Shipping a car can be tedious and expensive, but with the right company it is often cheaper than driving yourself. Knowing what drives the price helps you budget and helps you spot a bad quote.
The short answer
The average cost to ship a vehicle is around $1,290. Rates range from roughly 40 cents to $2.00 per mile depending on distance, vehicle, carrier type, and season, and most people pay between $1,000 and $2,000 with a reputable company. Flexible pickup and delivery dates get you a better number.
Shipping vs. driving
Driving looks free until you add it up: fuel, meals, hotels, time off work, and wear on the car. For anything beyond a day's drive, shipping is frequently the cheaper option and always the easier one. Domestic shipments take up to 14 days door to door; international can run 60.
What affects the price
Distance
Longer trips cost more in total but less per mile. Short hauls carry the highest per-mile rates. When estimating mileage, skip Google Maps and use a trucking route tool like TruckMiles, which accounts for low bridges and truck restrictions.
Route and geography
Busy corridors between major metros are cheaper than rural routes because more trucks run them. Remote pickup or delivery points add time, and time is money.
Size and weight
Larger and heavier vehicles take up more of the trailer and burn more fuel. Trucks, vans, and lifted or oversized vehicles cost more than sedans. Inoperable vehicles cost considerably more because they need a winch or forklift to load.
Open or enclosed
Open transport is the economical default. Enclosed protects against weather and debris and costs 70 to 80 percent more. See open vs. enclosed.
Fuel prices
Diesel is a major input. A spike can add $100 to $300 to a cross-country shipment.
Season
Summer is peak: students moving, families relocating. Snowbird routes spike in fall and spring. Winter weather can slow routes and raise costs. February is usually the quietest month and the best time to find a deal.
Terrain
Mountain passes, narrow roads, and steep grades raise risk and cost, especially for larger vehicles.
How to pay less
- Ship in the off-season. Carriers are hungrier and rates fall.
- Be flexible on dates. A wide pickup window is worth real money.
- Ask about discounts. Military, first responders, students, seniors, and return customers often qualify.
- Ship multiple cars together. Most brokers discount the second vehicle.
- Get multiple quotes. Quote the same vehicle, dates, and addresses each time and compare.
Checklist for choosing a company
- Licensing. Verify the MC and USDOT numbers with the FMCSA.
- Insurance. Ask for coverage limits and what the carrier's policy excludes.
- Track record. Read reviews on Google, the BBB, and TransportReviews.
- Experience. Longer operating history means deeper carrier relationships.
- Customer service. Call before you book and see how they treat a question.
- Cost transparency. Get an itemized quote and ask what could change it.
- Delivery estimates. A reputable company gives a realistic window, never a guarantee.
- Communication. Ask how you will get updates once the car is on the truck.
- Contract terms. Read the cancellation, refund, and damage clauses.
- Payment. Be wary of anyone demanding a large payment before a carrier is assigned.
- Inspection. Understand how the pickup inspection and bill of lading work.
Conclusion
There are many factors in the price of shipping a car. The best way to get a real number is to talk to an auto transport company and get a quote for your specific move.