Car shipping typically costs $500-$1,500 depending on distance, with popular routes like Maryland to Florida running $800-$1,200. The process takes 1-7 days for most routes. Choose licensed carriers, prepare your vehicle properly, and use this guide whether you’re shipping locally or across the country.
Shipping your car doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you’re moving across states, buying a vehicle from another location, or just need reliable transport, this guide covers everything you need to make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Over 4 million vehicles are shipped annually in the United States, yet many first-time shippers feel uncertain about the process. This guide eliminates that confusion with practical, actionable information.
Note: Pricing estimates are based on industry averages and may vary depending on vehicle size, seasonal demand, specific pickup/delivery locations, and carrier availability. Contact licensed carriers for exact quotes. If you need Maryland to Florida car shipping services, contact us for personalized pricing and scheduling.
When Do You Need Car Shipping?
Car shipping makes sense in many situations where driving isn’t practical, cost-effective, or safe. Understanding these common scenarios helps you recognize when professional transport is your best option.
- Moving and Relocation: Driving multiple vehicles long distances creates logistical headaches. Car transport often costs less than gas, hotels, and vehicle wear-and-tear for cross-country moves.
- Vehicle Purchases: Buying a car from another state? Shipping brings your purchase home without adding miles to the odometer or risking damage from a long drive.
- Seasonal Moves: Snowbird car transport provides a convenient solution for “snowbirds” who split time between northern and southern states, saving time and stress compared to driving the same route twice yearly.
- College Students: Students can ship vehicles at semester breaks instead of making multiple long drives per year.
- Post-Accident Situations: When vehicles are damaged but drivable, shipping prevents further damage and ensures safe transport.
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
Car shipping costs depend on several key factors, but here are realistic price ranges for 2025:
Average Costs by Distance
| Distance | Price Range | Example Routes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $500-$800 | Maryland to Virginia |
| 500-1,000 miles | $700-$1,200 | Maryland to Florida |
| 1,000-1,500 miles | $900-$1,400 | East Coast to Midwest |
| 1,500+ miles | $1,200-$2,000+ | Coast-to-coast |
Prices shown are estimates for standard vehicles using open transport. Actual costs vary based on vehicle size, seasonal demand, specific pickup/delivery locations, and carrier availability.
What Affects Your Price
Several key factors determine your final shipping cost. Understanding these variables helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises when getting quotes.
- Distance: Longer routes cost more, but per-mile rates decrease with distance.
- Vehicle Size: Compact cars are cheapest. Large trucks and SUVs cost $100-$300 more.
- Transport Type:
- Open transport (standard): Base pricing
- Enclosed transport (premium): 25-40% more expensive
- Route Popularity: Popular routes like I-95 corridor often have competitive pricing due to regular service.
- Timing: Summer and winter peak seasons increase prices by 10-20%.
- Location: Door-to-door service costs more than terminal pickup/delivery.
Quick Cost Estimation Method
You can estimate shipping costs before getting official quotes by calculating per-mile rates. Determine your total mileage, then multiply by the approximate cost per mile.
Keep in mind that per-mile rates decrease as distance increases – shorter trips cost more per mile than cross-country transport. For example, a 500-mile shipment might cost around $1 per mile, while a 2,000-mile shipment could drop to $0.50 per mile. This method provides ballpark figures to help you budget before contacting carriers for precise quotes.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimated costs based on average industry rates. Actual prices may vary depending on specific locations, seasonal demand, vehicle condition, and carrier availability.
Contact us for a precise quote tailored to your specific needs.
Money-Saving Tips
The biggest savings come from timing and flexibility. Booking during spring and fall avoids peak season premiums, while offering 2-3 day pickup windows instead of exact dates often reduces costs by $100-200.
Open transport saves significantly over enclosed shipping unless you’re transporting a luxury vehicle worth $40,000+. Always get quotes from multiple licensed carriers since prices can vary by $200-500 for the same route. If you live near a major city, consider terminal pickup or delivery to save on door-to-door fees.
Open Transport vs. Enclosed Transport
Choosing the right transport method affects both your cost and peace of mind. Understanding the differences helps you make the best decision for your vehicle and budget.
- Open Transport handles 90% of all car shipments using multi-car trailers that expose vehicles to weather conditions. This economical option works perfectly for standard vehicles, though you might notice minor dust or dirt upon delivery. Open transport is the smart choice for daily drivers and anyone prioritizing cost savings.
- Enclosed Transport provides premium protection by fully shielding vehicles from weather and road debris in covered trailers. This service costs 25-40% more than open transport and has limited availability, making it worth considering primarily for luxury cars, classics, or high-value vehicles where maximum protection justifies the additional expense.
Bottom Line: Unless you have a luxury or classic car worth $40,000+, open transport is perfectly safe and the smart financial choice.
How Long Does Car Shipping Take?
Planning your move or purchase around car shipping requires realistic timeline expectations. Transit times vary based on distance and several other factors, but here are typical ranges you can expect.
Typical Transit Times
- Regional (under 500 miles): 1-3 days
- Medium distance (500-1,000 miles): 2-5 days
- Long distance (1,000-1,500 miles): 4-7 days
- Cross-country (1,500+ miles): 6-10 days
What Affects Timing
Route popularity significantly impacts delivery speed. Major highways like I-95 from Maryland to Florida see frequent carrier traffic, resulting in faster pickup and delivery compared to less traveled routes. Seasonal demand also plays a role – winter weather and summer moving season can extend timelines by 1-2 days due to increased volume and weather delays.
Your location matters too. Metropolitan areas typically offer faster service than rural locations since carriers can more easily coordinate multiple pickups and deliveries. Vehicle condition affects timing as well, with non-running vehicles potentially adding 1-2 days due to the need for specialized winch-equipped carriers.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Complete these steps 24-48 hours before pickup:
Essential Preparation
Start by thoroughly washing your vehicle to reveal any existing damage, then take detailed photos of all exterior surfaces including close-ups of existing scratches or dents. Date stamp these photos and keep copies – this documentation protects you if disputes arise about damage during transport.
Prepare your vehicle mechanically by reducing the gas tank to 1/4 full, which reduces weight and prevents fuel spills during loading. Ensure your battery is charged and secure, check tire pressure to manufacturer specifications, and verify the vehicle starts and runs properly.
Car carriers aren’t licensed to transport personal belongings, so remove all electronics, chargers, important documents, valuable items, and everything from your trunk or storage areas. For security, disable your car alarm or provide written deactivation instructions to the driver. Remove or secure any loose parts, provide a spare key, and remove toll tags and parking passes that could be lost during transport.
Required Documents
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- Driver’s license
- Any special handling instructions
How to Choose a Reliable Car Shipping Company
Selecting the right carrier is crucial for protecting your vehicle and ensuring a smooth transport experience. With thousands of companies operating in this industry, knowing what to look for separates professional operators from potential problems.
Must-Have Credentials
Every legitimate car carrier must have a valid USDOT number, which you can verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Don’t work with any company that can’t provide this number or whose number doesn’t check out. Confirm they carry adequate insurance coverage, including liability insurance of at least $750,000 and cargo coverage that protects your vehicle’s value. Proper interstate transport licensing is also required for legal operation.
Red Flags to Avoid
Be extremely wary of quotes significantly below market rates, as these often indicate hidden fees that appear later or unreliable service that could leave you stranded. Legitimate companies require only small deposits of $100-200, so avoid any carrier demanding large upfront payments or full payment before pickup.
Professional transport companies provide information and quotes without pressuring immediate decisions. High-pressure sales tactics often indicate desperation or dishonest practices. Always verify that companies have verifiable physical business addresses – many scams operate with fake locations or no address at all.
Getting Good Quotes
When requesting quotes, provide carriers with exact pickup and delivery cities including zip codes, as this significantly affects pricing. Share your vehicle’s year, make, and model since size and weight impact costs. Mention whether your vehicle runs properly, as non-running cars require special equipment and cost more. Include your preferred pickup dates and whether you want open or enclosed transport.
When comparing quotes, focus on the total price including all fees rather than just the base rate. Verify each carrier’s insurance coverage amounts and understand what’s protected. Compare estimated transit times and delivery options, then research customer reviews and ratings to gauge reliability. Remember that the cheapest quote isn’t always the best value if it comes from an unreliable carrier.
Car Shipping Insurance
Understanding insurance coverage protects you financially and helps you make informed decisions about your vehicle’s transport.
What’s Covered and What’s Not
What’s Typically Covered:
- Damage from carrier negligence
- Loading and unloading accidents
- Transport-related collision damage
What’s NOT Covered:
- Pre-existing damage
- Personal items left in vehicle
- Normal wear and tear
- Mechanical failures unrelated to transport
Before shipping, document your vehicle’s condition thoroughly with dated photos from multiple angles. Understand your chosen carrier’s coverage limits and consider additional coverage if your vehicle’s value exceeds their standard protection. Most importantly, report any damage immediately upon delivery – delays in reporting can complicate claims.
Avoiding Car Shipping Scams
Unfortunately, the car shipping industry attracts some dishonest operators who prey on unsuspecting customers. Recognizing common scam tactics protects you from financial loss and shipping disasters.
Common Scam Tactics:
- Bait-and-switch pricing (unrealistically low quotes, then high final bills)
- Fake websites with stolen photos and fabricated testimonials
- Demanding large upfront payments before pickup
- Operating without proper licensing or insurance
Protection Strategies:
- Verify USDOT numbers through official government databases
- Insist on written contracts with clear terms
- Use credit cards for deposits (better fraud protection)
- Research company reviews across multiple platforms
- Never pay full amount before vehicle delivery
What to Expect on Delivery Day
Delivery day marks the successful completion of your car shipping experience, but preparation ensures everything goes smoothly.
Before the Carrier Arrives:
- Confirm exact delivery time and location with driver
- Prepare payment method (cash or certified check)
- Have ID and transport paperwork accessible
- Choose well-lit area for vehicle inspection
During the Inspection:
- Examine all exterior surfaces carefully
- Compare vehicle condition to pickup photos
- Test basic operations (lights, starter)
- Note any new damage on delivery receipt before signing
If There’s Damage:
- Don’t sign receipt without noting damage issues
- Take immediate photos of any problems
- Get carrier’s insurance information
- Contact transport company within 24 hours to report damage
Making the Right Choice
Car shipping eliminates the stress and expense of long-distance driving while protecting your vehicle. Success comes down to planning ahead for better rates and availability, choosing licensed insured carriers with good reviews, preparing your vehicle properly, understanding what’s covered by insurance, and being realistic about timelines.
Whether you’re moving across the country, buying a car from another state, or need seasonal transport, professional car shipping provides reliable, cost-effective solutions. Take time to research carriers, get multiple quotes, and prepare your vehicle properly for the best experience.
Your vehicle represents a significant investment. Professional car transport protects that investment while giving you convenience and peace of mind during life’s transitions.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle from Maryland to Florida?
If you’re planning to transport your vehicle along the Maryland to Florida corridor or anywhere in between, you don’t have to navigate this process alone. With over two decades of experience serving this exact route, Geyers Towing has safely transported thousands of vehicles between Maryland and Florida.
We specialize in the I-95 corridor, providing reliable weekly service with Friday pickups from Maryland and Monday deliveries to Florida, plus return routes throughout the week. Our team understands the unique requirements of this popular route and offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Get your free same-day quote today and let Maryland’s trusted auto transport professionals handle your vehicle shipping needs. Whether you’re a snowbird heading south for winter, relocating for work, or purchasing a vehicle from another state, we make car shipping simple and stress-free.
Contact Geyers Towing now for your personalized quote and experience the difference that comes with choosing a company that specializes in your exact route.
