Auto Transport Quotes
- Free, no obligation
- Open, enclosed & expedited
- Door-to-door nationwide
- BBB A+ accredited
- USDOT #2887232
Auto Transport Quotes
Written by Richard Avery, President of Smart Auto Move
Get free auto transport quotes in about two minutes. Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle details, and first available date, and you will see pricing for standard, expedited, and enclosed car shipping on your actual route — not a generic average.
Most vehicles ship for $900 to $1,500 nationwide. Shorter routes commonly run $450 to $775, and cross-country moves typically fall between $1,200 and $1,900. Your quote depends on distance, vehicle size and condition, open versus enclosed transport, season, and how flexible your pickup window is.
What do auto transport quotes typically cost?
Distance is the largest single factor, but price per mile falls as distance rises. A long haul costs more overall while costing less per mile, because loading and unloading take the driver the same effort either way.
Short distance
$450 – $775Under roughly 500 miles. Higher per-mile rate, around $1.00 per mile, because load and unload time is fixed regardless of trip length.
Typical nationwide
$900 – $1,500Where most shipments land. Around 1,000 miles the rate drops to roughly $0.75 per mile.
Cross-country
$1,200 – $1,900Coast to coast. Many long-distance open-transport shipments fall within the $1,200 to $1,900 planning range, depending on the exact cities, vehicle, season, and pickup flexibility.
Enclosed transport prices above these ranges. Full-size trucks, lifted vehicles, and inoperable vehicles add to each range. For a fuller breakdown see how much it costs to ship a car.
What changes the number on your quote
Six factors move an auto transport quote more than anything else. Four of them you control.
| Factor | Effect on your quote | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Largest single factor. Total cost rises, cost per mile falls. | Nothing to change here — it is what it is. |
| Vehicle size and weight | Longer, taller, or heavier vehicles take more trailer space and weight allowance. | Give the exact year, make, and model so the quote is not re-priced later. |
| Running condition | Inoperable vehicles need winch equipment and extra labor to load. | Say so up front. If it rolls, steers, and brakes, it can ship. |
| Open vs enclosed | Enclosed costs more — fewer vehicles per trailer and more specialized handling. | Open transport suits most everyday vehicles. |
| Pickup flexibility | Tight windows limit which carriers can take the load. | A few days of flexibility usually improves both price and scheduling. |
| Season and route demand | Snowbird season, summer moving season, and fuel prices all shift market rates. | Booking one to two weeks ahead helps during busy periods. |
Three service levels, three different quotes
Every quote you receive shows all three options so you can compare rather than guess. The difference is mostly about how quickly a truck is assigned, not how fast it drives — federal hours-of-service rules cap daily mileage for every carrier equally.
Standard door-to-door
Open carrier, 7-day pickup window from your requested date. The most widely available and most affordable option, and the right choice for most sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
Expedited
Open carrier with priority dispatch and a 72-hour pickup window. Useful for relocations with a fixed date, last-minute purchases, and auction deadlines.
Enclosed
Covered trailer, 7-day pickup window. Protects against weather and road debris — the usual choice for luxury, classic, exotic, collector, and low-clearance vehicles.
How to get an accurate quote the first time
An auto transport quote is only as good as the details behind it. These five inputs account for nearly every case where a quoted price changes later.
- Correct ZIP codes for pickup and delivery, not just city names.
- Exact year, make, and model — trim levels change vehicle dimensions.
- Operable or inoperable, stated honestly.
- Modifications such as lift kits, oversized tires, roof racks, or lowered suspension.
- Realistic first available date rather than the earliest you could imagine.
Why the cheapest quote is often not the real price
A quote that is far below the normal range can be difficult to confirm with an available carrier. That may lead to delays or a revised price before transport is confirmed.
A useful quote should reflect the vehicle, route, timing, and current truck availability rather than simply being the lowest number shown. Once your transport is confirmed, the Smart Price Promiseâ„¢ applies as long as the shipment details stay the same.
The goal is simple: realistic pricing before confirmation and no unexpected increase afterward when the shipment details remain unchanged.
Who you are getting a quote from
Smart Auto Move Inc is a licensed transport coordinator, USDOT #2887232. We arrange shipments with licensed and insured motor carriers rather than operating trucks ourselves, and the assigned carrier holds the cargo insurance that applies in transit. Verify any carrier through FMCSA SAFER.
Accredited with an A+ rating. Read verified customer reviews on our BBB profile.
Smart Auto Move has physical locations in Raleigh, Lakewood, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Kissimmee, with nationwide vehicle shipping support across the United States.
What customers say
Recent feedback from customers who requested a quote and shipped with Smart Auto Move.
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
Auto transport quote FAQs
How much do auto transport quotes cost?
Requesting a quote is free. Most vehicles ship for $700 to $1,500 nationwide. Shorter routes commonly run $450 to $775, and cross-country moves typically fall between $1,200 and $1,900, depending on distance, vehicle size and condition, transport type, and season.
How fast can I get an auto transport quote?
Usually under two minutes using the calculator on this page. You will need pickup and delivery ZIP codes, the vehicle year, make, model, and running condition, and your first available pickup date. A copy is emailed to you for your records.
Is my auto transport quote guaranteed?
Once your transport is confirmed, the price holds as long as the vehicle, route, condition, and shipping details stay the same. That is the Smart Price Promise. Quotes requested but not booked can move with market conditions, because carrier rates change with fuel prices and route demand.
How is car shipping priced per mile?
Rate per mile generally falls as distance rises because the same pickup and delivery work is spread across more miles. Short routes usually cost more per mile than long-distance moves, while the total shipment price still increases with distance. Your exact rate depends on the route, vehicle, season, and pickup flexibility.
How long will shipping take after I book?
Carriers typically cover 400 to 500 miles per day, so a 2,000-mile route usually takes about four to six days in transit after pickup. Pickup timing is separate: standard allows a 7-day window, expedited 72 hours, and enclosed a 7-day window.
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. The licensed motor carrier assigned to your shipment carries cargo insurance that applies during transit. Coverage limits vary by carrier, so customers shipping high-value vehicles should review the assigned carrier's insurance before pickup. Smart Auto Move coordinates the shipment; the motor carrier provides the transit coverage.
Can I leave personal items in the vehicle?
It is at the driver's discretion, with a typical limit of 100 pounds packed below the window line. Items should not be loose or attached to the exterior. Confirm with your coordinator before pickup, since carriers vary.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes. Smart Auto Move offers a $25 discount for U.S. veterans and active military, a $25 student discount, and a $25 senior citizen discount. Valid ID is required for each.
Related car shipping resources
How much does it cost to ship a car?
The full pricing breakdown behind every quote.
Read the cost guideHow auto transport works
Quote, service selection, pickup, transit, and delivery, step by step.
See how it worksPrepare your vehicle
What to do before the carrier arrives so pickup goes smoothly.
Preparation checklistCheap car shipping
Practical ways to lower an auto transport quote without cutting corners.
Save on shippingReady for your auto transport quote?
Free, instant, and no phone call required. Compare standard, expedited, and enclosed pricing on your actual route in about two minutes.