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Car Shipping Cost Calculator
Get an instant estimate for your auto transport — select vehicle, adjust size, pick a route. Real-time pricing, no forms.
Door-to-door pickup & delivery
$0 deductible insurance included
Price match guarantee on every quote
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Instant Car Shipping Cost Calculator
Select your vehicle, adjust size, pick a route — see your estimate instantly
1. Choose Your Vehicle
2. Adjust Size & Weight
3. Pick Your Route
→
Your Estimated Price
$897
Open carrier · Door-to-door · $0 deductible insurance · Price match guarantee
1,500 miles
7-10 days
$0.83/mile
No credit card · No obligation · Takes 30 seconds
⭐ 4.7/5 Rating
✓ BBB A+
✓ $0 Deductible Insurance
✓ USDOT #3775668
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Shipping costs typically range from $500 to $2,500 depending on distance, vehicle type, and transport method. The national average is approximately $1,150 for open carrier transport. The per-mile rate decreases as distance increases — shorter trips cost more per mile, while cross-country shipments are more economical.
Average Cost by Carrier Type & Distance
| Route Distance | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $630 | $930 |
| 500 – 2,500 miles | $1,135 | $1,550 |
| Over 2,500 miles | $1,350 | $1,830 |
Average Cost by Vehicle Type & Distance
| Vehicle Type | Under 500 mi | 500 – 2,500 mi | Over 2,500 mi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $425 | $725 | $925 |
| Compact SUV | $455 | $775 | $1,025 |
| SUV | $505 | $825 | $1,075 |
| Truck / Pickup | $575 | $925 | $1,275 |
| Luxury / Exotic | $750 | $1,200 | $1,650 |
| Motorcycle | $300 | $500 | $700 |
Open carriers cost less but expose vehicles to the elements. Enclosed carriers provide full protection and are recommended for luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles.
Popular Car Shipping Routes & Estimated Costs
Prices vary by route due to distance, carrier availability, and demand. Here are estimated costs for the most popular auto transport corridors in the US:
| Route | Distance | Open Carrier | Enclosed | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California → Texas | 1,400 mi | $850 | $1,250 | 5–7 days |
| Florida → New York | 1,280 mi | $800 | $1,180 | 4–7 days |
| California → New York | 2,800 mi | $1,350 | $1,850 | 8–12 days |
| Texas → Florida | 1,100 mi | $750 | $1,100 | 4–6 days |
| California → Florida | 2,750 mi | $1,300 | $1,800 | 8–12 days |
| New York → Florida | 1,280 mi | $800 | $1,180 | 4–7 days |
| Illinois → California | 2,000 mi | $1,050 | $1,500 | 7–10 days |
| Georgia → California | 2,200 mi | $1,100 | $1,550 | 7–10 days |
| Arizona → Texas | 870 mi | $650 | $950 | 3–5 days |
| Washington → California | 960 mi | $700 | $1,050 | 3–5 days |
| Ohio → Florida | 1,000 mi | $720 | $1,050 | 4–6 days |
| Michigan → Florida | 1,300 mi | $810 | $1,200 | 5–7 days |
Prices shown are estimates for standard sedans on open carriers. Larger vehicles and enclosed transport cost more. Get an exact quote using the calculator above.
Factors That Affect Your Shipping Cost
Understanding these variables helps you budget accurately and find the best rate for your shipment.
Distance
The farther your vehicle needs to travel, the higher the total cost — though the per-mile rate decreases on longer routes.
Time Sensitivity
Need your car delivered fast? Expedited shipping is available at a premium for urgent relocations and tight deadlines.
Vehicle Size & Weight
Larger and heavier vehicles occupy more carrier space. Trucks and SUVs cost more to ship than sedans and compacts.
Transport Method
Open carriers are the most affordable option. Enclosed transport costs 40–60% more but offers full protection.
Pickup & Delivery Location
Major metro areas have lower costs due to more carrier availability. Rural locations may incur additional fees.
Fuel Prices
Current fuel costs directly impact carrier operating expenses, which are reflected in your shipping quote.
Insurance Coverage
Basic coverage is included with every shipment. Additional coverage for high-value vehicles is available at a modest extra cost.
Seasonality
Peak seasons (summer, January) drive rates up due to high demand. Off-season shipping saves 10–20% on average.
How Season Affects Your Shipping Cost
Winter (Dec – Feb)
Rates increase due to hazardous road conditions and reduced carrier availability. Snow and ice slow transit times, particularly for northern routes.
Spring (Mar – May)
Moderate demand with competitive rates. An ideal window for budget-conscious shippers before summer demand pushes prices higher.
Summer (Jun – Aug)
Peak season with the highest rates. Family relocations, vacations, and college moves create maximum demand and limited carrier availability.
Fall (Sep – Nov)
Rates stabilize as summer demand fades. Late fall offers some of the best pricing before winter weather impacts northern routes.
How to Get a Car Shipping Quote
Getting an accurate auto transport quote takes less than 60 seconds with our free calculator:
1
Enter your vehicle details — make, model, year, and condition. This helps determine the right carrier and pricing for your specific vehicle.
2
Input pickup and delivery locations — provide ZIP codes or cities for both origin and destination, whether you're shipping across town or across the country.
3
Choose your transport method — open or enclosed carrier. Review your instant quote and book online or call (469) 942-5444 for personalized assistance.
How Is the Cost Calculated?
Our pricing engine factors in multiple data points to generate your quote:
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Total Distance: Mileage between pickup and delivery is the primary cost driver. Longer routes have lower per-mile rates.
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Vehicle Specs: Size, weight, and dimensions determine how much carrier space your vehicle requires.
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Carrier Type: Open transport is the most affordable. Enclosed transport provides full protection at a higher rate.
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Market Demand: Real-time carrier availability and seasonal trends affect pricing. Booking early often secures better rates.
How to Save Money on Car Shipping
Compare Multiple Quotes
Get estimates from several companies to find the best rate. Bold provides instant, transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Choose Open Transport
Open carriers are 40–60% cheaper than enclosed. For standard vehicles, open transport is the most cost-effective choice.
Book in Advance
Reserving your shipment 2–4 weeks ahead typically yields better rates than last-minute bookings, especially during peak season.
Be Flexible with Dates
Allowing a 3–5 day pickup window gives carriers more scheduling flexibility, which often translates to lower prices.
Ship Off-Season
Avoid summer (Jun–Aug) and January if possible. Spring and fall offer the best combination of pricing and carrier availability.
Consider Terminal Shipping
Dropping off and picking up at a carrier terminal instead of door-to-door service can reduce your total cost by $50–$150.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Clean your vehicle — A clean exterior makes the pre-transport inspection easier and helps document existing condition.
Remove personal belongings — Clear the interior and trunk. Carriers are not liable for personal items during transport.
Check fluids and tires — Top off fluids and ensure tires are properly inflated for safe loading and unloading.
Document existing damage — Take dated photos from multiple angles. This creates a clear record for both parties.
Disable alarms and remove accessories — Turn off alarms that could trigger during transport. Remove bike racks, spoilers, and loose accessories.
Leave only 1/4 tank of gas — Reduces weight and shipping cost while keeping enough fuel to drive off the carrier.
After Your Car Is Delivered
Before signing off on delivery, perform a thorough inspection:
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Examine the exterior for new dents, scratches, or paint damage
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Check windshield, mirrors, door handles, and glass condition
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Inspect tires and undercarriage for any transport-related issues
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Test all doors, windows, and locks for proper operation
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Start the engine and do a brief test drive before signing
Compare the current condition against your pre-shipping photos. If you find new damage, note it on the Bill of Lading before the driver leaves and contact us immediately to file a claim.
Car Shipping Costs by State
Shipping costs vary by state based on distance from major carrier hubs, route popularity, and local demand. States with higher populations and more interstate traffic tend to have lower per-mile rates because carriers can fill trucks more easily.
Here are estimated costs for shipping a standard sedan to or from the most popular origin and destination states:
| State | Avg. Cost (Open) | Common Routes | Avg. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $850 – $1,350 | CA→FL, CA→TX, CA→NY | 5–12 days |
| Florida | $700 – $1,300 | FL→NY, FL→TX, FL→CA | 4–12 days |
| Texas | $650 – $1,200 | TX→CA, TX→FL, TX→NY | 4–10 days |
| New York | $750 – $1,350 | NY→FL, NY→CA, NY→TX | 4–12 days |
| Illinois | $700 – $1,100 | IL→FL, IL→CA, IL→AZ | 5–10 days |
| Georgia | $650 – $1,150 | GA→CA, GA→TX, GA→NY | 5–10 days |
| Arizona | $700 – $1,200 | AZ→TX, AZ→WA, AZ→IL | 4–9 days |
| Washington | $750 – $1,300 | WA→CA, WA→AZ, WA→TX | 4–10 days |
| North Carolina | $650 – $1,100 | NC→FL, NC→CA, NC→TX | 4–9 days |
| Ohio | $700 – $1,100 | OH→FL, OH→CA, OH→TX | 5–10 days |
| Michigan | $700 – $1,150 | MI→FL, MI→CA, MI→AZ | 5–10 days |
| Pennsylvania | $700 – $1,200 | PA→FL, PA→CA, PA→TX | 4–10 days |
Prices shown are for standard sedans on open carriers. Actual costs depend on your specific origin and destination within each state, vehicle size, and current market conditions. Get your exact quote above.
Driving vs. Shipping: Which Costs Less?
Most people assume driving is cheaper. When you add up the real costs, the math tells a different story. Here is a realistic comparison for a 1,200-mile trip (roughly New York to Florida):
| Expense | Driving | Shipping |
|---|---|---|
| Gas (1,200 mi at 28 MPG, $3.30/gal) | $141 | $0 |
| Hotels (1 night) | $120 – $180 | $0 |
| Meals on the road | $40 – $70 | $0 |
| Tolls (I-95 corridor) | $30 – $50 | $0 |
| Vehicle wear (IRS rate $0.70/mi) | $840 | $0 |
| Shipping cost | $0 | $800 – $1,100 |
| Total | $1,171 – $1,281 | $800 – $1,100 |
| Time spent | ~18 hours driving | 0 hours |
The IRS mileage rate ($0.70/mile in 2026) accounts for gas, depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. It is the real cost of operating your vehicle. When you include it, shipping is often cheaper than driving for any trip over 800 miles.
Even if you ignore wear-and-tear, driving a 1,200-mile route costs $331-$441 in direct expenses (gas, hotel, food, tolls) plus an entire day behind the wheel. Shipping costs $800-$1,100 but saves you 18+ hours and 1,200 miles of wear on your car.
The breakeven point: For trips under 500 miles, driving is usually cheaper. For trips over 800 miles, shipping becomes competitive. For trips over 1,500 miles, shipping almost always wins when you count the full cost of driving.
Car Shipping Cost Per Mile
The per-mile rate is the most useful way to compare shipping costs across different distances. Shorter trips cost more per mile because fixed costs (loading, unloading, insurance, driver time) are spread across fewer miles.
| Distance Range | Per-Mile Rate | Example Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 200 miles | $2.00 – $3.00/mi | $400 – $600 | High fixed costs per mile |
| 200 – 500 miles | $1.00 – $1.50/mi | $400 – $750 | Fixed costs start spreading |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $0.75 – $1.00/mi | $375 – $1,000 | Sweet spot for value |
| 1,000 – 2,000 miles | $0.55 – $0.80/mi | $550 – $1,600 | Economies of scale |
| Over 2,000 miles | $0.45 – $0.65/mi | $900 – $1,950 | Most cost-efficient per mile |
This is why a 200-mile shipment might cost $500 ($2.50/mi) while a 2,500-mile shipment costs $1,350 ($0.54/mi). The total price goes up with distance, but the value per mile gets dramatically better.
If you are comparing quotes from different companies, convert them to per-mile rates to make an apples-to-apples comparison. A quote of $1,100 for 1,400 miles ($0.79/mi) is a better deal than a quote of $900 for 1,000 miles ($0.90/mi).
Trusted by Thousands of Vehicle Owners
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about car shipping costs, timelines, and how our calculator works.
What is the safest way to ship a car?
Enclosed transportation is the safest option — vehicles are fully protected from weather, road debris, and environmental exposure during transit. It's recommended for luxury, classic, and high-value vehicles. Use the calculator above to get an instant quote for enclosed transport.
What information do I need to use the online car shipping calculator?
You'll need your origin and destination addresses (ZIP codes work best), along with your vehicle's make, model, year, and condition. You'll also select your preferred carrier type — open or enclosed.
What is the best way to ship a vehicle?
It depends on your priorities: open carriers are more budget-friendly and suitable for most vehicles, while enclosed carriers provide full protection from the elements. Get a quote for both options to compare pricing.
How can I save money on shipping a car?
Book during off-season periods (early spring or late fall), choose open transport, be flexible with pickup dates, and book 2–4 weeks in advance. These strategies can save you 10–20% compared to peak-season pricing.
How much does it cost to ship a car 2000 miles?
Shipping a car 2,000 miles typically costs between $1,050 and $1,800 depending on vehicle size, carrier type, and seasonal demand. Use the calculator above for an estimate tailored to your specific route.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car shipping generally costs between $500 and $2,500 depending on distance, vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand. The national average is approximately $1,150 for open carrier transport.
What is the average shipping cost for a car?
The average cost varies by distance: approximately $2.92 per mile for trips under 200 miles, $0.93 per mile for 200–500 miles, and $0.58–$0.78 per mile for shipments over 1,000 miles. National average is around $1,150.
How is my car transport cost calculated?
Your quote is based on total distance, vehicle size and weight, carrier type (open vs. enclosed), current market demand, and seasonal factors. Our pricing engine analyzes these variables in real time.
Does time of year affect car shipping costs?
Yes — seasonal demand significantly impacts pricing. Summer (June–August) and January are peak months with the highest rates. Early spring and late fall typically offer the best pricing.
Is there a payment or deposit for the instant quote calculator?
No. Our calculator provides free, instant estimates with zero obligation. No payment, deposit, or credit card is required to get your quote.
Is it worth shipping a car?
For moves over 500 miles, shipping is almost always worth it. You save on fuel, hotels, food, wear-and-tear on your vehicle, and multiple days of driving. It's especially valuable for luxury, classic, or high-mileage vehicles.
How much do car transport companies charge?
Transport companies price based on distance, vehicle size, carrier type, operating condition, and seasonal demand. Additional services like enclosed transport, expedited shipping, or non-running vehicle transport may incur extra charges.
How do I estimate car moving costs?
Use Bold Auto Transport's free calculator at the top of this page. Enter your pickup and delivery ZIP codes, vehicle details, and preferred carrier type to receive an instant estimate — no phone call or email required.
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