On average, you can expect to pay $1,150 to ship a car, with prices ranging from $540 for short-distance moves to over $3,000 for cross-country moves.
Key Takeaways
- Distance matters most: Longer trips cost more overall, but the cost per mile usually drops as mileage increases.
- Vehicle size affects pricing: SUVs and trucks cost more than sedans because they take up more trailer space and increase fuel use.
- Open vs. enclosed shipping: Enclosed transport typically costs 30%–60% more than open shipping.
- Seasonal demand impacts rates: Prices are usually highest in spring and summer and lowest in late fall and winter.
- Pickup location can raise costs: Remote areas and major metro congestion can increase pricing due to routing complexity.
- Operability matters: Non-running vehicles typically cost an extra $150–$300 due to special loading equipment.
| Shipping Distance | Typical Cost Range | Typical Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| <500 miles | $540–$1,100 | $1.25–$2.00/mi |
| 500–1,500 miles | $700–$1,800 | $0.65–$1.20/mi |
| 1,500+ miles | $1,050–$3,000+ | $0.55–$0.95/mi |
Estimates reflect typical 2026 pricing for an operable standard sedan using open transport. Enclosed shipping and larger vehicles cost more.
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Using our proprietary rating system, we evaluated more than 2,400 auto transport companies nationwide based on cost, service quality, and customer satisfaction. We also review verified customer feedback to identify real strengths and potential pain points.
Our in-house editorial team fact-checks every article to keep our content accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to your shipping needs.
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Cost To Ship a Car
Several things go into your car shipping costs, mainly what kind of vehicle you have, how far you need to ship it, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. On average, most people pay between $700 and $1,150, but your price will shift based on the route and shipping setup you pick.
For an easy start, estimate your cost in seconds with our car shipping calculator and see what typical ranges look like before comparing individual carrier quotes.
In general, car shipping runs about $0.61-$2.00 per mile. Longer routes cost more overall, but you’ll usually pay less per mile compared to short trips.
How We Calculate These Costs
The estimated price ranges in this article are based on typical 2026 market rates for shipping a standard, operable sedan using door-to-door service. We calculated each route using a combination of approximate highway mileage and current industry pricing trends.
- Route distance: Mileage estimates reflect common interstate driving routes between major metro areas (not straight-line distance)
- Open transport baseline: Open carrier pricing was calculated using typical nationwide averages of about $0.65–$1.20 per mile for medium-distance routes, with higher per-mile rates applied to shorter routes and lower per-mile rates applied to long-haul shipments
- Enclosed transport adjustment: Enclosed shipping ranges were calculated by applying an average premium of 30%–60% above open transport pricing, which reflects common market pricing
- Vehicle type assumptions: Estimates assume a standard sedan that runs and drives normally
- Real-world pricing factors: Actual quotes can vary based on pickup and delivery ZIP codes, seasonal demand, fuel costs, carrier availability, expedited shipping requests, and whether the route is popular or remote
Note: These estimates are meant to provide realistic cost expectations, but pricing can change week to week.
Car Shipping Costs by Vehicle Type
| Car Size/Type | <500 miles | 500–1,500 miles | 1,500+ miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sedan | $540–$900 | $700–$1,500 | $1,050–$3,000+ |
| SUV | $600–$1,100 | $800–$1,700 | $1,200–$3,200+ |
| Truck | $650–$1,150 | $900–$1,850 | $1,300–$3,400+ |
Car Shipping Costs by Method: Open vs. Enclosed
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| <500 miles | $600–$700 | $900–$1,100 |
| 500–1,500 miles | $800–$1,400 | $1,500–$1,800 |
| 1,500–2,500 miles | $1,100–$1,600 | $1,600–$2,400 |
Shipping Costs Examples: Common Routes
The table below shows approximate car shipping costs for popular long-distance routes.
| Route | Distance (Approx.) | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Los Angeles | 2,800 miles | $1,500–$2,100 | $2,000–$2,800 |
| Chicago → Atlanta | 720 miles | $850–$1,300 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Dallas → Phoenix | 1,050 miles | $1,000–$1,600 | $1,400–$2,200 |
| Seattle → Denver | 1,300 miles | $1,100–$1,700 | $1,600–$2,400 |
| Miami → New York City | 1,300 miles | $1,100–$1,800 | $1,500–$2,500 |
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
- Open vs. enclosed transport: Enclosed shipping offers better protection but can cost up to 50% more than open transport.
- Vehicle size and type: Heavier or oversized vehicles raise rates since they take up more carrier space and fuel
- Delivery type: Door-to-door service adds convenience but usually costs more than terminal-to-terminal delivery
- Pickup and delivery locations: Remote or high-demand metro areas can raise rates due to routing or congestion
- Time of year: Rates increase in spring and summer, when demand spikes. Fall and winter are generally cheaper
- Vehicle condition: Inoperable cars cost more to move due to special loading and handling needs
- Extra services: Add-ons like expedited shipping or guaranteed pickup increase your total cost
How To Save on Car Shipping Costs
The most budget-friendly car shipping combo is open transport with terminal-to-terminal delivery. Open carriers are less expensive because they move multiple vehicles at once, and dropping off or picking up at a shipping terminal saves the carrier extra mileage.
Beyond that, there are several simple ways to keep your car shipping costs under control:
- Book early. Scheduling your shipment at least two to four weeks ahead usually gets you better rates and more carrier options. Last-minute bookings often cost more.
- Compare multiple quotes. Get at least three quotes from reputable providers before booking. Comparing offers from the best car shipping companies helps you spot inflated pricing.
- Ask about discounts. Many carriers offer price breaks for military members, students, seniors, or multiple vehicles.
- Be flexible with timing. Avoid peak seasons like summer or holidays when demand spikes.
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons. Skip extras like guaranteed pickup or expedited shipping unless you absolutely need them.
How To Choose the Right Car Shipper
- Compare multiple quotes. Get estimates from at least three top-rated companies.
- Check licensing and insurance. Make sure your carrier is registered with the FMCSA and provides valid USDOT and MC numbers for verification.
- Read customer reviews. Look for consistent feedback on punctuality, communication, and care of vehicles rather than one-off complaints.
- Confirm delivery options. Ask whether they offer door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service so you know exactly what’s included in your quote.
- Understand payment terms. Reputable carriers don’t demand full payment upfront. Look for transparent deposits and clear cancellation policies.
- Ask about tracking and updates. Many top car shippers offer GPS or email updates, both good signs of transparency and reliability.
- Watch for red flags. Avoid companies with vague pricing, no physical address, or pushy sales tactics promising “guaranteed” low rates. These could be signs of car shipping scams.
Nexus Auto Transport
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Sherpa Auto Transport
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Navi Auto Transport
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FAQ
Is car shipping worth it compared to driving myself?
For cross-country moves or long distances, shipping can actually save money once you factor in gas, hotels, meals, and time off work. It’s also easier on your vehicle.
If you’re moving locally or on a tight budget, driving may make more sense, but for 500 miles or more, shipping is often the smarter and less stressful option.
Can I ship a car that doesn’t run?
Yes, but make sure to let the carrier know upfront. Inoperable vehicles require a winch or forklift to load, which adds about $150–$350 to your cost.
The car must still have working brakes and steering so it can be safely positioned on the trailer once loaded.
Can I ship a motorcycle or other vehicle?
Yes, many car shipping companies also transport motorcycles, RVs, and boats. The process is similar but may require different equipment or enclosed trailers for protection.
Do I need insurance for car shipping?
All licensed auto transporters carry liability insurance that protects your vehicle during transit. However, coverage limits vary by company, so it’s smart to ask for a copy of the carrier’s policy before booking.
For high-value or classic cars, consider purchasing supplemental coverage to protect against rare but possible damage during loading or transit.
What happens if my car gets damaged during transport?
If your car arrives with visible damage, note it on the bill of lading before signing. Take photos and file a claim with the carrier’s insurance immediately.
Reputable shippers will walk you through the claims process and provide documentation.
Can I track my car while it’s being shipped?
Many top-rated auto transport companies offer GPS tracking or status updates via phone, text, or email. This lets you see where your car is and when to expect delivery.
For carriers that don’t have live tracking, dispatchers can usually provide estimated updates by request.
