Auto Transport Truckers: The Best and Worst Routes to Know

Best & Worst Routes for Auto Transport Truckers

In the car shipping industry, the path of travel can be a huge factor in delivery speed, car safety, and transportation expense. For car transport truckers, knowing which highways are smooth sailing—and which are worse than a nightmare—is essential to efficiency and customer satisfaction.

At US Car-Go Freight, we work with authorized, insured carriers who are well familiarized with America’s best and worst shipping routes. Whether shipping a car across state borders or a few states at most, knowing these valuable routes provides a smoother ride for your car.

Best Routes for Car Haulers

Interstate 10 (I-10): Coast-to-Coast Efficiency
- Route: California to Florida
- Why It Works: I-10 has generous lanes, easy mountain grades, and links big cities such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, and Jacksonville.
- Recommended For: Long-distance open or enclosed auto transport
Interstate 40 (I-40): Diverse and Dependable
- Route: California to North Carolina
- Why It Works: I-40 runs through key shipping hubs like Albuquerque, Oklahoma City, and Nashville, making it a favorite route among national carriers.
- Weather Advantage: Steers clear of heavy northern snow while providing a good east-west route.
Interstate 95 (I-95): East Coast Goldmine
- Route: Maine to Florida
- Why It Works: I-95 connects heavily populated cities and offers high demand and convenient pick-up/drop-off sites.
- Important to: Snowbird seasonal migrations and East Coast dealership transport.

Worst Routes That Can Delay Delivery

I-70 in Colorado Challenge: Difficult mountain passes such as the Eisenhower Tunnel, variable snow, and elevation.
- Impact: Slownesses and seasonal closures, especially in winter.
I-80 in Wyoming and Nevada
- Challenge: Hostile winds, icy roads, and vast expanses with limited stopping points.
- Impact: Challenging on vehicle carriers, with higher likelihood of delay and increased wear.
I-95 (Yes, Again!)
- Problem Area: New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
- Why: Congestion, tolls, and constant construction
- Tip: Great for volume, not for speed—expect delays if shipping through NYC.

How Route Choice Impacts Your Shipment

Transit Time: Routes with smoother traffic and better weather deliver faster results.
Safety: Some highways are better maintained and pose fewer risks to your vehicle.
Cost: Poor roads or high tolls can increase expenses and insurance liability for carriers.

At US Car-Go Freight, we help customers choose optimal routes based on season, destination, and vehicle type. Our network of vetted carriers understands how to avoid trouble zones while prioritizing fast, secure delivery.

Why Trust US Car-Go Freight?

We’re more than just an auto shipping company. Our tech-enabled process allows you to:

Compare quotes instantly
Speak with human support for real route advice
Get paired with carriers who know where to go—and where not to

Whether you’re relocating or shipping a vehicle to a buyer, we’ve got the route planned and the paperwork ready.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I choose the route my car takes?

Not directly, but our trained logistics staff decides on the fastest and safest route depending on the time of year and where you are going.

Q2: How do I get updates on my vehicle's status?

You may reach our customer care department at any business hour for shipping details. We’ll provide accurate ETA info based on real-time routing.

Q3: Will bad routes increase my shipping costs?

Potentially, yes. Routes with tolls, traffic, or extreme weather might lead to higher carrier rates. We always give you the best available rate at booking.

Q4. How do you vet your carriers?

All our carriers are FMCSA licensed, insured, and experienced in vehicle logistics. We choose carriers based on performance, reliability, and route knowledge.

Q5. Is enclosed shipping better for tough routes?

Yes, enclosed transport is ideal for protecting vehicles on difficult or weather-prone highways.