How Much Does It Cost To ship a Car?
How much does it cost to ship a vehicle?
These are the 5 major factors we consider when providing a quote.Â
The cost to ship a full-sized sedan on an open carrier in the U.S. typically ranges from $0.40 to $0.50 per mile, depending on route demand and fuel prices. That means a 2,500-mile trip may cost between $1,000 and $1,250. Shorter trips usually cost more per mile due to the time it takes to load and unload, regardless of distance. For example, the first 500 miles often average around $1.00 per mile, so a 350-mile trip might be about $350. As the distance increases, the per-mile rate drops:
1,000 miles ≈ $0.75 per mile = $750
3,000 miles ≈ $0.40 per mile = $1,200
Several key factors influence your final shipping price:
Vehicle type/size – Larger, heavier vehicles take up more space and cost more to ship.
Distance – Longer routes lower the cost per mile, but raise the total cost.
Vehicle condition – Non-running vehicles require special equipment and add to the cost.
Transport type – Enclosed carriers cost more than open carriers but offer extra protection.
Location – Rural pickups or deliveries often cost more than urban routes due to limited access.
1. Vehicle Type
Size Matters
In 2025, a vehicle’s size and weight are major factors in auto transport pricing. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks typically cost $150–$250 more to ship than standard sedans due to space and weight limits on carriers.
The average cost to ship a sedan is around $1,245 for a 971-mile trip, with a per-mile rate averaging $1.28. Longer vehicles (over 196 inches) often come with added fees, while compact cars under 189 inches may qualify for lower rates
Expert Tip; if you have two vehicles and are planning to drive one, and ship the other, consider shipping the smaller of the two vehicles, and save on your car shipping, the difference can be hundreds dollars.


2. Distance
How many miles?
Distance is another important player in relation to Auto Shipping. Although longer car shipping trips cost a larger overall total they are typically less per mile than shorter auto shipping trips. How far your vehicle needs to be transported will impact how much it will cost to ship a car.
Â
3. Vehicle condition
Running or Inoperable
When it comes to vehicle shipping, the condition of the car or whether the vehicle is in running or inoperable condition can make a big difference in car shipping prices. Typically car shipping inoperable vehicles will costs more as in most cases will require the car hauler additional equipment and labor for the car shipping transporters, when requesting a auto transport quote, it’s important to select the proper vehicle condition so that we may provide the most accurate auto shipping rates.
Expert Tip; If you can get the vehicle you’re shipping to a condition where it can turn on and be driven onto the car shipping trailer, you’ll see instant savings


4. Transport Type
Open or Enclosed car shipping Trailers, Open car shipping carriers are the most common and the cheapest option as roughly 90% of all vehicle shipping transporters are open car hauling trailers. Enclosed auto transport on average are 45% higher in rate and only make up an average of 5% of all auto transport carriers in the united states. The reason enclosed car moving is priced higher than open car movers is the added protection an enclosed trailer provides and less availability. One thing to keep in mind when selecting the enclosed method for vehicle shipping is that since there are fewer enclosed car haulers, there may be a longer time to wait for pickup.
Expert tip; If you absolutely must ship your vehicle on an enclosed car hauler, be sure to schedule an order in advance as soon as you know your travel details, this can save you money and the aggravation of not being able to secure a spot on an enclosed transporter.
5. Car Shipping Location
Location, Location, Location!
The vehicles pickup and delivery locations can add or reduce to an auto transport rate, the more popular and busier a location often the cheaper the car shipping rate. Needing a vehicle picked up or delivered to rural locations may add to the price as the trucks will need to deviate from normal routes to accommodate your car shipping, often resulting in higher fuel cost. Click Here for more about the states we serve
Expert Tip; If you can, try to have the car you’re shipping picked up and or delivered to a location that is not off the beaten path, the more remote the pickup or delivery locations are the more likely you’re to see your vehicle shipping cost go up.

How does payment work?
Smart Auto Move makes paying for your vehicle shipping easy. When booking online, you’ll be asked if you’d like to pay in full or the deposit amount by credit or debit card. If you choose to pay the total amount, you won’t need to pay anything at delivery time. If you choose the deposit option, you’ll only pay a portion of your total balance and the remainder when your vehicle is delivered. Delivery payment options are Money orders, cashier’s checks, or cash with No hidden fees or surprises.
Ready to Get
Your Free Quote?
Get the best rates and service for car shipping in the U.S, by the #1 reliable BBB accredited car shippers.
Estimated Car Shipping Cost and Transit Times for Popular Auto TransportTrips
Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles to Houston | $999 | 1579 miles | 4-5 days |
Chicago to Las Vegas | $1150 | 1776 miles | 4-5 days |
Seattle to Los Angeles | $799 | 1160 miles | 2-3 days |
Long Island NY to Orlando | $899 | 1146 miles | 3-4 days |
Raleigh to Seattle | $1399 | 2886 miles | 7-9 days |
Jersey City to Los Angeles | $1199 | 2827 miles | 7-9 days |
Norfolk to Miami | $649 | 983 miles | 2-3 days |
Atlanta to Chicago | $599 | 725 miles | 2-3 days |
*Prices are estimates for standard size sedans and are subject to change depending on the type of vehicle you wish to ship, and the price of fuel at the time of shipping.
Our Customers Love What We Do!
Crystal Evans was very helpful.
Thank you.