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Car Shipping Hub

Direct Express Auto Transport

We created the first online car shipping calculator in 2004.

Reliable Car Shipping Fast & Reputable

Car Shipping Hub

Direct Express Auto Transport

We created the first online car shipping calculator in 2004.

See Why People Prefer Direct Express Auto Transport

BBB Accredited Business Car Shipping Services in California
Google Reviews for Car Shipping Services in California
Trust Pilot Reviews and Happy Car Shipping Customers in California

Car Shipping — Fast, Safe & Affordable Auto Transport Nationwide

Whether you are relocating across the country, buying a vehicle online, heading to a snowbird destination, or moving a fleet for a dealer, car shipping is the safest and most cost-effective way to move your vehicle.

Direct Express Auto Transport has been connecting customers with trusted, licensed carriers since 2004 — shipping hundreds of thousands of vehicles to all 50 states.

On this page you will find everything you need to know about how car shipping works, what it costs, which transport type is right for your vehicle, and how to get started with a free instant quote.

Auto Transport Reviews From Our Customers in California & Beyond


  • My Auto Transport Experience

    Nancy B.

    I am so pleased with my decision to use Direct Express Auto Transport! Ashley was a knowledgeable and confidence inspiring representative and my driver was on time and my car was in perfect shape!

  • Great Auto Transport Service To Texas

    Steve S.

    Talked to Jessica on Wednesday to have 65 El Camino shipped from Calif to Texas. Was picked up on Thursday the 16th and delivered on Monday the 20th. Beautiful truck and great driver. Sebastian was the driver’s name. Also it was awesome to see all the other great cars.

  • Enclosed Auto Transport

    Derek K.

    Fantastic experience all around, from the office people calling me back on a Sunday when a question popped up, to getting the car delivered very quickly, the whole process went perfectly. Will use them again for sure.

  • My Car Arrived Sooner Than Expected!

    Charlie R.

    Driver was very efficient and accommodating! Once he picked up the vehicle he stayed in contact with us all the way to delivery. Thank you very much for hauling this vehicle for us because we have no way of doing it ourselves.

  • Auto Transport From Florida

    Alicia L.

    My car was picked up on a Friday morning and arrived at my destination two days later. The driver made sure that I was on time delivering my car and he made sure my car was delivered to me in a timely manner also…

  • Auto Transport Service To Arizona

    Jeff B.

    Another excellent job by Direct Express Auto Transport! This is the 3rd time we’ve shipped with this Direct Express Auto Transport. They’re courteous, professional, and on time. I highly recommend this company and their services!

  • Car Transported California to Texas

    Bill A.

    I used the expedited shipping option and they told me it will be picked up within 3-4days. Luckily my car was picked up on the very first day. It was assigned to one of their transport companies and I received my car within 10days. They are very professional.

image of a car-transport-driver-strapping-down-a-blue-car-on-th-trailer

How Auto Transport Works – Step-by-Step

Watch a very helpful video on How Auto Transport Works here.

Jump to the chapter most relevant to your shipment

9 Chapters — Under 6 Minutes

Each chapter covers a specific part of the car shipping process. Click any card to open that chapter directly in YouTube.


[00:00] – Introduction to Auto Transport

We start with the basics: what auto transport is, who uses it, and why it’s a smarter option than driving your vehicle yourself. You’ll get a clear picture of how the carrier network operates and what to expect from the moment you request a quote.

[00:58] – How To Arrange Auto Transport

Booking your move is straightforward. We walk you through how to submit your shipment details, what information you’ll need on hand, and how we match you with a vetted carrier heading your direction.

[01:29] – How Do The Pricing Tiers Work?

Auto transport pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We explain what drives your quote — distance, vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand — so you know exactly what you’re paying for and when to expect the best rates.

[02:48] – Where Can I Ship To or From?

We serve the entire continental United States, door to door. Whether you’re shipping across two states or coast to coast, we cover every zip code. We also explain how proximity to major carrier lanes can affect availability and timing.

[03:06] – When Can I Expect Pickup?

We set honest expectations around pickup windows — typically one to three days from your target date — and explain how driver schedules, route logistics, and lead time all factor into when your carrier arrives.

[03:37] – How Long Does Shipping Take?

Transit times vary by distance. We break it down clearly: short regional hauls, mid-range interstate moves, and full cross-country shipments — with realistic timeframes for each so you can plan around your schedule.

[03:55] – How to Prepare Your Vehicle

Before your carrier arrives, a few simple steps protect you and your car. We cover what to remove, how to document existing condition, fuel level, tire pressure, and anything else to handle the day before pickup.

[04:25] – What To Expect At Pickup

This is where the paperwork begins. We walk through the curbside inspection and the Bill of Lading — the document that legally records your vehicle’s condition before it’s loaded — and exactly what to check before you sign.

[04:57] – What To Expect At Delivery

The final step. We cover how delivery works, what to inspect before signing off, and how to handle situations where a large trailer can’t reach your exact address — like tight residential streets or gated communities — and needs to meet you nearby.

Open vs. Enclosed Car Transport — Which Is Right for You?

Quick Tip: Which Should You Choose?

If your car is worth under $50,000 and is a standard production vehicle, open transport is perfectly safe and the smart financial choice. If your car is a classic, exotic, or worth over $50,000, the added cost of enclosed shipping is worthwhile peace of mind.


Open Car Transport

Open transport is the standard option. Your car rides on an open carrier alongside 6–9 other vehicles and is exposed to weather and road debris. It is safe, reliable, and the most affordable option for the vast majority of everyday vehicles.

  • Best for: Standard cars, trucks, SUVs, minivans
  • Cost: Most affordable — baseline pricing
  • Availability: Highest — more carriers operate open trailers
  • Typical transit: 1–14 days depending on distance and route

Read more about our Open-Air Carrier Service.

Types of transport - open carrier and enclosed transport trucks

Enclosed Car Transport

Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, protecting it from all weather, road debris, and prying eyes. Carriers typically haul 2–6 vehicles and use soft straps and hydraulic lifts to protect low-clearance or delicate vehicles.

  • Best for: Luxury vehicles, classic cars, exotics, motorcycles, high-value collector cars
  • Cost: 40–60% more than open transport
  • Availability: Fewer carriers — may extend booking time by a few days
  • Typical transit: Same as open transport once booked

See here if Enclosed Carrier Service is the right choice for you.


Door-to-Door vs.

Terminal-to-Terminal Car Shipping

Door-to-Door Transport

The carrier picks up your vehicle as close to your home or business as possible and delivers it to your destination address. This is the most convenient option and what Direct Express Auto Transport specializes in. Note that in dense urban areas, the driver may need to meet you at a nearby parking area to accommodate the size of the transport trailer.

Terminal-to-Terminal Transport

You drop off your car at a designated terminal or lot and pick it up at a terminal near your destination. This option is less convenient because you might drive 50 miles out of your way, but can save money on some routes. It also works well if you need to ship your vehicle before you are ready to receive it. Storage fees may apply if the vehicle sits at the terminal beyond a certain window. Most people dislike Terminal to Terminal shipping due to the hassle, complete loss of control, delays, and many times surprise extra expense and fees. Few do it.

Direct Express Auto Transport only ships Door-to-Door. The tried and true best method with the most satisfied customers.


Non-Running Vehicle Shipping

We can arrange carriers equipped with winches to load vehicles that cannot start or move.

Typical additional cost: $150–$250 depending on route logistics.

Depicting the three pricing tiers concept of walk - jog - run car shipping service

Three-Tiered Car Shipping Quotes

You can try our amazing tool, the three-tiered car shipping cost calculator, right here.


Auto transport is a marketplace where carriers select loads based on route efficiency and incentive levels. Our proprietary three-tier pricing lets you adjust your placement within that marketplace. Try our three-tiered cost calculator any time.

Standard — Budget-Friendly

Lowest entry price · best for flexible schedules · works well on high-traffic routes.

Expedited — Most Recommended

Increased carrier incentive · faster assignment probability · balanced price-to-speed ratio.

Rush — Priority Shipping

Highest incentive · designed for urgent timelines · often carrier assignment within days.

Woman in office calculating online car shipping quote

Car Shipping Costs — What to Expect

Prices vary based on distance, vehicle size, transport type, route popularity, and time of year. Here are typical ranges for open carrier transport:

Swipe to view full table →

Distance Typical Cost Range (Open Carrier)
Under 500 miles $300 – $700
500 – 1,000 miles $600 – $1,200
1,000 – 1,500 miles $1,000 – $1,500
1,500 – 2,500 miles (cross-country) $1,200 – $2,500

Key Factors That Affect Your Price

  • Distance and route — long hauls cost more in total, but the per-mile rate drops as distance increases.
  • Vehicle size — a compact sedan ships for less than a pickup truck or SUV.
  • Open vs. enclosed — enclosed shipping adds 40–60% for premium protection.
  • Season and demand — summer and snowbird season raise prices on popular routes (and sometimes lower them on the reverse routes).
  • Flexibility — flexible pickup dates (3–5 days) often earn lower rates.
  • Running vs. inoperable — a non-running vehicle adds $150–$200.

Direct Express Auto Transport door to door delivery

Why Choose Direct Express Auto Transport?

  • In business since 2004 — over 20 years of expertise
  • Network of 15,000+ licensed, insured, vetted carriers
  • Instant online quotes — no waiting, no pressure
  • No upfront payment required to book
  • All carriers carry cargo insurance of $100,000 or more
  • Dedicated customer support throughout your shipment
  • Serving all 50 states
  • Transparent pricing — the price you see is the price you pay

image of brother and sister teenagers-car-wash-before-shipping-it

How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Clean your vehicle so the pickup inspection is accurate and the Bill of Lading reflects true condition.

Remove personal belongings — carriers operate under strict weight limits and personal items aren’t covered by cargo insurance.

Disable alarm systems to avoid battery drain during transit vibrations.

Remove toll transponders so accidental charges don’t accrue.

Document condition with photos — all exterior angles, interior, and odometer.

Keep about 1/4 tank of fuel — reduces weight, keeps carriers within legal limits, and leaves enough for loading/unloading.

teen siblings washing the car before shipping

A Note About Your Auto Transport Driver

Professional car-hauler drivers operate under demanding schedules and travel thousands of miles. Clear communication during scheduling helps ensure smooth pickup and delivery. While tipping is never required, many customers provide $50–$100 for exceptional service.


photograph captures a young hispanic woman in her 30s watching a non-running car get loaded

Specialty Car Shipping Services

In addition to standard car shipping, Direct Express Auto Transport can help with:

  • Classic & antique — enclosed transport with experienced vintage handlers
  • Luxury & exotic — fully enclosed trailers with soft-tie systems
  • Military — discounted rates for active duty and veterans
  • Student — reliable, affordable transport for college relocations
  • Dealer & fleet — volume pricing for dealerships and fleet managers
  • Snowbird seasonal — popular Florida, Arizona, and Texas routes in fall and spring
  • Alaska & Hawaii — via specialized ocean freight carriers

Ready to ship your car?

Join hundreds of thousands of customers — snowbirds, military families, relocating professionals, students, and families moving across the country — who have trusted Direct Express Auto Transport since 2004. Getting a quote takes less than 60 seconds, requires no personal information, and there is no upfront payment to hold your spot.

Instant quote — real-time pricing in seconds
No upfront payment — your card is charged only when a carrier is assigned
BBB Accredited A+ since 2004 · FMCSA licensed & bonded · 4.6 stars across thousands of reviews

Get Your Free Car Shipping Quote

Questions? Call 800-600-3750 or email [email protected] — 7 days a week.

Direct-Express-Smiling-mid-30s-couple-looking-at-a-tablet-with-quote-calculator

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping

How long does car shipping take?

Transit times depend on distance and route. Short routes under 500 miles typically take 1–3 days. Cross-country shipments coast to coast usually take 7–14 days. Remote destinations may take slightly longer. Your carrier provides an estimated delivery window once your shipment is dispatched.

Is my car insured while it is being shipped?

Yes. Every carrier in our network is required to carry cargo insurance of at least $100,000. Before booking you can request the carrier’s certificate of insurance. We also recommend checking whether your personal auto policy provides supplemental coverage during transport, as some do.

How far in advance should I book car shipping?

For the best carrier selection and pricing, book 1–2 weeks in advance. That said, our network is large enough that we can often accommodate shipments within 1–3 days on most routes. Flexible pickup dates may qualify you for lower rates.

Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

You or an authorized representative must be present at both pickup and delivery to inspect the vehicle and sign the Bill of Lading. If you can’t be present, you can designate a trusted person — a family member, neighbor, or property manager — to handle the inspection and sign on your behalf.

What happens if my car is damaged during shipping?

Damage is rare, but if it occurs the process is straightforward: at delivery, note any new damage on the Bill of Lading before signing, and photograph everything. File a claim directly with the carrier’s insurance company. Do not sign the delivery receipt as “damage-free” if you have concerns — once signed unconditionally, claims become much harder to pursue.

Can I ship a non-running vehicle?

Yes. Inoperable vehicles can be shipped, but they require a carrier with a winch or special loading equipment. Non-running vehicles typically add $100–$200 to the total cost. Disclose this when getting your quote so we match you with an appropriately equipped carrier.

Can I put items in my car while it is being shipped?

Technically many carriers allow up to 100 lbs of personal items in the trunk. However, this isn’t standard practice and personal belongings are never covered under cargo insurance. We strongly recommend shipping the vehicle empty to avoid disputes.

What is a Bill of Lading?

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the official shipping contract and vehicle condition report. It documents your car’s condition at pickup — including any pre-existing scratches, dents, or damage. Both you and the driver sign it at pickup and again at delivery. Keep your copy safe throughout the process.