Price to ship a car

Base pricing by distance

• 0-200 miles: $1.00-$1.50 per mile or $200-$450 total — short distances have highest per-mile rates due to fixed carrier costs
• 200-500 miles: $0.75-$1.00 per mile or $450-$700 total — regional transport with moderate per-mile rates
• 500-1,000 miles: $0.60-$0.80 per mile or $600-$1,000 total — mid-range distances see better economies of scale
• 1,000-1,500 miles: $0.55-$0.70 per mile or $800-$1,200 total — long-distance rates continue declining per mile
• 1,500-2,500 miles: $0.50-$0.65 per mile or $1,000-$1,600 total — cross-country rates offer best per-mile value
• 2,500+ miles: $0.45-$0.60 per mile or $1,200-$1,800 total — coast-to-coast shipments spread fixed costs over maximum distance

Real-world pricing examples

• Los Angeles to Phoenix (370 miles): $450-$700 open transport, $700-$1,000 enclosed — popular route with excellent carrier availability
• New York to Florida (1,100 miles): $800-$1,200 open transport, $1,300-$1,800 enclosed — high-volume snowbird route
• Chicago to Denver (1,000 miles): $750-$1,100 open transport, $1,200-$1,600 enclosed — moderate demand Midwest-to-Mountain route
• California to Texas (1,400 miles): $850-$1,250 open transport, $1,400-$1,900 enclosed — extremely popular relocation corridor
• Seattle to Miami (3,300 miles): $1,400-$2,000 open transport, $2,200-$3,200 enclosed — full coast-to-coast transport
• Boston to Los Angeles (3,000 miles): $1,300-$1,800 open transport, $2,000-$2,800 enclosed — major transcontinental route

Vehicle size price adjustments

Vehicle size significantly impacts pricing because carriers charge based on weight and space consumed. Compact cars and sedans receive base pricing. Mid-size SUVs add 15-25% to the base rate. Large SUVs and pickup trucks increase costs 25-40%. Oversized vehicles (lifted trucks, large vans, vehicles over 8 feet tall) may cost 40-60% more and require special arrangements. For example, shipping a compact sedan 1,000 miles might cost $800, while a large lifted truck on the same route could run $1,100-$1,300.

Seasonal pricing variations

• Peak summer (June-August): Prices increase 15-25% due to peak moving season and vacation relocations — highest demand period
• Spring shoulder season (March-May): Moderate pricing with good availability — one of the best times to ship
• Fall shoulder season (September-November): Moderate pricing but snowbird migration affects certain routes (especially to Florida and Arizona)
• Holiday season (mid-November to December): Prices spike 20-30% around Thanksgiving and Christmas due to limited carrier availability
• Winter low season (January-February): Often the year's lowest rates, 10-20% below peak — best pricing but weather can affect some routes
• Snowbird patterns: Specific routes see seasonal spikes (Northeast to Florida in fall, reverse in spring)

Open vs. enclosed pricing difference

Open transport represents the industry standard and accounts for 90% of all shipments. Enclosed transport provides premium protection in a covered trailer and costs 50-80% more than open transport. On a 1,000-mile route, expect $750-$950 for open versus $1,200-$1,500 for enclosed. The premium increases on longer routes—a cross-country shipment might be $1,400 open but $2,200-$2,800 enclosed. Most standard vehicles don't require enclosed transport unless they're high-value (over $50,000), classics, exotics, or have significant sentimental value.

Additional fees and services

• Non-running vehicles: Add 10-25% due to winch equipment and extra labor required for loading and unloading
• Expedited service: Guaranteed 24-48 hour pickup costs an additional $200-$400 versus standard 1-5 day windows
• Top-loading premium: Requesting top deck placement (lower damage risk) may add $50-$150 on open carriers
• Seasonal surcharges: Some routes charge winter fuel surcharges or summer cooling fees, typically $50-$100
• Alaska and Hawaii: Special pricing applies — Alaska from Seattle runs $1,200-$2,000, Hawaii from West Coast $1,000-$1,500
• Remote area fees: Extremely rural locations may incur $50-$200 additional fees for carrier travel time

How to get the best price

• Book 2-4 weeks in advance when possible for best carrier selection and pricing
• Ship during off-peak months (January-March, October-early November) to save 15-25%
• Choose flexible pickup and delivery windows rather than guaranteed dates
• Compare quotes from multiple reputable carriers—prices can vary $100-$300 for the same route
• Select open transport unless your vehicle truly requires enclosed protection
• Avoid peak summer season and major holidays when demand drives prices up
• Book online directly with carriers or brokers to save 10-15% versus phone-only services
• Consider meeting the carrier at a more accessible location if you're in a difficult area

Red flags for pricing scams

• Quotes significantly lower than competitors (20%+ below market) are often bait-and-switch tactics
• Large upfront deposits required before pickup—reputable carriers collect payment at pickup
• Vague quotes without specific pricing breakdowns or written confirmation
• Pressure tactics claiming 'prices will increase tomorrow' or 'limited spots available'
• Additional 'inspection fees,' 'insurance fees,' or 'fuel surcharges' added at pickup
• Companies without verifiable USDOT and MC numbers or recent customer reviews
• Refusal to provide carrier information or direct contact details before pickup
• Contracts with unclear terms or hidden cancellation penalties