1.
Industry-Leading On-Time Delivery
A strong on-time delivery record means your schedule actually matters. Our dispatch team watches every detail so your vehicle arrives when you expect it.
Vehicle Shipping: Elevated Essentials for a Zen-Like Experience Guaranteed
Nationwide Vehicle Transport
Vehicle Shipping Made Simple & On Time Across the U.S.
Ship your car, SUV, or truck anywhere in the United States with transparent pricing, a BBB A+ accredited company, and one of the strongest on-time delivery records in the vehicle shipping industry.
The Most Reliable Nationwide Vehicle Shipping Company in the U.S.
Vehicle shipping gives you an easy way to move a car, SUV, or truck over long distances without adding miles, stress, or extra travel days.
Instead of driving your vehicle across multiple states, a licensed auto transport carrier picks it up from your home, workplace, or a nearby meeting point and delivers it as close as safely possible to your destination.
Most shipments travel on open carriers similar to the trailers used by dealerships to move several vehicles at once. These haulers are fully insured, operated by professional drivers, and designed specifically for safe vehicle transport.
This type of service fits relocations, online car purchases, military moves, seasonal “snowbird” trips, and any situation where a long road trip would burn time, fuel, and energy.
How Vehicle Shipping Works Step by Step
- 1. Request your price. Use the instant quote calculator above or call 888-709-9078 for a custom vehicle shipping rate.
- 2. Choose your service type. Select Standard, Expedited, or Enclosed transport based on your schedule and the vehicle you are shipping.
- 3. Confirm pickup. Smart Auto Move matches your shipment with a vetted, insured carrier and confirms your pickup window.
- 4. Complete inspection & loading. The driver documents your vehicle’s condition on the Bill of Lading and loads it onto the carrier.
- 5. Stay updated on the road. You receive ETA updates and can speak with a real person whenever you want an update.
- 6. Inspect at delivery. At drop-off, you walk around the vehicle with the driver, sign the Bill of Lading, and your shipment is complete.
Door-to-Door Vehicle Shipping Explained
Door-to-door vehicle shipping means your vehicle is picked up and delivered near the addresses you provide, instead of at a distant terminal lot. The carrier meets you at your home, office, or another nearby location that offers safe access for a large truck.
Auto transport trucks are long, heavy, and must follow local laws and neighborhood restrictions. Some cul-de-sacs, gated communities, and narrow streets simply are not designed for big carriers. When that happens, your driver coordinates a wide, open spot such as a shopping center parking lot or main road nearby.
Compared with terminal-to-terminal shipping, door-to-door service saves time, avoids extra driving, and keeps the entire vehicle shipping experience more convenient from start to finish.
How Much Does Vehicle Shipping Cost?
Vehicle shipping rates change with distance, demand, and vehicle details, but you can still use simple guidelines to plan a budget.
Many standard vehicles shipped on open carriers fall somewhere between $500 and $1,800. Shorter trips under 500 miles may land around $500–$800, while cross-country routes between 1,500 and 3,000 miles frequently run $1,200–$1,800. Enclosed vehicle shipping adds extra protection for luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles and generally costs 30–40% more.
Key Factors That Affect Vehicle Shipping Prices
- Pickup and delivery locations. Routes between major metro areas usually cost less than remote or hard-to-reach towns.
- Total distance. Longer trips cost more overall, yet the per-mile rate often drops on cross-country lanes.
- Vehicle size and weight. Bigger and heavier vehicles take more space on a carrier and can increase the price.
- Vehicle condition. Non-running vehicles needing winches or special equipment cost more to ship.
- Transport type. Open carriers are the best value; enclosed carriers offer maximum protection at a higher rate.
- Season and demand. Busy seasons, snowbird traffic, and fuel costs influence the market rates.
- Speed and add-ons. Expedited pickup, top-load requests, or special handling can raise the total.
For your exact rate, the fastest path is to enter your details into the vehicle shipping calculator at the top of this page or speak with a Smart Auto Move specialist at 888-709-9078.
How Long Does Vehicle Shipping Take?
Transit time depends on distance, route congestion, and seasonal traffic. Regional trips often arrive within 1–3 days after pickup, while coast-to-coast vehicle shipping usually takes about 5–10 days.
Weather, road conditions, and delivery sequences on the carrier’s route all influence timing. You receive an estimated pickup and delivery window before you book, and your coordinator keeps you updated as the truck moves along your route.
When timing is tight, expedited vehicle shipping can be used to secure quicker pickup and faster placement on a high-demand lane.
Open vs Enclosed Vehicle Shipping
Auto transport companies typically use two main methods for vehicle shipping: open and enclosed carriers.
Open Auto Transport
- Most popular and cost-effective option.
- Vehicles ship on an open trailer, similar to dealer transports.
- Great fit for daily drivers, SUVs, and trucks.
Enclosed Auto Transport
- Vehicles ride inside a fully covered trailer.
- Ideal for luxury, classic, exotic, or specialty vehicles.
- Higher cost, but greater protection and typically higher insurance limits.
Sample Vehicle Shipping Routes & Rates
These real-world examples give you a clear starting point. Actual rates depend on route demand, timing, and your specific vehicle.
| 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, remote locations, and seasonal demand can raise or lower the final rate.
For your own vehicle shipping rate and pickup window, use our instant quote tool above or call 888-709-9078.
Why Smart Auto Move Is the Smart Choice for Vehicle Shipping
Many companies can move a vehicle from point A to point B. Smart Auto Move focuses on moving your vehicle on time, with fair pricing and real communication along the way.
2.
Transparent, Upfront Pricing
No bait-and-switch quotes. Your price is based on real carrier rates, route data, and seasonal demand—not a teaser number designed to change later.
3.
BBB A+ Accredited & Trusted
Smart Auto Move is BBB A+ accredited and works only with licensed, insured vehicle shipping carriers that are carefully vetted for reputation and performance.
4.
Real People, Real Updates
A dedicated coordinator follows your shipment from pickup to delivery. You can call, text, or email and talk to a real person any time you need answers.
★★★★★
Customers nationwide trust Smart Auto Move for vehicle shipping.
See what real customers say about their experience.
Reviews
I needed my truck transported from Bakersfield to Seattle and chose Smart Auto Move of Los Angeles after a friend recommended them. Honestly, best decision. Super friendly team, no surprises on the price, and they delivered a day early. I would use them again if necessary.
I shipped two cars from Chicago to California and Smart Auto Move made the whole process easy. Coordinating two vehicles can be a nightmare, but these folks handled it like nothing. Great communication, solid pricing, and both cars were delivered on time. Five stars without hesitation.
I was having a hard time deciding whether to drive my car or have it shipped; ultimately, it made more sense to have it transported. Smart Auto Move handled my LA-to-Miami car shipment like total pros. They gave me upfront pricing, answered every question, and updated me throughout. My car arrived right on schedule and in perfect shape. A service all around.
I shipped my SUV from San Diego to Dallas with Smart Auto Move of Los Angeles and the whole thing was shockingly smooth. The price was fair, the communication was great, and they delivered exactly when they said they would. Easily the most stress-free transport experience I’ve ever had. Highly recommend.
I relocated from New Jersey to North Hollywood, and Smart Auto Move took care of my car transport. They kept me updated, answered every call, and delivered my car on schedule with zero issues, transparent, reliable, and great customer service.
Great service would love to work with again.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
Smart Auto Move was professional and efficient in delivering my vehicle. From scheduling the pick up to the on-time delivery, I was satisfied with the overall service. Thank you Smart Auto Move for making my auto transport seamless.
Smart Auto Move was a positive experience! The payment never changed and the delivery style (inside/outside) didn't vary either which was a relief. I shipped two cars and they were picked up 3 and 4 days early which isn't a huge deal but I did have to move some plans around. Both drivers were so kind, careful, and communicative. I would fully recommend them and use them again!
Great communication through the transaction, car picked up and delivered as requested.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Vehicle Shipping FAQs
Here are clear answers to the questions people ask most before booking a vehicle shipping company.
What is the difference between open and enclosed vehicle shipping?
Open carriers are the most common and affordable option and use multi-car trailers similar to the ones you see delivering vehicles to dealerships. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road dust, but serious damage is rare when carriers are properly vetted.
Enclosed carriers protect vehicles inside a covered trailer and often use soft straps and lift gates for extra care. This method works best for luxury, exotic, or classic cars that need additional protection on the road.
Is my vehicle insured while it is being shipped?
Every licensed and bonded carrier in the Smart Auto Move network carries cargo insurance that covers your vehicle while it is in transit. At pickup, the driver completes a walk-around inspection and records your vehicle’s condition on the Bill of Lading.
A second inspection happens at delivery so any difference can be documented and addressed. This straightforward process gives you a clear record and peace of mind from end to end.
Can I put personal items in my vehicle during shipping?
Smart Auto Move allows up to about 100 pounds of personal belongings placed in the trunk or kept below the window line. Light, compact items that are secured and do not shift are recommended.
Carrier insurance covers the vehicle itself, not the contents, so personal items travel at your own risk. Overloading the vehicle or packing above the limit can lead to extra fees or delay pickup.
How should I prepare my vehicle for shipping?
A little preparation helps the whole process run more smoothly. Washing the exterior makes inspection notes and photos clearer. Removing valuables and loose items from the interior and trunk keeps them safe and prevents movement during transit.
Leaving about a quarter tank of fuel gives the driver enough for loading and unloading while keeping weight down. You should also disable alarms, secure or remove toll tags, provide a working set of keys, and take your own photos of the vehicle’s condition before pickup.
How does payment work for vehicle shipping?
Smart Auto Move gives you flexibility. You can pay in full by credit or debit card when you book, or place a smaller deposit and pay the remaining balance at delivery by money order, cashier’s check, or cash.
There are no hidden fees or surprise add-ons at the end. Your coordinator will explain every cost upfront so you always know what to expect.
Why choose Smart Auto Move over other vehicle shipping companies?
Smart Auto Move combines reliability, transparency, and personalized service. Each shipment is handled by a dedicated coordinator, and every carrier we use is licensed, insured, and screened for performance.
Flexible service options, clear communication, and competitive rates make it easier to move your vehicle anywhere in the country with confidence.
5 Reasons to Let Smart Auto Move Handle Your Vehicle Shipping
- Saves you days of driving and planning across multiple states.
- Reduces wear, tear, and risk from long road trips.
- Professional, insured carriers handle the logistics for you.
- Transparent pricing and no surprise charges at delivery.
- BBB A+ rating and real 5-star reviews from customers nationwide.
Compare Vehicle Shipping Companies & Get Started
When you compare vehicle shipping companies, look at reputation, on-time delivery record, insurance coverage, and how clearly they explain pricing.
Smart Auto Move is built around simple, honest communication and dependable results. Take a minute to get your quote, then explore a few of our most popular guides and routes if you want more detail on specific lanes and service options.