What determines the price of shipping a car
Car shipping cost depends on five main things: the distance, the size and weight of your vehicle, the type of transport (open or enclosed), the season, and how quickly you need it done. A cross-country shipment on an open trailer costs less than the same distance in an enclosed trailer. Winter and peak moving season (May through September) push prices up because demand is higher. The carrier's route also matters — if they're already heading your direction, you pay less than if they have to make a detour.
Distance is the single biggest factor. Shipping a car 500 miles costs roughly half what shipping it 1,500 miles does, though the per-mile rate drops as distance increases. A car that weighs 4,000 pounds costs more to ship than one that weighs 2,500 pounds because it takes up more fuel and space on the trailer. Luxury cars, oversized vehicles, and anything non-standard (like a lifted truck or a classic car) often have separate pricing because they need special handling or take up extra room.
The type of transport you choose makes a real difference in price. Open-air trailers, where your car sits exposed on the back of a truck alongside others, are the cheapest option. Enclosed trailers, which protect your vehicle from weather and road debris, cost 40 to 60 percent more. Expedited shipping — getting your car there in days instead of weeks — adds another 25 to 50 percent to the bill.
Key Takeaways
- Distance, vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), season, and delivery speed all affect the final price you'll see.
- Open-air transport costs less than enclosed, but leaves your car exposed to weather and road dirt during transit.
- Prices rise during peak moving season (May through September) and winter, when demand for carriers is highest.
- Getting a real quote requires your vehicle's make and model, current location, destination, and preferred delivery timeframe.
- Comparing quotes from multiple carriers helps you understand the range and spot unusually high or low offers.
How to get a shipping quote
To get an accurate quote, you need to provide carriers with specific information about your vehicle and move. Have ready: the year, make, and model of your car; its current location (city and state); your destination (city and state); and when you need it picked up. Some carriers also ask for the vehicle's condition (running or not running) and whether it has any modifications that affect its size or weight.
You can request quotes directly from individual carriers' websites, or use freight marketplaces that connect you with multiple carriers at once. Major carriers include uShip, AutoShip, and Montway, though there are dozens of smaller regional companies. When you submit your information, expect to hear back within a few hours to a day. Most carriers give you a price range rather than a locked-in quote until you book — the final price may shift slightly based on fuel costs or route changes.
Write down every quote you receive along with what it includes: pickup and delivery dates, whether it's open or enclosed transport, and whether the price covers door-to-door service or terminal-to-terminal pickup. Some quotes include insurance; others don't. Some have fuel surcharges that aren't visible in the initial number. These details matter when you're comparing prices across carriers.
The difference between open and enclosed transport
Open-air shipping is the standard option and the most affordable. Your car travels on an open trailer with five to nine other vehicles, exposed to weather, dust, and road debris. It's safe — carriers have been moving cars this way for decades — but your vehicle will arrive with some dirt and possibly minor dings from road conditions. Open transport typically takes 5 to 10 business days for cross-country moves.
Enclosed transport puts your car inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather and road hazards. This option costs significantly more but is worth considering if you're shipping a luxury vehicle, a classic car, or anything you want to arrive in showroom condition. Enclosed trailers hold fewer vehicles (usually two to four), so pickup and delivery can take longer — typically 7 to 14 business days — because the carrier waits to fill the trailer before departing.
How season and timing affect price
Shipping costs fluctuate throughout the year. Summer (June through August) and spring (April and May) are peak moving season, when prices are at their highest because many people are relocating. Fall and winter see lower demand, which means lower prices — but winter shipping can be slower because of weather delays and road closures. If you have flexibility on when to ship, moving in late fall or early winter can save you 15 to 30 percent compared to summer rates.
How fast you need the car also changes the price. Standard shipping, where the carrier picks up your vehicle within a week and delivers it within two to three weeks, is the baseline price you'll see in most quotes. Expedited or priority shipping, where pickup happens within 24 to 48 hours and delivery within 5 to 7 days, costs extra. may provide delivery dates (where the carrier promises a specific day) cost even more because the carrier has to plan around your schedule rather than filling the trailer when convenient.
What's usually included and what costs extra
Most quotes include the basic transport from pickup location to delivery location. Door-to-door service — where the carrier picks up at your home or office and delivers to your destination — is standard and included in the price. The quote should also cover basic insurance during transit, though you should confirm this with the carrier.
Costs that often get added after the initial quote include fuel surcharges (which fluctuate with gas prices), fees for pickup or delivery in remote areas, and charges for vehicles that don't run under their own power. If you need the car picked up from a location that's hard to access — a rural property, a storage unit, or a place without straightforward trailer access — expect an extra fee. Some carriers charge more to deliver to a residential address versus a commercial one, because residential deliveries take longer.
Storage fees explore if you need the carrier to hold your vehicle before pickup or after delivery. This is rare but happens when your move date doesn't line up with the carrier's schedule. Insurance beyond the basic coverage included in transport is optional and adds to the cost.
Red flags when comparing quotes
A quote that's significantly lower than others you've received warrants caution. Extremely low prices sometimes mean the carrier is overbooked and will delay your pickup, or they'll add unexpected fees once you've committed. Check the carrier's reviews on the Better Business Bureau website and on Google to see if other customers report hidden charges or long delays.
Be wary of quotes that don't specify whether transport is open or enclosed, or that don't include a pickup window (the dates when they'll collect your car). Vague quotes often become expensive once you try to book. Also avoid carriers that pressure you to pay a large deposit upfront — standard practice is to pay a deposit (usually 10 to 25 percent) to hold your booking, with the balance due when the car is delivered.
If a carrier asks for payment in full before pickup, or requests wire transfer or gift cards instead of credit card or check, that's a sign to look elsewhere. Legitimate carriers accept standard payment methods and don't demand full payment until the service is complete.
How to lock in a price
Once you've chosen a carrier and decided on your terms, you'll sign a bill of lading — a contract that spells out the pickup location, delivery location, vehicle details, price, and delivery timeframe. This document protects both you and the carrier. Read it carefully to confirm that the price matches your quote and that all the details about your vehicle are correct.
Most carriers allow you to lock in a quote for 7 to 14 days before you have to book. After that window closes, prices may change based on fuel costs or demand. If you're certain about your move date and location, booking sooner rather than later can protect you from price increases. If you're still deciding, ask the carrier how long they'll hold the quote at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?
Cross-country shipping on an open trailer typically ranges from $800 to $1,500, depending on the specific route, vehicle size, and season. Enclosed transport for the same distance costs roughly $1,500 to $2,500. These are general ranges; your actual quote depends on current fuel prices, carrier demand, and your vehicle's specifications.
Is it cheaper to drive the car myself or pay to ship it?
For distances over 1,000 miles, shipping usually costs less than driving yourself when you factor in gas, meals, lodging, and wear on the vehicle. For shorter distances, driving may be cheaper. Calculate your driving costs (fuel at current prices, plus a rough estimate of meals and hotels) and compare that to shipping quotes to decide which makes sense for your situation.
Can I negotiate the shipping price?
Prices are fairly standardized among carriers because they're based on fuel costs, distance, and vehicle weight. However, you can sometimes negotiate if you're flexible on pickup dates or willing to use terminal-to-terminal service instead of door-to-door. Getting multiple quotes and asking carriers if they can match a competitor's price occasionally works, especially during slower seasons.
What happens if my car gets damaged during shipping?
The carrier's insurance covers damage that occurs during transport. Before signing the bill of lading, take photos of your vehicle from multiple angles and note any existing damage. When the car arrives, inspect it when ready and document any new damage with photos. Report damage to the carrier within a set timeframe (usually 7 to 10 days) to file a claim.
Do I need to empty my car before shipping?
Most carriers require you to remove personal items from the vehicle before pickup. They typically allow a quarter tank of gas or less, and some allow a spare tire in the trunk. Check your carrier's specific rules, as policies vary. Removing personal items protects your belongings and keeps the vehicle lighter, which can slightly lower the cost.