Distance and Route Variations
Cross-country shipments typically cover 2,500 to 3,000 miles. The most common corridors are the northern route (I-80/I-90), the central route (I-70/I-40), and the southern route (I-10/I-20). Carriers select routes based on weather, fuel stops, and other pickup/delivery obligations along the way — you generally don't choose the specific highway.
Cost Range
Open transport for a standard vehicle coast to coast runs $1,100–$1,700. Enclosed transport ranges from $1,800–$2,800. These ranges assume a running, standard-clearance vehicle. Oversized vehicles (lifted trucks, large SUVs) and non-running vehicles will be higher. The per-mile rate drops significantly on longer routes — cross-country shipments are often the best value per mile in the industry.
Transit Time
Coast-to-coast open transport typically takes 7–14 days. The variation depends on the specific route, carrier scheduling, and how many other vehicles the carrier is picking up and delivering along the way. A dedicated single-vehicle transport is faster but significantly more expensive. Enclosed transport may take 10–14 days due to fewer available carriers.
Carrier Logistics
Cross-country carriers operate on multi-stop routes. Your vehicle will likely share the trailer with 7–9 other vehicles (open) or 2–5 vehicles (enclosed). The carrier picks up and delivers vehicles along the route, which is why transit windows are ranges rather than fixed dates. This is normal and expected — it's how the economics of long-haul transport work.
What to Do Before Shipping
Remove all personal items — carriers are not liable for loose items in the vehicle, and some carriers will refuse to load a vehicle with visible personal belongings. Note any existing damage with dated photos before pickup. Ensure the vehicle has no more than a quarter tank of gas. Confirm that your vehicle starts, runs, and brakes — non-running vehicles require special equipment and pricing. Disable any aftermarket alarm systems that could be triggered by trailer vibration.