Car Shipping Cost & Pricing
The average car shipping cost is ~$650. Typical market rates range from
$0.40–$2.00 per mile depending on distance, carrier type (open vs enclosed),
vehicle, season, and delivery speed. Use the ranges below to ballpark your route, then get an
instant quote for an exact price.
then choosing the right timing, service level, and flexibility. Start with these averages and adjust for your specifics.
Distance & Route
Longer routes usually cost less per mile but more in total. Popular lanes price better than remote ones.
Location
Metro-to-metro is cheaper than rural pickup/dropoff. Hard-to-access areas add time and cost.
Vehicle Size & Condition
Larger or modified vehicles cost more. Inoperable units need winching and add a fee.
Service Level
Open is most economical. Enclosed adds ~30–50% for extra protection. Expedited costs more.
Time of Year
Snowbird peaks and summer demand lift rates. Late winter and fall often price best.
Quote Makeup
Fuel, lane demand, driver pay, tolls, and insurance. Compare like-for-like services and beware bait-low quotes.
Average Cost by Carrier Type & Distance
| Route Distance | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| < 500 miles | $630 | $930 |
| 500–2,500 miles | $1,135 | $1,550 |
| > 2,500 miles | $1,350 | $1,830 |
Add ~30–50% for enclosed vs open due to weather/debris protection and limited capacity.
Average Cost by Vehicle Type & Distance
| Vehicle | < 500 miles | 500–2,500 miles | > 2,500 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $425 | $725 | $925 |
| Compact SUV | $455 | $775 | $1,025 |
| SUV | $505 | $825 | $1,075 |
| Truck | $575 | $925 | $1,275 |
Estimates only. Market, fuel, lane direction, and timing can move rates up or down.
How to Get the Best Quote
- Be flexible on pickup/delivery window to let dispatch find the best truck.
- Choose open carrier unless the vehicle truly needs enclosed protection.
- Book early for peak seasons; consider off-peak dates when possible.
- Meet at an easy access point near a major highway if your street is tight or rural.
- Keep the vehicle empty and operable; extra weight or inoperable status adds fees.
- Compare quotes line-by-line. Verify insurance and read cancellation terms.
Seasonal Price Patterns
- Winter: Holidays reduce drivers; Jan snowbird moves raise rates. February often cheapest.
- Spring: Smooth weather, improving availability; late spring northbound demand can lift prices.
- Summer: Peak season. High demand but lots of trucks; rates steady to slightly higher.
- Fall: Generally favorable pricing and availability; good time to schedule transport.
Sample Open-Carrier Ranges*
- NY → FL (~1,100 mi): $900–$1,200
- CA → TX (~1,500 mi): $1,000–$1,400
- Chicago → Phoenix (~1,750 mi): $1,050–$1,500
- < 500 mi: $400–$800
*Ballparks. Final quotes vary with lane demand and timing.
Enclosed Carrier (Typical)
Add ~30–50% to the open ranges for high-value, classic, or low-clearance vehicles.
Get a firm quote
Related Resources
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