You know that feeling when you just bought your dream car or are moving across the country, and you're thinking, “How am I going to get this car to my new place?”
Well, we’ve got you covered.
Shipping a car isn’t as simple as throwing it in the back of a truck and calling it a day.
There’s a whole lot more going on behind the scenes that affects the cost of shipping a car.
First, let's provide some real numbers. Did you know that the average cost to ship a car across the country ranges from $1,000 to $1,500?
And if you're thinking about shipping it overseas, expect a price tag between $1,200 and $4,000, depending on where it's going.
Sounds like a lot, but don't worry, we are about to break it down so you can get a real understanding of why vehicle transport costs fluctuate like that.
Now, it’s important to know that car shipping rates vary for a bunch of reasons, such as the distance, vehicle size, the type of transport, and the time of year you’re doing it.
You’d be surprised at how affordable car shipping can be if you time it right or choose the right method.
So, let's examine how much it really costs to ship a car and see if we can save a little cash.
Curious about how auto transport services actually work? Find out all the details in our guide on how auto transport services work and get your car shipped like a pro!
What Factors Affect the Cost to Ship a Car?
Shipping a car is not a one-size-fits-all deal.
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay.
Distance
Shipping a car across the country is going to be a lot more expensive than moving it just a few hundred miles. Shipping a car less than 500 miles might cost you around $600 while shipping the same car across the entire country could run you anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.
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Type of Transport (Open vs. Enclosed)
When you’re shipping your car, you have two main options: open auto transport or enclosed car shipping.
- Open auto transport is the most popular and affordable option. Your car is loaded onto an open carrier along with several other vehicles. It’s cheaper, but your car is exposed to the elements, like rain, snow, and dirt.
- Enclosed car shipping is more expensive but offers much more protection. Your car is loaded into a closed container, which shields it from the weather and other road conditions.
Depending on which method you choose, your costs could vary by $300–$500 or more.
Vehicle Size and Weight
If you're shipping a monster truck or a big SUV, expect to pay more. Larger and heavier vehicles take up more space and require more fuel, which will increase the vehicle transport cost.
Vehicle Condition
If your car is not working and needs to be loaded with special equipment, the shipping company may charge extra. Inoperable vehicles generally cost more to ship due to the additional labor and tools needed to get them on the carrier.
Seasonality and Timing
Car shipping rates fluctuate depending on the season. In the warmer months (spring and summer), more people are shipping cars, so demand is higher, and prices go up.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
If you're shipping to or from a rural area, you may pay more for vehicle transport. Rural areas are harder to access, and transport companies charge more for long detours.
Insurance
While most companies include basic insurance, you may need additional coverage. Insurance will increase the cost of shipping a car, but it offers peace of mind.
Open Auto Transport vs. Enclosed Car Shipping Rates
When it comes to vehicle transport costs, you've got two main options: open auto transport and enclosed auto transport.
Let’s break down both options:
Open Auto Transport Cost
This is the cheapest option and works for most vehicles.
Expect to pay $600–$1,000 for short-distance shipments and $1,200–$2,000 for cross-country shipments.
Enclosed Auto Transport Rates
If you’ve got a luxury car, sports car, or vintage vehicle, enclosed car shipping is the way to go.
Expect to pay $300–$500 more than open auto transport, which could mean a total of $1,000–$2,000 for shorter distances and $1,500–$2,500 for long-distance shipping.
Want to know how to make shipping your car to another state even easier? Check out our guide on how to ship a car to another state and get all the tips you need.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Let’s get into the real numbers. First off, car shipping is not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal, so let’s break down the different types of shipping and what you can expect to pay for each.
Short-Distance Shipping (Less Than 500 Miles)
If you're shipping a car across state lines but not too far, like from one city to another within the same state or nearby states, it is called “short-distance” shipping.
The cost to ship a car for distances under 500 miles can range between $500 and $1,000, depending on whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
Medium-Distance Shipping (500–1,000 Miles)
Let’s say you’re moving your car from, say, California to Arizona or Texas to Florida. You’re looking at a medium-distance job here.
This will typically cost you anywhere between $700 and $1,500.
Again, the price depends on your choices—are you opting for open auto transport or a fancy enclosed car shipping option?
Long-Distance Shipping (1,000–1,500 Miles)
Long-distance shipping could be from New York to Georgia or from Texas to California. You’re looking at anywhere from $1,000 to $1,800 here.
Vehicle transport costs could change based on whether you're shipping to a popular area with many available carriers or shipping to a more remote spot.
So, this number is an estimate but can fluctuate quite a bit.
Cross-Country Shipping (2,500 Miles or More)
Shipping a car across the entire country can cost you between $1,200 and $2,500.
That’s a long haul, and prices increase as distance increases.
Some routes are more expensive due to terrain or weather conditions (e.g., shipping through snowy mountains or desert areas).
International Shipping (USA to Europe, Asia, Australia)
International vehicle transport costs depend on where your car is going.
Shipping to places like Europe, Asia, or Australia can range from $1,200 to $4,000, and here’s where you’ll also have to factor in customs duties, taxes, and other charges related to international shipping.
Here’s a Breakdown of Car Shipping Costs
| Distance | Cost Range (Open Transport) | Cost Range (Enclosed Transport) |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Distance (500 miles) | $500 – $1,000 | $700 – $1,200 |
| Medium-Distance (500–1,000 miles) | $700 – $1,500 | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Long-Distance (1,000–1,500 miles) | $1,000 – $1,800 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Cross-Country (2,500 miles or more) | $1,200 – $2,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| International (USA to Europe/Asia/Australia) | $1,200 – $4,000+ | $2,000 – $4,500+ |
Additional Costs to Consider When Shipping a Car
Now that we've established the basic prices let's discuss some other costs you might encounter during the vehicle transport process.
Fuel Surcharges
Gas prices fluctuate, and when they go up, you might see fuel surcharges on your car shipping rates. The more expensive the gas, the higher the surcharge.
Expedited Shipping
Need your car delivered faster than a standard shipping window? That’s going to cost you more. Depending on the carrier, you could pay $100 to $300 extra for expedited shipping.
Door-to-Door Delivery
Some companies offer door-to-door service, where they’ll pick up and drop off your car directly at your home. Door-to-door car transport rates tend to be higher than terminal-to-terminal shipping.
Storage Fees
If you’re not available to pick up your car when it’s delivered, the carrier might charge you storage fees. These fees are usually around $20–$30 per day.
Don’t forget to update your car insurance! Learn how to change your car insurance when you move.
Car Shipping Costs for Popular Routes
Let’s give you an idea of how much it’ll cost to ship your car on famous routes.
| Route | Distance | Cost Range (Open Transport) | Cost Range (Enclosed Transport) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York to California | ~2,500 miles | $1,200 – $2,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Texas to Florida | ~1,000 miles | $700 – $1,500 | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Florida to New York | ~1,100 miles | $750 – $1,500 | $1,100 – $1,900 |
| Chicago to Los Angeles | ~2,000 miles | $900 – $1,800 | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| Seattle to Texas | ~2,100 miles | $1,000 – $1,800 | $1,300 – $2,300 |
| Washington, DC, to Miami | ~1,000 miles | $700 – $1,400 | $1,000 – $1,700 |
How to Get a Quote Using a Car Shipping Cost Calculator
Most auto transport companies now offer a car shipping cost calculator on their websites.
You’ll just need to input the following details:
- Pick-up and delivery locations
- Vehicle make and model
- Transport method (open vs. enclosed)
- Condition of the car (running or non-running)
- Any additional services (e.g., expedited shipping, door-to-door service)
Note: Always remember that this is just an estimate—prices may vary depending on demand, fuel prices, and other factors.
Your car’s ready to roll, are you? Click to get a fast, no-hassle quote and let’s get it moving!
Tips for Getting the Best Deal on Car Shipping
Here are some tips that you can follow to save some cash on your car shipping cost.
Shop Around: Don’t settle for the first quote you get! Contact multiple transport companies and compare their rates.
Be Flexible: If you can afford to be a little flexible with your shipping dates, you could save some serious cash. Shipping during the off-season or on weekdays (instead of weekends) could lower your car shipping costs.
Prepare Your Vehicle: If your car is in good running condition, it’ll be cheaper to ship. Non-running cars cost more due to extra handling, so make sure your car is ready to roll.
Consider the Time of Year: Shipping rates go up in the summer and holidays, so try to avoid peak seasons if you can. You might save a bundle by shipping during the off-season.
Check Reviews: Make sure the shipping company you choose has good reviews. It’s better to pay a little more for a reputable company than to risk cheaper options that may not be reliable.
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