Car delivery costs depend on distance, vehicle type, and whether the carrier moves it alone or with other cars

The cost to deliver a car ranges from a few hundred dollars for a short local move to several thousand for a cross-country haul. A typical delivery across 1,000 miles costs between $800 and $1,500 for an open trailer (the most common method), while enclosed transport — which protects the vehicle from weather and road debris — runs $1,200 to $2,500 for the same distance. The price per mile drops as distance increases, so moving a car 500 miles costs more per mile than moving it 2,000 miles.

Who pays depends on the situation. If you are buying a car from a dealer in another state, the dealer often covers delivery or builds it into the sale price. If you are selling a used car privately and arranging transport yourself, you pay the carrier directly. Some buyers and sellers split the cost by negotiating it into the purchase agreement. Rental car companies, auction houses, and fleet operators have their own delivery networks and negotiate rates that individual consumers cannot access.

Key Takeaways

  • Open-trailer delivery costs $0.50 to $1.50 per mile on average, while enclosed transport costs $0.75 to $2.00 per mile, depending on distance and current fuel prices.
  • Dealers typically absorb delivery costs or include them in the advertised price, but private sellers usually arrange and pay for transport themselves.
  • Pickup and drop-off location, vehicle size, and current demand for carriers all affect the final quote you receive.
  • Getting quotes from at least three carriers and booking two to four weeks in advance usually results in lower rates than last-minute bookings.

How distance and transport method set the price

The two main delivery methods are open trailers and enclosed trailers. Open trailers carry multiple vehicles at once, which spreads the cost across several owners and makes it the cheapest option. Enclosed trailers hold fewer cars and shield yours from weather, road salt, and flying debris — useful if you are moving a classic car, luxury vehicle, or new purchase you want to protect. Enclosed delivery typically costs 50 to 100 percent more than open transport.

Distance is the largest cost driver. Carriers quote in cents per mile, and that rate varies by region and season. A 300-mile delivery might cost $400 to $600, while a 1,500-mile delivery might run $1,200 to $2,000. The per-mile rate is higher on short routes because the carrier has fixed costs (fuel, driver time, insurance) that do not shrink with distance. Long routes spread those costs over more miles, lowering the per-mile price.

Fuel prices, seasonal demand, and carrier availability all shift quotes week to week. Summer and holiday periods see higher rates because more people move. Winter in northern states can lower rates if fewer people are shipping cars, but bad weather may delay pickups. A quote you get on Monday might be $100 higher on Friday if fuel prices spike or a major carrier fills its schedule.

What affects your specific quote

Carriers ask for several details before quoting: the pickup city and state, the delivery city and state, the vehicle's make and model, and whether you want open or enclosed transport. They also ask whether the car runs and whether it has a valid title and registration — a non-running vehicle may cost more because it requires a lift gate or special equipment. Some carriers charge extra to pick up from a residential address instead of a commercial lot, or to deliver to a location without straightforward truck access.

The size and weight of the vehicle matter. A compact sedan costs less to move than a full-size SUV or truck because it takes up less trailer space. Oversized vehicles (lifted trucks, vehicles wider than standard) may be charged as "oversize" and cost 10 to 25 percent more. Luxury or exotic cars sometimes command higher rates because carriers assume higher liability.

Timing affects price significantly. Booking two to four weeks in advance usually yields lower quotes than calling for next-week pickup. Carriers offer discounts for flexible pickup windows (a range of dates rather than a specific day) because it lets them consolidate loads. Requesting a specific pickup date or a may provide arrival date typically costs more.

Dealer delivery versus arranging your own

When you buy from a dealership, delivery is often included in the purchase price or quoted separately at the time of sale. Large dealerships have relationships with carriers and negotiate volume rates that are lower than what an individual can obtain. Some dealers offer "free delivery" within a certain radius (often 50 to 100 miles) and charge for anything beyond that. Others build delivery into the vehicle's final price without breaking it out separately.

If you are buying from a private seller or an auction, you arrange transport yourself. You contact carriers directly, get quotes, and pay the carrier when the vehicle is picked up or delivered. This gives you control over the method and timing but requires you to do the legwork. Some private sellers will negotiate the cost with you before you commit to the purchase — for example, agreeing to split the delivery fee or have you pay it in full.

Rental car companies and fleet auctions (like Copart or IAA) often include transport in the sale price or offer it as an add-on. Their rates are typically lower than retail because they move many vehicles and have established carrier contracts. If you are buying from an auction, check whether delivery is included in the hammer price or added at checkout.

Getting accurate quotes and comparing carriers

To get a realistic quote, you need the pickup address (city and state is enough for an initial estimate), the delivery address, the vehicle's year, make, and model, and your preferred transport method. Most carriers offer free online quote tools where you enter this information and receive an estimate within minutes. The quote is usually valid for 7 to 14 days, giving you time to decide.

Contact at least three carriers before booking. Prices vary because carriers have different routes, schedules, and overhead. One carrier might have a truck heading to your destination this week and offer a lower rate; another might not have a convenient route and quote higher. Getting multiple quotes takes 15 to 30 minutes and often saves $200 to $500.

When comparing quotes, confirm what is included: Does the price cover pickup and delivery to your addresses, or only to a terminal? Are there extra fees for residential pickup or delivery, for non-running vehicles, or for oversize loads? Some carriers quote a base rate and add fees later; others quote all-in. Reading the fine print prevents surprises when the invoice arrives.

Timing, seasonality, and booking strategy

Booking in advance is almost always cheaper than booking last-minute. Carriers fill their schedules weeks ahead, especially during peak seasons (May through September). If you book with two to four weeks' notice, you have more carrier options and can negotiate better rates. Booking one week out or less limits your choices and typically costs 10 to 20 percent more.

Flexible pickup windows lower your cost. Instead of requesting pickup on a specific date, offer a range — for example, "anytime between June 10 and June 15." This lets the carrier fit your vehicle into a load with other cars heading the same direction, reducing their empty miles and lowering your rate. may provide pickup dates and may provide delivery dates cost extra because the carrier must reserve capacity.

Winter in cold climates can mean lower rates because fewer people move, but weather delays are more likely. Summer and holidays see higher demand and higher prices. If your move is flexible, booking for late fall or early spring often yields better rates than summer or December.

Additional costs and hidden fees

The base delivery quote covers transport from pickup to delivery. Additional charges may explore for: pickup or delivery at a residential address (instead of a commercial lot), non-running vehicles, oversized vehicles, expedited delivery, or holding the vehicle at a terminal if you cannot accept it on the scheduled date. Some carriers charge a fuel surcharge if gas prices spike during your booking period.

Insurance is another consideration. Most carriers carry liability insurance that covers damage during transport, but it is usually capped at a low amount (often $0.30 per pound of vehicle weight). If you own a high-value car, you may want to purchase additional coverage from the carrier or verify your own auto insurance covers transport. This typically costs $100 to $300 for a cross-country move.

If you need the vehicle delivered to a location without truck access — a narrow residential street, a gated community, or a parking garage — the carrier may charge extra or decline the delivery. Ask about this when getting quotes so you understand the full cost and can arrange an alternative drop-off point if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is car delivery more expensive if the car does not run?

Yes, typically 10 to 25 percent more. Non-running vehicles require a lift gate or winch to load and unload, which takes extra time and equipment. Some carriers charge a flat fee for non-running vehicles; others add a percentage to the base rate. Disclose this when requesting quotes so you get an accurate price.

Can I negotiate the delivery price with a carrier?

Yes, especially if you are flexible on dates or willing to accept a longer pickup window. Carriers have more room to negotiate on longer routes and during slower seasons. Offering flexibility or booking multiple vehicles at once can lower the per-vehicle rate. Getting multiple quotes and mentioning a competitor's lower price sometimes prompts a carrier to match or beat it.

What happens if the carrier damages my car during delivery?

The carrier's liability insurance covers damage caused by their negligence or equipment failure. You file a claim with the carrier, provide photos and repair estimates, and they reimburse you up to their policy limit. Most carriers cap liability at $0.30 per pound of vehicle weight, so a 3,000-pound car would be covered up to $900. For higher-value vehicles, purchase additional coverage when booking.

How long does car delivery usually take?

Delivery time depends on distance and route. A 500-mile delivery typically takes 5 to 7 days; a 1,500-mile delivery takes 7 to 14 days. Expedited delivery (faster pickup and delivery) costs more. The carrier will give you a delivery window (a range of dates) rather than a specific date, because routes and traffic are unpredictable.

Do I have to be present when the car is delivered?

You do not have to be present, but it is recommended. The driver will inspect the vehicle with you, note any existing damage on the bill of lading, and have you sign off. If you are not there, the driver may leave the vehicle unattended or require a third party to sign. Confirm the delivery process with the carrier before the pickup date.