Ship a Car to Another State, Door to Door
One booking, one coordinator, and a licensed carrier does the driving. CHD arranges door-to-door interstate transport in all 48 contiguous states, with pickup typically within 1-3 days of booking and $2M cargo insurance on every vehicle.
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery at both addresses, no terminals
- One broker manages the entire interstate move for you
- Open and enclosed carriers, all moves backed by $2M cargo coverage
To ship a car to another state, you book once with a licensed broker and the carrier handles the driving: Car Haul Direct arranges door-to-door interstate transport in all 48 contiguous states, with pickup typically within 1-3 days of booking and $2M cargo insurance coverage on every vehicle. One coordinator handles your move from quote to delivery, whether it is a 300-mile hop to a neighboring state or a 2,000-mile relocation.
Reviewed by Mike Fergusson, EVP Operations, Car Haul Direct
Why trust CHD to ship your car to another state?
Because an interstate move should be one point of contact, not five carriers.
FMCSA-Licensed Broker
Car Haul Direct is a licensed auto transport broker, USDOT 4321158, based in Cincinnati, Ohio.
$2M Cargo Coverage
Every interstate move runs under $2M cargo insurance while your car is on the carrier.
48-State Reach
Service covers all 48 contiguous states, plus Hawaii and Alaska coordination.
1-3 Day Pickup
Pickup typically happens within 1-3 days of booking in metro areas.
Door-to-Door Service
The carrier comes to your address at both ends wherever truck access allows.
One Point of Contact
You work with a single coordinator instead of chasing carriers across state lines.
One Booking, Every Contiguous State
The figures that govern a CHD interstate move.
48
Contiguous States Covered
Door-to-door service in every one, plus Hawaii and Alaska coordination.
$2M
Cargo Insurance Coverage
On every interstate move, documented at pickup and delivery inspections.
1-3
Day Pickup Window
Typical metro pickup after booking; outlying areas can add 1-2 days.
2-4
Days on Mid-Range Lanes
Typical transit for 500 to 1,000 miles; under 500 miles usually runs 1-3 days.
Interstate car shipping questions, answered
Cost, timing, and the cheapest way to move a car across state lines.
How much does it cost to ship a car to another state?
Price depends mainly on distance, vehicle size, and how fast you need pickup, and the cost per mile usually drops as mileage grows. Example lanes: $300-$450 on Nashville to Atlanta (about 250 miles), $700-$950 on Illinois to Texas (about 1,000 miles), and $900-$1,400 on New York to Florida.
How long does it take to ship a car to another state?
Transit time follows distance. Under 500 miles typically runs 1-3 days, 500-1,000 miles runs 2-4 days, and hauls over 2,500 miles run 7-10 days, or 8-11 days from Northern California. Trips between those bands scale accordingly. Pickup typically happens within 1-3 days of booking.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car to another state?
Open transport with a flexible pickup window is the cheapest way to ship a car to another state. Open carriers move several vehicles at once, so you share the cost of the truck. Booking a week or more ahead and avoiding peak summer and snowbird seasons keeps your rate lower.
Who ships a car to another state?
Job Relocations
You are starting work in a new state and need your car there near your start date. A 1-3 day pickup window fits tight schedules.
College Moves
Students heading to out-of-state schools skip a long solo drive. Parents often book; the student receives the car.
Seasonal Movers
Snowbirds ship south in fall and north in spring rather than driving 1,000 miles twice a year.
Online Car Buyers
You bought a car from a seller two states away. The carrier collects it and delivers it to your driveway.
Military Families
PCS orders often mean a second vehicle needs shipping between duty stations.
Service options for interstate moves
Six ways the standard CHD service set maps onto a state-to-state move.
Open Transport
The standard choice for most state-to-state moves and the most affordable way to ship. Pickup typically runs within 1-3 days of booking.
Enclosed Transport
A covered trailer shields your car from weather and road debris, typically at 40 to 60 percent over the open rate. The common pick for classics and luxury cars.
Door-to-Door Transport
The carrier loads and unloads as close to your addresses as a large truck can safely reach. No terminal drop-offs at either end.
Expedited Transport
When your move-in day or start date is fixed, expedited service tightens the pickup window. It costs more because the carrier prioritizes your load.
$2M Cargo Insurance
Every vehicle CHD ships is covered by $2M cargo insurance while on the carrier. You get the details in writing before pickup.
Hawaii and Alaska Coordination
Non-contiguous moves add an ocean leg. CHD coordinates mainland transport with port partners for Hawaii and Alaska.
How interstate car shipping works: 5 steps
Five steps from quote to delivery, across any state line.
1. Get Your Instant Quote
Enter your pickup and delivery states, vehicle, and timing. Your price reflects distance, route demand, and vehicle size.
2. Book Your Pickup Window
Confirm the order and set your first available date. Pickup typically lands within 1-3 days of booking.
3. Meet the Carrier at Pickup
The driver inspects your car with you and notes its condition on the Bill of Lading. Keep your copy for delivery.
4. Follow Your Car in Transit
Your coordinator keeps you updated while the carrier runs the route.
5. Receive and Inspect at Delivery
Compare the car against the Bill of Lading before signing, and note anything new on the delivery paperwork.
Ship a car to another state: FAQ
Paperwork, presence, insurance, and access, answered in plain terms.
Someone 18 or older must be at both ends to hand over keys and sign the inspection, but it does not have to be you. A friend or family member can release the car at pickup and another person can receive it at delivery, as long as your coordinator knows in advance.
No. Interstate transport requires no per-state permits from you. The carrier’s federal operating authority covers the move, and CHD works only with carriers holding active authority and insurance. You need the keys and someone available to sign at both ends.
Shipping starts making sense from around 250 miles up, once you count fuel, a hotel, meals, and a day or two of driving. Under 500 miles typically runs 1-3 days in transit, so even a short hop can save you a weekend behind the wheel.
Yes. Every vehicle CHD ships is covered by $2M cargo insurance while it is on the carrier. The pickup inspection on the Bill of Lading documents condition before loading and anchors any claim. You get the coverage details in writing before pickup.
Most carriers allow around 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk, but policies vary by carrier, so confirm at booking. Keep items below the window line and out of the front seats. Personal belongings are not covered by cargo insurance, so keep valuables with you.
Generally yes: most states require new residents to register and title their vehicles within a set period after establishing residency, and timelines vary by state. Check your new state’s DMV website for exact deadlines and required documents. This is general information, not legal advice.
Door-to-door service covers all 48 contiguous states. Where a large carrier cannot fit, such as tight streets or gated communities, the driver arranges a nearby meeting spot like a parking lot. Your coordinator confirms access at booking.
Latest Car Shipping Guides
Straight answers on cost, timing, and prep for every shipment.
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Check the price, the payment terms, and the federal authority record before any money moves.
Why Car Shipping Quotes Change Before Pickup
A quote is an offer price to carriers, not a locked fare, so it can move.
Get Your Interstate Car Shipping Quote
Enter your two states and vehicle in the instant quote calculator on this page and see your number before you book anything.