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Curious to know how much you’ll really have to pay for a car shipping service?
If you’re like most people, then car shipping probably sounds like a long, complicated, and expensive process. You see some random number on a website and wonder if that’s what you’ll actually have to pay. You know nothing about the factors and cost breakdown, and it leaves you overwhelmed.
The Problem
Car shipping costs range from $500-$3,000….or so you’ve heard. Where’s the freaking range, though?
You have no clue what it will cost you without the factors.
In this article, I’m going to cover everything that goes into pricing for car transportation services, so you can budget with confidence and avoid getting screwed.
We’ll cover:
- What Actually Drives Car Shipping Costs
- How Distance Changes Everything
- Open vs Enclosed Transport Pricing
- Timing Factors That Save (Or Cost) You Money
What Actually Drives Car Shipping Costs
Shipping your car is not a flat-rate service.
Here’s why:
Every car shipping job is different. The distance it’s going, the size of your car, the season, and dozens of other factors all play a role in how much your shipment will cost.
When you work with a trusted car shipping company, they’ll account for all those variables to give you an accurate price estimate. But it helps to know the factors yourself too, so you can make informed decisions.
The car shipping industry generated over $10 billion in revenue in 2024, even as the market declined 4% amid uncertain economic conditions. With over 7800 active businesses fighting over your car shipment, knowing what makes prices go up or down gives you negotiating leverage.
Let’s review the major cost factors…
Distance: The #1 Price Driver
Distance is the biggest cost factor in car shipping.
But here’s what most people don’t understand:
The further you ship, the cheaper it gets per mile.
Shipping a short distance of under 500 miles will cost you $1.50 to $2.00 per mile on average. But if you need to ship 2000+ miles cross-country, it only runs $0.50 to $1.00 per mile.
Why? Car carriers have fixed costs of fuel, driver wages, equipment, and so on. Those costs are amortized over the whole shipment, so each extra mile gets cheaper.
Quick examples to reference:
- 300 miles : $555 Average
- 1000 miles : $910 Average
- 2000 miles : $1180 Average
Vehicle Size and Weight Changes Everything
Car shipping is also impacted by your vehicle’s size.
Here’s how that works:
Carriers have a limited amount of space on their trailers. A giant SUV takes up way more space than a tiny sedan, so you’re going to pay more to ship the larger one.
The size and weight of your car impacts shipping costs as well. Cars over 5000lbs will cost 15-30% more to ship than standard sedans. Trucks, SUVs, and vans also run higher rates due to weight and space. Heavier cars cost more because it takes more fuel to haul them.
Expect to pay something like this by vehicle type:
- Sedans : Base Price
- SUVs/Crossovers : +$100-200
- Pickup trucks : +$150-250
- Luxury cars : +$200-500
Non-running vehicles that require winching to load/unload will often cost an additional $250-400.
Open vs Enclosed Transport: Protection Costs More
Open vs. Enclosed transport also impacts the price.
With open transport, your car rides on a trailer with other vehicles. It’s exposed to weather and road debris, but the risk of damage is low. Open transport is cheaper, saving you 10-25% vs. enclosed rates.
With enclosed transport, your car is protected in a covered trailer. It’s a more expensive but better option for classic, luxury, or exotic cars.
Statistically, 80% of vehicle hauling costs are determined by the miles traveled, whether it’s open or enclosed. The remaining 20% comes from other factors like the vehicle size, shipping method, and time of year.
Open transport is the choice for most people, because it’s cheaper and usually more than sufficient. Enclosed transport is a “nice-to-have” option that’s perfect for rare or valuable vehicles. Unless you’re shipping a collector car or super-expensive luxury sedan, open transport is all you need.
Timing: When You Ship Matters
Seasonal demand is a huge factor in car shipping prices.
During peak season (summer), prices skyrocket. Why? More people move in the summer months, students ship their cars home, and “snowbirds” migrate to warmer climates. All this extra demand = higher prices.
Winter shipping can be a little more difficult to find too. Routes that are normally busy see weather-related delays. Snowstorms cause carriers to avoid northern routes completely. Winter rates are lower since demand drops, but availability is limited.
Tips to reduce seasonal shipping costs:
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best rates
- Avoid shipping during peak season (June-August)
- Be flexible with pickup dates
- Winter shipping to warm states costs more
Get your car rushed in two days if you must, but rush rates are double what you’ll pay if you’re willing to wait.
Location: Urban vs Rural Makes a Difference
The “from” and “to” locations of a car shipment impact the cost.
Cities have more competition and carriers available, which tends to drive prices down. Remote areas are more difficult for carriers to reach, so they charge more.
Tips to save money with your location:
- Ship from a major city when possible
- Meet your carrier at a nearby terminal (not your home)
- Ship from/have delivered to a highway-accessible location
- Remote locations and rural areas add $100-300 to your quote
Door-to-door service is a nice convenience, but it’s more expensive than terminal-to-terminal. If you want to save money on your car shipping, consider meeting the carrier at a terminal hub.
Hidden Factors That Affect Your Quote
Hidden factors will usually bump up your costs:
Insurance coverage is usually 0.5% – 1% of your vehicle’s value. All carriers include basic insurance, but some high-value or exotic cars might need additional coverage.
Fuel prices directly impact shipping costs. Gas spikes = higher shipping rates.
Carrier availability varies. Popular routes and locations have more options and competitive pricing. Odd routes might have few carriers with higher prices.
Getting the Best Deal
Want to keep costs as low as possible for car shipping?
Here’s my tips:
Get quotes from multiple companies. Rates vary a lot, so shop around. Call at least 3 different carriers for quotes.
Be flexible on the timing. If you can ship your car in off-peak months or during periods of low demand, it can save you money.
Pick the right transport type. Unless you really need the added protection, open transport is a great value.
Book 2-4 weeks in advance. Shipping your car a month out will get you good prices and avoid surge surcharges.
Making Smart Decisions
Car shipping doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
The key is to understand what factors into the cost so you can make educated decisions. Distance is the largest factor, but vehicle size, shipping method, time of year, and location all have a significant impact.
The average car shipping price is $1,200, but most people can ship for less with some planning. The least expensive quote isn’t necessarily the best. Look for carriers with positive customer reviews, good reputations, and the proper licensing and insurance.
Wrapping It All Together
Car shipping costs depend on a combination of factors.
Distance is the baseline, but your vehicle type, transport method, shipping season, and “from” and “to” locations all play a part in the quote. Car shipping is a $10 billion industry, so they want your business!
Understanding those factors helps you:
- Budget accurately for your shipment
- Choose the right options for your needs
- Negotiate with carriers
- Avoid surprise fees and costs
Smart car shipping starts with knowing what you’re paying for. Arm yourself with that knowledge and use it to get high-quality service at a fair price.
Shop around with quotes from multiple carriers, compare your options, and ship with confidence.
