How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? ($600–$2,500 Breakdown)

💰 How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Car

The car shipping process isn’t as simple as it appears, as the cost is determined by many criteria, including the destination, the type of car, the season, and whether the vehicle is transported in an open or enclosed trailer, among others.

📊 What’s the Average Cost to Ship a Car?

The price to ship a vehicle varies based on distance, transport type, and vehicle size. Here’s a breakdown:

Example Routes:

• How much to transport a car from Austin to Seattle: $1,200–$1,600 (open), $1,700–$2,300 (enclosed)
• Shipping a car to another state costs (e.g., NY to FL): $700–$1,100
• Cost to ship a truck across the country: $1,500–$2,500, depending on size and route

By Vehicle Type:

• Sedans: Standard rates
• SUVs/Trucks: Add $100-$300
• Luxury Vehicles: Add $200-$500 (enclosed recommended)
• Motorcycles: $300-$800
• Non-Running Vehicles: Add $150-$300

🔑 8 Key Factors That Determine Car Shipping Costs

1. Transport Type: Open vs. Enclosed

Open carriers are more affordable and widely used. Enclosed car shipping protects luxury or classic vehicles from weather and road debris, but costs 30–40% more.

Delivery Methods:

• Door-to-Door: Pickup and delivery at your locations (+$50-$200, most convenient)
• Terminal-to-Terminal: Drop off/pick up at facilities (seems cheaper but storage fees $15-$30/day eliminate savings)

Most customers prefer door-to-door for convenience. Terminal service only makes sense if you live near terminals and have immediate pickup flexibility.

2. Company Selection: Beyond the Lowest Price

The cheapest quote often signals problems—uninsured carriers, hidden fees, bait-and-switch tactics, or unreliable service.

How to Evaluate Quotes:

• Get 3-5 quotes to establish baseline pricing
• Verify minimum $750,000 cargo insurance
• Check USDOT & MC numbers through FMCSA database
• Read recent customer reviews for patterns
• Confirm deposit requirements (legitimate companies require 10-25%, not full payment)

Red Flags:

• Prices 30%+ below average
• No USDOT/MC number or physical address
• Requires full payment upfront
• High-pressure “deals expire today” tactics
• No written contract

3. Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs cost more to ship. For example, the cost to ship truck across country can be $300–$600 higher than a sedan.

Cost Impact by Vehicle:

• Compact cars (2,500-3,200 lbs): Baseline pricing
• Mid-size sedans (3,200-3,800 lbs): +5-10%
• SUVs (5,000-6,000 lbs): +15-25% ($150-$400 more)
• Pickup trucks (4,500-5,500 lbs): +15-25% ($150-$350 more)
• Large SUVs/trucks (6,000-7,500 lbs): +25-40% ($300-$600 more)

Every 1,000 pounds over 3,500 lbs adds approximately $50-$100. A 7,000-lb Ford F-350 costs significantly more than a 2,800-lb Honda Civic on the same route.

Modified Vehicles:

• Lifted trucks: +$100-$300
• Lowered cars: +$50-$150
• Oversized wheels: +$50-$100

4. Booking Timeline

Last-minute bookings often come with premium pricing. Booking 2–4 weeks in advance helps lock in better car transport rates.

Booking Windows:

• 2-4 weeks ahead: Best rates and carrier availability
• 1-2 weeks ahead: Standard pricing, reduced flexibility
• Less than 1 week: 15-30% premium, limited options
• Rush (1-3 days): 30-50% premium, no guarantee

Transit Times:

• 0-500 miles: 1-3 days
• 500-1,500 miles: 3-5 days
• 1,500-2,500 miles: 5-7 days
• 2,500+ miles: 7-10 days

Seasonal Pricing:

• Peak (May-September): 15-25% higher, book 3-4 weeks ahead
• Off-peak (October-April): Save 15-25%, book 1-2 weeks ahead

5. Distance and Route Popularity

Popular routes (e.g., LA to Dallas) are cheaper due to high demand. Remote or rural pickups may add 15–30% to your quote.

Per-Mile Pricing:

• 0-200 miles: $2.00-$2.50/mile
• 500-1,000 miles: $1.00-$1.30/mile
• 1,500-2,500 miles: $0.75-$0.95/mile
• 2,500+ miles: $0.60-$0.85/mile

6. Expedited Delivery

Expedited shipping adds $150–$600. Standard delivery offers better value unless timing is critical.

Speed Options:

• Standard: 2-5 day pickup window, normal transit times, standard rates
• Expedited: 1-3 day pickup, 20-30% faster transit, +15-25% cost ($150-$400 extra)
• Guaranteed: Specific dates guaranteed, +25-40% cost ($300-$600 extra)
• Rush (1-3 days total): +40-60% cost ($500-$1,000+ extra)

7. Fuel Prices

Fuel surcharges fluctuate. For example, the insurance cost to move a vehicle 200 miles may include a $40–$50 fuel adjustment depending on diesel rates.

Fuel Impact Example (California to New York):

• At $3.50/gallon diesel: $1,750 fuel cost
• At $4.50/gallon diesel: $2,250 fuel cost
• Your cost increase: $40-$50 in fuel surcharges

8. Vehicle Condition

Non-running vehicles require winch loading and special handling, adding $150–$300 to the total cost.

• Running Vehicle: Standard rates
• Non-Running Vehicle: Add $150-$300 for winch loading, extra time, and limited carrier availability

🌎 Real-World Scenarios: What People Pay

• How much would it cost to ship my car from Chicago to Miami? Around $900–$1,300 (open transport)
• Ship my car to another state, like California to Nevada? ~$600–$850
• How much to ship a car to another state with enclosed transport? $1,200–$1,800 depending on route

🚗 Driving vs. Shipping: Which Is Cheaper?

Driving from New York to Los Angeles:

• Gas: $425
• Hotels: $360
• Meals: $150
• Wear & tear: $290
• Total: ~$1,225

Shipping:

• Open: $1,200–$1,500
• Enclosed: $1,800–$2,200
• Flight: $200–$400
• Total: ~$1,400–$1,900

Shipping saves time, avoids wear on your vehicle, and can be more cost-effective when factoring in travel expenses.

💡 7 Ways to Save Money on Car Shipping

1. Book During Off-Peak Season: Ship October-April to save 15-25%
2. Choose Open Transport: Unless you have a luxury vehicle, open transport saves 30-40%
3. Be Flexible with Dates: Offering 5-7 day pickup windows reduces costs
4. Ship to/from Major Cities: Meet carriers in nearby metro areas if you live rurally
5. Book 3-4 Weeks Ahead: Avoid last-minute rush fees
6. Compare Multiple Quotes: Get 3-5 quotes to find competitive pricing
7. Ship Multiple Vehicles: Many carriers offer discounts for shipping 2+ cars simultaneously

Conclusion

Understanding car shipping costs is essential for planning a successful vehicle transport. While the national average hovers around $1,200 for cross-country shipping, your specific cost will depend on factors like distance, vehicle type, transport method, timing, and route popularity. By getting quotes 3-4 weeks in advance, comparing multiple carriers, choosing the right transport method, and shipping during off-peak months, you can secure reliable service at a competitive price. Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best, prioritize carriers with verified reviews, proper insurance coverage, and transparent pricing to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.