Car shipping costs between $600 and $5,000 depending on distance, vehicle size, and how quickly you need it moved
The price you pay depends mostly on how far the car travels, what kind of vehicle it is, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. A cross-country move from California to New York typically costs $1,200 to $2,500 for a standard sedan on an open trailer. A luxury or oversized vehicle, or one that needs enclosed transport to protect it from weather, costs more. Shipping the same car 500 miles might run $400 to $800.
The shipping company quotes you based on the pickup location, delivery location, vehicle weight and dimensions, and your preferred timeline. Faster delivery — getting the car within 3 to 5 days instead of 7 to 14 — adds $200 to $500 to the bill. Most companies require a deposit upfront, usually 25 to 50 percent of the total, with the remainder due when the driver delivers the car.
Key Takeaways
- Distance is the largest cost factor; every 100 miles adds roughly $100 to $200 to the shipping price for a standard car.
- Open trailers (where your car sits exposed) cost less than enclosed trailers, which protect against weather and road debris.
- Oversized vehicles like trucks and SUVs cost 10 to 30 percent more than sedans because they take up more trailer space.
- You can get quotes from multiple carriers by providing your pickup zip code, delivery zip code, and vehicle details, and comparing their prices directly.
How distance affects the price
Shipping companies calculate cost per mile, but the rate drops as distance increases. A 300-mile shipment might cost $0.80 to $1.20 per mile, while a 2,000-mile shipment might cost $0.50 to $0.80 per mile. The company spreads its overhead — fuel, driver time, trailer wear — across a longer route, so longer trips become cheaper on a per-mile basis.
Regional routes also matter. Shipping within the same region or between major hubs (like Los Angeles to Las Vegas, or Chicago to Detroit) is cheaper than shipping to rural areas. A car going to a small town in Montana costs more than one going to Denver, even if the mileage is similar, because the driver may have fewer return loads available.
Open versus enclosed transport
Open transport means your car rides on an open trailer alongside other vehicles. It is the standard option and the cheapest — typically 30 to 50 percent less than enclosed. Your car is exposed to weather, road salt, and dust during transit. Most people use open transport for daily drivers and vehicles they are not concerned about minor cosmetic wear on.
Enclosed transport means your car goes inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather and debris. This costs $300 to $1,000 more than open transport, depending on distance. People choose enclosed transport for classic cars, luxury vehicles, or new cars they want to arrive in showroom condition. Some enclosed carriers also offer climate control, which adds another $200 to $400.
Vehicle size and type
A standard sedan or compact car is the baseline price. Larger vehicles cost more because they take up more space on the trailer. A full-size SUV or truck typically costs 15 to 30 percent more than a sedan. A motorcycle costs significantly less — sometimes half the price of a car — because it takes minimal trailer space.
Non-running vehicles (cars that do not start or drive) cost 10 to 20 percent more because the driver needs special equipment to load and unload them. Oversized vehicles like RVs or vehicles wider than 8 feet may not fit on standard trailers and require specialized carriers, which cost substantially more.
How to get and compare quotes
Contact three to five shipping companies and provide the same information to each: your pickup zip code, delivery zip code, vehicle make and model, and preferred delivery window. Most companies offer free quotes online or by phone within minutes. Write down the total price, what is included (insurance, fuel surcharge, tolls), what is not included, and the estimated delivery date range.
Compare not just price but also what each quote covers. Some companies include basic insurance in the quote; others charge extra. Some quote a may provide delivery date; others quote a range. Ask whether the price is fixed or whether fuel surcharges or tolls could be added at delivery. The lowest price is not always the best deal if it excludes insurance or has a vague delivery timeline.
What happens on pickup and delivery
The driver arrives at your pickup location on the scheduled date (or within the quoted window) and inspects your car for existing damage. You should do the same inspection and photograph any dents, scratches, or other damage before the car goes on the trailer. The driver takes photos too. This record protects you if damage occurs during transit.
You do not need to be present at delivery, but someone should be there to inspect the car again and sign off on its condition. If new damage has occurred, document it with photos and report it to the shipping company within 24 to 48 hours. Most carriers have damage claims processes, though they typically cover only major damage, not minor cosmetic wear.
Additional costs and fees to watch for
Some shipping companies add a fuel surcharge if gas prices spike during your shipment window. Others charge extra for tolls on interstate highways. A few charge a fee if you need to reschedule pickup or delivery. Ask upfront whether the quote includes these or whether they are added later.
If your car needs to be stored at the carrier's facility before pickup or after delivery, that usually costs $25 to $50 per day. If you need the car picked up or delivered on a weekend or holiday, expect a surcharge of $100 to $300. These are optional add-ons, but knowing they exist helps you budget accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pack belongings inside the car during shipping?
Most carriers allow a small amount of personal items inside the car, but check with your specific company first. Do not pack the trunk full — the car needs to be light enough to load safely, and excess weight increases the shipping cost. Never pack anything valuable or irreplaceable; shipping companies typically do not insure personal items inside vehicles.
What if I need the car shipped faster than the standard timeline?
Expedited shipping (3 to 5 days instead of 7 to 14) costs $200 to $500 extra. Some carriers offer may provide pickup within 48 hours for an additional fee. The faster you need it, the more you pay, because the company has to prioritize your shipment over others.
Do I need to do anything to prepare my car for shipping?
Remove personal items, check that the battery works (so the car can be driven onto the trailer), and make sure the fuel tank is less than a quarter full. Do not leave the car running or unlocked. If the car does not run, tell the carrier in advance so they bring the right equipment.
Is car shipping insurance included in the quote?
Most carriers include basic liability insurance, which covers damage caused by the carrier's negligence. This coverage is usually limited — often $0.30 to $0.50 per pound of vehicle weight. For a $20,000 car, that might mean only $3,000 to $5,000 in coverage. Ask whether your auto insurance or homeowner's policy covers shipping, or whether you need to purchase additional coverage from the carrier.
What if the shipping company does not deliver on the promised date?
Most quotes give a date range, not a specific date, so delays within that range are not considered a breach. If delivery is more than a week late, contact the company to ask about compensation or a refund of part of the fee. Some carriers offer a small discount if they miss their promised window, but this is not may provide — check the contract before you book.