In this guide, we cut through the industry noise. We’ll break down exact vehicle shipping costs, compare tow dollies versus open car haulers, and show you the most cost-effective methods for a long-distance move.
At Compare The Carrier, we don’t just throw random quotes at you, we help you choose the option that actually fits your budget and vehicle type.
Want to skip the reading and see exact numbers? Use our shipping calculator below to get a guaranteed rate for your route in seconds.
Quick links to navigate this article:
How To Get Your Car Moved From State To State?

So what is state-to-state car towing?
State-to-state vehicle shipping is usually rather time-consuming. Besides planning the whole trip, buying tickets, packing household items you also need to check several shipping companies, their license, and the details of shipping for each company since they vary a lot.
If you are short of time you can avoid all this by getting your quote with us and we will send you a few offers from the best available companies. The only thing you will have to choose in such a case is whether to use an auto transport service or a tow dolly.
What is tow-dolly auto transportation?
A tow dolly is a type of trailer that elevates the front wheels of the vehicle. While a vehicle towing, only a pair of wheels are lifted, so the vehicle is still under the effect of wear and tear. Also, varying from state to state, there are weight restrictions you may not be aware of.
Putting your car on a tow dolly may also be quite difficult especially if you have rear-wheel drive, as you have to make sure that the wheels are fully secured and the car won’t suddenly get off the trailer while transportation.
That’s why this type of transportation using for moving vehicles for a rather short distance.
And what I should use when need to move my car long-distance?

Long-distance car shipping is done with the car entirely loaded on a special car trailer (car hauler). This type of vehicle shipping allows transporting vehicles of any weight and condition and requires a minimum of effort from your side: just meet the driver at the pick-up, give him the car key and then meet him again at the drop-off location.
It’s the best way to ship vehicles long-distance, or even overseas from the mainland.
For more detailed info on long-distance transportation, you can check cross country auto transportation guide.
Let’s look at some pros and cons of each shipping method: State-to-State Car Towing and Long-Distance Auto Transport.

Pros & Cons of Long-Distance Auto Transport
PROS
CONS
Pros & Cons of State-to-State Car Towing
PROS
CONS

Not sure which method fits your situation? Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to make the decision easier:
| Tow Dolly (DIY) | Open Carrier | Tow Truck | Enclosed Carrier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | FWD cars, <500 mi | Any operable vehicle | Inoperable/broken cars | Luxury, classic, exotic |
| Cost (1,000 mi) | $200–$400 (rental) | $800–$1,100 | $3,000–$5,000 | $1,100–$1,600 |
| Vehicle wear | Yes (rear wheels on road) | None | None (flatbed) | None |
| Works for RWD/AWD | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Works for inoperable | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Insurance included | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transit time | Self-driven | 3–10 days | 2–7 days | 5–14 days |
| Price per mile | $0.40–$0.80 | $0.60–$1.10 | $2.50–$7.00 | $1.00–$2.00 |
Cost estimates based on a 1,000-mile haul for a standard sedan. Open carrier is the recommended option for most state-to-state moves.
Types Of Trailers Used For Vehicle Shipping And Towing
As state-to-state car towing and car shipping are different kinds of vehicle transportation services, trailers that are needed for it are also different.
Types of trailers used for state-to-state car shipping

Depending on the size and weight of the vehicle, different sizes of trailers can be used for its transportation.
First of all, trailers used for vehicle shipping can be enclosed and open. Enclosed trailers are usually used for shipping brand new, classic, exotic, show cars and motorcycles. Open car haulers are more commonly used for long-distance auto transport. They are very easy to arrange and are cheaper than enclosed.
Open trailers are divided into 4 main types:
Usual car hauler
That moves up to 13 vehicles at a time depending on their size (usually it can only be sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, and small buses);
Such car haulers could be open and enclosed.
Open car hauler
This one is used in 95% of car shipments. You can see them near the dealerships as it’s a cheap and affordable way to transport a car. In general open vehicle transport trailer would be offered to you for shipping some usual car long distances.
Enclosed car hauler
The main difference from the open one is having a soft or hard cover on the trailer. This cover protects the vehicle from any possible damage that could be got during the state-to-state car towing process. In most cases, such trailers are rather small and allow to haul fewer cars than an open trailer. It causes higher shipping rates around 50% higher than on an open one.
That’s why enclosed car haulers are used only for shipping luxury, exotic or classic cars.
Flatbed trailer
Which is mostly used for moving large vans and buses, pickup trucks with utility beds, pontoon boats, ATVs, and UTVs;
Step-deck or Drop deck trailer
It has two deck levels: an upper deck which is 11 feet long and a lower deck which is 37 feet long, and it is used for the same freight as flatbed trailers, but the height of the load may be up to 10 feet for lower deck and 8.5 feet for the upper deck;
In general, it’s used for shipping large and heavy vehicles that height is less than 10 feet
Lowboy trailer
It is used for shipping heavy and military equipment like cranes, bulldozers, tractors, and so on, that can’t be shipped with a step-deck or drop deck trailer.
Types of trailers for long-distance state-to-state car towing

Trailers that are used for vehicle towing can be of 3 main types:
One-car flatbed
On this truck the vehicle is loaded on the trailer with all four wheels on;
Tow truck
It’s a truck that lifts only two wheels of the car;
Tow Dolly
Tow dolly it’s a two-wheel trailer that is attached to another car. It will lift only the front wheels of the vehicle while the rear wheels stay on the ground.
The one-car flatbed and a tow truck are mostly used for state-to-state car towing inoperable cars with the vehicles that do not run at all, being loaded on the one-car trailer.
State-to-State Shipping & Car Towing Costs
Cost to tow a car for a short and long-distance
State-to-state car towing with a tow dolly can save you money on shorter hauls under 300 miles – but keep in mind that your rear wheels stay on the road the whole time, which means wear and tear adds up fast. That’s why tow dollies are really only practical for short-distance moves with FWD vehicles. If your route is over 500 miles, open carrier shipping will almost always be the smarter and cheaper call.
The exact cost depends on how far you’re going and how big your vehicle is. Got an inoperable car? Factor in an extra $100–$500 for the winch and special loading equipment – the price varies depending on the condition of the vehicle.
State-to-State Car Towing Cost by Distance (2026)
| Distance | Tow Truck | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier | Best Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $250–$600 | $300–$450 | $400–$600 | Tow truck or open carrier |
| 100–300 miles | $500–$1,200 | $350–$550 | $500–$750 | Open carrier |
| 300–500 miles | $900–$1,800 | $450–$700 | $650–$950 | Open carrier |
| 500–1,000 miles | $1,500–$3,000 | $600–$950 | $900–$1,300 | Open carrier |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $3,000–$5,500 | $800–$1,200 | $1,100–$1,600 | Open carrier |
| 2,000+ miles | $5,000–$8,000+ | $900–$1,400 | $1,300–$2,000 | Open carrier |
With Compare the Carrier, you can easily check the rate for long-distance car towing with taxes included and get the quote from the best companies. You will for sure have great options to choose from.
Though if you are looking for some emergency short-distance towing service or cheapest car towing it’s better to google some local car towing companies and choose one of them, it will cost more but you’ll save your time.
What affects the cost to ship a car from one state to another?
Long-distance auto transport services may be a bit pricey sometimes, but it all depends on the list of factors:

Mileage & Size of the vehicle
Of course, the longer route is and the larger and heavier vehicle is, the more expensive the shipping will be. It can be explained by the fact that each trailer has its weight and size limit and instead of moving 2 small cars, for example, the driver can transport only one pickup truck. That is why the carrier will ask for either a double price or at least half more for a pickup than for a sedan.
Type of the trailer
The type of the trailer is also an important factor. Enclosed trailers are more expensive than open since enclosed shipping ensures that the vehicle will not be exposed to rain, snow, or other weather conditions (check here for more detailed info when you should choose enclosed trailer)
If you are shipping a vehicle with a non-standard wheelbase or if it’s a UTV, ATV, golf cart, or lawnmower the price may be higher than for moving a sedan. Usually, flatbed trailers are used for moving such vehicles since common car haulers have a standard width of ramps.
But, unfortunately, flatbed trailers can only carry up to 3-4 vehicles at a time therefore their cost is higher.
Shipping season
As for the season, transportation during winter holidays always costs more since it is a high season for relocation. Besides that, state-to-state car towing during a snowbird season will also cost more on some routes. The most popular snowbird states are Florida, Georgia, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Texas, South and North Carolinas, Nevada, Washington, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Best Time to Ship: Seasonal Price Guide (2026)
| Month | Season | Demand | Price Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Off-season | Low | At or below base | Best time to ship. Lowest rates. |
| Mar – Apr | Spring | Moderate | Base rate | Good. Carriers moving snowbirds back north. |
| May – Aug | Summer peak | High | +10–20% above base | Book 3+ weeks early. Demand spikes. |
| Sep – Oct | Pre-snowbird | High | +15–25% above base | Busiest season CA/NY → FL. Book early. |
| Nov – Dec | Snowbird peak | Very High | +20–30% above base | Most expensive. Book 4+ weeks ahead. |
* Prices are most competitive January through April. Snowbird season (September–December) sees the highest demand on Florida-bound routes.
The popularity of the route
The popularity of the route is another important thing to remember when planning your move. The less popular route the fewer drivers move on it and it results in higher prices. Let’s take a closer look at this factor. More details about routes’ popularity will be further in the article.
Grasping the intricacies of shipping cost factors is crucial, but sometimes, seeing these elements in action can offer greater clarity. For a hands-on demonstration, dive into our brief video tutorial, walking you through the step-by-step process of utilizing our ‘Vehicle Shipping Calculator’.
The ‘Vehicle Shipping Calculator‘ is designed with you in mind, streamlining the estimation process by accounting for all the critical factors discussed.
Ready to get your accurate car towing costs?
Dive into our interactive tool now.
Average state-to-state car towing costs
Vehicle Type | Less Than 500 Miles | 500-1000 Miles | 1000-1600 Miles | 1600-2400 Miles | More Than 2400 Miles |
Sedan | $1-1.3 per mile | $0.9-1.1 per mile | $0.6-0.9 per mile | $0.6-0.8 per mile | $0.4-0.6 per mile |
SUV | $1.5 per mile | $1.2-1.5 per mile | $0.9-1.2 per mile | $0.7-1 per mile | $0.6-0.8 per mile |
Pickup Truck | $1.8 per mile | $1.4-1.8 per mile | $1-1.3 per mile | $1 per mile | $0.8-1 per mile |
Van | $2-2.5 per mile | $1.5-2 per mile | $1-1.5 per mile | $0.8-1.2 per mile | $0.8-1 per mile |
Boats, RV, Heavy Equipment | $3-3.5 per mile | $2.5-3.5 per mile | $2-2.5 per mile | $1.7-2 per mile | $1.5-1.8 per mile |
Please note: these are estimated average shipping rates. To get an exact quote for your vehicle, click the button below | |||||
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Real-World Examples (Estimated Totals):
- Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX (~1,400 miles): $840 – $1,260 (Sedan)
- New York, NY to Miami, FL (~1,300 miles): $780 – $1,170 (Sedan)
- Chicago, IL to Phoenix, AZ (~1,750 miles): $1,050 – $1,400 (SUV)
The Most Popular State To State Moving Routes
When you are planning to get the car transported it’s very important to understand that some states are more popular among carriers than others — and that directly affects both the price and how quickly you’ll find a driver.
Here’s a quick look at the most requested routes in 2026 and what you can expect to pay:
| Route | Distance | Open Carrier | Tow Truck est. | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida → New York | 1,280 mi | $900–$1,150 | $3,500–$5,000 | 5–8 days |
| New York → Florida | 1,280 mi | $900–$1,150 | $3,500–$5,000 | 5–8 days |
| California → Texas | 1,430 mi | $950–$1,200 | $4,000–$5,500 | 5–9 days |
| Texas → California | 1,430 mi | $950–$1,200 | $4,000–$5,500 | 5–9 days |
| California → New York | 2,800 mi | $1,100–$1,400 | $7,000–$9,000 | 7–14 days |
| Illinois → Florida | 1,330 mi | $900–$1,150 | $3,700–$5,200 | 5–8 days |
| Georgia → California | 2,200 mi | $1,000–$1,300 | $5,500–$7,500 | 6–12 days |
| Ohio → Texas | 1,400 mi | $900–$1,150 | $3,800–$5,300 | 5–9 days |
| Washington → Florida | 3,000 mi | $1,150–$1,500 | $7,500–$10,000 | 8–14 days |
| New York → California | 2,800 mi | $1,100–$1,400 | $7,000–$9,000 | 7–14 days |
* Open carrier prices shown for standard sedan. SUVs and trucks cost 20–40% more.
* Get an exact quote for your specific route: comparethecarrier.com/auto-transport-calculator/
Negotiation of good time frames for the auto transport becomes even harder when you move to a new house and need to schedule both an auto transport and a long-distance moving service. In this case, we highly recommend you plan transportation in month advance.
This will give you enough time to find trustful long-distance moving companies near your location and plan your relocation properly.
Sometimes, when the state is rather large, there may be only a few areas that are popular among drivers.
Let’s take a look at Washington state, for example. The Evergreen state is quite large, but only metropolitan areas of Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Everett, and Vancouver are considered to be the common route. The last one is actually more popular among state-to-state car towing companies that specialize in moving vehicles to and from Oregon.
Drivers that are transporting vehicles to Washington usually go I82 or I90 and Vancouver is located on the I5 and is closer to the Portland metropolitan area.
Therefore if you need your vehicle moved to some faraway locations (like Port Angeles, Bellingham, Forks, Aberdeen, Brewster), you should be ready to spend some extra money. If you want to save some money, you can meet the driver near a large metropolitan area or halfway to your location.
The similar situation you can face when looking for a car shipping to California. When moving to populated cities it’s rather easy to find a carrier, but in other cases, it can take some time.
But sometimes it happens that the whole state is not that popular among carriers. It may happen that after you request a quote, the price will be a bit higher than expected and the company can offer you ways to decrease the cost. If you decide to proceed and place an order, it may take some time to find a few loads going the same or similar route and negotiate the details with the carriers.
So how should you act in such a case?
We highly recommend you request a quote a month in advance if the vehicle is going to or from Montana, Wyoming, South and North Dakota, the northern part of Minnesota and Wisconsin, Vermont, Maine, and Delaware. These states are unfortunately the least popular among carriers as the vehicles are rarely shipped there and the states have low population density.
Top 9 Cheap State-to-State Car Towing Companies
A list of the best cheap state-to-state car towing services based on their reviews on the most popular auto transport review websites.
All the companies here are some of the best so we decided to put them in random order.

AAA Auto Transport LLC
AAA Auto Transport LLC is probably one of the most popular car carrier shipping companies. It was established in 1998 in Florida and provides customers with the cheapest car towing options for open transportation. With AAA Auto Transport LLC one can ship any kind of vehicle from motorcycles to heavy vehicles. The insurance coverage of the carrier is $150 000 per car on the trailer.
Probably the only disadvantage of the company is that the vehicle must be empty while in transit. So if you are planning to ship some personal belongings inside the car, AAA Auto Transport LLC may not be the best option for you.

SAKAEM Logistics
When it comes to the complexities of state-to-state car towing, SAKAEM Logistics offers a streamlined, tech-driven solution that eliminates the typical guesswork of long-distance shipping.
Since 2016, this Tucker, GA-based broker has leveraged AI-powered pricing and intelligent carrier matching to connect customers with interstate haulers faster than the industry average. Their platform provides instant, real-time quotes, ensuring that cross-country moves are coordinated with upfront pricing and zero hidden fees.
Backed by a 4.7-star Google rating and a dedicated team of coordinators available 24/7, SAKAEM is an ideal choice for those who need reliable, fast dispatch for cross-country or regional vehicle relocation.

America Auto Express LLC
America Auto Express LLC is a relatively young company compared to the previous one. It was founded in 2018 in Spokane, WA.
This towing company is very well equipped and provides services within west coast states offering both open and enclosed hardside transportation and the total number of trucks is 27.
America Auto Express LLC specializes in corporate relocations, dealerships, and military moves, as well as seasonal snowbird services.
The customer support representatives always keep the customers updated throughout the whole state-to-state car towing and shipping processes and are available any day of the week from 7 am to 5 pm.

Moverjet Logistics
The company is located in Wilmington, DE, and received lots of positive reviews, they have almost 5 stars on Google reviews, Trustpilot, Transport Reviews, and BBB.
The company is very transparent about cost formation and its payment policy is probably the most convenient for the customers: nothing is charged upfront, the part of the rate is charged after the driver is assigned to the order. And then the remaining balance is paid at the drop-off location.
To make transportation or state-to-state car towing more efficient for customers Moverjet offers a lot of discounts. This option might have made this company so loved and highly trusted by its customers.
When shipping the vehicles with MoverJet, customers only get top-notch service and convenience.

Accelerated Transport
Accelerated Transport is probably one of the most popular full-service auto shipping companies on the East coast. Founded in 2016 in Raleigh, NC, the relatively young company has set customer-oriented service and transparent pricing as the main goals of the company. And so far, they are rather good at following the goals.
Accelerated Transport works with both open and enclosed carriers and before closing the deal with the drivers always make sure that they are fully insured.
The insurance coverage of this company is also quite high and it is up to $250 000 per car on the trailer.

True Carrier
True Carrier is a rather young shipping company on our list. Though, it is chosen by thousands to move their vehicles. As well as MoveWheels, Moverjet, and most of the companies we work with, TrueCarrier does not require any prepayment at the time of booking.
TrueCarrier is located in Tampa, FL, and works with all types of carriers (open, enclosed) suiting every customer’s needs and budget. Also, the drivers the company works with can offer expedited delivery, state-to-state car towing, and door-to-door service when possible.
TrueCarrier customer support service is available 24/7 and according to their customers’ reviews, TrueCarrier’s customer support is one of the points they liked the most.

SGT Auto Transport
SGT Auto Transport continues to be a benchmark for state-to-state car towing in 2026, maintaining its position as a leader in secure vehicle relocation. This 5-star rated provider has built an extensive track record, having successfully moved over 200,000 vehicles to date. By leveraging a massive network of 25,000+ vetted carriers, SGT consistently delivers high-quality service, ensuring that thousands of customers every year enjoy a stress-free and reliable shipping experience.
SGT Auto Transport provides personalized attention throughout the entire shipping or state-to-state car towing process. This commitment to customer service is reflected in their outstanding reputation on uShip, where they stand out among a million service providers.

Nationwide United Auto Transport
Since 2003, Nationwide United Auto Transport has served thousands of relocating individuals, private car collectors, and logistics industry professionals with reliable vehicle transport services in the U.S.
The company doesn’t just ship cars. In addition to shipping standard cars, trucks, and SUVs, Nationwide United Auto Transport offers specialty transport services for RVs, oversized and heavy vehicles, including food trucks, commercial vehicles, buses, tiny homes, and much more.

Florida Transportation & Towing LLC
Florida Transportation & Towing LLC is also a perfect example of a company that values each customer. Even though the company was established only in 2019, it has grown from a small company hiring local drivers to a company with more than 100 employees.
Florida Transportation & Towing LLC operates only within Florida and specializes in shipping and towing operable and inoperable vehicles. Most of the company’s drivers work with dealerships, auctions, and corporate moves, but they are also doing private transportation with door-to-door shipping.
It is also one of a few companies willing to transport vehicles to the Key West area. Only a few carriers are going there, as it is quite difficult for the trailer to get there and the route is not very popular.

We’ve cruised through the world of car carrier shipping and tow dollies, equipping you with everything you need to handle long-distance transport confidently.
And whether you’re focused on safety or searching for the cheapest way to tow a car long distance, the most important thing is choosing the option that works best for you and your vehicle.
But remember, the journey doesn’t end here!
At Compare The Carrier, we’re always here to guide you. So, head on over to our website, grab some free shipping quotes, and let us help you find the perfect car transport company for your upcoming adventure.
With the right information and the right partner by your side, your car is guaranteed a smooth, worry-free journey to its new home, wherever it may be on this great American map.
FAQ
How much does it cost to tow a car from state to state?
State-to-state car towing via a professional open carrier costs $300–$550 for routes under 500 miles and $900–$1,400 for cross-country hauls for a standard sedan. Traditional tow truck service runs $2.50–$7 per mile plus a $35–$100 hookup fee – making it 2–3x more expensive for distances over 300 miles. For most state-to-state moves, open carrier auto transport is the most cost-effective option.
What is the cheapest way to tow a car from state to state?
The cheapest way to tow a car from state to state depends on distance. For under 300 miles, a tow dolly rental ($45–$80/day) can work for FWD vehicles. For distances over 500 miles, open carrier auto transport ($0.60–$1.10/mile) is consistently the cheapest option – it also adds zero miles or wear to your vehicle. Book 2 weeks in advance and choose a flexible pickup window for best rates.
How long does state-to-state car towing take?
Open carrier transport takes 1–3 days for routes under 500 miles and 7–14 days for cross-country shipments. Enclosed carrier takes 5–10 days coast-to-coast. Hot shot dedicated transport completes any route in 3–5 days at a 30–50% premium. Carriers provide 1–3 day delivery windows – exact delivery dates are not standard in the industry.
Is there a state-to-state towing service near me?
Yes. FMCSA-licensed state-to-state towing companies operate nationwide. Compare The Carrier connects you with verified carriers available for pickup in your area – enter your ZIP code in our calculator to see carriers available for your specific route and dates.
Can I tow my car to another state?
Yes. You can tow your car to another state using a tow dolly (suitable for FWD vehicles under 500 miles), a full car trailer (any vehicle), or by hiring a professional open or enclosed carrier. For distances over 500 miles, professional auto transport is safer and typically cheaper than DIY towing when you factor in fuel, hotels, and vehicle wear.
How much does it cost to tow a car to another state?
Towing a car to another state via professional open carrier costs $300–$550 for routes under 500 miles and $600–$1,400 for longer hauls. Traditional tow truck service costs $1,500–$5,000+ for interstate routes due to per-mile rates of $2.50–$7. Use our free calculator for an exact quote based on your specific states.
How can I tow my car to another state cheaply?
To tow your car to another state at the lowest cost: (1) use open carrier transport instead of tow truck service, (2) book 2–3 weeks in advance for lower rates, (3) choose a flexible 5–7 day pickup window, (4) pick up and drop off near major highways rather than rural locations, and (5) avoid peak moving seasons (May–August, November–December).
What is the best way to tow a car out of state?
The best way to tow a car out of state for most people is open carrier auto transport – it’s the safest, most cost-effective, and most common method. Your vehicle rides on a multi-car hauler with all four wheels off the ground, adding zero miles. For luxury or classic vehicles, enclosed carrier transport provides additional protection. Tow dollies are only suitable for short distances with FWD vehicles.
How much does it cost to tow a car across the country?
Towing a car across the country (2,000+ miles) via professional open carrier costs $900–$1,400 for a standard sedan. A traditional tow truck for a cross-country haul would cost $5,000–$8,000+, which is why professional auto transport is the standard choice for long-distance moves.
How much does it cost to tow a car 500 miles?
Towing a car 500 miles via professional open carrier costs $450–$700 for a standard sedan. A traditional tow truck for 500 miles runs $1,200–$2,000 at standard per-mile rates. Open carrier auto transport is the more economical choice for any route over 300 miles.
What is the average car tow price for long-distance towing?
The average car tow price for long-distance transport is $0.60–$1.10 per mile via professional open carrier, or $2.50–$7.00 per mile via traditional tow truck. For a 1,000-mile haul: open carrier runs $800–$1,100, while a tow truck costs $3,000–$5,000. Most people shipping a car state-to-state choose open carrier for this reason.
Thanks, it’s great and informative article. It makes my car towing easier for sure
Well-written post. Worth the share. I am pretty sure this would help readers especially those who are new to state to stae vehicle towing services and how it works. Thanks!!
Thanks for sharing great information.
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