers
When selecting a company, always:
- Verify their FMCSA license here
- Ask about cargo insurance and deductibles
- Read reviews on Google, BBB, and TransportReviews
- Request a written quote with no hidden fees
- Confirm tracking availability and delivery windows
Final Thoughts
Hiring long-distance car movers is a smart investment if you need to move a vehicle more than a few hundred miles. Instead of putting wear on your car or spending hours behind the wheel, you can rely on professional transport companies to handle the trip for you—safely, efficiently, and fully insured.
Need a quote today? Visit John 3:16 Transport and speak with a specialist who can guide you through the best long-distance shipping option for your car.
