One of the most common questions people ask when planning a move or buying a car online is: “How much does it cost to ship a car?” The truth is that car shipping prices vary widely based on distance, trailer type, season, and your vehicle’s size. In this guide, we break down real auto transport pricing so you know exactly what to expect before getting quotes.
Average Cost to Ship a Car
On average, car shipping costs between $500 and $1,700 for most standard-size vehicles within the United States.
| Distance | Average Cost | Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – 500 miles | $400 – $700 | $0.80 – $1.20/mi |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $650 – $1,000 | $0.70 – $0.95/mi |
| 1,000 – 2,000 miles | $900 – $1,400 | $0.55 – $0.75/mi |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,200 – $1,700 | $0.40 – $0.60/mi |
Pricing varies based on seasonality, fuel costs, demand, and vehicle details. The only way to get exact pricing is by comparing quotes.
What Affects the Cost of Car Shipping?
Several key factors impact how much you’ll pay. Understanding these helps you avoid overpriced quotes and pick the right carrier.
1. Distance
The farther your car travels, the lower the cost per mile — but the total price increases. Long-distance cross-country shipments typically offer the best value per mile.
2. Pickup and Delivery Locations
- Major cities (Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami) usually cost less.
- Rural areas or remote towns cost more because carriers deviate from main routes.
3. Vehicle Size & Weight
Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks, vans) cost more because:
- they take up more trailer space
- they add weight to the carrier
Small sedans cost less; lifted trucks or oversized vehicles can cost significantly more.
4. Open vs Enclosed Transport
There are two types of trailers:
- Open Transport: Most common and affordable.
- Enclosed Transport: 30–60% more, ideal for luxury or classic cars.
5. Time of Year
Prices change depending on demand:
- Winter (snowbird season): Higher costs on north ↔ south routes.
- Summer: High due to moving season.
- Fall & early Spring: Often the cheapest months.
6. Transport Speed (Standard vs Expedited)
- Standard pickup: 1–7 days.
- Expedited pickup: Guaranteed or same-day — extra cost.
7. Vehicle Condition
Non-running vehicles typically cost $100–$200 more due to winching equipment needed for loading.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country?
Cross-country routes (2,000+ miles) typically range from $1,200 to $1,700 for standard vehicles on open carriers.
- California → Texas: $900 – $1,400
- Florida → New York: $1,000 – $1,500
- Washington → Florida: $1,300 – $1,700
Enclosed shipping for these routes may cost 30–60% more.
How Much More Does Enclosed Car Shipping Cost?
Enclosed transport generally costs 30–60% more than open transport.
- Open: $1,000
- Enclosed: $1,300 – $1,600
Enclosed is recommended for:
- Classic cars
- Exotics & luxury vehicles
- Show cars
- Collectors
How to Get the Best Price When Shipping a Car
- Book early to avoid surcharges.
- Stay flexible with pickup windows.
- Choose major routes to reduce carrier detours.
- Avoid peak seasons if you can.
- Compare multiple quotes — prices vary widely.
Be cautious of extremely low quotes. These are often “bait-and-switch” offers from brokers who cannot secure a carrier at that price.
Bottom Line
Most people pay between $500 and $1,700 to ship a car in the United States. Costs depend on distance, trailer type, and your vehicle’s size. The best way to find accurate pricing is to compare multiple quotes from trusted auto transport companies.
