Car hauling cost guide
Complete breakdown of car shipping costs in 2025. Learn what affects pricing, typical rates, and how to get the best deal on auto transport.
Understanding car shipping costs in 2025
Car shipping costs vary widely based on distance, transport type, vehicle size, and timing. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Most customers pay between $500 and $1,500 for standard sedan transport, with cross-country shipments typically costing $1,000-$1,800 and shorter regional routes running $400-$800.
The car shipping industry uses dynamic pricing similar to airlines and hotels. Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand, fuel costs, seasonal patterns, and route popularity. This means the same route might cost $900 in April but $1,200 in July when demand peaks. Smart timing and understanding these patterns can save you hundreds of dollars.
Primary factors affecting car shipping cost
- Distance: The most significant factor, typically calculated at $0.60-$1.00 per mile, with longer distances having lower per-mile rates
- Transport type: Open transport (standard) costs 50-80% less than enclosed transport (premium protection)
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks) cost 20-40% more than sedans due to weight and space requirements
- Season: Summer months (June-August) see 15-25% higher prices due to peak moving season demand
- Route popularity: Major routes (California to Texas, Florida to New York) have more competition and better pricing
- Pickup/delivery flexibility: Flexible schedules save 10-15% compared to guaranteed date shipping
- Vehicle condition: Non-running vehicles cost 10-25% more due to special equipment needs
Typical pricing by distance
Short distances (0-500 miles) typically run $0.75-$1.00 per mile or $400-$700 total. Medium distances (500-1,500 miles) average $0.60-$0.80 per mile or $700-$1,200 total. Long distances (1,500+ miles) drop to $0.50-$0.70 per mile or $1,000-$1,800 for cross-country transport. The per-mile rate decreases with distance because carriers spread fixed costs across more miles.
Open vs. enclosed transport pricing
Open transport is the industry standard, used for 90% of shipments, and offers excellent protection at the lowest cost. Enclosed transport provides premium protection from weather and road debris but costs significantly more. For a 1,000-mile shipment, expect $700-$900 for open transport versus $1,200-$1,500 for enclosed. Most standard vehicles don't require enclosed transport unless they're high-value classics, luxury cars, or exotic vehicles.
Seasonal pricing patterns
Summer (June-August) represents peak season with highest demand and prices up 15-25% above baseline. Spring and fall shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) offer moderate pricing and good availability. Winter (December-February) sees mixed patterns—holidays spike prices while mid-winter often has the year's best rates. Snowbird migration (September-November and March-April) affects specific routes like Northeast to Florida.
How to get the best price
- Book 2-4 weeks in advance for best carrier selection and pricing
- Choose flexible pickup/delivery windows rather than guaranteed dates
- Ship during off-peak months (January-March, October-November)
- Avoid summer moving season and major holidays when demand peaks
- Compare open vs. enclosed based on actual need, not assumptions
- Select terminal-to-terminal if door-to-door access is difficult
- Book online to save 10-15% compared to phone-only brokers
- Clean out the vehicle completely—carriers charge for personal items
Key takeaways
- Most customers pay $500-$1,500 for standard sedan transport depending on distance
- Distance is the primary factor: expect $0.50-$1.00 per mile with lower rates for longer distances
- Open transport costs 50-80% less than enclosed and provides excellent protection for most vehicles
- Summer months (June-August) see prices 15-25% higher than off-peak seasons
- Booking 2-4 weeks in advance with flexible dates saves 10-20% on average
Frequently asked questions about car shipping costs
Get answers to the most common questions about car shipping costs.
Related guides
Explore more helpful resources about car shipping.
How to Ship a Car
Complete step-by-step guide to shipping your vehicle from start to finish.
Car Shipping Insurance
Understanding coverage, claims, and protecting your vehicle during transport.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Compare transport types and choose the right option for your vehicle.
Car Shipping Timeline
How long does shipping take? Complete timeline from booking to delivery.
Get your instant quote
See exactly what you'll pay. Most customers save 15-20% by booking online.
Pricing quick facts
Trusted by car owners nationwide
Larry Swenson
George Chiperi did a great job coordinating transport of my 2023 Corvette. White glove service to my door. Thanks George
Robert Goss
Great experience! First time I've ever bought a vehicle from across the country. A bit nerve wracking but turned out good!
Rayan Iesinger
Great, prompt service and at very fair price.
Ivan Dasic
Fast and reliable! Very satisfied i been using them to ship my cars in past this time they delivered my snowmobile with no issues at all! Would recommend to anyone!
Ready for a quote you can trust?
No credit card, no hidden charges