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.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Car shipping costs depend on distance, route, vehicle type, timing, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Here’s a quick overview.
Most customers pay between $600 and $1,500 to ship a standard car within the continental U.S. Shorter routes cost more per mile, while longer cross-country shipments usually cost less per mile but more in total.
| Distance | Typical Price Per Mile | Example Trip | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–500 miles | $1.50 – $2.00 | Atlanta, GA → Orlando, FL (440 miles) | $660 – $880 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.95 – $1.35 | Chicago, IL → Dallas, TX (925 miles) | $880 – $1,250 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $0.80 – $1.10 | New York, NY → Miami, FL (1,285 miles) | $1,030 – $1,415 |
| 1,500+ miles | $0.70 – $1.00 | Los Angeles, CA → Atlanta, GA (2,175 miles) | $1,520 – $2,175 |
*These are example ranges for open carrier transport of a running sedan. Large SUVs, trucks, enclosed carriers, and rural pickups/deliveries may cost more.
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.
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?
- 0–500 miles: about 1–2 days in transit.
- 500–1,000 miles: about 2–4 days.
- 1,000–2,000 miles: about 3–6 days.
- 2,000+ miles: about 5–8 days.
Transit times can vary with weather, traffic, and route demand. Your coordinator will give you a realistic pickup window and delivery estimate before you book.
Car Shipping FAQ
Quick answers to the most common questions people ask before they ship a car.
Can I put personal items in my car when I ship it?
Most carriers, including Smart Auto Move’s partners, allow up to about 100 pounds of personal items in the trunk or below the window line at no extra cost. Items must be securely packed and cannot block windows or the driver’s view.
Personal belongings are not covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, so avoid packing valuables or fragile items.
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. Every licensed auto transport carrier is required to carry cargo insurance. Your vehicle is covered while it is in the carrier’s care, custody, and control—during loading, transit, and unloading.
You can always request proof of insurance before your vehicle is picked up, and we document your car’s condition at pickup and delivery.
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
For the best pricing and carrier availability, book 7–10 days before your ideal pickup date. If you need your vehicle moved urgently, ask about our Expedited and priority options.
How does payment work?
When you book online, you can choose to pay in full by credit or debit card, or place a smaller deposit and pay the remaining balance at delivery by money order, cashier’s check, or cash—whatever works best for you.
Is car shipping door-to-door?
In most cases, yes. We arrange pickup and delivery at locations that are safely accessible for large car carriers. In tight residential areas, we may meet at a nearby wide street, parking lot, or shopping center.
How do I get started?
Use the instant quote calculator at the top of this page or call 888-709-9078. We’ll walk you through your options, pricing, and timing so you can ship with confidence.
5 Reasons to Let Smart Auto Move Handle It
- Saves you days of driving and planning.
- Reduces wear, tear, and risk on long road trips.
- Professional, insured carriers handle the hard part.
- Transparent, no-surprise pricing and clear communication.
- BBB A+ rating and real 5-star reviews from customers nationwide.
Ready to Ship Your Car?
Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, Smart Auto Move is here to make car shipping the easiest part of your move.
Start with an instant quote, then explore our step-by-step guide and route pages if you want to dig deeper into specific lanes and services.