Vehicle Shipping: Elevated Essentials for a Zen-Like Experience Guaranteed
What are Vehicle Shipping Companies?
Vehicle shipping is a straightforward process that involves transporting your vehicle from one location to another using a professional car shipping service. It begins when you request a quote and provide details like the pickup and delivery addresses, vehicle type, and desired timeframe. Once you book the service, a carrier is assigned to pick up your vehicle—either from your doorstep or a nearby terminal—depending on the service type. The vehicle is then loaded onto either an open or enclosed trailer and transported safely to the destination. Throughout the journey, you receive updates on your shipment status, and upon delivery, a final inspection is done to ensure your car arrives in the same condition. It’s a secure, efficient alternative to driving long distances.
How much does Vehicle Shipping cost?
The cost of vehicle shipping varies based on several key factors, including the distance of the shipment, the type of vehicle, the time of year, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. On average, shipping a car within the U.S. can range from $500 to $1,500. Shorter trips, such as under 500 miles, may cost around $500–$700, while cross-country shipments can be closer to $1,000–$1,500. Enclosed transport, which offers more protection, typically costs 30–50% more than open transport. Additional factors like vehicle size, operability, and expedited shipping needs can also affect the final price. For the most accurate rate, it’s best to request a personalized quote based on your specific route and vehicle.
How long does Vehicle Shipping take?
The time it takes to ship a vehicle depends largely on the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, but most shipments within the U.S. take between 1 to 10 days. Shorter routes, such as under 500 miles, typically take 1 to 3 days, while coast-to-coast transport can take up to 7 to 10 days. Factors like weather, traffic, route demand, and whether you’ve chosen open or enclosed transport can also affect the timeline. Expedited shipping is available for faster service, but standard shipping is generally reliable and efficient for most needs. Your auto transport company should keep you updated throughout the process so you know exactly when to expect delivery.
Can I put things in my car during Vehicle Shipping?
Leaving personal items in your car during vehicle shipping is generally allowed, but with some limitations. Most auto transport companies permit up to 100 pounds of belongings, typically stored in the trunk or below the window line inside the cabin. This helps maintain proper weight distribution and ensures safety during transit. However, it’s important to note that these items are not covered by the carrier’s insurance, so anything valuable or fragile should be removed. Also, excessive weight or unsecured items can lead to delays or additional fees. Always check with your transport provider for their specific policy before packing anything in your vehicle.
Why should I choose Vehicle Shipping?
Vehicle shipping is both a safe and convenient way to transport your car, whether you’re moving across the state or across the country. Professional auto transport companies use experienced drivers and specialized equipment to ensure your vehicle is securely loaded and protected during transit. With options like door-to-door service, real-time tracking, and fully insured carriers, customers can enjoy peace of mind without the stress of long-distance driving. It’s also a time-saving solution—allowing you to focus on your move, travel plans, or business needs while experts handle the logistics. For many, vehicle shipping offers the perfect balance of security, efficiency, and ease.
Why choose Smart Auto Move for Vehicle Shipping?
Customers should choose Smart Auto Move for their car shipping needs because of the company’s commitment to reliability, transparency, and personalized service. With a network of licensed, insured carriers and a dedicated transport coordinator assigned to every shipment, Smart Auto Move ensures a smooth, stress-free experience from pickup to delivery. Whether you’re shipping a standard vehicle, luxury car, or classic collectible, their flexible service options—including enclosed transport and expedited shipping—are designed to meet your unique needs. Plus, with competitive pricing, real-time updates, and top-rated customer support, Smart Auto Move delivers peace of mind with every mile.
Vehicle Shipping you can rely on!
Chances are, you’ve already seen us doing what we do best! If you’ve ever been on the road and have seen the large vehicle shipping trucks transporting brand new and used cars, But, did you know you could get that same expert vehicle shipping service from our car shipping company? That’s right, for the last ten. years Smart Auto Move has been assisting our customers in transporting vehicles across the country, and our customers are always pleased with the level of service they receive.
What’s our secret? The answer is simple: our friendly agents pay attention to detail, especially when it comes to our customer’s schedules.
We also only work with the top carriers in the business and have an extensive vetting process to weed out the drivers that don’t meet our standards. Any carrier (truck driver) wishing to work with Smart Auto Move must have a minimum of 3 years experience doing auto transport, and we don’t count any other form of trucking. Also, carriers must have the proper licensing required by law and insurance that covers between $750,000 and $1,000,000. Also, they must hold a national carrier rating of 98.9 or higher to be sure that they have an excellent record of communicating with customers and picking up and delivering vehicles on time and without loss or damage. If you need a vehicle shipping service you can rest assured that we’ll get your car where you need it when you need it. Starting the process is simple and straight forward. Start by submitting your details to get your personalized car moving quote by either utilizing our instant quote calculator on our website or by simply calling 888-709-9078 and speaking to one of our friendly, knowledgeable specialists.
How much do vehicle shipping companies charge?
Vehicle shipping company prices are based on several market trends such as seasonal migration, weather and current fuel rates. Your total cost from car shipping companies will depend on some additional factors such as;
- The type of car you want to move
- Where it is located and where do you need your vehicle to go,
- If your vehicle is in running or non-running condition
- If the vehicle has been modified
- The transport distance
- Service level (open or enclosed trailer shipment).
Length, Height and Weight of a Vehicle
Rates increase with the longer, taller and heavier a vehicle is, be sure to mention any modifications that have been made to a vehicle that may have changed its original height, weight and or ground clearance
Vehicles Operational Status
Shipping a vehicle with a non-running status will typically cost more due to it requiring additional equipment and poses extra challenges to get it on and off the car shipping trailer, which can make deliveries a bit harder. If you can get your vehicle to a condition that it can be driven onto the trailer, you'll see savings, if not don't worry; if it can roll, brake, and steer, we'll take care of it.
The Carrier You Choose
Most customers would find that shipping their vehicles on an open car hauler to be sufficient. But for customers that own high-end luxury vehicles or cars that must be kept from being exposed to the elements enclosed or covered vehicle shipping trailers are the way to go, but does come at an additional cost.
Distance Between Point A & Point B
The distance between your pick up and delivery points will play a significant factor in your overall cost. Mid-sized sedans transported within 350 miles typically pay an average of $1.00 per mile, 1000 miles around 75 cents per mile, the longer your distance the lower the rate per mile becomes.
Average Vehicle Shipping Cost and Transit Times for Popular interstate vehicle shipping trips
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| California to Texas | $1000 | 1179 miles | 3-4 days |
| Washington to California | $850 | 1004 miles | 2-3 days |
| New York to Florida | $899 | 1100 miles | 2-3 days |
| Texas to Washington | $1199 | 1905 miles | 4-6 days |
| New Jersey to California | $1299 | 2702 miles | 6-8 days |
| Florida to Texas | $800 | 1200 miles | 3-5 days |
| Illinois to Florida | $850 | 1051 miles | 3-3 days |
| Washington to Florida | $1600 | 2990 miles | 7-10 days |
*Prices are estimates and are subject to change depending on the season and type of vehicle you wish to ship. Learn More about cost of vehicle shipping
With Smart Auto Move You Get;
- A+ Rated service by the Better Business Bureau
- Over 10 years experience
- 100k insurance on each vehiclce
- BBB Accredited Comapany
- Door to Door convenience
- Stress free experience
- Registered U.S Department of Transportation Company
- Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration Registered
- Dedicated Auto Transport expert support
Most Popular Vehicle Shipping Services
Why Us
Credentials
We are Licensed, Bonded registered with both the Federal Motor Carriers Safety administration & U.S Department Of Transportation & are Accredited by the Better Business Bureau
passion & Integrity
We offer our clients an individual customized approach to their order. you'll be provided a personal dedicated advisor who'll be happy to assist from the beginning to the very end.
Handle With Care
Our car transporter carrier network is the best in the business so vehicles are delivered safe & undamaged. Our carriers are vetted through the most extensive background checks in the industry.
Timely delivery
We'll get your vehicle to you where you need it, when you need it. The dispatch dept at Smart Auto Move focus on the smallest details to make your car shipping go smooth.