What Is the Average Cost to Ship a Car?
There is no single nationwide price that applies to every shipment. However, the following ranges provide a practical starting point for standard open-carrier transportation of a running passenger vehicle.
| Shipping Distance | Typical Open Transport Cost |
|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $450–$800 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $700–$1,100 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $900–$1,300 |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | $1,000–$1,500 |
| 2,000–2,800 miles | $1,200–$1,900 |
What Determines the Cost of Shipping a Car?
1. Shipping Distance
Longer trips cost more overall, but the cost per mile usually decreases as the distance increases. A 2,500-mile shipment will not normally cost five times as much as a 500-mile shipment.
2. Pickup and Delivery Locations
Major metropolitan areas usually have more carrier traffic. Remote towns, mountain communities and locations far from major interstates may require additional driving and carrier time.
3. Vehicle Size and Weight
Larger vehicles occupy more trailer space and add more weight. Full-size SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and modified vehicles usually cost more than compact cars and standard sedans.
4. Open or Enclosed Transport
Open transport is the most widely available and affordable option. Enclosed transport provides additional protection and commonly costs 30% to 60% more.
5. Vehicle Condition
A vehicle that starts, steers, rolls and brakes is easier to load. Non-running vehicles may require a winch or additional equipment, often increasing the cost by approximately $150 to $300.
6. Seasonal Carrier Demand
Pricing may rise during summer moving season, military PCS season, holidays and peak snowbird travel periods when more vehicles are competing for limited trailer space.
How Does Fuel Affect Auto Transport Pricing?
Diesel fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for an auto transport carrier. When fuel prices rise, drivers must account for those increased costs when accepting shipments. Fuel is not the only pricing factor, but major changes in diesel prices can place upward or downward pressure on rates.
A carrier must also account for insurance, maintenance, tires, tolls, permits, driver wages and time spent traveling to the pickup and delivery locations.
Why Do Car Shipping Quotes Vary So Much?
Auto transport operates through a live transportation market. Carriers consider the route, vehicle, schedule, available trailer space and compensation before accepting a shipment.
Some companies provide quotes based on current carrier conditions. Others may advertise an unusually low price to secure a booking and then request more money later when no qualified carrier accepts the vehicle at the original rate.
The Lowest Quote May Not Be the Lowest Final Cost
A quote that is several hundred dollars below the active carrier market may result in delayed pickup, repeated price increases or a last-minute cancellation.
A realistic price from a licensed and transparent company generally provides more value than an attractive number that does not result in the vehicle being transported.
What Should a Car Shipping Quote Include?
Before booking, confirm what is included in the quoted price. A clear vehicle shipping quote should identify:
- The pickup and delivery locations
- The year, make and model of the vehicle
- Whether the vehicle is running or non-running
- Open or enclosed transportation
- The expected pickup window
- Door-to-door transportation details
- Insurance and carrier requirements
- Payment terms and possible additional charges
Smart Auto Move provides nationwide door-to-door transportation and focuses on realistic pricing, carrier matching and clear scheduling. You can also review our BBB customer reviews.
How Can You Save Money on Car Shipping?
Book Before Your Required Pickup Date
Booking early gives the transport coordinator more time to locate a suitable carrier and may provide more scheduling flexibility.
Choose Open Transport
Open transportation is appropriate for most everyday vehicles and is usually less expensive than enclosed service.
Keep Your Pickup Window Flexible
A wider pickup window allows your shipment to fit into more carrier schedules and may improve availability.
Use Carrier-Friendly Locations
When practical, meeting near a major road or accessible commercial area may reduce the difficulty of serving a remote or restricted residential location.
Does Expedited Car Shipping Cost More?
Yes. Expedited service generally costs more because the shipment is offered at a rate intended to attract a qualified carrier within a shorter pickup window. Standard shipping typically provides more flexibility, while expedited shipping prioritizes speed and scheduling.
Expedited service may be helpful when you have a flight, military report date, dealership deadline, auction storage deadline or another time-sensitive requirement.
Is Enclosed Car Shipping Worth the Additional Cost?
Enclosed transportation can be worthwhile for classic, exotic, collector, luxury or low-clearance vehicles. The vehicle is transported inside a covered trailer, providing additional protection from weather and ordinary road debris.
For a standard commuter vehicle, open transportation is usually the most practical and economical option. Learn more in our open versus enclosed auto transport guide .
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping Costs
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Most standard vehicle shipments cost between $700 and $1,500. Cross-country transportation for a running sedan commonly ranges from approximately $1,100 to $1,600, depending on the route, season and carrier availability.
How much does it cost to ship a car per mile?
Short-distance shipments have a higher cost per mile, while long-distance shipments usually have a lower cost per mile. Total pricing also depends on vehicle size, locations, timing and transport type.
Why do car shipping prices change?
Prices change because carrier capacity, fuel expenses, seasonal demand, weather and route popularity fluctuate. Auto transport pricing is based on active transportation conditions rather than a fixed nationwide rate.
Does an SUV cost more to ship than a sedan?
Usually, yes. SUVs and pickup trucks take up more trailer space and add more weight than compact cars or sedans, so carriers generally charge more to transport them.
Does enclosed car shipping cost more?
Yes. Enclosed transport commonly costs 30% to 60% more than open transport because enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles and provide additional protection.
Will my quoted price change after booking?
A reputable company should clearly explain its pricing and any circumstances that could affect the rate. Be cautious of unusually low quotes that may not reflect what qualified carriers are currently accepting for the route.
Can I put personal belongings in my vehicle?
Personal belongings are generally carried only at the driver's discretion. Customers should remove valuables and keep any permitted items within the carrier's stated weight and placement limits.
Final Thoughts on Car Shipping Prices
Car shipping prices are driven by actual transportation conditions. Distance matters, but so do trailer capacity, vehicle size, fuel, timing, carrier availability and the accessibility of the pickup and delivery locations.
The best quote is not always the lowest number. It is a realistic, clearly explained price that gives a qualified carrier a reason to accept the shipment and complete the pickup within the expected window.
At Smart Auto Move, our goal is to provide transparent pricing, dependable scheduling and clear communication throughout the transportation process.
Get an Accurate Vehicle Shipping Quote
Request a quote based on your exact vehicle, route and preferred pickup date.
Get a Car Shipping QuotePricing examples are general estimates for educational purposes. Actual rates depend on current carrier availability, route conditions, vehicle details and requested service.