Moving cross-country or relocating for work means dealing with a lot of logistics—and your vehicle is one of the biggest puzzle pieces. Whether you're shipping one car or an entire fleet for a corporate relocation, understanding your options, costs, and timelines will save you stress and money.
Why Auto Shipping Matters During Relocation
Driving your vehicle thousands of miles burns fuel, racks up wear and tear, and eats time you'd rather spend settling into your new location. Professional auto shipping removes that burden, especially for corporate relocations where employees need vehicles at their destinations quickly and reliably. Personal moves also benefit: instead of taking time off work to drive yourself, you can arrange transport and focus on packing, hiring movers, or handling logistics at your new home.
Corporate Auto Relocation Programs
Many large employers offer or subsidize auto shipping as part of their relocation packages. These programs typically handle 10+ vehicles at once and qualify for volume discounts.
What corporate programs usually cover:
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery
- Basic insurance during transport
- Consolidated billing for accounting
- Dedicated account management for multiple employees
Corporate rates often run $1,200–$2,500 per vehicle for cross-country transport (2,000+ miles), compared to $1,500–$3,200 for individual customers, thanks to consolidated bookings. Check with your HR or relocation coordinator to see if your company partners with specific carriers—they often have negotiated rates and established quality standards.
Personal Relocation Shipping Options
Individual movers have two main choices: open transport and enclosed transport.
Open transport is the economy option. Your car sits on an open multi-vehicle trailer exposed to weather and road debris. Expect $1,200–$2,800 for a cross-country move, depending on distance, vehicle type, and season. Transit typically takes 5–10 days.
Enclosed transport shields your vehicle inside a climate-controlled trailer—ideal for luxury cars, classics, or high-value vehicles. Costs range from $2,500–$5,500 for the same distance, with 7–14 day timelines. If you're moving a $40,000+ vehicle or something irreplaceable, the extra expense is usually worth it.
Timeline and Booking Strategy
Most carriers require 2–4 weeks' notice for standard scheduling. Summer and end-of-month are peak seasons; booking during fall or winter often yields 10–15% savings and more flexible pickup windows.
Key timeline steps:
- Get quotes from at least 3–4 carriers (2–3 days)
- Confirm your move date with your employer or new residence
- Book your shipment 3 weeks out
- Prepare your vehicle 1 week before pickup
- Arrange payment and insurance 5–7 days prior
Last-minute bookings (under 2 weeks) typically cost 20–30% more and may have limited carrier availability.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Before handing over your keys:
- Document condition: Take photos of all sides, wheels, and interior. This protects you if damage claims arise.
- Service check: Ensure brakes, tires, and battery are road-worthy; carriers inspect before loading.
- Clear personal items: Most carriers prohibit luggage, equipment, or personal cargo inside vehicles.
- Fuel level: Leave the tank ¼ full—enough for loading/unloading, not so much that weight increases cost.
- Remove or secure antenna and spoilers: Damage to aftermarket parts often isn't covered.
Insurance and Liability
Your personal car insurance typically doesn't cover transport. Carriers offer basic liability coverage (usually $15,000–$100,000 depending on your vehicle's declared value). For vehicles worth more than $50,000, purchase additional coverage—this adds $200–$500 but protects against worst-case scenarios.
Always declare your vehicle's actual cash value or agreed value with the carrier in writing; misreporting value can void coverage.
Finding and Comparing Carriers
Check credentials: the carrier must be USDOT and MC (Motor Carrier) certified. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database lets you verify safety ratings, complaints, and insurance status for free.
Read recent customer reviews on independent sites—Google, Trustpilot, and industry-specific forums reveal patterns around pickup delays, communication, or damage claims. Avoid carriers with unresolved complaints or zero reviews.
Mercoly helps you compare and hire trusted auto shipping providers in one place, cutting the research time significantly and connecting you with carriers that fit your relocation budget and timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I ship my car if it doesn't run? Yes, but non-running vehicles cost 15–30% more and may require special equipment (lift gates, dollies). Notify the carrier upfront so they schedule accordingly.
Q: What happens if my vehicle is damaged during transport? Document damage with photos immediately upon delivery, file a claim with the carrier within 30 days, and provide repair estimates; carriers typically settle within 4–8 weeks.
Q: Is it cheaper to drive my car myself versus shipping it? Driving a fuel-efficient sedan 2,000 miles costs roughly $250–$400 in fuel plus wear-and-tear (estimated $0.17 per mile = $340 additional); professional shipping at $1,500–$2,000 often wins when factoring in your time and vehicle depreciation.
Start comparing auto shipping quotes today to lock in the best rate for your relocation.