How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?

Car shipping costs vary more than most people expect. The same vehicle on the same route can cost $200 more or less depending on timing, carrier availability, and which company you use. Here is what actually drives the price and what you can expect to pay.

Typical Cost Ranges

For most domestic shipments on open carrier:

• Under 500 miles: $400 to $700
• 500 to 1,000 miles: $600 to $950
• 1,000 to 1,500 miles: $800 to $1,100
• Cross-country (2,000+ miles): $900 to $1,400

Enclosed transport typically runs $200 to $500 more than open carrier for the same route. Expedited shipping adds another $200 to $400 depending on the company and timeline.

What Drives the Price

Distance

Distance is the primary cost driver, but not linearly. Cost per mile is higher on shorter routes because fixed costs — dispatch, coordination, paperwork — are spread over fewer miles. A 300-mile shipment might cost $1.50 per mile while a 2,000-mile shipment might cost $0.55 per mile.

Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger vehicles take up more space on a carrier and add weight. Trucks, SUVs, and vans typically cost $100 to $200 more than standard sedans on the same route. Oversized or inoperable vehicles cost more and may require flatbed transport.

Transport Type

Open carrier is cheaper and widely available. Enclosed adds a premium of $200 to $500 per shipment. Flatbed is used for oversized or inoperable vehicles and priced separately. See our comparison of open vs. enclosed transport for more detail.

Timing and Seasonality

Peak season runs roughly May through September when demand is highest. Prices rise during this period and pickup windows can be longer. Shipping in January or February typically yields the lowest rates. Booking at least two to three weeks out gives carriers time to route efficiently; last-minute bookings often cost more.

Route Popularity

High-volume routes like LA to New York or Miami to Chicago have more carrier competition and generally better pricing. Less common routes have fewer carriers available, which pushes prices up. Rural pickup or delivery adds cost because it requires a carrier to go out of their regular lane.

Deposit and Payment Structure

Some companies require a deposit at booking; others require payment only when a carrier is confirmed. RoadRunner requires no deposit at booking. Companies that require upfront deposits may be harder to get a refund from if the shipment falls through.

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Online instant quotes are useful for ballpark estimates. For an accurate price, you need to provide:

• Exact pickup and delivery locations (zip code matters for rural areas)
• Vehicle make, model, year, and whether it runs
• Preferred pickup date or window
• Transport type: open or enclosed

Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others. Very low quotes often indicate a broker who will struggle to find a carrier at that price, leading to delays or a price increase after booking.

What a Good Price Looks Like

For a standard sedan on a 1,000-mile open carrier route booked two to three weeks out, a reasonable price is $700 to $950. If you are getting quotes below $500 for that route, ask questions. If you are getting quotes above $1,200, shop around.

For enclosed transport on the same route, $950 to $1,400 is a reasonable range.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

• Terminal fees if door-to-door is not available in your area
• Fuel surcharges, which some companies add separately
• Cancellation fees after a carrier has been assigned
• Price adjustments at pickup, which reputable companies do not do

Ask any company whether the quoted price is the final price before committing. A reputable broker should be able to give you a firm answer.