does fedex ship cars

Question

NaomiAnn · Accepted Answer

No, FedEx does not ship entire passenger cars. As a major parcel delivery service, FedEx specializes in transporting packages, envelopes, and freight pallets, but their infrastructure is not designed for the size, weight, and logistics of a standard automobile. For shipping a car, you need a specialized auto transport company that uses enclosed trailers or open car carriers.

The primary reason is the sheer scale of the service. Car shipping involves unique equipment, specialized insurance, and drivers with commercial licenses for operating large trailers. FedEx's core business is built around a hub-and-spoke model for smaller items, not the point-to-point transport of vehicles that can weigh over 4,000 pounds.

Your options for shipping a car fall into two main categories:

Open Transport: The most common and affordable method. Your car is shipped on an open-air trailer. It's cost-effective but exposes the vehicle to the elements.
Enclosed Transport: A premium service where your car is placed inside a covered trailer. This is ideal for classic, luxury, or high-value vehicles, offering protection from weather and road debris.

The cost is determined by several factors, as shown in the table below, which compiles average data from industry sources.

Factor	Impact on Cost & Service	Examples / Data Ranges
Distance	The single biggest cost driver; longer distances cost more.	Coast-to-coast: $1,500 - $2,500; Under 500 miles: $400 - $800
Vehicle Size	Larger, heavier vehicles take up more space and weight capacity.	Sedan vs. Large SUV: Can add $100 - $300 to the cost
Transport Type	Enclosed transport is significantly more expensive than open transport.	Enclosed typically costs 30-60% more than open transport
Season & Demand	Prices fluctuate based on time of year and route popularity.	Prices are higher in winter (snowbird season) and summer (moving season)
Timeline	Expedited shipping requires prioritization and costs a premium.	Rushed delivery can add 25-50% or more to the base price

Always get multiple quotes from reputable auto transport companies, check their insurance coverage, and read independent reviews before booking.

DelLillian · Answer

Tried to figure this out last month when moving cross-country. FedEx and UPS are for boxes, not your Honda. You need a totally different kind of company. I found a great rate on an online marketplace that connects you with carriers. It was way easier than I thought—just entered my car info and move date, and got three quotes in minutes. Shipped my SUV on an open trailer for about $1,200.

DelMia · Answer

Think about the logistics for a second. A car is massive compared to a FedEx package. Their planes and trucks aren't built for that. You need a company with huge rigs that can haul eight or nine cars at once. They handle the special licensing, insurance, and loading equipment. Your best bet is to search for "auto transport services" or "car shipping companies" to find professionals equipped for the job.

DiDeclan · Answer

From a business standpoint, it makes no sense for FedEx to ship cars. Their profit is in moving thousands of small parcels efficiently. A single car would occupy the space of hundreds of packages, disrupting their entire operation. The auto transport industry exists specifically to fill this need. They have the capital-intensive equipment and operational expertise that parcel carriers like FedEx simply don't possess. It's a matter of business specialization.

AryaDella · Answer

I learned this the hard way. I went to a FedEx Office location ready to ship my old sedan to my nephew, and they just laughed. They said the largest item they handle is like a pallet of tires, not the car itself. I ended up using a broker who found a driver with an empty spot on a trailer heading my way. It took about a week, and the driver called me an hour before drop-off. The whole process is much more personal than dropping off a tracked package.