What It Costs to Ship a Car: A Realistic Price Guide
The short answer: open transport runs roughly $0.84 to $2.05 per mile depending on distance. A short 200-500 mile move typically lands between $400 and $950, a 1,000-mile shipment between $1,000 and $1,300, and a coast-to-coast move between $2,200 and $2,800. Enclosed transport adds about 20 to 30 percent. These are estimates, not guarantees: the final price depends on your exact route, vehicle, season, and how flexible your dates are. Here is how each factor moves the number.
Why Per-Mile Rates Fall as Distance Grows
Car shipping prices look confusing until you see the per-mile logic. Short hauls carry the highest per-mile rates ($1.50 to $2.05) because the carrier’s fixed costs, loading, paperwork, and terminal time, are spread over fewer miles. Long hauls spread those costs out, which is why a coast-to-coast run can price under $1.00 per mile even though the total is higher.
The distance is the starting point, but these factors adjust the quote from there:
- The size and weight of the vehicle: Larger and heavier vehicles take up more deck space and weight allowance, so an SUV or pickup prices above a sedan on the same lane.
- Open versus enclosed: Open carriers are the industry standard and the cheaper option. Enclosed transport protects against weather and road debris and adds roughly 20 to 30 percent.
- The time of year: Summer moving season and the January snowbird rush tighten capacity and raise prices. Flexible dates are the single easiest way to pay less.
- Vehicle condition: A non-running vehicle needs a winch or forklift and typically adds about $100 to $250.
- Market conditions: Diesel prices and carrier supply on your specific lane move quotes week to week, which is why a quote is an estimate until a carrier is dispatched.
Shipping Overseas Is a Different Product
International shipping is priced on a different basis entirely: ocean freight, port fees, customs duties, and destination-country taxes. Expect a wide range depending on the destination and whether the vehicle travels in a shared container or roll-on/roll-off. Oversized vehicles like campers and large SUVs sit at the top of that range. If you are moving abroad, get a written quote that itemizes port entry fees and customs handling so nothing surfaces after the vehicle sails.
How to Keep Your Cost Down
Three habits consistently save money: book one to four weeks ahead so your shipment can be matched to a carrier already running your lane, stay flexible on pickup and delivery dates, and choose open transport unless the vehicle genuinely warrants enclosed. Comparing quotes is smart, but treat a number far below the rest as a warning sign rather than a bargain: lowball quotes get repriced after booking or sit unassigned.
Ready for a real number for your route? Call Ship A Car at (866) 821-4555 for a free, no-obligation quote, or price it in seconds with the instant calculator.
FAQs
Is it safe to ship your vehicle using the open-air shipping method?
Yes, open transport is how the large majority of vehicles ship, including most new cars traveling from factory to dealership. The vehicle is exposed to weather the same way it would be parked outside, and carrier insurance covers transit damage. Enclosed transport is worth the premium for classics, exotics, and low-clearance vehicles.
Can I reduce the car shipping expenses?
Yes. Get quotes from a few reputable companies, keep your dates flexible, choose open transport, and book ahead rather than last-minute. Terminal-to-terminal can shave a little more on some lanes, though door-to-door is usually worth the small difference in convenience.
How should I get a quote from an auto-shipping company?
Have your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle year, make, model, running condition, and target dates ready. A legitimate quote is based on those specifics. Confirm that the figure includes door-to-door service, carrier insurance, and taxes, so the number you approve is the number you pay.
