Auto transport across country on a lane like Los Angeles to New York runs about 2,800 road miles and, on Baier's published rate card, $1,950 to $2,375 for a sedan on open transport with a flexible pickup date. Once the car is loaded, transit takes about 7 to 8 days. Longer lanes such as Los Angeles or San Diego to Boston run 3,000 miles or more and 7 to 9 days. The biggest variables are the season, how flexible your pickup date is, and the size of the vehicle.
What you'll learn
- Coast-to-coast sedans on published lanes run about $1,700 to $2,550 depending on the route Transit is 400 to 500 miles a day plus half a day each to load and unload, so 6 to 9 days on most lanes Winter weather can push trucks off I-80 onto southern routes like I-40, which can add time
Coast-to-coast lanes and published prices
All prices below are for open transport, a running vehicle, and a flexible pickup date. The transit window follows Baier's rule: a loaded car hauler covers 400 to 500 miles a day, plus half a day to load and half a day to unload.
| Lane | Road miles | Transit after loading | Sedan range | Pickup truck range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles → New York | 2,800 | 7–8 days | $1,950–$2,375 | $2,175–$2,700 |
| Los Angeles → Boston | 3,000 | 7–9 days | $2,100–$2,525 | $2,325–$2,850 |
| San Diego → Boston | 3,030 | 8–9 days | $2,125–$2,550 | $2,350–$2,875 |
| Los Angeles → Jacksonville | 2,420 | 6–8 days | $1,700–$2,050 | $1,925–$2,375 |
| Los Angeles → Atlanta | 2,180 | 6–7 days | $1,700–$2,075 | $1,925–$2,400 |
| Phoenix → Boston | 2,640 | 7–8 days | $1,850–$2,250 | $2,075–$2,575 |
| Las Vegas → New York | 2,530 | 7–8 days | $1,775–$2,150 | $2,000–$2,475 |
A large SUV adds $250 to $500 over a sedan, an exact-date pickup adds $175 to $325, and enclosed transport adds 40 to 60 percent to the open price. Dispatch confirms the final price before booking.
Route and season considerations
The northern cross-country route, I-80, runs through Wyoming, where winter brings snow, high wind and periodic closures. When that happens, trucks may hold in place or reroute south toward I-40, which crosses the Southwest and generally sees milder weather. A southern detour adds miles and can add a day or more to delivery.
Spring and summer are typically the easiest months for a coast-to-coast run. In winter, build some slack into your plans and keep your delivery date flexible. The transit window starts once the car is loaded; when pickup happens depends on matching your car to a truck running the lane, and flexible dates make that faster.
A 7-to-8-day transit window describes the time the car spends on the truck. Add the time it takes to get the car assigned and picked up, and plan around both.
How Baier handles western-origin moves
Baier is based in Seabrook, New Hampshire. For a car starting in California, Arizona or Nevada, we coordinate the move from Seabrook and book a vetted partner carrier with active FMCSA authority and insurance on file that runs your lane. That booking is made under our broker authority, Baier Automotive Logistics (USDOT 3594438, MC 1218658).
You keep one point of contact, Baier, from quote to delivery. Before pickup we can give you the assigned carrier's name and USDOT number so you can check it on the FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot yourself. If you want to understand how that model works, see auto transport broker vs carrier and our nationwide shipping service.
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Driving vs shipping across the country
| Factor | Driving it yourself | Shipping it |
|---|---|---|
| Your time | Several full days behind the wheel, plus the trip back if you're not relocating | A few minutes at pickup and delivery |
| Costs beyond the car | Fuel, lodging, meals, and possibly a return flight | The quoted transport price |
| Wear on the vehicle | Thousands of added miles on the odometer, tires and brakes | Miles added only for loading and short local moves |
| Flexibility | You control every stop | You work within a pickup window |
| Weather risk | You drive through it | The driver handles it |
Driving can make sense if you want the trip or you're moving with the car anyway. Shipping usually wins when your time is limited, the car is valuable or low-mileage, or you're moving more than one vehicle.
Prep checklist for a coast-to-coast move
- Book early, especially for winter or a specific move-in date.
- Confirm the pickup and delivery addresses can fit a full-size car carrier; if not, pick a nearby open lot.
- Remove personal belongings, toll transponders and loose items.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
- Wash the car so existing scratches and dents are easy to see.
- Photograph every panel, the wheels and the odometer.
- Review the vehicle inspection report on the bill of lading at pickup, and check the car against it at delivery before you sign.
- Ask for the assigned carrier's certificate of insurance.
For a broader overview, read the nationwide auto transport guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country? On Baier's published lanes, a sedan on open transport with a flexible pickup date runs about $1,950 to $2,375 from Los Angeles to New York and $2,100 to $2,525 from Los Angeles to Boston. Pickup trucks, large SUVs, exact dates and enclosed transport cost more.
How long does cross-country auto transport take? Using the 400 to 500 miles per day rule plus a day for loading and unloading, a 2,800-mile trip takes about 7 to 8 days once the car is loaded, and a 3,000-mile trip about 7 to 9 days. Pickup timing depends on matching the car to a truck on the lane.
Does Baier have trucks in California? Baier coordinates western-origin moves from its Seabrook, New Hampshire office by booking a vetted partner carrier with active FMCSA authority running your lane. Baier stays your point of contact from quote to delivery.
Is it cheaper to drive or ship a car cross-country? It depends on your fuel, lodging and time costs, and whether you need a flight back. Shipping also avoids adding thousands of miles to the car. Compare your own trip costs against a real quote.
Does winter weather delay cross-country shipments? It can. Storms in Wyoming and the northern plains sometimes close I-80, and trucks may wait or reroute south. Keep some flexibility in your delivery date during winter months.
Get your coast-to-coast price
Give us your two ZIP codes and vehicle and we'll confirm the price and pickup window. Start a quote or call (603) 490-7309, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from Baier Transport. BBB A+ rated with over 251,015+ vehicles transported.