The cost of car shipping does not depend on the distance, it is rather the cost to ship a car per mile that determines the true prices by a car transport company. When fuel prices go up, the cost per mile is directly impacted. However, longer distances reduce per mile costs, while shorter routes increase it. Learning how different variables and factors affect the overall and per miles costs is key to an affordable car shipping experience. In this comprehensive article, we discuss car transport cost per mile, average costs, short, medium, and long distance costs. Further we look into cost per mile for various types of vehicles, and transport modes, and finally reveal some impossible to ignore tips for saving money on car shipping.
Auto transport rates per mile vary depending on the route, distance, and location. The rates that carriers charge for Washington-Alabama, they cannot charge the same per mile cost for California-Nevada, because one is poles apart from each other, while the latter is just neighbors. The national average is estimated at $0.5-$2.0 per mile for car shipping service with standard transport methods. Different routes, transport modes and delivery types, and location accessibility will exactly determine how much you will pay per mile for shipping a vehicle.
The average for car transport cost per mile is about distance, fuel, shipping method, delivery type, shipping mode, and season. We have created the table to give you an idea of vehicle transport cost per mile for specific distance limits.
| Distance Range | Average Cost per Mile | Estimated Total Cost |
| 1–200 miles | $1.40 – $2.92 | $280 – $584 |
| 200–500 miles | $0.80 – $1.96 | $160 – $980 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.70 – $1.15 | $350 – $1,150 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $0.70 – $0.90 | $700 – $1,350 |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | $0.48 – $0.70 | $720 – $1,400 |
| 2,000+ miles | $0.37 – $0.65 | $740 – $1,300+ |
The route covered between 1-500 miles is considered short distance shipment. Its car transport rates per mile is estimated at $1.4-$1.9, while the total cost will be around $584. As mentioned earlier, this is not the final rate, the impacting factors can play a key role in getting the final cost for a certain shipment.
A route between 500-1000 miles is known as medium distance. A medium distance can be to ship a car to another or within the state. The cost to transport a car per mile for medium distance is $0.70-$0.115, and the total cost will be $1150. The other impacting factors like peak season, transport method, vehicle size, or delivery type can increase and reduce the costs.
A long distance is when you want to ship more than a 1000 miles or want to ship a car cross country. The cost to ship a car per mile for a long distance is $0.7-$0.9. The cost has significantly reduced for long distances. That is why long distance shipments are considered cheap in terms of rates per mile. The total cost for a 1000+ miles may be around $700-$1350.
Your car’s model, size, and weight will impact car transport cost per mile. Bigger vehicles have more weight, they take up more space, may also require special trailers, and burn more fuel.
Standard sedans are small cars which take up less space and have less weight, while SUVs are heavier and bigger due to which they take more space, and finally luxury cars require enclosed trailers and specialized trucks for shipment increasing the costs by 50%.
| Miles | Standard Car | SUV | Luxury or Rare Car |
| 400 miles | $796 | $1,000 | $1,200 |
| 800 miles | $1,200 | $1,500 | $1,800 |
| 1,300 miles | $1,625 | $2,000 | $2,400 |
| 2,000 miles | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,250–$1,875 | $1,600–$2,250 |
Open Car Transport is a common shipment method. It is for standard daily use cars shipped on open trailers. These are some risks of exposure to elements and bad weather. But it is fast and secure. The cost per mile changes depending on the distance and vehicle size.
Enclosed Car Shipping Services are the most expensive and most protected shipping method. High-value car owners prefer this service to protect their vehicle from exposure to elements, scratches, and bad weather. The car is transported with few other cars, but very rare vehicles, dedicated trailers can also be arranged at a higher cost.
| Mode of Transportation | Typical Cost per Mile | Estimated Total Cost for 1,000-mile Move (Example) |
| Open Carrier (Standard) | $0.60 – $1.10 per mile | $600 – $1,100 |
| Enclosed Carrier (Premium) | $1.50 – $2.20 per mile | $1,500 – $2,200 |
| Open (Short Distances <500 mi) | $1.00 – $1.50 per mile | $1,000 – $1,500 (for ~1,000 mi) |
| Enclosed (Short Distances <500 mi) | $1.50 – $2.25 per mile | $1,500 – $2,250 (for ~1,000 mi) |
| Open (Long Distance >1,500 mi) | $0.50 – $0.75 per mile | $500 – $750 |
| Enclosed (Long Distance >1,500 mi) | $0.75 – $1.13 per mile | $750 – $1,130 |
Many impacting factors can determine your cost to transport a car per mile.
If you ship from one corner of the country to another, you will have to pay more. Long distance moves are very costly.
Sometimes the pickup or delivery location may be in a far and remote area, reaching there may not be easy. Similarly, when the main route is hard going through rough terrain, it will cause exhaustion of resources. These types of shipments are costly.
If the government increases the fuel prices, the cost per mile will rise by default.
Shipping in peak season for vehicle owners is expensive and rates per mile are high. Choosing off seasons can help you reduce the cost.
Always do detailed online research to find high rated carriers with credible reviews
Compare multiple quotes from different companies using their Car Shipping Cost Calculator tool
Always book early and choose off seasons to ship car if not urgent
Keep your dates flexible to help the carrier arrange a vehicle without rushing to adjust
Choose enclosed and Door to Door Car Shipping when the vehicle is exotic or rear to save costs
The cost to ship a car per mile on average is not very high, but different impacting variables change the costs. If you want to save per mile costs for long distances, always avoid shipping in peak season, enclosed shipping if it is not an expensive car, and compare quotes from various sources to have an idea of average cost per mile.
On an average, the vehicle transport cost per mile may change from $0.90 to $1.50. Short trips cost more per mile, while long distance shipping lowers the per mile rate because fuel and carrier time are spread out.
Many things affect car transport rates per mile, including distance, vehicle size, running condition, season, fuel prices, and route demand. Busy routes cost less, while remote areas and peak seasons usually increase pricing.
To estimate the car transport price per mile, divide the total quote by total miles. Compare several quotes, note the distance bracket, and adjust for vehicle type, pickup flexibility, and whether the car is operable.
Comparing driving with shipping depends on fuel, lodging, time, and wear. Auto transport rates per mile may seem higher, but shipping can be cheaper for long trips when you count repairs, hotels, meals, and time off work.
Yes, enclosed shipping costs more. The cost to transport a car per mile is higher because enclosed carriers offer fewer slots, added protection from weather, and extra insurance, making them ideal for luxury or classic vehicles.
