How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Car shipping costs in the United States typically range between $500 and $1,800, depending on the distance, vehicle type, transport method, and current carrier availability. While many factors influence the final price, understanding how auto transport pricing works can help you estimate your shipping costs and plan your vehicle shipment with confidence.
In this guide, we explain how car shipping prices are calculated, the main factors affecting transport rates, and how to get an accurate quote for your specific route.
Average Car Shipping Cost in the United States
The average cost to ship a car across the United States varies based on distance and vehicle size. Short-distance shipments typically cost between $500 and $800, while long-distance transport across multiple states may range between $1,000 and $1,800 or more.
Prices are not calculated using a fixed rate per mile alone. Auto transport pricing is influenced by market demand, carrier availability, fuel prices, and the type of trailer used for the shipment.
Because every shipment is unique, the most accurate way to determine your vehicle shipping price is to request a personalized quote.
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Prices
Several factors determine the final cost of transporting a vehicle. Understanding these variables helps explain why quotes may differ between shipments.
Distance of the Transport Route
Longer routes typically have a lower price per mile but a higher overall shipping cost. Cross-country shipments benefit from major highway routes that carriers frequently travel.
Vehicle Size and Weight
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans take up more trailer space and add additional weight, which increases transport costs compared to standard sedans.
Transport Type: Open vs Enclosed
Open auto transport is the most common and cost-effective shipping method. Enclosed transport offers additional protection and is often used for luxury, exotic, or classic vehicles.
Vehicle Condition
Operational vehicles are easier to load and unload. Non-running vehicles require special equipment such as winches, which can increase the price.
Seasonality and Demand
Vehicle shipping prices fluctuate depending on seasonal demand. Winter months often increase prices in northern states due to weather conditions, while summer demand increases due to relocation and travel.
Estimated Car Shipping Cost by Distance
Although every shipment is unique, the following estimates provide a general idea of typical vehicle transport pricing based on distance.
Actual prices may vary depending on vehicle size, transport method, and route demand.
Open vs Enclosed Car Transport Pricing
Most vehicles in the United States are shipped using open car transport, which allows carriers to move multiple vehicles efficiently on a single trailer. This method offers the best balance of price and reliability.
Enclosed transport typically costs 30–60% more than open transport but provides added protection from weather and road debris.
Luxury vehicles, exotic cars, classic vehicles and collector cars are often transported using enclosed carriers.
Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Most vehicle shipments are arranged using door-to-door auto transport, meaning the carrier picks up and delivers the vehicle as close to the requested addresses as safely possible.
In some cases, large transport trucks may not be able to access narrow residential streets, low-clearance areas, or restricted neighborhoods. In these situations, the carrier will arrange pickup or delivery at a nearby accessible location.
Door-to-door transport remains the most convenient and widely used shipping method.
How to Get an Accurate Car Shipping Quote
Because every shipment is different, the most accurate way to determine your vehicle transport price is to request a personalized quote based on your route and vehicle details.
When requesting a quote, you will typically need to provide:
• pickup location
• delivery location
• vehicle year, make, and model
• vehicle condition (running or non-running)
• preferred pickup timeframe
These details allow transport brokers to locate available carriers and calculate the most accurate market rate.
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
While this guide provides general pricing estimates, actual vehicle transport costs depend on current carrier availability and route demand. If you'd like to better understand how the shipping process works from start to finish, you can read our Complete Guide to Car Shipping in the United States.
To receive the most accurate price for your shipment, request a personalized quote using our online vehicle shipping form.