Understanding Car Shipping Services in 2026
Shipping a car across the United States has become an increasingly common necessity for Americans who are relocating for work, purchasing vehicles from out-of-state sellers, or moving their prized automobiles to seasonal residences. The car shipping industry has evolved significantly in recent years, offering more options, better tracking technology, and improved customer experiences that make the entire process much more straightforward than it once was.
Whether you are shipping a daily driver across several states or transporting a classic car to a new home across the country, understanding the fundamentals of car shipping will help you make informed decisions that protect both your vehicle and your budget throughout the entire transport process.
Types of Car Shipping Services Available
Open Transport Carriers
Open transport is the most common and cost-effective method of shipping a car across the United States. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open multi-car carrier, similar to the trucks you see transporting new vehicles from manufacturing plants to dealerships. While your car will be exposed to weather and road conditions during transit, this method is perfectly safe for most standard vehicles and offers significant cost savings compared to enclosed alternatives.
Open transport is ideal for the following situations:
- Shipping standard daily driver vehicles across any distance
- Budget-conscious moves where cost savings are a priority
- Vehicles that are in regular use and not collector items
- Situations where faster pickup times are needed
- Multiple vehicle shipments where volume discounts apply
Enclosed Transport Carriers
Enclosed transport provides maximum protection for your vehicle during shipping by placing it inside a fully covered trailer. This premium service is recommended for high-value vehicles, classic cars, exotic sports cars, and any automobile where protecting the paint finish and body from road debris and weather exposure is a top priority for the owner.
While enclosed transport typically costs more than open transport, the peace of mind it provides for valuable vehicles makes it well worth the investment. Many enclosed carriers also offer additional features such as hydraulic lift gates for low-clearance vehicles, climate control systems, and enhanced security monitoring throughout the entire transport journey.
Door-to-Door vs Terminal-to-Terminal
Car shipping companies offer two primary delivery options that affect both convenience and overall cost. Door-to-door service means the carrier will pick up and deliver your vehicle as close to your specified addresses as safely possible, accounting for road width and accessibility constraints. Terminal-to-terminal service requires you to drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated shipping terminals.
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
Distance and Route
The distance between pickup and delivery locations is the single largest factor influencing car shipping costs. Longer distances generally cost more in total but less per mile, as carriers can achieve better efficiency on long-haul routes. Popular shipping corridors between major metropolitan areas tend to offer more competitive pricing due to higher carrier availability and more consistent demand.
Vehicle Size and Condition
Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space on the carrier and add more weight, resulting in higher shipping costs. SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than sedans and compact cars. Additionally, non-running vehicles require special equipment to load and unload, which adds to the overall shipping cost and may limit carrier availability.
Key factors that influence pricing based on vehicle characteristics include:
- Overall vehicle dimensions including height, length, and width
- Curb weight and gross vehicle weight rating
- Whether the vehicle is currently operable and can be driven onto the carrier
- Any modifications that affect clearance or dimensions
- Special handling requirements for luxury or vintage vehicles
Seasonal Demand Patterns
Car shipping costs fluctuate throughout the year based on seasonal demand patterns. The summer months and January tend to be the busiest and most expensive times to ship a vehicle, as these periods coincide with peak moving season and snowbird migration patterns. Shipping during off-peak months like September through November can often result in lower prices and faster pickup times.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Pre-Shipping Checklist
Properly preparing your vehicle for shipping is essential to ensuring a smooth transport experience. Taking the time to complete a thorough pre-shipping checklist will protect your vehicle and help avoid potential issues during transit that could cause delays or damage.
Before your car is picked up for shipping, complete these important steps:
- Wash your vehicle thoroughly so any existing damage is clearly visible
- Document the current condition with detailed photographs from all angles
- Remove all personal belongings and loose items from the interior
- Ensure the fuel tank is no more than one quarter full to reduce weight
- Check that tire pressure is at recommended levels for safe loading
- Disable any aftermarket alarm systems that could activate during transport
Insurance and Documentation
Before handing over your vehicle to any car shipping company, verify their insurance coverage and understand exactly what is and is not covered during transport. Reputable carriers maintain cargo insurance that covers damage to your vehicle while it is in their possession, but coverage limits and deductibles vary significantly between companies.
Choosing a Reliable Car Shipping Company
Selecting the right car shipping company is perhaps the most important decision you will make in the entire transport process. Research potential carriers thoroughly by checking their licensing status with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, reading verified customer reviews, and comparing detailed quotes from multiple providers before making your final decision.
Be cautious of quotes that seem significantly lower than the market average, as these often indicate brokers who may not be able to secure a carrier at the quoted price. Working with established companies that have a proven track record of reliable service and transparent communication will provide the best overall experience for your car shipping needs.
For more information about car shipping services and to get started with your vehicle transport, explore our shipping cost calculator for instant estimates. Visit our blog for detailed guides on specific shipping routes, and browse our frequently asked questions for answers to common car shipping concerns and queries.
