Shipping a Tesla follows the same basic process as shipping any other vehicle, but a few details make it worth a closer look before you book. Battery weight, ground clearance, and the exterior technology built into every Tesla model all play into how a carrier loads, secures, and transports the car. You might be relocating across the country, buying a Tesla from an out-of-state seller, or sending your car ahead while you fly. Whatever the reason, knowing what goes into Tesla car transport helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises on pickup day.

What Makes Shipping a Tesla Different

Tesla vehicles weigh more than most gas powered cars of a similar size, largely because of the battery pack running the length of the floor. That added weight factors into how carriers plan their loads and can influence pricing, since heavier vehicles take up more of a carrier’s total capacity.

Ground clearance is another consideration. Models like the Model 3 and Model S sit lower than many traditional sedans, which means drivers need to pay attention during loading and unloading to avoid scraping the front fascia on ramps. Experienced carriers know how to angle a Tesla properly and use the right ramps or lift gates when needed.

Tesla’s exterior sensors and cameras are worth noting, too. These systems sit flush with the body panels and glass, and while they’re built to handle everyday driving conditions, careful loading and securing during transport helps keep them free of unnecessary contact or debris. A transport company familiar with EVs will know exactly what to look for.

RoadRunner also offers dedicated BMW auto transport services for owners who want the same level of care for their luxury and performance vehicles.

Open Transport Versus Enclosed Transport for Your Tesla

One of the first decisions you will make is choosing between open transport and enclosed transport.

Open auto transport is the most common and affordable option for shipping a Tesla. Your Tesla travels on a multi-car trailer alongside other vehicles, the same setup used for daily new car deliveries to dealerships nationwide. Open carriers are widely available, which often means faster scheduling and quicker pickup windows. For most Tesla owners, open carrier shipping is a reliable way to get a vehicle from one place to another.

Enclosed transport adds a fully covered trailer that shields your vehicle from weather, road debris, and general exposure during the trip. This option tends to appeal to owners of higher-trim Teslas, those shipping during winter months or through regions with harsh weather, or anyone who wants the extra layer of protection. Enclosed transport costs more than open carrier shipping, but for some owners that added cost is worth the peace of mind.

The right choice comes down to your budget, your route, and how much protection feels right for your particular vehicle.

Preparing Your Tesla for Pickup

Before your Tesla is loaded, we recommend the following:

• Charge your battery to a moderate level, generally between 20 and 50 percent. This gives the vehicle enough charge to be driven on and off the carrier while keeping the battery at a safer state for transport.
• Disable Sentry Mode and any other alarm or security features that could drain the battery or activate unexpectedly during transport.
• Remove personal items from the interior, frunk, and trunk. Personal belongings are not covered under the carrier’s cargo insurance.
• Close and secure the charging port to avoid any accidental contact during loading.
• Take photos of your Tesla from multiple angles before pickup so you have a clear record of its condition.
• Have your registration and an extra key or key card on hand. Carriers don’t need to see the vehicle title, just the registration.

These steps help your driver load the car quickly and give you documentation on hand if you ever need it.

How Long Tesla Shipping Takes and What Affects Cost

Most Tesla shipments move at a similar pace to standard vehicle transport. Cross country routes typically take anywhere from five to ten days, while shorter regional shipments can be completed in a few days. Actual timing depends on total distance, the popularity of your route, time of year, and current weather conditions along the way.

A handful of factors shape your final price:

• Distance: Longer routes generally cost more overall, though the price per mile tends to drop as distance increases.
• Transport type: Open carrier shipping costs less than enclosed transport, which reflects the added protection and more limited carrier availability of enclosed trailers.
• Vehicle weight: Because Teslas weigh more than many comparable gas-powered vehicles, this can factor into your quote.
• Time of year: Summer months and other high-demand periods tend to come with higher rates due to increased shipping volume nationwide.

Since every route and vehicle is different, the most reliable way to know what your Tesla shipment will cost is to request a free quote. This gives you pricing based on your specific pickup location, destination, and vehicle details, rather than a general estimate.

Choosing a Tesla Shipping Company You Can Trust

Not every auto transport company has the same level of experience with electric vehicles, so it helps to know what to look for before you book.

• Confirm the company is properly licensed: A valid USDOT number and MC number, both easy to verify through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, show that a company meets federal requirements for interstate vehicle transport.
• Ask about experience with EVs: A company that regularly ships Teslas will know how to handle the loading process, how to communicate charging expectations, and what to watch for with lower clearance models.
• Look into reviews from real customers: Pay close attention to reviews that mentions EV or Tesla shipments specifically. Consistent, detailed feedback is generally a stronger signal than a handful of generic five star ratings.
• Confirm the company carries proper cargo insurance: A transport company that is fully insured and bonded gives you added confidence that your vehicle is protected throughout the trip.

The RoadRunner Difference for Tesla Owners

RoadRunner Auto Transport has spent over 30 years helping people move their vehicles safely across the country, and that experience extends to Teslas and other electric vehicles. Our network includes more than 25,000 certified carriers, giving us the reach to arrange pickup and delivery nearly anywhere in the country, whether you need open or enclosed transport for your Tesla.

We don’t require an up-front deposit, so you pay nothing until your shipment is scheduled for pickup. Every quote we provide is transparent and all-inclusive, with no hidden fees. Once your Tesla is on its way, our 24/7 online tracking keeps you updated from pickup through delivery. Door-to-door car transport is available if you’d like your Tesla picked up and dropped off at your specified addresses, though terminal-to-terminal shipping is also an option if that better suits your schedule or budget.

Ready to see what shipping your Tesla will cost? Use our instant car shipping calculator to receive a free quote today and let our team handle the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a Tesla?

Pricing depends on several factors, including distance, transport type, and the time of year. Open car shipping typically costs less than enclosed transport, and shipments booked during peak moving seasons like summer tend to run higher than off-season rates. Vehicle weight also plays a part, since Teslas generally weigh more than comparable gas-powered cars. Because every route and vehicle combination is different, requesting a free quote is the most accurate way to see pricing based on your specific delivery.

How long does it take to ship a Tesla across the country?

Most cross-country Tesla shipments take between five and ten days from pickup to delivery, while shorter regional routes can often be completed in just a few days. Total transit time depends on the distance being covered, how popular the route is, current weather conditions, and how quickly a carrier can be matched to your shipment. Booking a few weeks ahead of your desired pickup date can also help keep your timeline on track, since it gives carriers more flexibility to fit your Tesla into their schedule.

Do I need to charge my Tesla before shipping?

Yes. A charge level between 20 and 50 percent is generally recommended before pickup. This gives the vehicle enough power to be driven on and off the carrier under its own power while keeping the battery at a safer state for the trip. It’s also a good idea to disable Sentry Mode and any other alarm features beforehand, since these can drain the battery unexpectedly while the car sits between pickup and delivery.

Is open auto transport safe for a Tesla?

Yes. Open transport is a reliable and widely used shipping method for Teslas and most other vehicles on the road today. Your car travels on a multi-car carrier alongside other vehicles, the same method used to deliver new cars to dealerships across the country. Open transport does expose the vehicle to weather and road conditions during the trip, but the risk of actual damage remains low with an experienced carrier. Enclosed transport is available for owners who prefer added protection, particularly for higher-trim models or routes through harsh weather.