How Much Does Car Shipping Cost in 2025? A Complete Guide

The first question everyone asks: how much will this cost? The answer depends on several factors, but here is the reality—car shipping is more affordable than most people expect.

This guide breaks down exactly what determines pricing, provides realistic cost ranges by distance, and shows you how to get the best value without sacrificing quality.

The Short Answer

For most standard vehicles on popular routes:

• Under 500 miles: $400-$700
• 500-1,000 miles: $600-$1,000
• 1,000-1,500 miles: $800-$1,200
• 1,500-2,500 miles: $1,000-$1,500
• Cross-country (2,500+ miles): $1,200-$1,800

These ranges cover sedans and small SUVs using open transport. Larger vehicles, enclosed transport, and special circumstances cost more. Rural locations and peak seasons also increase prices.

Now let us examine what drives these numbers.

What Determines Car Shipping Costs

Seven primary factors influence what you pay. Understanding them helps you estimate costs accurately and identify opportunities to save money.

Factor 1: Distance

Distance is the single largest cost factor. More miles mean more fuel, more driver hours, and more equipment wear. Simple math.

But the relationship is not linear. Cost per mile decreases as distance increases:

Why does cost per mile decrease? Carriers have fixed costs regardless of distance: loading time, paperwork, overhead. Longer hauls spread these costs across more miles, reducing the per-mile rate.

A 300-mile shipment at $1.25 per mile costs $375. A 2,800-mile cross-country shipment at $0.50 per mile costs $1,400. The cross-country trip is nine times farther but less than four times the price.

Factor 2: Vehicle Size and Weight

Carriers operate trailers with limited space and weight capacity. Your vehicle's footprint directly affects pricing.

Compact cars and sedans occupy the least space and weigh the least. These vehicles get the best rates. A Honda Civic or Toyota Camry represents the baseline pricing you see quoted most often.

Mid-size SUVs and crossovers cost 10-20% more than sedans. A Ford Explorer or Toyota Highlander takes up more vertical and horizontal space on the trailer.

Full-size trucks and SUVs cost 20-40% more. A Ford F-150, Chevrolet Suburban, or similar vehicle significantly impacts trailer capacity. Lifted trucks with oversized tires can cost even more due to height restrictions.

Vans and commercial vehicles often fall into premium pricing. Extended-length vehicles may require specific trailer positions or specialized equipment.

Here is a practical comparison for a 1,500-mile shipment:

Factor 3: Transport Type

You have two primary options, and the choice significantly impacts price.

Open transport is the industry standard. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer alongside other vehicles, exposed to weather and road conditions. This method moves approximately 90% of shipped vehicles and costs significantly less.

Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a covered trailer, protected from elements and visibility. This premium service costs 30-50% more than open transport.

For the same 1,500-mile route:

• Open transport: $900-$1,100
• Enclosed transport: $1,200-$1,600

When does enclosed transport make sense? Consider it for:

• Vehicles worth over $75,000
• Classic or collector cars
• Exotic vehicles
• Cars with sentimental value justifying the premium
• Vehicles with fresh paint or recent restoration

For most standard vehicles, open transport provides excellent protection at a better price. The cars you see on dealer transport trucks on the highway all use open transport—and dealers move millions of vehicles this way.

Factor 4: Season and Timing

The auto transport industry has predictable demand patterns that directly affect pricing.

Peak season (October-March): Prices increase 15-40%. Snowbird migration drives this—millions of vehicles move between northern states and Florida, Arizona, and other warm destinations. Carrier capacity fills quickly, and rates rise accordingly.

Summer surge (June-August): Moderate price increases of 10-20%. Families relocating during school breaks create consistent demand.

Off-peak (April-May, September): Best pricing. Demand drops between seasonal peaks, and carriers compete more aggressively for loads.

Holidays: The weeks surrounding Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year see reduced carrier availability and higher prices. Many drivers take time off, limiting capacity.

Shipping the same route in different months can cost:

• January (peak): $1,300
• April (off-peak): $950
• July (summer): $1,100
• October (peak starts): $1,200

If your schedule allows flexibility, timing your shipment for off-peak periods can save 20-30%.

Factor 5: Pickup and Delivery Locations

Geography matters beyond just distance. Where exactly you ship from and to affects pricing.

Major metro to major metro: Best rates. Los Angeles to Chicago, New York to Miami, Dallas to Phoenix—these routes have consistent carrier traffic. Drivers making these runs regularly can easily add your vehicle to their load.

Urban to rural: Moderate premium. If one end of your shipment is in a smaller town or rural area, carriers may need to detour from their primary route. Expect $100-$250 additional cost.

Rural to rural: Significant premium. When both ends require detours, costs increase substantially. Some rural locations may require meeting the carrier at a more accessible point.

Terminal vs. door-to-door: Some carriers offer lower rates if you deliver to or pick up from their terminal location instead of your specific address. This can save $50-$150 but adds inconvenience.

Specific geographic challenges also affect pricing:

• Mountain routes cost more (fuel, wear, time)
• Island destinations (Hawaii, Puerto Rico) involve ocean freight
• Remote Alaska locations require specialized logistics

Factor 6: Vehicle Condition

Your vehicle needs to roll, steer, and brake for standard loading and transport.

Running and operable: Standard pricing. The vehicle functions normally and can be driven onto and off the trailer.

Rolling but not running: Add $100-$200. The vehicle's wheels roll and steering works, but the engine does not start. Carriers can use a winch for loading but prefer operable vehicles.

Completely inoperable: Add $200-$400 or more. The vehicle cannot move under its own power and requires special equipment (forklift, flatbed, crane) to load. Not all carriers handle these vehicles, and those that do charge premium rates.

Modified vehicles: Lift kits, lowered suspension, wide body kits, and aftermarket wheels can complicate transport. These modifications may prevent the vehicle from fitting in standard trailer positions or require special securing. Expect $100-$300 additional.

Factor 7: Market Conditions

Supply and demand in the carrier marketplace creates price fluctuations beyond seasonal patterns.

Fuel prices: Carrier fuel costs directly impact your price. When diesel prices spike, transport rates follow within weeks.

Driver availability: The trucking industry faces ongoing driver shortages. When drivers are scarce, rates increase.

Economic conditions: During economic downturns, fewer people relocate and buy vehicles from distant locations. Reduced demand can mean better pricing. Economic booms have the opposite effect.

Route imbalances: Some routes see more traffic in one direction than the other. Carriers heading back empty will often offer discounts to fill their trailer. For example, many vehicles ship from California to Texas, but fewer return—so California-bound shipments from Texas may cost less.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Reputable carriers quote transparent prices. Less scrupulous operators use various tactics to extract more money. Know what to watch for.

Broker Fees

Many "car shipping companies" are actually brokers, not carriers. They take your order and find a carrier to fulfill it, adding their margin in the process.

Broker involvement is not inherently problematic—brokers provide value by matching loads with carriers efficiently. But some brokers quote unrealistically low prices to secure your deposit, then claim "carrier costs increased" and demand more money.

Signs of broker fee manipulation:

• Initial quote significantly below competitors
• Last-minute price increases after deposit
• Vague explanations for cost changes
• Pressure to pay additional fees immediately

Insurance Gaps

Basic carrier insurance covers transport damage but has limitations. Common gaps:

• Personal items: Belongings left in your vehicle typically are not covered. Remove everything.
• Pre-existing conditions: Mechanical problems that existed before transport are not the carrier's responsibility.
• Acts of God: Extreme weather, natural disasters, and similar events may have coverage limits.

If you want additional protection, supplemental insurance is available for $50-$150 depending on vehicle value and coverage level.

Storage Fees

Delays happen. If you cannot accept delivery when the carrier arrives, some companies charge storage fees—typically $30-$75 per day.

Communicate clearly about your availability and understand the carrier's policies before shipping.

Cancellation Fees

Most carriers allow cancellation, but fees vary:

• More than 72 hours before pickup: Full refund common
• Less than 72 hours: Partial refund or full forfeit of deposit
• After dispatch: Larger fees, potentially full payment required

Read the contract before signing.

How to Save Money on Car Shipping

Smart planning can reduce your costs without compromising service quality.

Be Flexible with Dates

The single most effective way to save money is date flexibility. Instead of demanding a specific pickup date, offer a 3-5 day window.

Carriers plan routes to maximize efficiency. If your vehicle can be picked up Wednesday through Friday instead of only Thursday, you are much easier to schedule. Carriers reward flexibility with better rates.

A 3-day window often saves $50-$150. A full week of flexibility can save even more.

Choose Terminal Pickup or Delivery

Door-to-door service is convenient but costs more. If a carrier has a terminal near you, using it for pickup or delivery can reduce costs.

The trade-off is real. You need transportation to get yourself to or from the terminal. But if you have a friend who can help or the terminal is conveniently located, the savings—typically $50-$150—may be worth it.

Ship During Off-Peak Times

As discussed earlier, timing matters. If you can wait for April instead of shipping in January, you may save 20-30% on identical service.

Obviously, not everyone has this flexibility. If you are relocating for a job that starts February 1st, you ship in January regardless of pricing. But if you are shipping a vehicle you purchased and can choose when to take delivery, timing optimization is free money.

Reduce Vehicle Weight

Remove everything from your vehicle before shipping. Yes, carriers ask you to do this for safety and insurance reasons. But it also reduces weight, which can marginally improve pricing—especially for heavier vehicles.

Keeping the fuel tank at one-quarter full instead of full saves approximately 100 pounds.

Get Multiple Quotes

This seems obvious but many people accept the first quote they receive. Prices vary significantly between carriers for identical service. Spending 30 minutes getting 3-5 quotes can reveal better options.

When comparing quotes, ensure you are comparing equivalent services. Open vs. enclosed, door-to-door vs. terminal, fully bonded and insured vs. questionable coverage—these differences matter more than a $50 price gap.

Book in Advance

Last-minute shipments cost more. Carriers with full trailers for next week cannot accommodate you. Those with space know you are desperate and price accordingly.

Booking 2-3 weeks ahead gives you access to more carriers and better rates. Peak season may require 3-4 weeks of lead time.

Red Flags: When Low Prices Mean Problems

A quote dramatically below competitors should raise concerns, not excitement. Here is why.

The Deposit Scam

Some disreputable brokers quote impossibly low prices to collect your deposit. They then claim carrier costs increased and demand additional payment. You can pay more or wait indefinitely for a carrier willing to accept the original rate.

Protect yourself: If a quote is 25%+ below competitors, ask detailed questions about why. Legitimate reasons exist—backhaul discounts, promotional pricing, specific carrier availability. Vague answers suggest problems.

Bait and Switch Insurance

The quote says "fully insured" but the actual coverage has massive gaps, low limits, or astronomical deductibles. You discover this only when filing a claim.

Protect yourself: Ask for insurance certificate details before booking. What is the coverage limit? What is the deductible? What is specifically excluded?

Phantom Carriers

Brokers collect your money, then struggle to find any carrier willing to move your vehicle at the quoted rate. Your car sits waiting while they search for someone—anyone—to fulfill the order.

Protect yourself: Ask if the company is a broker or carrier. Both are legitimate, but knowing helps you understand the process. Ask how long they have been in business and check reviews for patterns of pickup delays.

Getting Your Quote

Ready to see what shipping your vehicle actually costs? Here is how to get accurate quotes.

Information You Need

Before requesting quotes, gather:

• Exact pickup and delivery addresses (or at least cities/zip codes)
• Vehicle year, make, model, and trim level
• Vehicle condition (running, modifications, etc.)
• Preferred pickup timeframe
• Transport type preference (open or enclosed)

Where to Get Quotes

Request quotes from multiple sources:

• Direct from carriers
• From reputable brokers
• From price comparison services

Each source has advantages. Carriers may offer better rates for specific routes. Brokers have access to many carriers. Comparison services show multiple options quickly.

Evaluating Quotes

Look beyond the bottom-line price:

• Is the company a broker or carrier?
• What is their USDOT number? (Verify at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov)
• What insurance coverage is included?
• What is the deposit amount and cancellation policy?
• How do their reviews look on Google, Yelp, and BBB?

The lowest price is not automatically the best choice. A slightly higher price from a reputable carrier with excellent reviews and clear insurance beats a rock-bottom quote from an unknown entity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there such a wide price range in estimates? Legitimate pricing variation reflects different carriers, timing, specific routes, and market conditions. Suspiciously low quotes often indicate problems—bait-and-switch pricing, inadequate insurance, or unreliable service.

Do I pay everything upfront? Typically no. Most legitimate carriers require a small deposit ($100-$300) to hold your booking. The balance is due at delivery. Demands for 50%+ upfront are red flags.

Can I negotiate pricing? Sometimes. During off-peak periods or for routes with carrier availability, there may be room for negotiation. Peak season with limited capacity offers less flexibility. Being easy to work with (flexible dates, accessible locations) gives you more negotiating leverage.

Does car shipping include fuel? Your vehicle does not use its own fuel during transport—it rides on a trailer. You should leave approximately one-quarter tank for loading and unloading operations.

Are there additional fees at delivery? Reputable carriers quote all-inclusive prices. The amount quoted should be the amount you pay. If a carrier or broker mentions potential additional fees, get specifics in writing before booking.

How do I know if I am getting a fair price? Get 3-5 quotes for comparison. Prices clustered within 15-20% of each other suggest fair market rates. An outlier significantly below the cluster warrants skepticism.

The Bottom Line

Car shipping costs are predictable once you understand the factors involved. Distance, vehicle size, transport type, timing, and location combine to determine your price.

For most shipments:

• Standard sedans and SUVs using open transport cost $0.40-$1.50 per mile depending on distance
• Expect $400-$700 for shorter trips, $1,200-$1,800 for cross-country moves
• Peak season adds 15-40% to baseline pricing
• Flexibility with dates saves money
• Unusually low quotes often signal problems

The auto transport industry is competitive. Good carriers exist at fair prices. Your job is finding them, and now you know how.

Ready for your quote? Get a transparent, all-inclusive price in minutes. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch—just honest pricing for quality service.