How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Quick answer: Car shipping costs between $500 and $2,500 in 2026. The national average is $1,150 for open carrier transport. Short-distance moves under 500 miles cost $630 on average. Cross-country shipments over 2,500 miles cost $1,350 on average. Enclosed transport adds 30-40% to those numbers.
The real answer depends on where you're shipping, what you're shipping, and when. This guide breaks down every cost factor with real pricing data so you know exactly what to expect before you call a single company.
We move thousands of vehicles every year at Bold Auto Transport. The numbers below come from actual shipment data, not estimates pulled from thin air.
In This Guide:
Average Car Shipping Costs in 2026
Distance is the single biggest factor in car shipping cost. But it works differently than most people expect: the total price goes up as distance increases, while the per-mile rate goes down. That's because fixed costs like loading, unloading, insurance, and driver time get spread across more miles on longer hauls.
Here's what car shipping costs right now by distance, for both open transport and enclosed transport:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed | Per Mile (Open) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $630 | $930 | ~$1.26/mi |
| 500–1,000 miles | $850 | $1,200 | ~$0.85/mi |
| 1,000–2,500 miles | $1,135 | $1,550 | ~$0.76/mi |
| Over 2,500 miles | $1,350 | $1,830 | ~$0.54/mi |
Notice the per-mile rate: a 300-mile shipment at $1.26/mi costs you almost 2.5x more per mile than a 2,800-mile cross-country haul at $0.54/mi. That's the economy of scale at work. The carrier makes the same number of stops whether the drive is 4 hours or 4 days, so the loading and unloading cost per mile drops dramatically on longer routes.
Enclosed transport adds 30-40% to the open carrier price. That premium pays for a fully covered trailer that protects your vehicle from weather, road debris, and UV exposure. It also covers the reduced capacity — enclosed trailers carry 2 to 7 vehicles compared to 7 to 10 on an open carrier.
These averages assume a standard sedan shipped on an open carrier during normal demand periods. Your actual price depends on vehicle type, season, route, and a few other factors we'll cover below.
Car Shipping Cost by Vehicle Type
Not all vehicles cost the same to ship. A compact car takes less space and weighs less than a full-size pickup. Carriers price by the space your vehicle occupies on the trailer, so bigger and heavier vehicles cost more. Here's a breakdown by vehicle category:
| Vehicle Type | Under 500 mi | 500–2,500 mi | Over 2,500 mi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $425 | $725 | $925 |
| Compact SUV | $455 | $775 | $1,025 |
| SUV (full-size) | $505 | $825 | $1,075 |
| Truck / Pickup | $575 | $925 | $1,275 |
| Luxury / Exotic | $750 | $1,200 | $1,650 |
| Motorcycle | $300 | $500 | $700 |
A sedan is the cheapest vehicle to ship because it sits lowest on the trailer and takes the least space. Compact SUVs and crossovers like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 add $30-$50 to the sedan price. Full-size SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe or Ford Expedition add $80-$150.
Trucks and pickups — especially extended cab and long-bed models — are among the most expensive standard vehicles to ship. A Ford F-250 crew cab can be 6+ feet tall and over 20 feet long. That's a lot of trailer space.
Luxury and exotic vehicles (think Porsche 911, Mercedes S-Class, Ferrari, Lamborghini) cost more because they're almost always shipped on enclosed carriers. The prices above reflect enclosed transport for that category.
Motorcycle shipping is the most affordable option. Bikes take very little space, and many carriers can fit multiple motorcycles in a single vehicle slot. If you're shipping a bike cross-country, $700 is a solid deal compared to riding it yourself.
Shipping an electric vehicle? EVs like Teslas, Rivians, and Lucids fall into the sedan or SUV category based on their size. The shipping process is identical — just make sure the vehicle has enough charge for loading and unloading (about 15% battery is enough).
Car Shipping Cost by Popular Route
Route matters. Some corridors have hundreds of carriers running every week, which keeps prices competitive. Others are less traveled and cost more per mile. Here are the most popular car shipping routes in the U.S. with current pricing:
| Route | Distance | Open Carrier | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| California to Florida | 2,750 mi | $1,300 | 7–10 days |
| California to Texas | 1,400 mi | $850 | 5–7 days |
| Florida to New York | 1,280 mi | $800 | 4–7 days |
| California to New York | 2,800 mi | $1,350 | 7–10 days |
| Texas to Florida | 1,100 mi | $750 | 4–6 days |
| New York to California | 2,800 mi | $1,350 | 7–10 days |
| Texas to California | 1,400 mi | $850 | 5–7 days |
| Florida to Texas | 1,100 mi | $750 | 4–6 days |
| New York to Florida | 1,280 mi | $800 | 4–7 days |
| California to Washington | 810 mi | $650 | 3–5 days |
| Illinois to Florida | 1,200 mi | $775 | 4–6 days |
| Arizona to California | 380 mi | $475 | 2–4 days |
| Georgia to Texas | 880 mi | $675 | 3–5 days |
| New Jersey to Florida | 1,100 mi | $725 | 4–6 days |
| Ohio to Florida | 1,050 mi | $700 | 3–5 days |
| California to Colorado | 1,050 mi | $725 | 4–6 days |
A few things stand out. The California-to-Florida corridor is one of the highest-volume routes in the country, so even though it's nearly 2,800 miles, pricing stays competitive at around $1,300. Meanwhile, a 400-mile regional move might cost $475 — a much higher per-mile rate but a lower total cost.
The snowbird routes between northern and southern states (New York to Florida, Ohio to Florida, Illinois to Florida) are the busiest from October through December as seasonal residents head south. Expect higher rates during those months on these specific corridors.
Don't see your route? Use Bold's car shipping cost calculator to get a price for any origin and destination in the United States.
7 Factors That Affect Car Shipping Cost
Every car shipping quote is built from the same set of variables. Understanding them helps you predict your cost and make smarter decisions about timing and service options.
1. Distance (The Biggest Factor)
Distance determines roughly 60-70% of your total shipping cost. The math is simple — more miles means more fuel, more driver hours, and more wear on the truck. But the per-mile rate actually decreases as distance increases.
Why? Because every shipment has fixed costs that don't change regardless of distance. The carrier still has to load and unload your vehicle, process paperwork, and handle insurance. On a 300-mile trip, those fixed costs represent a huge percentage of the total. On a 2,500-mile trip, they're a small fraction.
Real example: A 300-mile move might cost $630 ($2.10/mi). A 2,800-mile cross-country shipment might cost $1,350 ($0.48/mi). The total is higher, but you're getting significantly more value per mile.
2. Vehicle Size and Weight
Carriers price based on the space your vehicle takes on the trailer. A Honda Civic fits neatly on the bottom rack. A lifted Ford F-350 crew cab takes up significantly more vertical and horizontal space, which means the carrier can haul fewer vehicles per load.
Weight matters too, though less than size. DOT regulations limit the total weight a carrier can haul. A load of compact sedans might max out at 10 vehicles. A load of full-size trucks might only fit 7. Fewer vehicles means higher cost per vehicle.
Expect to pay 15-30% more for an SUV or truck compared to a sedan on the same route. Modified vehicles with lift kits, oversized tires, or roof racks may cost even more — let the carrier know about any modifications when you get your quote.
3. Transport Type: Open vs. Enclosed
Open transport is the default and costs less. Your car rides on an open-air multi-car hauler — the same type of trailer that delivers new cars from factories to dealerships. About 90% of all vehicle shipments in the U.S. use open carriers.
Enclosed transport uses fully covered trailers that protect your vehicle from weather, road debris, dust, and UV exposure. It costs 30-40% more because enclosed trailers carry fewer vehicles (2-7 vs. 7-10 on open carriers) and there are fewer enclosed carriers on the road.
Choose open transport for standard vehicles — sedans, SUVs, trucks, minivans, daily drivers. Choose enclosed for vehicles worth over $50,000, classic cars, exotic sports cars, or anything with irreplaceable sentimental value. For most people, open transport is the right call.
4. Season and Time of Year
Car shipping prices fluctuate throughout the year based on demand. Summer is the most expensive season. Winter is generally the cheapest (with some exceptions). The difference between peak and off-peak can be 15-25% on the same route.
We go deep on seasonal pricing in the next section.
5. Pickup and Delivery Location
Metro areas are cheaper to ship to and from. Cities like Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Atlanta sit on major highway corridors with high carrier traffic. Carriers pass through these cities regularly, so adding your vehicle to their route is easy.
Rural and remote areas cost more — typically $50-$200 extra — because the carrier has to detour off their main route. Small towns in Montana, rural Maine, or remote parts of West Virginia may require a carrier to drive 50+ miles off the interstate just to reach you.
Pro tip: If you're in a rural area and want to save, you can meet the carrier at a nearby highway exit or truck stop. Most carriers are happy to arrange this, and it can save you the rural surcharge.
6. Vehicle Condition (Running vs. Inoperable)
Running vehicles that can be driven onto and off the carrier are the standard. If your vehicle doesn't start, won't steer, or has flat tires, it's classified as inoperable and costs $100-$200 more.
The extra cost covers the winch that pulls your vehicle onto the trailer, the additional time for loading and unloading, and the specialized equipment needed to secure a non-running vehicle. Some carriers won't accept inoperable vehicles at all, so carrier options may be more limited.
Be upfront about your vehicle's condition when getting a quote. Claiming a vehicle is running when it isn't creates problems at pickup and can result in a higher price or a canceled shipment.
7. Carrier Availability and Demand
Car shipping is a market-driven industry. When more people want to ship vehicles than there are carriers available, prices go up. When carriers have empty spots to fill, prices come down.
This is why the same route can cost $200 more in June than it does in February. It's also why last-minute shipments tend to cost more — you're competing with everyone who booked weeks ago for the few remaining spots.
Booking 2-3 weeks ahead gives carriers time to include you in their route planning, which usually results in a better price. Expedited service — when you need pickup within 24-48 hours — is possible but typically costs 20-30% more.
How Season Affects Car Shipping Prices
If you have any flexibility on timing, understanding the seasonal pricing cycle can save you hundreds of dollars. Car shipping demand follows a predictable annual pattern driven by relocations, snowbird migration, and weather.
Summer (June - August): Peak Season | +15-25% Above Average
Summer is the most expensive time to ship a car. Families relocate for new jobs. College students move for the fall semester. Military PCS orders peak. Everyone wants to move at the same time, and carrier capacity can't keep up with demand. A route that costs $1,100 in March might cost $1,350 in July. If you can wait until September, you'll save real money.
Fall (September - November): Moderate | Snowbird Demand Starts October
September is a sweet spot — summer demand drops but weather is still good everywhere. Prices come back down to average. Starting in October, snowbird season begins. Routes heading south (New York to Florida, Michigan to Arizona, Ohio to South Carolina) get more expensive as seasonal residents ship their vehicles ahead of winter. Northern routes stay affordable during fall.
Winter (December - February): Lower Demand, But Watch Northern Routes
Overall demand is lowest in January and February, so most routes are at their cheapest. But there's a catch: winter weather on northern and mountain routes can cause delays. Snow, ice, and road closures in states like Montana, Minnesota, and the Dakotas may limit carrier availability or extend transit times. Southern and western routes (California to Texas, Florida to Georgia) run smoothly all winter with lower-than-average pricing.
Spring (March - May): Moderate | Best Value Window
Spring offers the best combination of fair pricing and good weather. Snowbird season winds down (driving south-to-north prices up slightly as cars head back). Summer demand hasn't kicked in yet. March through early May is the sweet spot if you're planning a move and want to minimize shipping costs without dealing with winter weather delays.
Bottom line: If you can ship in September, January, February, or March, you'll likely pay 10-20% less than peak summer rates. The exact savings depend on your route — high-volume corridors like California to Florida see smaller seasonal swings than niche routes.
How to Save Money on Car Shipping
You can't change the distance between your origin and destination. But you can control several other factors that affect your total cost. Here are 8 specific ways to lower your car shipping bill:
1. Book 2-3 Weeks Early
Advance booking gives carriers time to work your vehicle into their route planning. Last-minute shipments (under 7 days) cost more because you're filling spots that most carriers have already priced. Two to three weeks is the sweet spot — far enough ahead to get standard pricing, close enough that your dates are firm.
2. Be Flexible on Pickup Dates
If you can give the carrier a 3-5 day pickup window instead of demanding a specific date, you'll open up more carrier options. More options means more competition for your shipment, which often means a lower price. Rigid same-day or next-day pickup requirements always cost more.
3. Ship During Off-Season
September, January, February, and March are the cheapest months on most routes. If your timeline allows, scheduling your shipment outside of the June-August peak window can save you 15-25%. Even waiting until the first week of September vs. the last week of August can make a difference.
4. Choose Open Transport
Unless your vehicle is worth over $50,000 or has special protection needs, open transport saves you 30-40% vs. enclosed. Open carriers move 90% of all vehicles in the country, including brand-new cars from the factory. It's safe, proven, and significantly cheaper.
5. Ship To and From Metro Areas
If you're in a rural area, consider meeting the carrier at a nearby city, highway exit, or truck-accessible parking lot. Rural pickups and deliveries carry a $50-$200 surcharge because the carrier has to detour from their route. Meeting them on their existing path eliminates that cost.
6. Ship Multiple Vehicles Together
Shipping two or more vehicles on the same route at the same time? Most carriers offer multi-vehicle discounts because it simplifies their logistics — one pickup stop instead of two. Savings typically run 5-15% per vehicle. Ask for a multi-car rate when you get your quote.
7. Skip Expedited Service (Unless You Need It)
Expedited auto transport with 24-48 hour pickup costs 20-30% more than standard service. Standard scheduling usually means pickup within 3-7 days. If you're not in a rush, standard service gets your car there at a much lower cost.
8. Compare Quotes — But Be Smart About It
Get 2-3 quotes to understand the market rate for your route. But be cautious of quotes that seem too low. Some brokers quote aggressively low to get your booking, then increase the price later when no carrier will accept the original rate. If a quote is 30-40% below everyone else, it's probably not real. A fair price from a reputable company beats a fake price from a cheap one.
Car Shipping Cost vs. Driving: Which Is Cheaper?
Most people assume driving is cheaper than shipping. It feels cheaper because you're not writing a single large check. But when you add up every cost of a long drive, the numbers tell a different story.
Let's break down a real example: a 1,200-mile trip (roughly Chicago to Miami or Dallas to Phoenix).
| Expense | Driving Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas | $130 | 30 MPG avg, $3.25/gal |
| Hotels (1-2 nights) | $200 | $100-$150/night average |
| Meals (2 days) | $60 | Fast food / road meals |
| Tolls | $30-$60 | Route dependent |
| Vehicle wear & tear | $840 | IRS rate: $0.70/mi x 1,200 |
| TOTAL | $1,260 - $1,290 |
Now compare that to shipping the same 1,200 miles: $800 to $1,100 for open transport, all-inclusive.
The IRS mileage rate of $0.70 per mile is the number most people overlook. It covers tire wear, oil degradation, brake wear, depreciation from mileage, and the general beating your suspension, transmission, and engine take on a long highway drive. A 1,200-mile road trip puts real wear on your car that shows up later in maintenance bills and resale value.
There's also the cost of your time. Two days of driving is two days you're not working, not with your family, and not settling into your new home. For most people, that time has real value.
When driving makes more sense: Short distances under 300-400 miles where you don't need a hotel, or when you genuinely enjoy road trips and the drive itself is part of the experience.
When shipping makes more sense: Anything over 500 miles, when you're moving and already have a one-way flight booked, when you're shipping for someone else (elderly parent, college kid), or when you simply don't want 1,200 miles on your odometer.
How to Get an Accurate Car Shipping Quote
Online cost estimates (including the averages on this page) are starting points. Your actual price depends on the specifics of your shipment. Here's how to get a quote that reflects what you'll actually pay:
Step 1: Use an Instant Calculator
Start with Bold's car shipping cost calculator. Enter your pickup city and delivery city to get an immediate price range based on current market rates. This takes 30 seconds and doesn't require any personal information.
Step 2: Provide Exact Locations
ZIP codes give you the most accurate quote. "California to Florida" is vague — Los Angeles to Miami is 2,750 miles, but Sacramento to Jacksonville is 2,600 miles with a completely different route. Exact locations also reveal whether you're in a metro area or rural zone, which affects pricing.
Step 3: Specify Your Vehicle
Make, model, and year matter. A 2024 Toyota Camry costs less to ship than a 2024 Toyota Tundra. Modifications matter too — lifted trucks, lowered sports cars, aftermarket roof racks, and oversized tires all affect the price. Provide accurate vehicle details for an accurate quote.
Step 4: Choose Your Transport Type
Decide between open transport (standard, 30-40% cheaper) and enclosed transport (premium, fully protected). If you're unsure, open is the right choice for 90% of vehicles.
Step 5: Factor in Your Timeline
When do you need pickup? Flexible dates (3-5 day window, 2+ weeks out) get better rates. Expedited service (24-48 hour pickup) costs more. Let the company know your timeline so they can quote accordingly.
Step 6: Ask About What's Included
Before comparing quotes, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Does the quote include insurance? Is there a deductible? Are there fuel surcharges or terminal fees? Bold Auto Transport quotes are all-inclusive — the price covers pickup, transport, delivery, and full coverage insurance with a $0 deductible. No hidden fees.
Want a personalized quote right now? Call Bold Auto Transport at (469) 942-5444 or request a free online quote. We'll give you an exact price in minutes.
Why Thousands of Customers Choose Bold Auto Transport
There are hundreds of car shipping companies in the United States. Here's why Bold consistently stands out:
- $0 deductible insurance on every shipment — Full coverage cargo insurance is included at no extra charge. Most competitors charge extra for full coverage or include deductibles of $250-$500.
- Dedicated transport coordinator — You get a single point of contact who manages your entire shipment from booking to delivery. Proactive updates, carrier communication, and status tracking handled for you.
- Transparent, all-inclusive pricing — The quoted price is the price you pay. No fuel surcharges, no terminal fees, no surprise increases after booking.
- Price match guarantee — Find a lower rate from a licensed, insured competitor for the same service? We'll match it.
- Nationwide door-to-door service — Pickup and delivery at your home, office, or any accessible location in all 50 states.
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