Ship Your Toyota Highlander
Get instant door-to-door shipping quotes for your Toyota Highlander. Top-rated carriers, competitive pricing, and real human support from American Auto Shipping.
Shipping a Toyota Highlander
What you need to know about transporting your Toyota
2012 Toyota Highlander The Toyota Highlander is a mid-size crossover SUV built and sold by Toyota. Since its introduction in 2001 it has been a major seller for the company and was in fact its top-selling SUV until 2006, when the RAV4 took over as number one. It was also the first car-based crossover SUV to be sold in the United States. Most vehicle transport companies have plenty of experience shipping a Highlander, so you shouldn't come across any unexpected problems. In this helpful vehicle t
At American Auto Shipping, we have been shipping vehicles like the Toyota Highlander since 1999. We have handled just about every make and model you can think of, and the Toyota Highlander is no exception. Whether you are buying one from out of state, relocating across the country, or sending one to a family member, we connect you with vetted, insured carriers who know how to handle your vehicle with care.
Check out our vehicle shipping guides for more details on transporting specific vehicle types, or head straight to our shipping cost guide to understand what drives pricing.
Best Way to Ship a Toyota Highlander
Our recommendation based on vehicle type, value, and industry experience
Open Auto Transport
For the Toyota Highlander, open auto transport is the go-to choice. It is the most common, most available, and most affordable method of shipping a vehicle in the United States. Your Toyota will ride on a standard open carrier alongside other vehicles — the same way dealerships move thousands of cars every single day. It is safe, it is efficient, and it gets the job done.
Want the full breakdown on transport types? Visit our FAQ page for answers to the most common questions about vehicle shipping.
Alternative: Enclosed Auto Transport
If your Toyota Highlander has been modified, restored, or holds special value to you, enclosed transport is also an option. It costs more, but it provides full protection from the elements and road debris.
Toyota Highlander Shipping Costs
What affects the price of shipping your vehicle
The cost to ship a Toyota Highlander depends on a handful of real-world factors. There is no single flat rate — every shipment is different. Here is what moves the needle on pricing:
Distance
Longer routes cost more, but the per-mile rate actually drops on cross-country shipments. Shipping your Highlander from coast to coast might run $1,000 to $1,500, while a 500-mile move could be $400 to $700.
Transport Type
Open transport is the most affordable option for the Toyota Highlander. If you want the added protection of enclosed, expect to pay 30% to 50% more.
Vehicle Size & Weight
The Toyota Highlander takes up a specific amount of space on the carrier. Larger, heavier vehicles cost more to ship because they reduce the number of vehicles a carrier can haul in a single trip.
Season & Demand
Summer and the January snowbird rush are peak auto transport season. Shipping your Toyota during off-peak months like November or February can save you real money.
Pickup & Delivery Location
Major metro areas have more carriers running routes, which keeps pricing competitive. Rural or remote locations may add $100 to $300 to the total cost for your Highlander.
Condition
If your Toyota Highlander is not running, you will need a carrier with a winch or special equipment to load it. Non-running vehicles typically cost $100 to $200 more to ship.
For a detailed look at what drives shipping costs, check out our complete guide to vehicle shipping costs.
How to Prepare Your Toyota Highlander for Shipping
A few simple steps to make sure everything goes smoothly
Getting your Toyota Highlander ready for transport is straightforward, but do not skip these steps. A little prep goes a long way toward making sure your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left.
- 1
Wash your vehicle
Give your Toyota Highlander a good wash before pickup. This makes it easier to spot any existing damage during the pre-transport inspection. Document everything with photos — close-ups of any scratches, dents, or chips.
- 2
Remove personal belongings
Carriers are not licensed to transport household goods. Remove everything from the interior and trunk of your Highlander. Personal items are not covered by carrier insurance if something goes missing.
- 3
Check fluids and battery
Make sure your Toyota Highlander starts and runs. The carrier needs to drive it on and off the trailer. Check that the battery is charged, tires are properly inflated, and there are no major fluid leaks.
- 4
Disable alarms and toll transponders
Turn off any aftermarket alarm systems. Remove or deactivate toll transponders like E-ZPass so you do not rack up charges while your Toyota is on the carrier.
- 5
Keep fuel low
A quarter tank of gas is plenty. Extra fuel adds weight, which costs more to transport. The carrier only needs enough to load and unload your Highlander.
- 6
Note existing damage
Walk around your Toyota Highlander with the driver during the pre-transport inspection. Both you and the driver should sign off on the condition report. This protects you if any damage occurs during transit.
Get a Quote to Ship Your Toyota Highlander
Instant pricing from top-rated carriers in our nationwide network
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