Car shipping costs depend mainly on distance, vehicle size, and how quickly you need it delivered

A typical cross-country car shipment costs between $800 and $2,500, but the actual price depends on where you're shipping from, where it's going, what kind of vehicle you're moving, and whether you're willing to wait for a shared truck or need expedited service. Open transport (your car sits on an open trailer with others) is cheaper than enclosed transport (your car goes in a covered trailer). A 500-mile move costs less per mile than a 2,000-mile move because the driver spreads fixed costs across shorter distance.

The best way to understand your specific cost is to get quotes from three to five carriers. Most will ask your pickup zip code, delivery zip code, vehicle year and make, and your preferred delivery window. They'll give you a price range within minutes. That range tells you what to expect when you call back to book.

Key Takeaways

  • Open transport (car on an open trailer) typically costs $800 to $1,500 for cross-country moves; enclosed transport costs $1,500 to $2,500 or more.
  • Price per mile drops as distance increases — a 300-mile move might cost $1.50 per mile, while a 2,000-mile move might cost $0.60 per mile.
  • Getting multiple quotes takes 15 minutes and shows you the real range for your specific route and vehicle.
  • Delivery time affects price: may provide delivery within a specific week costs more than "flexible" delivery where the carrier picks you up within a two-week window.

How distance and vehicle size change the price

Distance is the largest factor in shipping cost. A carrier moving your car 300 miles charges differently per mile than one moving it 2,000 miles because fuel, driver time, and wear are spread across the total distance. Short moves (under 500 miles) usually cost $600 to $1,200. Medium moves (500 to 1,500 miles) usually cost $1,000 to $1,800. Long moves (1,500 miles or more) usually cost $1,200 to $2,500.

Vehicle size and weight also matter. A compact sedan costs less to ship than a full-size SUV or truck because it takes up less trailer space and weighs less. A sedan might cost $100 to $300 less than an SUV on the same route. Oversized vehicles (lifted trucks, vehicles wider than standard) may cost extra because they take up more space or require special handling.

The condition of your car does not affect the shipping price. A car that runs is cheaper to ship than one that does not, because the carrier can drive it on and off the trailer rather than using a winch. A non-running car typically adds $150 to $300 to the quote.

Open transport versus enclosed transport

Open transport means your car rides on an open trailer alongside five to nine other vehicles. It is exposed to weather and road debris. This is the standard option and the cheapest — usually $800 to $1,500 for cross-country moves. Most people use open transport for daily drivers and vehicles they are not concerned about minor scratches or dust on.

Enclosed transport means your car goes inside a covered trailer, protected from weather and road debris. It costs $1,500 to $2,500 or more for cross-country moves because the carrier can fit fewer vehicles per load and the service is more specialized. People choose enclosed transport for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or cars they are selling and want to arrive in showroom condition.

The difference in price between the two is usually $500 to $1,000 on the same route. If you are moving a car worth under $10,000, open transport is usually the practical choice. If you are moving a car worth significantly more or one with sentimental value, enclosed transport is worth the extra cost.

How delivery timing affects what you pay

Carriers offer different delivery windows, and faster windows cost more. A flexible delivery window — where the carrier picks you up and drops off within a two-week range — is the cheapest option. You tell them "anytime between March 10 and March 24" and they fit you into their route when it makes sense for them.

A may provide delivery window — where you pay extra to may provide pickup and delivery within a specific week — costs $200 to $500 more. This is useful if you are buying a car on a specific date and need it by then, or if you are relocating for a job with a firm start date.

Expedited or may provide next-week service costs the most — usually $500 to $1,000 extra — because the carrier has to rearrange their schedule to prioritize your shipment. Use this only if you have a genuine time constraint. Most people save money by being flexible about when the car arrives.

What affects the quote you receive

When you request a quote, carriers ask for specific information to calculate price. The pickup location and delivery location are the main drivers — a route between major cities (Los Angeles to New York) has more carrier competition and lower prices than a route to a rural area. The time of year matters too: summer is peak moving season and prices are higher. Winter typically has lower prices because fewer people are moving.

Whether your car runs affects the quote. A running car costs less because the carrier can drive it onto the trailer. A non-running car requires a winch, which takes time and equipment. You will see a $150 to $300 difference in the quote.

Your flexibility on pickup and delivery dates also changes the price. If you say "I need it by next Friday," the quote will be higher than if you say "anytime in the next three weeks." Carriers reward flexibility because it lets them consolidate loads and run more efficiently.

Getting accurate quotes and comparing carriers

To get a real quote, you need to contact carriers directly or use a broker who works with multiple carriers. Brokers are free to use — they make money from the carrier, not from you — and they can show you options from several companies at once. Some brokers include uShip, Montway, and AutoTransport.com. You can also contact carriers directly: major national carriers include Penske, U-Pack, and regional carriers that specialize in your route.

When you request quotes, have this information ready: pickup zip code, delivery zip code, vehicle year and make, whether the car runs, and your preferred pickup and delivery dates (or date range). Most brokers and carriers will give you a quote range within minutes. The range tells you what to expect — a quote of "$1,200 to $1,500" means the final price will likely fall in that band, though it can shift if fuel prices change or your dates shift.

Compare at least three quotes before booking. Look at the price, the delivery window, and whether the carrier is licensed and insured. The cheapest quote is not always the best — a carrier offering a may provide delivery date for $100 more might be worth it if you have a firm important date. Read reviews on the Better Business Bureau or Google to see whether the carrier has a pattern of late deliveries or damage claims.

Hidden costs and what to watch for

Most quotes include the basic shipping cost, but some carriers add fees you should know about. A fuel surcharge is common when gas prices spike — this is usually built into the quote but can change if fuel prices move significantly between quote and pickup. An oversized vehicle fee applies if your car is wider or taller than standard — lifted trucks and some SUVs trigger this, usually $100 to $300 extra.

Some carriers charge extra for door-to-door delivery in areas where the truck cannot easily access your address. If you live on a rural road or in a gated community, ask whether there is a delivery fee. Most carriers will deliver to your driveway at no extra cost, but some require you to meet them at a nearby terminal.

Damage claims are separate from shipping cost. If your car arrives with damage, you file a claim with the carrier's insurance. Most carriers require you to document damage within a set window (usually 7 to 14 days) with photos. This is not a hidden cost — it is insurance protection — but it is worth understanding before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to drive the car myself or pay to ship it?

For moves under 500 miles, driving yourself is usually cheaper. For moves over 1,000 miles, shipping is usually cheaper when you factor in gas, meals, hotels, and wear on the car. For moves of 500 to 1,000 miles, calculate both: get a shipping quote and compare it to your estimated driving cost (gas at current prices, one night hotel if needed, meals). The answer depends on your specific route and vehicle.

Can I pack items inside the car during shipping?

Most carriers allow personal items inside the car, but check your contract. The carrier is not responsible for items inside the vehicle — only the car itself is covered by insurance. Pack light and keep valuable items out. Some carriers have weight limits for items inside the car because it affects fuel economy.

What if the carrier damages my car during shipping?

Document the condition of your car before pickup with photos of the exterior and interior. When the car arrives, inspect it when ready and photograph any new damage. Report damage to the carrier within the window specified in your contract (usually 7 to 14 days). The carrier's insurance covers damage during transport. File a claim with photos and a repair estimate. Most claims are resolved within 30 to 60 days.

Do I need to do anything to prepare my car for shipping?

Remove personal items, may support the car is clean (so damage is visible), check that the battery has charge, and make sure the fuel tank is no more than one-quarter full (for safety during transport). If the car does not run, let the carrier know in advance. You do not need to wash it, but a clean car makes it easier to spot damage when it arrives.

What is the difference between a broker and a carrier?

A carrier owns trucks and moves cars. A broker connects you with carriers and handles the paperwork. Brokers are free to use — they earn a commission from the carrier. Using a broker is convenient because you get quotes from multiple carriers at once. Calling carriers directly takes more time but gives you the same final price.