Long-Distance Towing — Move Any Car, Running or Not, Across the Country
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A local tow truck charging by the mile gets expensive fast. For trips over about 50 miles, a car carrier with a winch is usually the cheaper and safer way to move a broken-down car.
Quick Answer
Short answer: Long-distance towing for cars, motorcycles and non-running vehicles. Winch-equipped carriers deliver door to door in any state. It's built for anyone comparing car shipping options who needs to know if this service fits their vehicle and timeline — use the quote form on this page for your exact price.
Last updated: September 11, 2026
Long-distance towing means moving a vehicle more than about 50 miles, often hundreds or thousands. It comes up when a car breaks down on a road trip far from home, when you buy a non-running car from a seller in another state, when a project car needs to reach a specialist shop, or when a vehicle that won't start has to move with you to a new home.
A traditional tow truck can do it, but most charge by the mile and take one car at a time, so a 500-mile tow can cost more than the car is worth. ShipMyCar US books winch-equipped car carriers and flatbeds instead, at long-distance auto transport rates, with door-to-door pickup and delivery.
Tow Truck vs. Car Carrier for Long Distances
Ideal for short local moves and roadside emergencies. Over long distances, per-mile towing rates add up quickly, and the truck carries only your car.
Shares the trip with other vehicles, which brings the cost per car down. A winch pulls non-running cars onto the trailer.
A good middle option for single vehicles, heavy trucks or cars with damage that makes carrier loading difficult.
For most moves over 50–100 miles, carrier transport is cheaper. See inoperable vehicle transport for more on non-running cars.
When You Need Long-Distance Towing
- Breakdown on a road trip far from home
- Buying a non-running or project car out of state
- Moving a car that doesn't run to a new home
- Sending a car to a specialist mechanic, restoration shop or body shop
- Taking a classic car to a show — see classic car shipping
- Retrieving a car from an auction or salvage yard — see auction car shipping
- Moving a damaged car after an accident
Vehicles We Move Long Distance
Running or non-running, on open or enclosed carriers.
Door-to-door motorcycle transport — see motorcycle shipping.
Enclosed transport with careful winching and soft tie-downs.
Flatbeds and lowboys for vehicles too heavy for a car carrier.
What Affects Long-Distance Towing Cost
Total price rises with distance, but the per-mile rate drops on long trips.
A motorcycle costs less than a heavy-duty truck.
Non-running vehicles need a winch and extra loading time. Cars that won't roll, steer or brake need more equipment.
Enclosed transport costs more.
Late spring and summer are the busiest months.
Remote pickups take more time to schedule.
Non-running surcharges are usually a modest flat fee, not a per-mile tow rate.
How It Works
- 1
Get a Quote
Tell us the vehicle, its condition and both locations. You'll get a price with no hidden fees.
- 2
Carrier Assigned
We book a winch-equipped carrier. You don't pay the balance until your vehicle is picked up.
- 3
Pickup
The driver winches the vehicle onto the trailer and records its condition.
- 4
Delivery
Your vehicle is delivered door to door and inspected with you.
Long Distance Towing Service vs. Car Shipping
A long distance towing service uses a wrecker or rollback truck to move one vehicle at a time. It's fast to schedule and works for local or short regional moves, especially in an emergency. But towing a car hundreds of miles on a single-car truck gets expensive quickly, because you're paying for the whole truck and driver.
Car shipping on a multi-car carrier spreads the cost across several vehicles. For trips over about 100–200 miles, it's usually far cheaper than long-distance towing, and the car rides fully on a trailer with no wear. Winch-equipped carriers can load cars that don't run, so you don't need a tow truck just because the car is broken.
Nationwide Towing Alternatives for Non-Running Cars
If your car doesn't run, you still have nationwide options:
- Winch-equipped car carrier: The most affordable way to move a non-running car long distance. See inoperable vehicle transport.
- Flatbed or rollback: For short moves or cars that can't roll at all.
- Enclosed winch trailer: For non-running classics and exotics.
- Local tow plus carrier: A local tow moves the car to an accessible spot where a carrier can load it.
Tell us whether the car rolls, steers and brakes — that decides which equipment is needed.
When to Tow a Car Long Distance — and When to Ship It
Towing makes sense when you need the car moved today, the trip is short, or the car is stuck somewhere a large carrier can't reach.
Shipping makes sense when the trip is long, you can wait a few days, or you want the lowest price. It's also the safer choice for valuable or classic cars.
Many customers use both: a quick local tow to a safe spot, then a carrier for the long-distance leg. Read car breaks down far from home: what to do.
The Cheapest Way to Tow a Car Long Distance
The cheapest way to move a non-running car a long distance is usually not towing at all — it's booking a spot on a winch-equipped multi-car carrier. To keep the price down:
- Give a flexible pickup window.
- Make sure the car can roll and steer, if possible — inflate tires and release the parking brake.
- Have keys available, even if the car doesn't start.
- Choose open transport.
- Meet the driver at an accessible location if the car is somewhere tight.
Damaged Car Transport After an Accident
After an accident, a car may be moved to a body shop, a family member's home, or a salvage yard in another state. Damaged car transport needs a few extra details: whether the wheels turn, whether the steering works, and whether any parts are hanging loose. Loose panels may need to be secured or removed before loading. If the car has been declared a total loss, see our salvage car FAQ.
Cost to Transport a Non-Running Car
Non-running cars usually cost more than running ones because of winch loading and extra time. The charge depends on condition — a car that rolls and steers is easier than one that doesn't roll. Distance, route and season affect the price the same way they do for any car. For a running sedan, ShipMyCar US pricing typically runs $700–$1,050 for 500–1,000 miles; expect a non-running car to cost somewhat more.
Preparing a Non-Running Car for Transport
- Inflate the tires so the car rolls.
- Release the parking brake and make sure the car can shift into neutral.
- Remove loose parts, or secure them so they don't fall off during loading.
- Leave the keys with the car, even if it doesn't start.
- Tell us about leaks, missing wheels or steering problems.
- Photograph the car from every side.
Moving Non-Running Cars Between States
We move non-running cars between all 48 contiguous states — from repair shops, impound lots, estates and auctions to homes and body shops. Long-distance moves on a multi-car carrier typically take one to ten days in transit depending on distance, plus a few days to schedule a winch-equipped truck.
FAQ
Long-Distance Towing — Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about long-distance towing from the ShipMyCar US team.
QWhat's the cheapest way to tow a car long distance?
Usually open transport on a car carrier with a winch. It shares the trip with other vehicles and costs much less than per-mile towing.
QHow long does long-distance towing take?
From a few days to about a week or more, depending on distance and pickup scheduling.
QCan you tow a car that doesn't roll?
Usually yes, but tell us at booking. Vehicles that don't roll, steer or brake may need a forklift or special equipment at pickup.
QIs my vehicle insured during long-distance towing?
The carrier's cargo insurance covers the vehicle in transit. Check your own policy too.
QCan you tow a motorcycle across the country?
Yes. We ship motorcycles door to door nationwide.
QIs it cheaper to tow or ship a car long distance?
For long distances, shipping on a multi-car carrier is usually much cheaper than towing.
QCan you ship a car that doesn't run?
Yes. Winch-equipped carriers load non-running cars regularly. Tell us at booking.
QWhat if my car can't roll?
It may need a forklift, wheel dollies or a rollback to load. Tell us the condition so the right equipment is sent.
QCan you move a car from a repair shop or impound lot?
Yes. We coordinate with the shop or lot for release and loading.
QHow fast can a non-running car be picked up?
Usually within a few days, depending on location and carrier availability.
QDo you transport accident-damaged cars?
Yes. Share photos and details so the carrier can plan loading.
QCan you pick up a car from the side of the road?
For an emergency, a local tow is usually fastest. Once the car is at a safe location, we can arrange long-distance transport.
QDo you transport cars with flat tires?
Yes, though flats make loading harder. Inflate the tires if possible, or tell us so the carrier brings wheel dollies or skates.
QCan you ship a car without keys?
Sometimes, but it's harder to steer and load. Tell us at booking, and we'll confirm whether the carrier can handle it.
Still have questions? Our team is ready to help.
Source: every broker and carrier's operating authority, safety rating, and insurance status is public record — verify any company for free at the FMCSA SAFER System.
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