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 requires a few key steps to protect it during shipping. Here's what you need to do:

Remove toll transponders and passes. New York uses E-ZPass for tolls on highways, bridges, and tunnels throughout the state. Remove your E-ZPass device before shipping to avoid unexpected charges and potential damage to the device during transit.

Clear out winter-related items. New York winters are harsh. Remove snow chains, ice scrapers, and roof racks if possible. Also check your vehicle's undercarriage and wheel wells for salt and road treatment residue from winter driving—this buildup can cause rust and corrosion during long-distance transit. A quick rinse before pickup helps.

Take off loose exterior accessories. Remove or secure any bike racks, roof boxes, antennas, or side mirrors that could be damaged or lost in transit.

Empty the interior. Don't leave personal items, electronics, or fragile goods in your vehicle. Carriers are not responsible for items left inside, and they can shift during transport.

Provide a working key. Make sure you have at least one functional key available for the carrier. They'll need it to move your vehicle on and off the transport.

Document your vehicle's condition. Take photos of your car before pickup—front, back, sides, and any existing damage. This protects you and creates a clear record for the shipping process.

For more details, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips.

Yes, your vehicle is insured when you ship with us. Every carrier in our network is required to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. Before we assign your shipment, we verify that each carrier's insurance policy is current and valid.

This means your car is protected throughout the shipping process. We take this seriously because we know how important your vehicle is to you. That's why we've always required carriers to meet these insurance standards—it's one of the ways we help you get real value when shipping your car.

We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two to three weeks in advance for New York shipments. This gives carriers enough time to bundle your vehicle with others heading in the same direction, which helps you get better rates.

New York-specific timing considerations:

Winter weather (November through March): New York experiences heavy snow and ice storms that can delay pickups and deliveries. If you're shipping during winter months, book even earlier—aim for three to four weeks out. Roads in upstate New York and rural areas are particularly affected, so carriers may need extra flexibility in their schedules.

Summer heat waves (July and August): Extreme heat can affect carrier schedules and vehicle conditions during transport. Book at least three weeks ahead during peak summer to ensure carrier availability, as many routes fill up quickly.

Holiday seasons (November through early January): Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's create traffic congestion and reduce carrier availability. If you're shipping during this period, schedule pickups four weeks in advance when possible.

College move-in/move-out seasons: New York has major universities throughout the state. August and early September see heavy demand for car shipping as students relocate. May through early June also experiences increased demand. Book three to four weeks ahead during these windows.

Peak tourism seasons: Summer months bring increased traffic to New York City and upstate destinations like the Adirondacks. This can affect pickup timing in popular areas.

The bottom line: Book as soon as you know your moving date. The earlier you post your shipment, the better your chances of finding an available carrier at a competitive rate. Last-minute bookings in New York are possible but often come with premium pricing or longer wait times.

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.

Open Transport is the most common and affordable option for car shipping in New York. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other cars, exposed to weather and road conditions. It's a reliable choice for most vehicles and typically costs less than enclosed options.

Enclosed Transport shields your car in a fully covered trailer, protecting it from rain, snow, debris, and dust. This option costs more—usually 50% to 100% higher than open transport—but offers extra protection. It's ideal if you're shipping a luxury car, classic vehicle, or one with a custom paint job that you want to keep in pristine condition.

Which should you choose? Pick open transport for everyday vehicles and budget-friendly shipping. Choose enclosed transport if your car has high value or special features worth the extra investment. Both methods are safe and widely used across New York. The right choice depends on your vehicle's value and your peace of mind.

Yes, we offer door-to-door auto transport service throughout New York. When you book with us, we'll ask for your preferred pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will pick up and deliver your vehicle directly to those locations whenever possible.

What to expect: We work hard to accommodate your specific addresses. However, some locations may have restrictions due to size, access, or safety concerns. If that's the case, our carrier will contact you to arrange an alternative nearby location, such as a gas station or parking lot.

Since 2012, we've been committed to giving people real value in car shipping and breaking up the monopoly that big brokers once held. Our highly rated reviews show that we deliver on this promise. We're transparent about what's possible, and we'll always work with you to find a solution that works.

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!