Car Shipping in New York: 2025 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.

Before your car leaves New York, follow these quick steps to keep it safe and avoid extra fees:

• Clean the interior and exterior. A tidy vehicle makes damage easier to spot.
• Remove all personal items. Take out loose objects, toll tags, GPS units, and any valuables.
• Secure or detach accessories. Take off roof racks, bike carriers, spoilers, antennae, and any aftermarket parts that could shift.
• Check fluids and battery. Ensure the gas tank is no more than ¼ full, and that oil, coolant, and windshield‑washer fluid are at normal levels. A weak battery can cause starter issues for the carrier.
• Document the car’s condition. Snap photos of the front, back, sides, and any existing scratches or dents.
• Provide all keys. Gather the main key, any remote fobs, and a spare if you have one.
• Disable alarms and anti‑theft devices. Turn off any systems that could trigger during transport.
• Inspect the tires. Inflate them to the recommended pressure and note any low‑profile or damaged tires.

For a full checklist, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.

Yes. All carriers we work with carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance, which meets New York state requirements. Before your vehicle leaves, we verify the carrier’s policy is active and covers the full transport period. If anything happens, the cargo insurance pays up to the policy limit for damage or loss.

Plan ahead. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have and the lower the chance of delays. We recommend scheduling your pickup at least two weeks in advance. If you can book three to four weeks ahead, carriers can often bundle your vehicle with other shipments in the same area, which can lower cost and improve timing.

During peak moving seasons (spring and summer) or holidays, give yourself extra time—up to a month if possible. For last‑minute moves, we’ll do our best, but availability may be limited.

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 Auto Transport Process Article 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.

Open transport uses a standard flatbed trailer with the vehicle exposed to the elements. It is the most common and cost‑effective option, typically 30‑50% cheaper than enclosed service. Open carriers are plentiful in New York, so scheduling is fast. However, your car is subject to weather, road debris, and minor dings.

Enclosed transport places the vehicle inside a fully covered trailer. This adds a protective barrier against rain, snow, dust, and stray stones. The price is usually 40‑60% higher than open, reflecting the extra space and handling. Enclosed service is best for high‑value cars, classic models, custom paint, or any vehicle you cannot risk damage to.

Both methods include basic liability coverage, but you may want supplemental insurance for valuable cars. Choose open for everyday vehicles and budget‑friendly shipping; choose enclosed for premium protection and peace of mind.

Yes, Sakaem Logistics offers door‑to‑door auto transport throughout New York. When you book, we ask for your exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carrier will collect the vehicle at the start location and drop it off at the destination address, provided the sites are accessible to a transport truck. If a driveway is too narrow, a gate is locked, or local regulations prevent direct access, we will coordinate a nearby safe spot such as a parking lot or gas station.

We handle both inbound and outbound shipments, covering all boroughs and upstate regions. The service includes loading, secure tie‑down, and unloading at the specified door. You will receive tracking updates and a final delivery confirmation.

Because we are a scrappy, independent broker founded in 2012, we keep costs low and avoid the markup of large brokers. Our transparent pricing and real‑time communication let you know exactly what to expect.

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!