Car Shipping Services: Open, Enclosed, and Specialty Auto Transport
Car shipping to and from all 50 states, plus transport for motorcycles, boats, and heavy equipment. Choose the service that fits your vehicle and your move. Your price locks when you book.
- 50,000+ Vehicles Shipped
- A+ BBB Rating
- 10+ Years Shipping Cars
Instant Transport Quote
Enter your pickup and delivery points. Takes about a minute.
Or talk to a real person: 855.422.4141
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Price Lock Guarantee Your quote is final. Guaranteed.
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Live Agents Standing By Real people from booking to delivery.
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Fully Vetted Carriers FMCSA and DOT compliant.
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Fully Bonded & Insured Bumper to bumper protection.
Read what customers say on our auto transport reviews page.
Car Shipping Services, in Short
Number 1 Auto Transport arranges open and enclosed car shipping to and from all 50 states, plus transport for classics, exotics, motorcycles, boats, and heavy equipment. Across the 24 routes we publish, a standard sedan ships for $450 to $1,800 on an open carrier and $875 to $2,800 enclosed.
Most cars are picked up within a 1 to 5 day window and spend 1 to 10 days on the truck, depending on distance. The price you book is the price you pay.
Who Moves Your Car
We are a licensed broker, not a carrier. MC-796224 and USDOT 2336907. We do not own trucks or employ drivers. We vet, book, and manage the carriers who do, and we stay on the shipment until it is delivered. You can check both numbers in the FMCSA SAFER system.
Before a carrier gets your car, we check its operating authority, its insurance on file, and its safety record. The carriers we book keep $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $100,000 to $1,000,000 in cargo insurance.
In business since 2010, with more than 50,000 vehicles shipped. Family owned, A+ with the BBB, and on the Inc. 5000 list. When you call, a real person picks up.
Our Car Shipping Services
Pick by vehicle or by the kind of move. Each service has its own page with the details for that vehicle or move. Open and enclosed transport, the two ways every car, truck, and SUV ships, are compared in the next section.
Specialty Vehicles
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Classic Car Transport
Open or enclosed, matched to the car and the trip. Enclosed keeps restored paint and show finishes out of the weather and road grit. Open costs less.
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Exotic Car Transport
Enclosed carriers that load low cars with a hydraulic lift gate or extended ramps. Soft straps go around the tires, so nothing hooks to the frame.
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Motorcycle Transport
Open on the same two-level trucks that carry cars, or crated on a pallet inside an enclosed trailer. Enclosed and crated is the safest way to ship a bike.
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Boat Transport
Boats and yachts on air-ride trailers that cradle the hull, with permits for wide, tall, or long loads. Plan on a 2 to 5 business day pickup window while the permits come through.
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Heavy Equipment Transport
Loaders, dump trucks, box trucks, and farm equipment on lowboy, step deck, and RGN trailers. Oversized loads get the state permits and a planned route.
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Auto Transport by Brand
Find your make in a directory of 35 brands, from Acura and Ford to Ferrari and Tesla, each with its own shipping page.
Built Around Your Move
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Military POV Car Shipping
Base to base PCS moves for service members and their families, plus runs to Vehicle Processing Centers for moves overseas. Active duty, veterans, and their families get $50 off any service.
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College Student Car Shipping
Cars to and from campus, timed around move-in and move-out dates. Every student shipment gets a student discount.
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Corporate Relocation Car Shipping
Employee car moves for HR and relocation teams. Your relocation policy and the car's value set open or enclosed, and one relocation specialist handles the move from quote to delivery.
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Snowbird Car Shipping
Seasonal runs like New York and New Jersey to Florida and Michigan to Arizona. Southbound fills in October and November and northbound in March and April. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead in the fall.
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Dealership Car Shipping
Lot to buyer, lot to lot, and trade-ins headed to your lot. Several cars moving at once get a discounted wholesale rate.
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Auto Auction Transport
Pickup from Manheim, Copart, IAA, ADESA, and local auctions. Send the gate pass or release form, and tell us if the car does not run so a winch truck is booked.
Open vs Enclosed Car Shipping
Cars, trucks, and SUVs ship one of two ways. Around nine out of ten cars go open. Enclosed costs more and protects more, and both carry the carrier's cargo insurance.
How the Two Compare
| Factor | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | The base rate on every route | Usually 40 to 60 percent more, and more on short trips |
| Trailer | Two-level open rack, 8 to 10 cars | Covered trailer, fewer cars per load |
| Exposure | Weather and road dust, like a day of driving | Sealed from weather and road debris |
| Booking | The most trucks on the road, books fastest | Fewer trucks, so book earlier |
| Best for | Daily drivers, SUVs, trucks, and leases | Classics, exotics, low cars, and fresh paint |
Which One Fits Your Car?
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Open Car Shipping
The right call for most cars, SUVs, and trucks. The same two-level carriers that deliver new cars to dealers, at the lowest rate on any route.
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Enclosed Auto Transport
Hard-sided or soft-sided covered trailers for classics, exotics, low cars, and fresh paint. Worth the premium when the car is worth protecting.
Not sure which trailer fits? Get both prices in one quote.
How Our Car Shipping Service Works
Every service on this page runs on the same five steps. Our how car shipping works guide covers each one in detail, and our guide to shipping a car across the country covers long moves.
Quote
Tell us the vehicle, both ZIP codes, and your first available date. The price locks when you book.
Match
We book a vetted carrier that already runs your route, then email you the details.
Pickup
The driver calls ahead to set a time. You walk the car together and both sign the bill of lading.
Transit
The car rides to its destination while the driver and our dispatch team keep you updated.
Delivery
The driver calls about 24 hours out. You check the car, sign, pay the balance, and drive off.
How Much Do Car Shipping Services Cost?
A standard sedan ships for $450 to $1,800 on an open carrier and $875 to $2,800 enclosed across the 24 routes we publish. Distance sets the base rate. Trips under 500 miles run $450 to $875 open, and trips of 2,500 miles and up run $1,450 to $1,750.
The table uses the same distance bands as our car shipping cost guide, which also prices all 24 routes, each car size, and each season.
Car Shipping Rates by Distance
| Distance | Open cost | Enclosed cost | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $450 to $875 | $950 to $1,275 | 1 to 3 days |
| 500 to 1,000 miles | $575 to $1,200 | $875 to $1,700 | 1 to 4 days |
| 1,000 to 1,500 miles | $800 to $1,650 | $1,150 to $2,475 | 3 to 5 days |
| 1,500 to 2,500 miles | $650 to $1,800 | $1,000 to $2,800 | 3 to 10 days |
| 2,500 miles and up | $1,450 to $1,750 | $2,100 to $2,800 | 6 to 10 days |
Each band takes the low and high of the route pages whose typical distance falls in it. Two routes in the same band can sit far apart, so your route page or a quote is the closer number.
What Moves the Price
- Distance. Longer trips cost more in total and less per mile.
- Trailer type. Enclosed usually runs 40 to 60 percent above open, and more on short trips.
- Vehicle size. A full-size SUV or pickup takes more deck space than a sedan and costs more.
- Season. October through December and May through August run 10 to 20 percent above base. January and February cost the least.
- Pickup spot. A wide lot near the highway can cost less than a tight residential street.
- Running condition. A car that does not run needs a winch, which adds $100 to $250.
Want the number for your car? A locked quote takes about a minute.
How Long Does Car Shipping Take?
Plan on a 1 to 5 day pickup window plus 1 to 10 days on the truck. A trip under 500 miles spends 1 to 3 days in transit. A trip of 2,500 miles or more takes 6 to 10 days.
From Booking to Delivery
| Stage | How long | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | 2 to 3 weeks ahead is ideal | Gets the widest choice of pickup dates. Book 3 to 4 weeks out from May through August and October through December. |
| Pickup window | Usually 1 to 5 days | The driver calls to set a time. Remote areas and peak season sit at the long end. |
| On the truck | 1 to 10 days | Set by distance. Most carriers cover about 500 miles a day under federal hours of service rules. |
| Delivery | A call about 24 hours out | The driver confirms the window. You inspect the car and sign the bill of lading. |
These are typical windows, not promised dates. Weather and road closures can add a day. For trips of 2,500 miles and up, see our coast to coast auto transport page.
Is It Cheaper to Drive or Ship Your Car?
On a short trip, driving usually costs less. Past about 1,000 miles the math turns, and by 1,500 miles shipping usually wins once you count your days.
Driving vs Shipping on a 1,500-Mile Move
| Factor | Driving yourself | Shipping your car |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $580 to $1,060 for fuel, two nights of lodging, meals, tolls, and wear | $900 to $1,400 open, locked at booking |
| Time | 2 to 3 days of driving | 3 to 6 days in transit while you fly, work, or pack |
| Wear | 1,500 miles on the odometer, tires, and brakes | Zero miles added |
| Risk | Weather, fatigue, and a breakdown far from home | The carrier's cargo insurance covers the car from pickup to delivery |
Driving figures come from the Los Angeles to Houston table on our Texas auto transport page. Shipping figures come from our California to Texas route page.
Car Shipping Routes and States We Serve
We arrange car shipping to and from every state. These are the routes we book most, each with its own page for prices, transit times, and the highways the truck runs.
Popular Car Shipping Routes
- New York to Florida
- New York to California
- New York to Texas
- California to Texas
- Texas to California
- New York to Arizona
- New York to North Carolina
- Florida to New Jersey
- New York to Colorado
- New York to Illinois
- Atlanta to Dallas
- San Diego to Portland
See all 24 on our popular car shipping routes page.
Car Shipping by State
Every state has its own guide. Find yours on our ship by state page.
What Every Shipment Includes
These terms hold for every car, truck, and SUV we ship, from quote to delivery.
Price Lock Guarantee
The quote includes our fee, the carrier's pay, and cargo insurance. No fuel surcharge later and no fee added at delivery.
Deposit After Pickup
Nothing is charged until the carrier has your car. We take all major credit cards for the deposit.
Balance at Delivery
Paid to the driver by cash, certified check, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or money order. Your dispatcher confirms which ones.
Cargo Insurance
Carriers we book keep $1,000,000 in liability and $100,000 to $1,000,000 in cargo coverage. Ask us for the certificate.
Discounts
$50 off for active duty, veterans, and their families. A student discount for college students. Ask about a pair rate for two cars.
Real People
Our team answers Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm ET and Saturday 9am to 5pm ET, from booking through delivery.
Watch a Car Load onto an Open Carrier
A clip from our YouTube channel shows a Mercedes-Benz loading onto an open car carrier, the same kind of truck most vehicles on this page ride on.
Car Shipping Services Questions
Quick answers before you book. Our auto transport FAQ page covers the rest.
What car shipping services do you offer?
Open and enclosed car shipping for cars, trucks, and SUVs, plus transport for classics, exotics, motorcycles, boats, and heavy equipment. We also handle military PCS moves, college students, corporate relocations, snowbirds, dealerships, and auction buyers. We arrange car shipping to and from all 50 states.
What is the difference between open and enclosed car shipping?
Open carriers are two-level racks that hold 8 to 10 cars and set the base rate. Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars, seal out weather and road debris, and usually cost 40 to 60 percent more, more on short trips. Most daily drivers ship open.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Across the 24 routes we publish, a standard sedan costs $450 to $1,800 on an open carrier and $875 to $2,800 enclosed. Distance, vehicle size, trailer type, and the month set where your trip lands.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
Ship open, give the carrier a 3 to 5 day pickup window, and meet the truck at a wide lot near the highway. Book two to three weeks out, and ship in January or February if you can. A quote far below the rest is usually a price no carrier will run.
How long does car shipping take?
Most cars are picked up within a 1 to 5 day window. Time on the truck runs 1 to 3 days under 500 miles and 6 to 10 days on trips of 2,500 miles or more. Weather and road closures can add a day.
How far in advance should I book car transport?
Two to three weeks ahead gets the widest choice of pickup dates and the steadiest price. From May through August and October through December, book three to four weeks out. We can often dispatch sooner.
How do I know if an auto transport company is legit?
Look the company up by MC number in the FMCSA SAFER system and make sure its authority is active. Read reviews on BBB, Google, and Transport Reviews, not only the ones on the company's own site. Ask for the carrier's cargo insurance certificate before dispatch.
Is Number 1 Auto Transport a broker or a carrier?
We are a licensed broker, not a carrier. MC-796224 and USDOT 2336907. We do not own trucks or employ drivers. We vet, book, and manage the carriers who do, and we stay on the shipment until it is delivered.
Is my car insured during shipping?
Yes. Every carrier we assign carries active cargo insurance, and we verify it before dispatch. Coverage runs from pickup through delivery. Ask your agent for the certificate and we will send it.
How do I pay for car shipping?
A deposit is charged after pickup. The balance is paid to the driver at delivery by cash, certified check, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or money order. Your dispatcher confirms which ones your carrier takes.
Where will my car be picked up and delivered?
At your address wherever the truck fits. A loaded car hauler is long, so narrow streets, low branches, and local rules sometimes keep it out. Then the driver meets you at a nearby lot with room to load.
Do I have to be there at pickup and delivery?
No. Anyone you trust can meet the driver, walk the car, and sign the bill of lading for you. Leave them a set of keys and give us their name and number when you book.
Can I put personal items in my car when I ship it?
Up to 100 pounds in the trunk or back seat, kept below the window line, at your own risk. Personal items are not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance, so leave valuables, electronics, and documents out.
Can you ship a car that does not run?
Yes, as long as it rolls, steers, and brakes. A car that does not run needs a carrier with a winch at both ends, which usually adds $100 to $250. Tell us when you book so the right truck is assigned. Salvage auction cars often need one.
Do you offer military or student discounts?
Yes. Active duty, veterans, and their families get $50 off any shipment. College students get a student discount on every shipment as well. Mention it when you book.
Can I ship more than one vehicle?
Yes. Two vehicles going from the same pickup to the same delivery fill two slots on one truck, so ask for the pair rate. Dealers moving several cars at once get a discounted wholesale rate.
Do you tip car transport drivers?
Tipping is up to you. The carrier's pay is already inside the price you locked, so you owe nothing beyond the balance. If a driver goes out of the way for you, a tip is a kind gesture.
What are the disadvantages of shipping a car?
You are without the car while it ships, and pickup comes in a 1 to 5 day window, not at a set hour. On an open trailer the car sees the same weather as a day of driving. Tight streets can mean meeting the driver at a nearby lot.
Get Your Car Shipping Quote
Enter your pickup and delivery points in the form at the top of this page, or call and talk to a real person. Read what customers say on our auto transport reviews page, then lock your rate.
Number 1 Auto Transport
Phone: 855.422.4141
Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm ET, Saturday 9am to 5pm ET
MC-796224 | USDOT 2336907
Number 1 Auto Transport is a licensed and bonded auto transport broker, not a motor carrier. We arrange transportation with vetted, FMCSA-authorized carriers who hold active cargo insurance. Prices and transit times shown are typical ranges, not a binding quote. Your locked rate is confirmed at booking.