The average cost to ship a car is about $1,150, but pricing can be as low as $540 for shorter distances (less than 500 miles) or as much as approximately $3,000 if you’re shipping cross-country.
Not all moving companies offer vehicle shipping, so you’ll likely need to work with one of the best car shipping companies to get everything to your new home.
Adding car shipping on top of the cost to hire pro movers might seem daunting, but we'll walk you through how much auto transport costs — and how those costs are calculated — to help you set the right budget.
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Using our own unique rating system, we evaluated 2,400 car shipping companies nationwide based on key factors like pricing, services, availability, and customer satisfaction. We also dig deep into online consumer reviews to pinpoint what real people have to say about each company and identify recurring pain points and areas of praise.
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Car Shipping Costs
When calculating car transport costs, there are three main factors that influence your total costs: your mileage, vehicle size, and the transportation option you use. While the average cost for shipping a car ranges from $700–$1,150, your specific total will vary based on these and other factors.
Car Shipping Cost by Mileage
Depending on your total mileage and transportation option, the cost to ship a car by mileage can range from $0.60 per mile up to nearly $2 per mile.
Mileage is a unique factor in calculating the cost to ship a car. While long-distance shipments will generally cost more in total, their per-mile rate is usually less expensive than short-distance shipments.
| Distance | Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|
| 500 miles or less | $1.40–$1.96 |
| 1,000 miles | $1.17–$1.48 |
| 1,500 miles | $0.93–$1.12 |
| 2,000+ miles | $0.50–$0.67 |
Car Shipping Cost by Vehicle Size
Car shippers also pay close attention to the size of your vehicle when determining your quote. Larger vehicles that weigh more can actually increase fuel costs for the shipper, and you’ll be charged more as a result.
While most car transport companies focus on the weight of your vehicle, you may also be charged more for an oversized vehicle that takes up more space on the trailer, since it could mean fewer vehicles can fit in the shipment.
| Vehicle Type | Cost Range (1,000 miles) |
|---|---|
| Sedan | $600–$1,150 |
| Compact SUV | $750–$1,240 |
| SUV | $825–$1,400 |
| Pickup Truck | $925–$1,400 |
Car Shipping Cost by Transport Method
The shipping method you use to transport your vehicle could have the biggest influence on your cost to ship a car. You’ll typically be choosing from open vs. enclosed car shipping.
Enclosed transport offers protection against the elements and other road hazards, but at a premium price. Open transport is used for most standard vehicles. The elevated trailers used for open transport still provide protection from road hazards, but your car will still be exposed to weather. On average, an enclosed carrier can cost 50% more than an open carrier.
| Transport Type | 500 Miles or Less | 1,500 Miles | 2,000+ Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open | $600–$700 | $1,100–$1,400 | $1,100–$1,600 |
| Enclosed | $900–$1,100 | $1,500–$1,800 | $1,600–$2,400 |
Other Car Shipping Cost Factors
While mileage, vehicle size, and shipping options have the biggest impact on the cost to ship a car, there are several other factors that can also affect your rates.
Here are a few things to be mindful of:
Door-to-Door Service vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Delivery
Door-to-door service tends to be more expensive than terminal-to-terminal deliveries due to the added mileage for the carrier. However, many car carriers only offer door-to-door deliveries.
Delivery Locations
Remote drop-off locations may be more expensive because they are farther from the main routes used by the shipping company. Alternatively, rates could be higher in larger cities due to the increased demand for car shipping services in these areas.
Time of Year
Spring and summer usually see higher demand for car shipping — and fuel prices tend to go up at this time of year, too. Fall and winter, which have less demand and lower gas prices, tend to be cheaper.
Type of Vehicle
It is generally more expensive to ship a high-value, exotic, or classic car than a standard sedan or pickup truck. Insurance coverage is higher and carriers must take extra care to prevent theft or damage, which is reflected in the rates.
Vehicle Condition
If you are transporting an inoperable vehicle, shipping will likely cost more due to the extra handling that the car shipping company will need to do.
Added Services
Expect to pay more for services like expedited shipping or guaranteed pickup or delivery dates.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car?
Regardless of which provider you choose, you’ll find the cheapest car shipping rates by selecting open auto transport and terminal-to-terminal shipping.
However, there are a few other things you can do to lower the cost to ship your car:
- Get multiple car shipping quotes. Many car shipping companies provide instant quotes online. Request at least three free quotes from reputable companies so you can compare your options and find the best rate for the services you need.
- Check for discounts. Some car shipping companies offer discounts to military service members, seniors, students, and other groups. Others offer seasonal discounts or discounts for shipping multiple vehicles. It never hurts to see if there are any deals you qualify for.
- Book early. You’ll generally get better rates (and have an easier time finding an available shipper) if you book farther in advance. Whenever possible, avoid waiting until the last minute to book your shipment.
- Be flexible. As noted earlier, many car shipping companies charge extra for expedited shipping or guaranteed pickup dates. If you can have some flexibility in your schedule, you can keep your rates lower (especially if you are able to move during the fall or winter).
How Does Car Shipping Work?
Shipping a car is a relatively straightforward process that will help you avoid the time, stress, and wear and tear of driving your vehicle to your new home.
Here’s how the process works:
- Research car shipping options. Look up some of the best car shipping companies to compare your options. Get quotes from at least three providers who are available for your desired timeframe and route. We recommend starting with top-rated companies like SGT Auto Transport, Easy Auto Ship, and Montway Auto Transport. Check customer reviews and professional credentials to ensure you work with a legitimate company and avoid car shipping scams.
- Schedule your shipment. After you select a company, you’ll schedule pickup and delivery windows based on your move date. Some companies offer exact pickup dates, but most offer a range of a few days for when the pickup will be done. You’ll also select whether you want open or enclosed shipping at this time.
- Prep your vehicle. Remove all personal belongings, clean your vehicle, and take photos to document its current condition. Make sure you only have a quarter of a tank of gas in your car when you drop it off.
- Arrange vehicle drop-off or pickup. You’ll either drop off your car at the shipper’s terminal or arrange for the company to pick it up from your house. Either way, crews will inspect your car and document any damage on the bill of lading before loading it.
- Await delivery. How long it takes to ship a car depends on where it’s being shipped and whether you paid for a guaranteed drop-off date. The car carrier will call a day or so before delivering your car at your new home or a nearby terminal. You’ll inspect your car for any new damage that needs to be reported. If your car is in good shape, you’ll make your final payment and be good to go.
FAQ
Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it?
Generally speaking, it will be cheaper to drive your car than to use professional car shipment services. However, when deciding whether to ship a car or drive it, consider the distance you are traveling, the costs of fuel, food, and lodging. Those costs could add up quicker than expected.
For especially long distances, shipping a car could become more economical. And of course, many drivers feel like it is worth shipping their car to avoid the hassle and time commitment of driving it across the country themselves.
How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Virginia?
It costs between $1,350 and $2,400, on average, to ship a car from California to Virginia, or approximately 2,700 miles. Your price will be lower or higher depending on whether you use open or enclosed shipping.
How does a car shipping company determine my price?
Auto transport companies determine your price primarily by looking at the total mileage of the shipment, the size of your vehicle, and whether you use an open or enclosed trailer.
Other factors may include:
- The type of vehicle
- Vehicle condition
- Your delivery location
- Whether you choose door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service
- The time of year
What is the best way to ship a car cross-country?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the best vehicle transport option. When relocating, you should consider your budget, timeline, and your specific needs. Open transport works well for most shipments and is a budget friendly option. For exotic or classic cars, enclosed transport is recommended for added protection against theft, vandalism, and road damage.
Can you get a discount on auto transport?
Many car shipping services offer discounts for seniors, students, military service members, first responders, and other groups. You may also qualify for seasonal discounts or a discount for shipping multiple vehicles. Check the websites of the companies you’re considering or ask a representative about available deals.
How do I find the prices of local car shipping companies?
To research car shipping companies near you, choose your state on our local car shippers page and start reading through our reviews.
