How to Ship a Tesla: Complete EV Shipping Guide (2025)

Shipping a Tesla costs **$900-$2,500** depending on distance and transport type. EVs require special handling, but the process is straightforward.

Tesla Shipping Costs

By Model:

**Model 3/Y:** $900-$1,800 (sedan/crossover size)

**Model S/X:** $1,000-$2,000 (larger, heavier)

**Model X (7-seater):** $1,100-$2,200 (heaviest)

**Cybertruck:** $1,200-$2,500 (oversized)

By Distance:

**0-500 miles:** $600-$1,000

**500-1,000 miles:** $900-$1,400

**1,000-2,000 miles:** $1,200-$1,900

**Cross-country:** $1,500-$2,500

Open vs Enclosed:

**Open transport:** $900-$1,800 (90% of Teslas)

**Enclosed transport:** $1,500-$3,000 (recommended for new/expensive models)

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Special Tesla/EV Shipping Requirements

1. Battery Charge Level

**Required:** 30-50% charge (not full!)

Why:

Too low: Can't roll onto/off trailer

Too full: Safety risk if battery damaged

30-50%: Optimal for safety

**Tip:** Charge to 40% the night before pickup.

2. Low Ground Clearance

Tesla Model 3/Y have **5.5 inches** ground clearance (vs 8" for typical sedans).

**Risk:** Can scrape on steep trailer ramps.

**Solution:** Choose carriers with **low-angle ramps** (most modern carriers have these).

3. Regenerative Braking

**Important:** Put Tesla in **Transport Mode** or **Neutral**.

**Why:** Prevents regenerative braking from engaging during loading, which can damage the motor.

How to enable:

Model 3/Y: Controls → Service → Towing

Model S/X: Controls → E-Brake & Power Off → Transport Mode

4. Weight Considerations

Model 3: 4,065 lbs (heavy for a sedan)

Model Y: 4,416 lbs

Model S: 4,561 lbs

Model X: 5,390 lbs (very heavy)

**Impact:** Heavier vehicles cost slightly more to ship (within $100-$200 range).

5. Key Card/Phone Key

Leave **one physical key card** with driver (hidden in car).

**Why:** Drivers may need to move car on/off trailer.

**Don't:** Give your phone key or primary key card.

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Preparing Your Tesla for Shipping

1 Week Before:

☐ Book carrier on FreightFloo

☐ Wash exterior (for inspection photos)

☐ Remove all personal items

☐ Check tire pressure (proper inflation)

2 Days Before:

☐ Charge to 40%

☐ Disable Sentry Mode (to save battery)

☐ Turn off Climate Control

☐ Enable Transport Mode (if available)

Pickup Day:

☐ Take detailed photos (all angles, close-ups of wheels/body)

☐ Note existing scratches/dings on Bill of Lading

☐ Give driver one key card (hidden in car)

☐ Disable PIN to Drive (if enabled)

☐ Confirm driver knows how to open doors (no handles on Model 3/Y)

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Should You Use Open or Enclosed Transport?

Use OPEN Transport if:

✅ Daily driver Tesla

✅ Standard Model 3/Y

✅ Not brand new

✅ Want to save $500-$800

**Example:** 2021 Model Y, 40k miles

**Cost:** $1,200 (open) vs $1,900 (enclosed)

**Recommendation:** Open is fine

Use ENCLOSED Transport if:

✅ Brand new Tesla (<1 month old)

✅ Performance/Plaid models

✅ Custom wrap/paint

✅ High-value Model S/X

✅ Cybertruck (unique vehicle)

**Example:** 2025 Model S Plaid, $120k

**Cost:** $2,500 (enclosed) vs $1,600 (open)

**Recommendation:** Enclosed worth the extra $900

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Common Tesla Shipping Concerns

1. "Will the battery die during transit?"

**No.** At 40% charge, Tesla can sit for **2-3 weeks** without issue.

**Typical transit:** 5-10 days

**Battery drain:** ~1-2% per day (vampire drain)

**Arrival charge:** 35-38% (plenty)

2. "Can they charge my Tesla if needed?"

**No.** Carriers don't charge EVs. That's why you start at 40%.

If it dies during transit:

Carrier will charge it (rare)

Or tow it onto trailer

You're not charged extra (carrier responsibility)

3. "What if Sentry Mode is on?"

**Bad idea.** Sentry Mode drains **1% per hour**.

10-day transit = 240 hours

Battery drain: ~240% (impossible, battery dies in 2-3 days)

Always disable Sentry Mode before shipping.

4. "Can I track my Tesla during shipping?"

**Yes!** FreightFloo provides **real-time GPS tracking**.

See carrier's location every 30 seconds

Estimated arrival time

Route map

5. "Is Tesla insurance enough during shipping?"

**No.** Tesla insurance doesn't cover shipping.

Carrier insurance covers:

$100,000 minimum (all FreightFloo carriers)

Up to $1,000,000 (most carriers)

**Additional insurance:** Available for $100-$200 (optional, rarely needed)

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Tesla Shipping Timeline

Day 1: Book Carrier

Post shipment on FreightFloo

Receive 10-20 bids within 24 hours

Accept best value bid

Days 2-7: Preparation

Prepare Tesla (see checklist above)

Carrier schedules pickup

Day 7-10: Transit

Carrier picks up

Track in real-time

ETA provided

Day 10-12: Delivery

Inspect Tesla thoroughly

Test drive (regenerative braking, autopilot)

Sign delivery confirmation

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FreightFloo Tesla Shipping Advantages

1. EV-Experienced Carriers

All carriers verified for EV shipping experience:

✅ Know about Transport Mode

✅ Have low-angle ramps

✅ Understand battery requirements

2. Real-Time GPS Tracking

See exactly where your Tesla is:

Location updates every 30 seconds

Speed, ETA

Route map

3. Enclosed Transport Specialists

50+ carriers specializing in luxury/EV transport:

Climate-controlled trailers

Soft-tie straps (no damage to undercarriage)

White-glove service

4. Lower Fees

FreightFloo: 10% platform fee

Traditional brokers: 20-25%

On $2,000 shipment:

FreightFloo: $2,200 total

Broker: $2,400-$2,500

**You save: $200-$300**

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Shipping Multiple Teslas

Family with 2 Teslas? Get a discount:

1 Tesla: $1,500

2 Teslas: $2,850 ($1,425 each = 5% off)

3+ Teslas: $1,350 each (10% off)

**Common scenario:** Couple relocating with Model 3 + Model Y

**Regular:** $1,400 + $1,500 = $2,900

**FreightFloo:** $2,755 (5% multi-vehicle discount)

**Savings:** $145

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Real Customer Examples

Example 1: John (California → Texas)

Vehicle: 2023 Model 3 Long Range

Transport: Open

Distance: 1,400 miles

Cost: $1,150

Transit: 6 days

Arrival charge: 37%

**Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Example 2: Sarah (New York → Florida)

Vehicle: 2024 Model S Plaid

Transport: Enclosed

Distance: 1,200 miles

Cost: $2,100

Transit: 5 days

**Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Arrived flawless!"

Example 3: Mike (Seattle → Miami)

Vehicle: 2024 Cybertruck

Transport: Enclosed (oversized)

Distance: 3,100 miles

Cost: $2,800

Transit: 10 days

**Challenge:** Required specialized carrier due to size

**Rating:** ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Tesla Shipping Checklist

Before Pickup:

☐ Charge to 40%

☐ Enable Transport Mode

☐ Disable Sentry Mode

☐ Disable PIN to Drive

☐ Turn off climate control

☐ Leave one key card in car

☐ Take photos (all angles)

☐ Remove personal items

Pickup:

☐ Walk around with driver

☐ Point out any existing damage

☐ Sign Bill of Lading

☐ Confirm delivery address

☐ Get driver contact info

After Delivery:

☐ Inspect thoroughly before signing

☐ Test drive (check regenerative braking)

☐ Charge to 80%+

☐ Re-enable Sentry Mode

☐ Leave 5-star review for carrier

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Get Your Tesla Shipping Quote

Ship your Tesla with confidence:

1. **EV-experienced carriers** only

2. **Real-time GPS tracking**

3. **$1M insurance** included

4. **10% platform fee** (save $200-$400)

**Average Tesla shipping time:** 5-10 days

**Average cost:** $1,200-$2,000

[Get Free Tesla Shipping Quote →](/signup?type=shipper)

Drive electric. Ship smart. 🔋⚡