Car Shipping in New York: 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.

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

• Clean the interior and exterior. Remove trash, personal items, and any loose accessories (floor mats, roof racks, bike racks, GPS units, toll tags, etc.).
• Check fluid levels. Ensure oil, coolant, brake fluid and windshield washer fluid are at proper levels, but keep the tank less than a quarter full to reduce weight.
• Disable alarms and anti‑theft devices. Provide the carrier with a spare key and any necessary codes.
• Document existing damage. Take photos of the vehicle from all angles and note scratches or dents; this protects you if a claim is needed.
• Secure loose parts. Fold in side mirrors, retract antennas, and lock the steering wheel.
• Gather paperwork. Have the vehicle title, registration, and a copy of the shipping contract ready for the driver.

For more detailed tips, see our Vehicle Shipping Tips page.

Yes. When you ship a vehicle with Sakaem Logistics in New York, the carrier must carry at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. We confirm the carrier’s policy is active and in good standing before your load leaves. If anything happens to your car during transit, the cargo insurance covers up to the policy limit, and liability insurance protects against third‑party damage. This insurance is included in the price you see, so there are no hidden fees.

We recommend booking your pickup at least two weeks in advance. During busy periods (spring moves, holidays) aim for three to four weeks so carriers can bundle loads and secure the best rate. If you can post your shipment earlier, you’ll often get more routing options and a smoother, cheaper move.

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 auto transport uses a standard, uncovered trailer that can carry up to 10 vehicles at a time. It is the most common and cost‑effective option in New York, typically 30‑50% cheaper than enclosed service. The vehicles are exposed to weather, road debris, and stray rocks, but they are securely tied down.

Enclosed auto transport uses a fully covered, climate‑controlled trailer. Because the trailer is smaller and requires more handling, the price is usually 40‑60% higher than open transport. This method shields the car from rain, snow, dust, and potential dings, making it ideal for classic, antique, high‑value, or custom‑paint vehicles.

Choose open when you need an affordable, reliable move and the car is not a collector’s item. Choose enclosed when protection outweighs cost, such as for:

• Classic or vintage cars
• Luxury or high‑performance models
• Vehicles with custom finishes or aftermarket work
• Cars being shipped during harsh weather seasons

Both services follow the same licensing and insurance standards, so you’ll receive the same level of carrier vetting regardless of the trailer type.

Yes, we provide door-to-door auto transport in New York. When you book, we ask for the exact pickup and delivery addresses. Our carriers will travel to those locations as long as they are accessible by a standard transport truck. If a street is too narrow, a weight limit exists, or the address is in a restricted zone, we will contact you to choose a nearby safe spot such as a gas station or parking lot.

Our process is transparent: after you confirm the quote, we schedule the carrier, send you a tracking link, and keep you updated at each step. The vehicle is loaded, secured, and delivered directly to the address you gave, so you don’t need to drive it to a terminal.

Because we are a scrappy, independent broker founded in 2012, we keep costs low and pass the savings to you, while still meeting the same safety standards as larger firms.

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!