Shipping a Car Cross Country: What You Need to Know
So you need to ship a car cross country. Maybe you're relocating to Florida from Texas, or sending a vehicle from Houston to Los Angeles. Whatever the reason, it's a big deal. You want your vehicle safe. You want it delivered on time. And you don't want to get ripped off in the process.
I'm Mike, a Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co. I've been in this business a while. We're a broker. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier. I know how both sides work. And I know what you, the customer, needs to understand.
Why Use an Auto Transport Broker?
People think they can just call a carrier directly. Don't waste your time. Most carriers won't even talk to you. They deal with volume. They deal with brokers. You couldn't work with most carriers if you wanted to. It's just how the industry operates.
Carriers are busy. They're on the road. They don't want to deal with sales calls. They don't want to handle customer problems. They have enough problems already. The roads are dangerous. Their equipment breaks down. That's where we come in.
We do the front-end sales. We handle the coordinating. We manage the backend systems. All the stuff outside of driving the truck. It's what carriers don't want to do. And honestly, it's what you probably don't want to do either.
The Real Reasons Carriers Don't Work with Individuals
It's not just about them being busy. Carriers, like any business, need to get paid. A lot of individual customers don't pay. It's a risk they don't want to take. They'd rather work with an established broker. We have relationships. We ensure payment. This lets carriers focus on driving.
The carriers that do take direct customers often charge more. They factor in the increased risk and hassle. That's why a good broker can actually help keep your rates reasonable. We have leverage. We work with many reputable, vetted, and insured carriers.
Navigating a Fraud-Filled Industry
The auto transport industry can feel like the Wild West. There are good players and bad ones. Scams are out there. Unrealistic lowball quotes are common. We act as your guiding light. We provide honest quotes upfront. We use Stripe for deposits. You know what you're paying. No hidden fees. Our goal is a strong customer experience.
What Affects Car Shipping Cost?
You're probably wondering, how much does it cost to ship a car cross country? A few things drive the price:
- Distance: Shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles will cost less than cross-country car transport from coast to coast.
- Vehicle type: Shipping an SUV vs. sedan cost difference is real. Larger vehicles take up more space and weigh more.
- Transport type: Open car carrier transport cost is cheaper than enclosed auto transport for luxury cars or classic car transport.
- Season and Flexibility: Peak seasons and rush jobs cost more.
- Condition: Shipping a non-running vehicle what to know? It's harder to load. Expect higher fees.
- Market Demand: Rates fluctuate with carrier availability and current routes.
We provide transparent auto transport quotes. We explain the options. We help you compare different services.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
This is a common question. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:
| Feature | Open Car Carrier Transport | Enclosed Auto Transport |
| :---------------- | :------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------- |
| Cost | Lower cost, most common type | Higher cost, premium service |
| Protection | Exposed to elements (road debris, weather) | Fully protected from elements and road hazards |
| Ideal For | Everyday vehicles, budget-conscious shipping | Luxury vehicle transport, exotic cars, classic cars, high-value cars |
| Availability | More frequent, easier to schedule | Less frequent, limited space |
| Benefits | Affordable car shipping, widely available, faster pickup | Superior protection, peace of mind for valuable vehicles |
Both open carrier car shipping pros & cons exist. Open is cheaper and faster. Enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars and luxury cars are clear: maximum protection. For a priceless antique or high-end sports car, enclosed is often worth the extra cost.
How It Works: Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Our nationwide vehicle shipping door to door service is straightforward. Here's how it generally goes:
1. Get a Quote: You give us the details. We give you an honest quote. Not some low-ball fake number. We verify all details, including VIN scans for accuracy.
2. Book Your Order: Once you approve, we secure your spot. We handle the deposit via Stripe, a secure payment system.
3. Carrier Assignment: We work with our network of vetted insured carriers. We match your vehicle with an appropriate carrier. We aim for a 72-hour pickup window, though specific timing depends on the route.
4. Pick-Up: The driver contacts you. They inspect the vehicle. You sign a Bill of Lading (BOL). Your car is loaded.
5. Transit: Your car is on its way. We keep you informed.
6. Delivery: The driver calls you before arrival. You inspect the vehicle. You sign the BOL again. You pay the final balance directly to the driver.
It's that simple. We handle the headaches. You get your car. How long does car shipping take cross country? It varies. But we give you realistic timelines.
Why Choose AMG Transport Co.?
We're a Texas-based auto transport broker nationwide. We know this business inside and out. We understand the market. We have strong relationships with carriers, including our parent company, AMG Endeavors. This means better service and better rates for you.
We prioritize our clients. We offer multi-car transport for families. We handle vehicle shipping for dealerships. Our auto transport safety record and reputation speak for themselves. We provide honest estimates. You won't find unexpected fees here.
When you need to ship a car from Texas to California or anywhere else, you need a partner you can trust. Someone who understands the logistics. Someone who can get the job done right. We simplify what can be a complex process. We focus on the customer experience.
Don't get lost trying to find a carrier on your own. Don't risk your investment with shady operators. Work with an experienced car shipping broker you can trust.
Ready to get started? Get an easy, honest quote today.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.