Car Shipping Hub
Direct Express Auto Transport
Direct Express Auto Transport: The original architects of the online car shipping calculator.
Car Shipping Hub
Direct Express Auto Transport
Direct Express Auto Transport: The original architects of the online car shipping calculator.
See Why People Prefer Direct Express Auto Transport
Car Shipping — Fast, Safe & Affordable Auto Transport Nationwide
Whether you are relocating across the country, buying a vehicle online, heading to a snowbird destination, or moving a fleet for a dealer, car shipping is the safest and most cost-effective way to move your vehicle.
Direct Express Auto Transport has been connecting customers with trusted, licensed carriers since 2004 — shipping hundreds of thousands of vehicles to all 50 states.
On this page you will find everything you need to know about how car shipping works, what it costs, which transport type is right for your vehicle, and how to get started with a free instant quote.
Auto Transport Reviews From Our Customers in California & Beyond
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My Auto Transport Experience
Nancy B.I am so pleased with my decision to use Direct Express Auto Transport! Ashley was a knowledgeable and confidence inspiring representative and my driver was on time and my car was in perfect shape!
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Great Auto Transport Service To Texas
Steve S.Talked to Jessica on Wednesday to have 65 El Camino shipped from Calif to Texas. Was picked up on Thursday the 16th and delivered on Monday the 20th. Beautiful truck and great driver. Sebastian was the driver’s name. Also it was awesome to see all the other great cars.
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Enclosed Auto Transport
Derek K.Fantastic experience all around, from the office people calling me back on a Sunday when a question popped up, to getting the car delivered very quickly, the whole process went perfectly. Will use them again for sure.
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My Car Arrived Sooner Than Expected!
Charlie R.Driver was very efficient and accommodating! Once he picked up the vehicle he stayed in contact with us all the way to delivery. Thank you very much for hauling this vehicle for us because we have no way of doing it ourselves.
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Auto Transport From Florida
Alicia L.My car was picked up on a Friday morning and arrived at my destination two days later. The driver made sure that I was on time delivering my car and he made sure my car was delivered to me in a timely manner also…
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Auto Transport Service To Arizona
Jeff B.Another excellent job by Direct Express Auto Transport! This is the 3rd time we’ve shipped with this Direct Express Auto Transport. They’re courteous, professional, and on time. I highly recommend this company and their services!
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Car Transported California to Texas
Bill A.I used the expedited shipping option and they told me it will be picked up within 3-4days. Luckily my car was picked up on the very first day. It was assigned to one of their transport companies and I received my car within 10days. They are very professional.
How Auto Transport Works – Step-by-Step
Watch a very helpful video on How Auto Transport Works here.
[00:00] Introduction to Auto Transport
We start with the basics: what auto transport is, who uses it, and why it’s a smarter option than driving your vehicle yourself. You’ll get a clear picture of how the carrier network operates and what to expect from the moment you request a quote.
[00:58] How To Arrange Auto Transport
Booking your move is straightforward. We walk you through how to submit your shipment details, what information you’ll need on hand, and how we match you with a vetted carrier heading your direction.
[01:29] How Do The Pricing Tiers Work?
Auto transport pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We explain what drives your quote, including distance, vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand, so you know exactly what you’re paying for and when to expect the best rates.
[02:48] Where Can I Ship To or From?
We serve the entire continental United States, door to door. Whether you’re shipping across two states or coast to coast, we cover every zip code. We also explain how proximity to major carrier lanes can affect availability and timing.
[03:06] When Can I Expect Pickup?
We set honest expectations around pickup windows, typically one to three days from your target date, and explain how driver schedules, route logistics, and lead time all factor into when your carrier arrives.
[03:37] How Long Does Shipping Take?
Transit times vary by distance. We break it down clearly: short regional hauls, mid-range interstate moves, and full cross-country shipments, with realistic timeframes for each so you can plan around your schedule.
[03:55] How to Prepare Your Vehicle
Before your carrier arrives, a few simple steps protect you and your car. We cover what to remove, how to document existing condition, fuel level, tire pressure, and anything else that needs to be done the day before pickup.
[04:25] What To Expect At Pickup
This is where the paperwork begins. We walk through the curbside inspection process and the Bill of Lading, the document that legally records your vehicle’s condition before it’s loaded. We explain why it matters and exactly what to check before you sign.
[04:57] What To Expect At Delivery
The final step. We cover how delivery works, what to inspect before signing off, and how to handle situations where a large trailer can’t reach your exact address, like tight residential streets or gated communities, and needs to meet you nearby.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Transport — Which Is Right for You?
The two main car shipping methods are open and enclosed transport. About 90% of vehicles shipped in the U.S. use open carriers — the same multi-level trailers you see on highways loaded with new cars headed to dealerships.
Open Car Transport
Open transport is the standard option. Your car rides on an open carrier alongside 6–9 other vehicles and is exposed to weather and road debris. It is safe, reliable, and the most affordable option for the vast majority of everyday vehicles.
- Best for: Standard cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans
- Cost: Most affordable — baseline pricing
- Availability: Highest — more carriers operate open trailers
- Typical transit: 1–14 days depending on distance and route
Read more about our Open-Air Carrier Service.
Enclosed Car Transport
Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, protecting it from all weather, road debris, and prying eyes. Carriers typically haul 2–6 vehicles and use soft straps and hydraulic lifts to protect low-clearance or delicate vehicles.
- Best for: Luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotics, motorcycles, high-value collector cars
- Cost: 40–60% more than open transport
- Availability: Fewer carriers — may extend booking time by a few days
- Typical transit: Same as open transport once booked
See here if Enclosed Carrier Service is the right choice for you.
Quick Tip: Which Should You Choose?
- If your car is worth under $50,000 and is a standard production vehicle, open transport is perfectly safe and the smart financial choice.
If your car is a classic, exotic, or worth over $50,000, the added cost of enclosed shipping is worthwhile peace of mind.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Car Shipping
Door-to-Door Transport
The carrier picks up your vehicle as close to your home or business as possible and delivers it to your destination address. This is the most convenient option and what Direct Express Auto Transport specializes in. Note that in dense urban areas, the driver may need to meet you at a nearby parking area to accommodate the size of the transport trailer.
Terminal-to-Terminal Transport
You drop off your car at a designated terminal or lot and pick it up at a terminal near your destination. This option is less convenient but can save money on some routes. It also works well if you need to ship your vehicle before you are ready to receive it. Storage fees may apply if the vehicle sits at the terminal beyond a certain window.
Non-Running Vehicle Shipping
We can arrange carriers equipped with winches to load vehicles that cannot start or move.
Typical additional cost: $150–$250 depending on route logistics.
Three-Tiered Car Shipping Quotes
You can try our amazing tool, the three-tiered car shipping cost calculator, right here.
Auto transport is a marketplace where carriers select loads based on route efficiency and incentive levels. Our proprietary three-tier pricing allows you to adjust your placement within that marketplace.
Standard Tier — Budget-Friendly
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Lowest entry price
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Best for flexible schedules
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Works well on high-traffic routes.
Expedited Tier — Most Recommended
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Increased carrier incentive
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Faster assignment probability
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Balanced price-to-speed ratio.
Rush Tier — Priority Shipping
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Highest incentive
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Designed for urgent timelines
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Often results in carrier assignment within days.
Car Shipping Costs — What to Expect
Car shipping prices vary based on distance, vehicle size, transport type, route popularity, and the time of year. Here are typical price ranges for open carrier transport:
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Distance |
Typical Cost Range (Open Carrier) |
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Under 500 miles |
$300 – $700 |
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500 – 1,000 miles |
$600 – $1200 |
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1,000 – 1,500 miles |
$1000 – $1,500 |
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1,500 – 2,500 miles (cross-country) |
$1200 – $2,500 |
Key Factors That Affect Your Car Shipping Price
- Distance and route — long-haul routes like New York to California cost more than short regional moves, but the per-mile rate decreases with distance.
- Vehicle size — a compact sedan ships for less than a pickup truck or SUV because larger vehicles take up more carrier space.
- Open vs. enclosed transport — enclosed shipping adds 40–60% to the cost for premium protection.
- Season and demand — summer and snowbird season (October–March in Florida) drive up prices on popular routes. And sometimes down on the reverse routes.
- Flexibility — if you can be flexible on your pickup date by 3–5 days, carriers can often offer lower rates.
- Running vs. inoperable — a non-running vehicle requires special equipment and costs $150–$200 more.
Why Choose Direct Express Auto Transport?
• In business since 2004 — over 20 years of auto transport expertise
• Network of 15,000+ licensed, insured, and vetted carriers nationwide
• Instant online quotes — no waiting, no pressure
• No upfront payment required to book your shipment
• All carriers carry cargo insurance of $100,000 or more
• Dedicated customer support throughout your shipment
• Serving all 50 states
• Transparent pricing — the price you see is the price you pay
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Proper preparation ensures a smooth transport experience across the USA.
Clean Your Vehicle
A clean vehicle allows accurate inspection during pickup.
Desert dust, wind-blown sand, and seasonal road debris can conceal minor damage. Cleaning ensures the Bill of Lading accurately reflects your vehicle’s condition.
Remove Personal Belongings
Carriers operate under strict weight limits.
While many drivers allow up to 100 lbs of secured items in the trunk, personal belongings are typically not covered under cargo insurance.
Disable Alarm Systems
Sensitive alarms can activate during transit vibrations. Disable anti-theft systems to avoid battery drain or disruptions during transport.
Remove Toll Transponders
Many states have toll transponders that will rack up a bill if you are not careful. It is your responsibility to remove electronic toll devices so that accidental charges don’t happen while your vehicle is in transit.
Document Vehicle Condition with Photos
Take clear photos of:
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All exterior angles
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Interior condition
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Odometer reading
These images provide peace of mind and serve as documentation.
Maintain Approximately 1/4 Tank of Fuel
Keeping fuel at about one-quarter tank:
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Reduces vehicle weight
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Helps carriers remain within legal limits
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Ensures enough fuel for loading/unloading.
A Note About Your Auto Transport Driver
Professional car hauler drivers operate under demanding schedules and travel thousands of miles across varying terrain.
Maintaining clear communication during scheduling helps ensure smooth pickup and delivery coordination.
While tipping is never required, many customers choose to provide $50–$100 for exceptional service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping
How long does car shipping take?
Transit times depend on distance and route. Short routes under 500 miles typically take 1–3 days. Cross-country shipments from coast to coast usually take 7–14 days. Remote destinations or lightly traveled routes may take slightly longer. Your carrier will provide an estimated delivery window once your shipment is dispatched.
Is my car insured while it is being shipped?
Yes. Every carrier in our network is required to carry cargo insurance of at least $100,000. Before booking, you can request the carrier’s certificate of insurance. We also recommend checking whether your personal auto insurance policy provides any supplemental coverage during transport, as some policies do.
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
For the best carrier selection and pricing, book 1–2 weeks in advance. That said, our network is large enough that we can often accommodate shipments within 1–3 days on most routes. If you are flexible on your pickup date, you may qualify for lower rates.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
You or an authorized representative must be present at both pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading. If you cannot be present, you can designate a trusted person — a family member, neighbor, or property manager — to handle the inspection and sign on your behalf.
What happens if my car is damaged during shipping?
Damage during transport is rare, but if it occurs, the process is straightforward. At delivery, note any new damage on the Bill of Lading before signing, and photograph everything. File a claim directly with the carrier’s insurance company. Do not sign the delivery receipt as “damage-free” if you have concerns — once signed unconditionally, claims become significantly harder to pursue.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes. Inoperable vehicles can be shipped, but they require a carrier with a winch or special loading equipment. Non-running vehicles typically add $100–$200 to the total cost. Be sure to disclose this when getting your quote so we can match you with an appropriately equipped carrier.
Can I put items in my car while it is being shipped?
Technically, many carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk. However, this is not standard practice and personal belongings are never covered under cargo insurance. We strongly recommend shipping the vehicle empty to avoid any disputes.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the official shipping contract and vehicle condition report. It documents the state of your car at pickup — including any pre-existing scratches, dents, or damage. Both you and the driver sign it at pickup, and again at delivery. Keep your copy safe throughout the process.
Specialty Car Shipping Services
In addition to standard car shipping, Direct Express Auto Transport can help with:
• Classic and antique car shipping — enclosed transport with experienced vintage vehicle handlers
• Luxury and exotic vehicle shipping — fully enclosed trailers with soft-tie systems
• Military car shipping — discounted rates for active duty and veterans
• Student car shipping — reliable, affordable transport for college relocations
• Dealer and fleet shipping — volume pricing for dealerships and fleet managers
• Snowbird seasonal shipping — popular Florida, Arizona, and Texas routes in fall and spring
• Alaska and Hawaii shipping — via specialized ocean freight carriers
Ship Your Car To or From Any State
Direct Express Auto Transport ships vehicles to and from all 50 states. Select your state below for route-specific information, pricing, and tips:
Get Your Free Car Shipping Quote Today
Ready to ship? Getting a quote takes less than 60 seconds. Enter your details above for an instant price from our network of over 15,000 trusted carriers. No upfront payment, no obligation — just straightforward pricing from a company that has been doing this since 2004.
Questions? Call us at 800-600-3750 or email [email protected]. Our team is available 7 days a week to help you plan your shipment.
Direct Express Auto Transport — Licensed, Bonded & Insured Since 2004