That $400 quote just became $900. Know your real transport cost before you bid. ZIP to ZIP, any vehicle, any carrier.
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Enter a valid 5-digit ZIP
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ZIP not in our major-city database. Use slider to set approximate distance, or enter miles below.
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⚠️ Insurance Note: Verify carrier insurance covers vehicle value. Most brokers carry $100K-$250K cargo coverage. Ask for the COI (Certificate of Insurance) before booking.
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📝 Important Notes
🛡️Always verify carrier insurance. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with your name as certificate holder. Coverage should match or exceed vehicle value.
📋Get 3 quotes minimum. Prices vary wildly between brokers. Use this estimator as a sanity check, not a booking tool.
🔧Non-running vehicles cost more to load. Winch fees, forklift charges, and rollback needs add $150-$300+ per vehicle.
💎Enclosed is worth it for vehicles over $25K. Open carriers expose cars to road debris, weather, and theft risk at truck stops.
⏰Cross-country takes 7-14 days, not 3. Drivers log hours, routes have pickups/dropoffs, and weather happens. Plan accordingly.
💬Marcus's note: "I bought a car in Phoenix once. Transport was more than my buyer fee. Almost didn't catch it. Always run the numbers before you bid."
❓ FAQ
How long does transport actually take?
Standard coast-to-coast runs 7-14 days. Regional (under 800 miles) is usually 2-5 days. Expedited and rush options cost more but can cut that in half by prioritizing your load.
What insurance do I actually get?
Brokers typically carry $100K-$250K in cargo coverage per load. That sounds like a lot, but if you're hauling a $60K truck and the carrier has 6 vehicles, coverage gets split. Ask for the COI and confirm your vehicle's value is covered.
Why does a non-running car cost so much more?
If a car doesn't start, steer, or brake, it can't be driven onto the carrier. The shipper needs a winch, forklift, or rollback — extra equipment, extra time, extra liability. Budget $150-$300 on top of the base rate.
Do multi-car loads really save money?
Yes. A single open-carrier spot on a popular route might run $0.60/mile. Load 4 cars on the same truck and you can negotiate down to $0.45-$0.50/mile per car. Volume is leverage.
Should I just drive it myself?
Self-pickup makes sense for short hauls (under 400 miles) or when you need the car immediately. Factor in IRS mileage ($0.67/mile), your time, fuel, hotels, food, and tolls. For a 1,200-mile haul, a carrier is usually cheaper and far less hassle.
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Disclaimer: Distances are approximate based on ZIP prefix lookups for major US cities. For ZIPs outside our database, use the manual distance slider. Transport costs are estimates based on industry averages and may vary by carrier, season, fuel prices, and availability. Always confirm quotes with licensed brokers. Last updated June 2026.