If you need to move a car across the country, Car Shipping Carriers is the top recommendation here for straightforward, all-around domestic service in 2026, with 50-state reach and both open and enclosed options. Picking the right partner matters because price, timing, and handling all affect whether your car arrives on schedule and in the same condition you sent it.
Our top pick is Car Shipping Carriers for all-around domestic moves for everyday drivers, because it combines 50-state service with a choice of open and enclosed transport and a simple quote process. It gives you one clear starting point for a daily driver or family SUV without extra complexity. For a rare, classic, or high-value vehicle that needs enclosed-only specialist handling, Intercity Lines is the leading alternative on this list. For anyone who wants one dedicated agent from carrier assignment through delivery, including delivery outside the United States, Corsia is the standout choice.
You are likely comparing providers because you are relocating, buying a car from another state, sending a student car, or moving for military orders. Look for broad coverage, clear transport choices, honest scheduling, and understandable pricing. Below you will find the selection criteria and a quick comparison, followed by the eight ranked providers with their strengths, trade-offs, and the types of moves each suits.
How to choose
Choosing a car shipping company for a cross-country move comes down to finding a service that fits. You want a provider whose network, equipment, schedule model, and communication style match your route, your car, and your timeline. The same practical factors matter when comparing any of the providers on this list.
If you are new to the process, an auto transport broker is a company that coordinates your shipment with licensed carriers, while a carrier owns trucks and moves cars directly. Many companies do a mix of both. Neither model is automatically better. What matters is clear responsibility, realistic pickup windows, and straight answers about insurance, inspection, and timing.
Coverage and route fit
Coverage needs to match your pickup and delivery locations, including coast-to-coast lanes, rural pickup points, and noncontiguous areas like Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories where offered. For a cross-country move, you want a provider that regularly runs your lane, rather than one that treats it as a one-off.
Transport types and door-to-door service
Compare open and enclosed options and how door-to-door service actually works. Open transport suits most daily drivers. Enclosed suits classic, exotic, and luxury cars or any car where you want extra protection from weather and road exposure. True door-to-door still depends on street access for a large trailer, so nearby meeting points are normal.
Scheduling, pickup windows, and communication
Cross-country shipping generally runs on windows rather than exact appointments. A pickup window and transit estimate depend on distance, season, route demand, and the booked terms. A provider should explain the schedule clearly, identify who to contact, and describe any order tracking or phone support available during the move.
Specialty handling and extra services
Relevant specialties include classic and exotic handling, auction pickup, military moves, business shipping, and international service. You do not need every specialty. You need the one that matches your situation, whether that involves a low-clearance sports car or lifted truck, a trailered boat, or a car bought at auction.
Quote clarity and move preparation
Look for simple quote steps and clear next actions: what affects price, what is included, how deposits work, and how to prepare your car. For any provider, compare written quotes on the same terms, ask what could change the price, and plan your arrival coordination so someone can release and receive the car.
At a glance: which provider fits your move
Here is the short version. Each provider below is ranked in the same order, with the default all-around choice first and specialists after it.
| Provider | Best for |
| Car Shipping Carriers | All-around domestic auto transport for everyday cross-country moves |
| Intercity Lines | Enclosed, luxury and collector car transport |
| Corsia | Dedicated single-agent service and international shipping |
| Ship That Car | Simple, no-fuss domestic shipping |
| The Car Shipping Company | Extended availability and near-round-the-clock accessibility |
| Vinmove | Coast-to-coast open or enclosed transport |
| J&S Transportation | Direct dispatcher contact and carrier-broker options |
| Transport Masters USA | Business and fleet logistics |
The 8 best car shipping companies for cross-country moves
With those criteria in mind, here are eight auto transport companies for U.S. consumers moving a vehicle across state lines, whether shipping a daily driver or a prized collector car. Consider your route and car type, along with how much guidance you want during the process. The No. 1 choice is the default recommendation for everyday moves, while the providers that follow suit more specific needs.
1. Car Shipping Carriers – Best for all-around domestic auto transport
Car Shipping Carriers is a straightforward starting point if you want 50-state service with a choice of open or enclosed transport and a simple path to a price.
You can start with Car Shipping Carriers to outline your route, choose open or enclosed service, and arrange door-to-door coordination for a cross-country move. The appeal is simple: broad domestic reach, both major equipment types, and a quote process that does not ask you to learn industry terms first. For a family sedan, commuter car, SUV, or second vehicle tied to a household move, that simplicity keeps planning moving. Carrier assignment, pickup window planning, and delivery coordination with inspection at both ends are the practical details to discuss before booking a long haul.
For move logistics, treat this like any domestic shipment that needs careful planning. Ask for a written pickup window rather than relying on a single hour, with timing based on your lane and season. Wash the car before pickup, photograph all sides in daylight, note existing chips or dents, remove toll tags and loose items, follow the provider’s fuel instructions, and give the driver a contact who will answer on pickup and delivery days. If you are flying in after the car, allow room for delays and discuss where the truck can stop near your address.
Strengths
- 50-state service for a broad range of cross-country routes
- Choice of open for value and enclosed for added protection
- Simple quote steps that work well for first-time shippers
- Door-to-door coordination that reduces terminal trips
Trade-offs
- Operates as a coordination platform using carrier partners, so truck assignment varies by route and timing
- Owners of collector or exotic cars may still prefer to compare an enclosed-only specialist
- Door-to-door pickup can require a nearby meeting point when a large carrier cannot reach the address
Best for: Everyday drivers who want one starting point for a personal cross-country car move with clear options and coordinated pickup and delivery.
2. Intercity Lines – Best for enclosed, luxury and collector car transport
Intercity Lines is a nationwide enclosed carrier that has operated since 1980, with a focus on classic, exotic, and luxury vehicles.
The company operates its own enclosed air-ride trailers and builds and services its equipment in-house. That direct carrier model is the main distinction for an owner who wants to book with the company physically moving the vehicle. Its classic, exotic, and luxury focus makes it a relevant option for a collector relocating a vehicle across the country. Trailer enclosure is only part of the decision, though: discuss your car’s clearance and dimensions before agreeing to a loading plan.
Plan like a careful owner. Share ground clearance and running condition up front, along with any modifications that could affect loading. Ask about soft straps, liftgate needs, and how inoperable vehicles are handled if relevant. Door-to-door service carries access restrictions on tight streets, low trees, or HOA rules, so discuss a nearby wide lot as a backup. If arrival is tied to a show or auction, share the deadline before booking and ask what pickup window and transit estimate the fleet can offer.
Strengths
- Decades of enclosed-only focus dating to 1980
- Own enclosed air-ride equipment geared to high-value cars
- Clear fit for classics, exotics, and luxury models
- Door-to-door enclosed planning with attention to loading and access
Trade-offs
- Enclosed-only service does not include the generally lower-cost open transport option
- Street access limits can require a nearby meeting point for large trailers
- An owned fleet has finite capacity, so dates must fit the available trucks and routes
Best for owners moving a classic, exotic, luxury, or show car who want enclosed handling from a long-tenured specialist.
3. Corsia – Best for dedicated single-agent service and international shipping
Corsia is a family-operated company founded in 2013 that assigns one dedicated agent to manage your shipment from carrier assignment through delivery.
That single-agent model is the reason to consider Corsia for a cross-country move. Instead of repeating your details to different departments, you work with one person who follows the booking and carrier match through pickup, transit updates, and delivery. The company offers nationwide door-to-door service and enclosed options, plus service outside the United States for buyers or relocations that cross borders. For first-time shippers, that continuity makes paperwork, timing, and questions easier to manage.
Use that agent relationship well. Discuss the pickup window and transit estimate, including who inspects the car with you at pickup and delivery. If your move includes international delivery, ask early about title documents, import rules, port handoffs, and extra lead time. Keep your phone available during the window and share backup contacts. If your street cannot fit a full-size carrier, ask your agent to plan an alternate meeting spot before delivery day.
Strengths
- One dedicated agent from assignment through delivery for clear accountability
- Nationwide door-to-door service with enclosed choices
- International capability for moves that go beyond domestic routes
- Full-process management that suits first-time or anxious shippers
Trade-offs
- Booking communication runs through a coordinating agent rather than a direct contract with the hauling carrier
- The assigned carrier and enclosed equipment depend on the route, so request those details when dispatched
- International paperwork and handoffs add steps and time compared with a domestic-only move
Best for: Shippers who want consistent, one-person guidance throughout, including those with an international leg attached to a domestic move.
4. Ship That Car – Best for simple, no-fuss domestic shipping
Ship That Car keeps domestic car shipping simple with one team, open and fully enclosed options, and phone support backed by an order-status tool.
The company runs on a nationwide carrier network and covers both standard open transport and fully enclosed transport, including service for classic and exotic cars. For your cross-country move, that means you can stay with one provider whether you are sending a commuter sedan open or protecting a sports coupe enclosed. The order-status tool helps you check progress without chasing updates, and phone support gives you a human contact when pickup or delivery details shift. It is a practical setup if you want clear steps and minimal back-and-forth.
Keep your side of the move simple too. Choose open or enclosed based on car value and your tolerance for exposure, not just price. List modifications, including roof racks or oversize tires that affect loading. Plan for a pickup window, have keys and documents ready, and designate someone to meet the driver if your flight lands later. Photograph the odometer as well as the interior and exterior at pickup, then compare the condition at delivery before signing the receipt.
Strengths
- Open and fully enclosed choices under one domestic provider
- Classic and exotic capability alongside everyday vehicles
- Nationwide carrier network suited to long-distance lanes
- Order-status tool plus phone support for straightforward updates
Trade-offs
- A carrier-network booking is not a commitment to transport on the provider’s own trucks
- Your final schedule still depends on lane demand and trailer availability
- Large-trailer access at your addresses may require a nearby alternate stop
Best for drivers who want a plain, single-team domestic process with a clear choice between open and enclosed.
5. The Car Shipping Company – Best for extended availability and near-round-the-clock accessibility
The Car Shipping Company stands out for hours and reach, with phone help most hours of the day, evening, and night seven days a week and coverage that includes Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Beyond hours, the service range is wide. The company arranges door-to-door transport for cars, trucks, vans, trailers, and trailered boats to and from points across the United States, including those noncontiguous and territory destinations. That matters if your cross-country move does not end at a mainland address or involves more than a standard sedan. Extended phone availability plus 24-hour access by fax and email helps when you work shifts, manage a tight closing date, or need to discuss pickup details outside normal office hours.
Use the extra access to settle practical details. Discuss dimensions and running condition for trucks, vans, or boats, along with any trailer needs. For Alaska, Hawaii, or territory legs, ask how the truck portion connects with ocean transit, what documents are needed, and how timing differs from mainland door-to-door. Agree on inspection steps at handoff points and keep photos from each stage. Evening access does not change drive time, so allow for the full transit estimate and possible delays.
Strengths
- Very broad footprint including Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Extended phone hours seven days a week plus round-the-clock fax and email contact
- Handles cars, trucks, vans, trailers, and trailered boats
- Helpful for shift workers and discussing last-minute schedule changes
Trade-offs
- A mainland truck trip and an island shipment involve different handoffs and timelines
- Extra availability improves communication, not road speed or weather delays
- Oversize or specialty units need careful trailer matching, which can affect timing
Best for: Shippers who need evening or weekend access and those whose move touches Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories.
6. Vinmove – Best for coast-to-coast open or enclosed transport
Vinmove focuses on long-haul, door-to-door vehicle shipping with a choice of open or enclosed carriers across the states.
For a coast-to-coast move, that open-or-enclosed choice is the main appeal. Open works for most daily drivers where value matters. Enclosed adds protection for newer, luxury, or well-kept cars facing thousands of highway miles. Door-to-door planning keeps you out of terminals, with the usual caveat that the driver may suggest a nearby accessible lot if your street is tight. The company offers insured door-to-door transport, so ask for the insurance details in writing and understand how claims and inspection work before you book.
Compare quotes on equal terms. Give every provider the same addresses and dates, along with running condition, modifications, and your open or enclosed selection. Ask whether the price is binding, what triggers a change, whether there is a deposit and when it is due, and what cancellation terms apply. On pickup day, walk around the car with the driver, note every mark on the inspection report, take time-stamped photos, and repeat the process at delivery before signing.
Strengths
- Clear open-or-enclosed choice for long-distance planning
- Door-to-door model that avoids terminal drop-offs in most cases
- Coast-to-coast orientation suited to cross-country timelines
- Multi-state reach for state-to-state household moves
Trade-offs
- Carrier assignment comes before payment under its advertised process, so distinguish an initial quote from a dispatched shipment
- Choosing between open and enclosed requires weighing cost against exposure
- Final pickup and delivery points still depend on truck access and local rules
Best for coast-to-coast shippers who want door-to-door service and a simple open-versus-enclosed decision.
7. J&S Transportation – Best for dispatcher contact and carrier-broker options
J&S Transportation operates as both a carrier with its own trucks and a broker that can arrange transport through partner carriers.
Its cross-country services include open and enclosed shipping, with options for job relocations, college moves, seasonal travel, and dealership purchases. The quote form asks about vehicle modifications, operability, auction pickup, and enclosed requirements. Those details matter when the vehicle is not a standard, running sedan: a lifted truck or nonrunning auction purchase may need different equipment and loading arrangements.
A useful feature for a household move is direct dispatcher contact. J&S provides a text number, phone number, and email address for the dispatcher after booking, along with updates when shipment status changes. If your departure date changes, keep that contact with your moving paperwork and explain which pickup and delivery dates remain workable. Distinguish a change to your own availability from a request for a guaranteed arrival date.
Because a shipment can move on owned equipment or a partner carrier, ask which arrangement applies once it is assigned. Auction buyers should provide the lot location, buyer number, release authorization, and pickup rules. Discuss the lot’s payment and release requirements before scheduling collection. For any trip involving an ocean leg, discuss the road and port handoffs separately rather than assuming a mainland transit estimate covers the entire journey.
Strengths
- Own-truck operations alongside partner-carrier arrangements
- Direct dispatcher contact by text, phone, and email after booking
- Open and enclosed options for cross-country shipments
- Quote questions that address modifications, auction collection, and vehicle operability
Trade-offs
- The carrier-broker model means the truck may belong to J&S or a partner, so ask who handles your booking
- Auction collection requires release paperwork and coordination with the lot’s hours
- Pickup and delivery windows still need to fit the assigned truck’s route
Best for: Shippers who want direct dispatcher contact and a provider that can use owned trucks or partner carriers.
8. Transport Masters USA – Best for business and fleet logistics
Transport Masters USA offers individual and business auto transport, including dealer and auction shipping, fleet shipping, and corporate relocation services.
Its service menu combines door-to-door transport with open and enclosed options, extended business hours, and online shipment-status tracking. For a business moving several cars, rotating fleet units, or aligning vehicle arrivals with project dates, these are relevant options to discuss during booking. Ask what updates the online system provides, how colleagues can access shipment information, and who handles changes to receiving arrangements. Keep the dispatcher and receiving contact informed if your business hours or delivery availability change.
If you are shipping for work, centralize details early. Share VINs, addresses, contacts, running condition, and delivery order. Discuss whether cars move together or separately, how updates are shared, and who is authorized to inspect and sign at each stop. Individuals can use the same discipline on a smaller scale: keep one contact, clear addresses, a flexible window, and photo inspections at both ends. Ask how schedule changes are handled and what documentation you receive after delivery.
Strengths
- Dealer, auction, fleet, and corporate relocation services alongside individual shipping
- Online shipment-status tracking for checking progress
- Open, enclosed, and door-to-door options in one place
- Extended hours that help with business scheduling
Trade-offs
- Multi-vehicle moves require a separate vehicle list and clear receiving arrangements at each stop
- Online status updates do not guarantee a particular arrival time
- Pickup windows still depend on route demand and carrier availability
Best for businesses and fleet managers coordinating vehicles as part of a larger operational move.
Frequently asked questions about car shipping companies
These are the decisions most people weigh before booking a cross-country shipment. Use them to compare providers on equal terms and reduce surprises on pickup day.
Should I pay extra for enclosed transport for a cross-country move?
Enclosed is worth considering if your car has high financial or sentimental value, fresh paint, or an open top you want to shield during a long trip. A low-clearance car also needs a suitable loading method, whether the trailer is open or enclosed. Open is the practical default for most daily drivers and typically costs less. If you choose enclosed, discuss equipment availability and access plans before booking.
Is door-to-door car shipping worth it for a long-distance move?
For most household moves, yes, because it saves terminal trips and lets you inspect the car with the driver at both ends. Curbside service still depends on whether the assigned truck and trailer can reach your address safely and within local access rules. Discuss a nearby wide lot as a backup and keep your phone on during the window.
Should I expect a guaranteed pickup date or a pickup window?
Expect a window. Carriers build routes around multiple loads, traffic, weather, and hours-of-service rules, so ask for a written pickup window plus a transit estimate for your booking. An exact-hour promise made weeks out deserves questions about the terms and possible exceptions. Allow flexibility in flights, closings, and car-rental plans rather than relying on a single arrival date.
Should I choose a provider based on BBB rating alone?
Use ratings as one signal, not the whole decision. A reputable car shipping company should also show active operating authority, clear insurance handling, written terms, and responsive communication. Read recent reviews for patterns around pickup timing, damage handling, and price changes, then request key promises in writing before paying a deposit.
Should I ask about military discounts when I relocate for service?
Military pricing is worth asking about. Many providers offer military pricing or flexible scheduling for PCS moves, and even a modest discount helps on a long haul. Have orders, ID, pickup and delivery contacts, and date flexibility ready. Ask whether the discount applies to open, enclosed, or both, and request the final all-in price in writing.
Should I collect multiple quotes or just book the first price I like?
Collect at least three written quotes on identical details: same addresses, dates, vehicle specs, running condition, and open versus enclosed. For context on typical price drivers, see How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car In 2026?. Ask what is binding, what can change the price, deposit timing, and cancellation terms. The lowest estimate can be poor value if it hides fees or relies on unrealistic timing.
Should I assume my car is fully covered while it is on the truck?
Do not assume. Ask who provides cargo coverage, what limits and exclusions apply, how pre-existing damage is documented, and how to file a claim. Your personal auto policy may or may not extend during transit. Wash and photograph the car in daylight, document existing marks with the driver at pickup, and repeat the inspection at delivery while reviewing the condition report.
Should I prepare my car in a specific way before the driver arrives?
Preparation helps make the handoff easier. Remove toll tags, garage remotes, and loose accessories, keep personal items out, follow the provider’s fuel and key instructions, check battery and tires, and note alarms or kill switches. Share exact pickup and delivery contacts, gate codes, and parking instructions so the driver does not lose time finding you.
Final choice: which option should you pick?
Choose Car Shipping Carriers if you want a simple default for an everyday cross-country car move with 50-state service and open or enclosed choice. Choose Intercity Lines if your car is a classic, exotic, or luxury model that calls for enclosed-only handling. Choose Corsia if you want one dedicated agent throughout, including international needs. Choose Ship That Car if you want a no-fuss domestic booking, The Car Shipping Company if you need evening and weekend access or territory reach, Vinmove if your priority is a clear coast-to-coast open-or-enclosed decision, J&S Transportation if you want direct dispatcher contact and carrier-broker options, and Transport Masters USA if you are moving cars for business. Start with your route and car type, compare written terms, and agree on a realistic window that accounts for your arrival plans.
