New York Car Shipping: 2026 Costs & Routes

Our team has been in the car shipping industry for a long time. We worked for some of the largest brokers and knew there was a better way to do things.

So we set out to create a company that would be different. We want to walk you through how the process works and we guarantee to match any price you hear from a competitor.

We're a scrappy team that looks forward to earning your business.

Preparing your vehicle for transit in New York involves a few key steps to protect it during shipping and ensure a smooth process.

Remove toll transponders: New York uses the E-ZPass system for toll roads, bridges, and tunnels. Remove your E-ZPass transponder before shipping to avoid unexpected charges during transport.

Clear out personal items: Take out all personal belongings, including valuables, documents, and fragile items. Remove toll passes, garage door openers, and any interior accessories that could shift or break during transit.

Check for winter residue: If shipping during or after winter, wash off any salt and road treatment residue from underneath your vehicle and wheel wells. Salt accelerates corrosion and can damage your car's undercarriage during the shipping process.

Remove exterior accessories: Take off roof racks, bike racks, antennas, spoilers, or any other aftermarket accessories that could be damaged or cause damage during transport.

Ensure key access: Have a working key available to provide to the carrier. They may need it to move your vehicle on and off the transport trailer.

Check fluid levels: Make sure your engine has adequate coolant, oil, and fuel (about a quarter tank is ideal). This helps prevent fluid leaks and ensures the carrier can safely move your vehicle if needed.

Document your vehicle's condition: Take photos of your car from multiple angles before pickup. This protects you and provides a clear record of its condition at the start of transit.

For more details about the full shipping process, check out our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. All of our carriers are required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We verify that every carrier's insurance is valid and active before your shipment begins.

This means your car is protected throughout the entire transport process. We've been matching customers with reliable, insured carriers since 2012, and our highly rated reviews show that this commitment to your vehicle's safety matters.

In New York, we recommend booking your car shipment at least three to four weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during peak seasons. This gives carriers time to consolidate your vehicle with others heading the same direction and keeps your costs down.

Winter is critical in New York. From November through March, snow, ice, and harsh weather can slow down pickups and deliveries across the state. If you're shipping during winter months, add an extra week to your timeline and expect potential delays. Carriers often reduce their schedules during heavy snowstorms, so booking earlier is essential.

Summer heat waves (July and August) can also affect carrier availability. Many drivers avoid peak summer heat, so scheduling pickups in June or early July gives you more carrier options and better rates.

College moving season (late August through early September and mid-May through June) creates high demand in New York, especially around cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse where major universities are located. If you're shipping during these windows, book four to six weeks ahead.

Holiday periods (Thanksgiving week through New Year's) see reduced carrier availability statewide. Plan accordingly and schedule well in advance.

The bottom line: the sooner you post your shipment, the better your options and pricing. New York is a high-demand state with plenty of carriers, but they fill up fast during peak seasons. Don't wait—book as soon as your move date is confirmed.

We accept all forms of payment. We can arrange credit cards or arrange for you to pay the carrier directly through cash/certified check. We even accept payment via Cash/Zelle/Venmo.

Your shipment with SAKAEM includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If your shipment includes ocean transit (Hawaii shipments), your vehicle must be emptied of all items. SAKAEM and your assigned carrier are not responsible for personal items left inside your vehicle. See our guide on shipping a car with personal items for more details.

A designated (adult) must be present at pickup and delivery. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle's condition. Learn more about designating someone else to pick up your car.

When shipping a car in New York, you'll choose between two main transport types: open and enclosed auto transport.

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other cars, exposed to weather and road conditions. It's reliable for most standard vehicles and typically costs less than enclosed transport.

Enclosed Transport protects your car inside a covered trailer. Your vehicle is shielded from rain, snow, debris, and road salt—common concerns in New York winters. This option costs more, often 50% or higher than open transport, but it's worth considering if you're shipping a high-value vehicle, classic car, or car with custom paint.

The choice comes down to your vehicle's value and your budget. If you're shipping a standard sedan or truck, open transport gets the job done well. If your car is rare, expensive, or newly painted, enclosed transport offers extra peace of mind. Both options are safe and widely used—the difference is mainly about protection level and cost.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service in New York. When you book with us, tell us where you want your vehicle picked up and where you want it delivered. Our carriers will pick up and drop off at those addresses whenever possible.

Sometimes, pickup or delivery at your exact location isn't feasible due to road restrictions, tight spaces, or safety concerns. When that happens, our carriers work with you to find a nearby alternative—like a local gas station or parking lot—that works for everyone.

We've been helping people ship cars since 2012, and we're committed to making the process straightforward and honest. You'll know what to expect from the start, and our carriers will keep you informed every step of the way.

We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, electric vehicles, vans and motorcycles across all 48 continental states + Hawaii. Our services even provide shipment for golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship vehicles that don't run so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. The only exception is boats, which we do not transport.

Visit SAKAEM Logistics' FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!