Car Shipping for Relocating Families — Every Car, One Plan

• Distance between the old and new homes
• Vehicle sizes and types — minivans and SUVs cost more than sedans
• Open or enclosed transport
• Running condition of each vehicle
• Season — summer is peak moving season
• Pickup and delivery access at residential addresses
• Fixed or guaranteed dates
• Fuel prices and weather

Shipping two or more cars together on the same route typically saves 5–15% on the combined rate.

If your employer is paying for the move, we can invoice or provide documentation for reimbursement. Military families on PCS orders should see military car shipping.

When a family moves, the car is usually the last thing anyone wants to think about — and the hardest to handle. Driving means days on the road with kids, pets and a car full of boxes, often right after the movers leave. Shipping lets the family fly or drive one car while the other arrives on a truck.

The key is timing. Most families ship the car a few days before they leave, so it arrives around the time they do. If you're moving two cars, you can drive one and ship the other, or ship both. Families moving for a new job should check with the employer first — many relocation packages cover vehicle shipping. See corporate relocation car shipping.

• Six to eight weeks before: Get moving quotes and car shipping quotes at the same time so the dates line up.
• Three to four weeks before: Book the car shipment and confirm your pickup window.
• Two weeks before: Arrange someone to release the car if you'll be gone before pickup.
• One week before: Wash the car, remove personal items, toll tags and car seats if you'll need them on the trip.
• Pickup day: Inspect with the driver, take photos and keep your copy of the Bill of Lading.
• Arrival: Inspect the car, then register it in your new state. Many states give new residents only 10 to 30 days. Read moving a car to a new state.

Many households have two or three vehicles. Multi-car transport puts them on one booking, often on the same truck, which usually lowers the per-car price and keeps arrival dates close together. It also means one driver contact and one set of paperwork. If one car is a classic or high-value vehicle, it can ship enclosed while the others go open. See multi-vehicle shipping.

Household moving companies sometimes offer to move your car, but many subcontract it to an auto transport company anyway. Booking directly with a car moving service often costs less and gives you a direct line to the people actually moving your vehicle. Movers handle your furniture and boxes; we handle the cars. Coordinate the two dates so neither one leaves you stuck.

Most carriers allow a small amount of belongings in the trunk, below the window line, but those items aren't insured. Don't pack the car with moving boxes. Keep important documents, medication, electronics, jewelry and kids' essentials with you. Car seats can stay installed if you'll need them right away, but remove them if they're expensive or irreplaceable. Read personal items in car shipping.

Families move constantly between big metro areas and fast-growing states. Common lanes include California to Texas, New York to Florida, Illinois to Arizona, Washington to Texas, New Jersey to Pennsylvania and California to Utah. Each route page shows pricing and transit times for that corridor.

For a sedan on an open carrier, ShipMyCar US pricing typically runs $400–$750 under 500 miles, $700–$1,050 for 500–1,000 miles, $1,100–$1,500 for 1,500–2,000 miles, and about $1,300–$1,800 coast to coast. Minivans and SUVs usually cost a little more. Military families, students, seniors and multi-car households qualify for discounts.

Military families face tight report dates and sometimes overseas moves. Check with your transportation office about what the government ships, then book commercial shipping early for any extra vehicles. ShipMyCar US offers a military discount. See military car shipping and our PCS vehicle shipping guide.

The driver calls ahead with an arrival window. If your new street is narrow or in a gated community, plan to meet at a nearby parking lot. Walk around the car with the driver, compare it to your pickup photos, and note anything new on the Bill of Lading before signing. Then check the tires, battery and warning lights before the first drive in your new city.