Car Shipping Made Simple & On Time Across the U.S.
Ship your car anywhere in the United States with transparent upfront pricing and one of the best on-time delivery records in the industry. Smart Auto Move handles the miles so you don’t have to.
What Is Car Shipping?
Car shipping (also called auto transport) is the safest way to move a vehicle long distances without adding miles, wear, or stress.
Instead of driving your vehicle across the country, professional car carriers load it onto a specialized trailer and transport it to your new location. Smart Auto Move works with vetted, insured drivers nationwide to move your vehicle door-to-door on your schedule.
How Car Shipping Works, Step by Step
- 1. Get your price. Use our instant quote calculator or call 888-709-9078 for a custom rate.
- 2. Choose your service. Standard, Expedited, or Enclosed auto transport depending on your needs.
- 3. Schedule pickup. We match you with a top-rated carrier and confirm your pickup window.
- 4. Vehicle inspection & loading. The driver completes a detailed inspection and loads your vehicle onto the carrier.
- 5. Track & stay updated. We keep you informed with ETA updates and real people you can reach at any time.
- 6. Delivery & final walk-around. You inspect your vehicle at drop-off, sign the Bill of Lading, and you’re done.
Why Ship Instead of Drive?
- Avoid multi-day road trips, hotels, and time off work.
- Skip traffic, weather, and long hours behind the wheel.
- Prevent rock chips, tire wear, and thousands of extra miles.
- Let professionals handle the logistics while you focus on your move.
Sample Car Shipping Routes & Prices
Exact pricing depends on distance, route demand, vehicle type, and timing. These real-world examples give you a clear starting point.
Most customers pay between $600 and $1,500 to ship a standard car within the continental U.S.
| Route | Estimated Price | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA → Houston, TX | $1,000 | 4 days (est.) |
| Chicago, IL → Seattle, WA | $1,050 | 4 days (est.) |
| Miami, FL → Los Angeles, CA | $1,200 | 6 days (est.) |
| New York City, NY → Orlando, FL | $900 | 3 days (est.) |
| Las Vegas, NV → Newark, NJ | $1,100 | 5 days (est.) |
| Orlando, FL → San Diego, CA | $1,100 | 5 days (est.) |
| Virginia Beach, VA → Dallas, TX | $1,050 | 5 days (est.) |
| Chicago, IL → Las Vegas, NV | $1,000 | 4 days (est.) |
| San Antonio, TX → Tacoma, WA | $1,100 | 5 days (est.) |
| New York City, NY → San Francisco, CA | $1,300 | 6 days (est.) |
*Prices are estimates for standard sedans on open carriers. Larger vehicles, enclosed trailers, and very remote pickup or delivery locations may be higher.
Why Ship Your Car with Smart Auto Move?
Plenty of companies can move a car. Smart Auto Move is built to move it on time, with no surprises, and with real people keeping you updated.
Industry-Leading On-Time Delivery
We’re known for one of the best on-time delivery records in the car shipping industry. Your schedule matters, and we ship like it does.
Transparent, Upfront Pricing
No bait-and-switch quotes. The price we give you is based on real carrier rates, route data, and seasonal demand—not a teaser rate we plan to change later.
BBB A+ & Real Customer Reviews
Smart Auto Move is BBB A+ accredited and backed by verified customer reviews. We treat every shipment like it’s our own vehicle.
Real People. Real Communication.
You’ll always have a real person you can call, text, or email for updates. No endless phone trees. No disappearing acts once your order is placed.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
Thank you.
Car Shipping FAQs
Have questions about pricing, what you can pack, or how to book? Here are clear answers to the most common questions we hear.
How are car shipping rates calculated?
Several key factors affect the cost of shipping your vehicle:
- Pickup and delivery locations. Rates depend heavily on where your car is picked up and dropped off. Shipping to or from major cities is usually cheaper since carriers have more customers nearby. Rural areas can cost more because drivers must take longer, less efficient routes. Hard-to-access locations may also increase the price due to extra time and effort required.
- Vehicle size. Larger vehicles take up more space and require bigger trailers. SUVs typically cost more to ship than sedans. Also, be sure to mention any roof racks, bike racks, or accessories, as these can increase the required trailer size—and the price.
- Vehicle condition. If your car doesn’t run, expect to pay more. Inoperable vehicles may need special equipment like winches or forklifts, which adds to labor and cost. As a rule of thumb, if your car can brake, roll, and steer, it’s considered ready to ship without added fees.
- Fuel prices. Fuel costs also play a big role. When fuel prices are low, shipping tends to be cheaper. When prices rise, expect higher rates as carriers pass on the extra expense.
Can I leave stuff in my car during car shipping?
While it is possible to put personal items in your vehicle during transport, most auto transport companies—including Smart Auto Move—recommend keeping it minimal. Typically, you’re allowed to pack up to 100 pounds of personal belongings, placed securely in the trunk or below the window line inside the car.
This limit exists because carriers must comply with weight restrictions, and insurance policies generally don’t cover personal items. Any loose or unsecured items may shift during transit and cause interior damage. For safety and compliance, always confirm the policy with your transport provider before loading anything in your vehicle.
How do I schedule my car shipping?
Scheduling a car shipping order with Smart Auto Move is simple and hassle-free. To get started, you can request a free quote online by entering your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, and preferred shipping date.
Once you receive your quote, a dedicated transport coordinator will reach out to confirm the details and answer any questions. After you agree to the terms, your order is booked and our team begins arranging a carrier that fits your schedule. You’ll receive regular updates throughout the process, including estimated pickup and delivery times, so you’re always in the loop. With Smart Auto Move, getting your car shipped is as easy as booking a flight.
More Reasons Drivers Trust Smart Auto Move
- Clear, upfront pricing with no surprise add-ons.
- Dedicated coordinators who guide you from quote to delivery.
- Flexible scheduling for relocations, college moves, and snowbird travel.
- Nationwide coverage for standard, luxury, and classic vehicles.
Still have questions? Call 888-709-9078 and talk with a Smart Auto Move specialist about your route, timing, and budget.
Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping
Most customers choose open carrier shipping. It’s the standard, most cost-effective way to ship a vehicle and is the same type of trailer used to deliver new cars to dealerships.
Open Carrier
- Best value for most daily drivers, SUVs, and trucks.
- Faster scheduling thanks to higher carrier availability.
- Vehicle is exposed to weather and road dust, but serious damage is rare.
Enclosed Carrier
- Ideal for luxury, classic, or performance vehicles.
- Fully enclosed trailer protects from weather and road debris.
- Costs 30–60% more than open carrier, but offers maximum protection.
Is Car Shipping Safe?
Yes. When your vehicle ships with Smart Auto Move, it is transported on a dedicated auto carrier and covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance for the duration of the trip.
Before loading, the driver completes a detailed inspection and notes your car’s condition on a Bill of Lading. At delivery, you’ll walk around the vehicle together and compare the condition before signing off.
How Long Does Car Shipping Take?
Most cross-country shipments take between 4 and 7 days once your vehicle is picked up, depending on distance, route demand, weather, and traffic. Shorter regional routes may arrive in just 2–3 days.