What Determines the Cost to Ship a Car?
Car shipping prices are driven by carrier availability on your lane, the space your vehicle takes on a trailer, and how quickly the shipment needs to move. When you match the right transport option to your situation, you get the best balance of price, timing, and protection.
Standard open transport
The most common option and typically the lowest cost. Great for everyday vehicles and most routes. Learn more here: Open auto transport.
Enclosed transport
Added protection from weather and road debris—often selected for luxury, classic, exotic, or low-clearance vehicles. Details: Enclosed transport.
The Biggest Pricing Factors
If two people ship the “same” distance, their prices can still be different. Here are the major variables that change the rate:
Top cost drivers (in real-world order)
- Route demand: Popular lanes often have better carrier coverage than remote or low-demand routes.
- Distance: Longer trips increase total cost, but per-mile cost can decrease on long routes.
- Vehicle size & type: Larger vehicles take more space and may weigh more, affecting pricing.
- Operable vs. inoperable: Non-running vehicles may require special loading and fewer carriers can accept them.
- Transport type: Open is usually lowest cost; enclosed is premium protection.
- Pickup window: Flexibility often improves carrier options and can reduce pricing pressure.
- Seasonality: Peak moving months and snowbird seasons can increase demand.
- Access: Tight streets, low trees, or restrictions may require meeting nearby, which can affect scheduling.
Open vs. enclosed pricing
Open shipping is the standard choice for most customers. Enclosed shipping is often worth it when protection is the priority (high-value vehicles, specialty paint, classics, or low-clearance cars).
When enclosed is usually the right call
- Classic or collector vehicles
- Luxury, exotic, or rare models
- Low ground clearance
- Preference for maximum protection
How to Get the Best Price Without Sacrificing Quality
The “best” rate is the one that reliably gets your vehicle moved on your timeline, with clear communication and proper carrier coverage. Here are practical ways to keep costs under control:
Widen your pickup window
More flexibility means more available carriers and fewer last-minute premiums. Even an extra day or two can help on tight lanes.
Confirm exact vehicle details
Year/make/model, operable condition, and modifications matter. Accurate info prevents surprises during dispatch.
Keep your vehicle ready for pickup
Clean it for inspection, remove loose items, and keep about a quarter tank of gas. This makes loading faster and reduces delays. Helpful guide: How to prepare your car for shipping.
Want the most accurate price?
The fastest path is exact ZIP codes + vehicle info + your preferred pickup window. That combination produces pricing that matches real carrier availability.
Use the quote form above or call 888-709-9078.
Timing and Insurance Basics
How long does car shipping take?
Transit time depends on distance and lane conditions. Once a carrier is assigned, most shipments follow a predictable window. Learn more: How long does car shipping take?.
How insurance works in auto transport
Carriers hauling your vehicle carry cargo insurance while your vehicle is on the trailer. At pickup and delivery, inspections document condition so everything is clear and consistent.
More detail: Auto transport insurance explained
Door-to-door access notes
Large car carriers may need a nearby meeting point in neighborhoods with tight turns, low trees, steep driveways, or restricted parking. The goal is still convenience—just in the safest spot available.
Car Shipping Cost FAQs
What affects the cost to ship a car the most?
Route demand and timing are major drivers. Distance, vehicle size, transport type, and whether the vehicle runs also impact price. A flexible pickup window often helps.
Is open auto transport safe?
Open transport is the standard method used nationwide. It’s widely available, cost-effective, and insured while your vehicle is in transit.
Does the season change pricing?
Yes. Summer moves, holidays, and snowbird seasons can increase demand. Weather can also affect capacity on certain routes.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle?
Yes, many carriers can transport inoperable vehicles, but pricing may be higher due to specialized loading needs and fewer carrier options.