What You Can Expect to Pay
Car shipping prices vary a lot depending on where you are going and what you are shipping. As a general baseline, most customers pay between $500 and $1,500 for a standard vehicle. Cross-country moves from coast to coast will typically land at the higher end of that range. Short regional hauls often come in well under $800.
These numbers are not guesses. They reflect real market rates based on actual shipments on popular US routes. Here is a practical breakdown by distance:
- Under 500 miles: $300 – $700
- 500 to 1,000 miles: $600 – $950
- 1,000 to 2,000 miles: $900 – $1,300
- Over 2,000 miles: $1,100 – $1,700
These are estimates for a standard sedan shipped on an open carrier during normal demand periods. Your actual quote may be higher or lower based on the factors below.
The Six Things That Actually Move the Price
1. Distance
The further the shipment, the higher the total cost — but not proportionally. Carriers spread their fixed costs across more miles on longer routes, so the price-per-mile actually drops. A 2,000-mile shipment is not twice the price of a 1,000-mile shipment. It is usually about 30 to 40 percent more.
2. Your Route
Route popularity matters as much as distance. High-traffic corridors like Florida-to-New York or California-to-Texas have more carrier coverage and better pricing. If you are shipping from a major metro area to another, expect competitive rates. If either end of your route is rural or off a main highway, carriers may charge a premium for the detour — or suggest a nearby terminal pickup instead.
3. Vehicle Size
Open carriers haul up to ten vehicles at once. Larger vehicles take up more of that space, which means they cost more to ship. A full-size pickup truck or large SUV will typically run $100 to $300 more than a compact sedan. Oversized vehicles like lifted trucks or cargo vans may require custom arrangements.
4. Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open carriers are the industry standard and handle the vast majority of shipments without incident. Enclosed transport, where your vehicle rides inside a covered trailer, costs roughly 40 to 60 percent more. For most everyday vehicles, open transport is the right call. For luxury cars, classics, or anything with a custom paint job, enclosed is worth considering.
5. Time of Year
Two seasons drive prices up. The snowbird migration — retirees moving between northern states and Florida or Arizona — peaks in late October through November and again in March and April. Summer also sees elevated demand as families relocate between school years. If your schedule is flexible, booking outside those windows can save you $100 to $300.
6. How Far Out You Book
Booking two to four weeks in advance gives carriers time to build a full load on your route, which keeps your price down. Last-minute shipments often cost more because the carrier has to find an available truck quickly, and availability drives the rate up.
Non-Running Vehicles
If your vehicle does not start or cannot be driven onto the carrier, expect to pay an additional $150 to $300. Carriers need to use a winch or forklift to load and unload non-runners, which takes extra time and equipment. Be upfront about this when you request a quote — if the driver shows up expecting a running car and it is not, they may refuse the pickup or charge on-site.
What the Quote Includes
A legitimate quote from a licensed carrier includes door-to-door transport, cargo insurance (federally required on all licensed carriers), and basic fuel costs. It does not include personal items left in the vehicle, which are not covered by transport insurance, or fees for significant detours off main routes.
Always confirm what is and is not included before signing anything. A reputable company will spell this out clearly.
Why the Cheapest Quote Is Usually a Red Flag
Auto transport is a regulated industry. Trucks cost money to operate, insurance is required, and drivers have to be paid. A quote that is significantly lower than everything else you receive is almost always a sign of one of two things: a bait-and-switch where the price climbs before or at pickup, or a broker who is underselling to win the booking and will struggle to find a driver at that rate.
Focus on value, not just price. Read reviews, check FMCSA licensing, and make sure you understand exactly what you are booking.
Getting Your Quote
To get an accurate estimate, have your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, your vehicle make and model, and your preferred shipping window ready. Our team can give you a real quote based on current market conditions — not a placeholder number that changes later.
