Your car is more than just a vehicle; it’s an integral part of your daily life, essential for commuting, errands, and leisure. When relocation or purchasing a vehicle from afar becomes necessary, understanding the average cost to ship a car per mile is crucial. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about auto transport.
The car shipping industry operates on a variable rate system, primarily influenced by distance. Generally, the cost per mile decreases as the shipping distance increases. This is due to logistical efficiencies and the distribution of operational costs over longer hauls. Think of it as a bulk discount, but for miles.
It’s important to note that the per mile rates discussed here generally apply to standard, operational sedans. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks, or inoperable vehicles, will incur additional costs due to weight, size, and handling requirements.
In 2024, you can generally expect the following cost per mile averages for shipping a standard sedan:
- Short distances (100-200 miles): Approximately $1.75 per mile.
- Medium distances (200-300 miles): Around $1.50 per mile.
- State-to-state shipping (over 500 miles): Closer to $1.20 per mile.
- Long distances (1,000 miles): Roughly $0.90 per mile.
- Cross-country shipping (2,000+ miles): Can drop to $0.60 per mile or even lower.
These figures represent industry averages set by car carriers. Be wary of significantly lower quotes, as they may indicate unreliable service or potential scams.
Decoding Car Shipping Costs Per Mile: Examples Across Distances
To illustrate how Car Transport Rates Per Mile work in practice, let’s examine a few examples across different distances:
- 200 Miles: At $1.50 per mile (for this distance range), shipping a car 200 miles would cost approximately $300.
- 300 Miles: Maintaining the $1.50 per mile rate, transporting a car 300 miles would be around $450.
- 500 Miles: As the distance increases and the rate decreases to approximately $1.25 per mile, shipping a car 500 miles would cost about $625.
- 1,000 Miles: At a reduced rate of $0.90 per mile, transporting a vehicle 1,000 miles would amount to $900.
- 2,000 Miles: With the per-mile rate dropping to $0.60, shipping a car 2,000 miles would cost approximately $1,200.
Open car carrier transporting multiple vehicles on a highway, a cost-effective method for auto transport.
As demonstrated, the total cost doesn’t increase linearly with distance. Shipping a car 1,000 miles is only marginally more expensive than a 500-mile trip, highlighting the decreasing cost per mile for longer distances.
Long Distance Car Shipping: Maximizing Per Mile Savings
For extended transports, particularly cross-country moves, the savings per mile become even more significant. Shipping a vehicle across the country, covering distances of 2,500 to 3,000 miles, can bring the per mile rate down to as low as $0.55.
This translates to a cost range of $1,250 to $1,500 for coast-to-coast auto transport. Remarkably, shipping a car six times the distance might only cost three times as much as a shorter transport.
The table below provides a quick reference for estimated car shipping costs based on distance:
| Distance | Cost Per Mile | Sample Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 500 Miles | $1.25 | $625 |
| 1000 Miles | $0.90 | $900 |
| 2000 Miles | $0.60 | $1,200 |
| 2,500 Miles | $0.55 | $1,375 |
For cross-country car shipping, reputable auto shipping companies typically offer rates in the range of $0.50 to $0.60 per mile, representing substantial savings compared to shorter distance shipments. A cross-country trip at $0.60 per mile can be over 50% less per mile than a short trip under 500 miles at $1.25 – $1.50 per mile!
Key Factors Influencing Car Shipping Prices
While distance is the primary determinant of car shipping rates, several other factors can influence the final price per mile. Understanding these factors will help you anticipate potential cost adjustments.
Type of Car Carrier: Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Auto transport companies generally offer two main types of carriers: open and enclosed. Both provide door-to-door service, but differ significantly in cost and protection.
Open Carrier Transport: The Economical Choice
Open carrier transport is the most common and cheapest way to ship a car. This method involves transporting your vehicle on an open trailer, similar to those used to deliver new cars to dealerships. Open carriers can typically transport up to 10 vehicles simultaneously, making it a cost-effective option. The high competition among open car transport carriers further contributes to its affordability.
Enclosed Auto Transport: Premium Protection
Enclosed auto transport, also known as covered transport, offers a higher level of protection. Your vehicle is shipped within a fully enclosed trailer, shielding it from weather elements, road debris, and prying eyes. Enclosed car shipments are ideal for classic, custom, exotic, or luxury vehicles, providing peace of mind and enhanced security.
Enclosed auto transport carrier providing premium protection for a luxury vehicle during shipping.
However, this premium service comes at a higher cost. The average vehicle shipping cost for cross-country enclosed transport can be around $1.20 per mile, and generally, enclosed transport is 40-60% more expensive than open carrier transport. For example, a 2,000-mile enclosed transport could cost approximately $2,400.
Timeframe and Urgency: Standard vs. Expedited Shipping
Standard car shipping typically allows for a pickup timeframe of 0-5 days. If you require faster service, expedited or fast transport options are available for an additional fee, often reducing the pickup timeframe to 24-48 hours. Flexibility in your pickup schedule can lead to cost savings.
Vehicle Size and Type: Impact on Shipping Rates
Vehicle size significantly affects car shipping rates. The per-mile rates quoted earlier are based on standard sedans. Larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, minivans, and work vans will cost more to ship due to their increased weight and dimensions. These larger vehicles occupy more space on the carrier and contribute to higher fuel consumption, impacting the overall cost. Carrier weight limits also restrict the number of larger vehicles that can be transported at once.
Vehicle Condition: Operable vs. Non-Running Vehicles
Shipping a car that does not run will also increase the cost. Transporting inoperable vehicles requires specialized equipment, such as winches or forklifts, to load and unload them. This additional handling and equipment usage translates to higher shipping costs. This is particularly relevant for auction car transport or when moving vehicles for repair.
Seasonality and Time of Year: Peak Shipping Seasons
Time of year also plays a role in car shipping prices. Seasonal fluctuations, particularly along “snowbird routes,” can influence rates. During colder months, southbound routes (south/southeast/southwest) tend to be busier as people migrate south for warmer climates. Conversely, in spring, northbound routes (north/northeast/northwest) see increased demand as people return home. Shipping around holidays like Christmas and New Year’s can also lead to delays and price increases.
Shipping Route and Location: Popular vs. Remote Destinations
The shipping route and the popularity of your pickup and delivery locations significantly impact pricing. Shipments to and from major cities and popular routes, such as New Jersey to Florida or California to Texas, generally benefit from competitive pricing and faster transit times due to high carrier traffic. However, shipping to or from remote or less frequented locations can result in extended wait times and potentially higher prices, sometimes up to 25% above standard rates.
Fuel Costs: A Volatile Factor
Fuel costs are a significant and increasingly volatile factor in car shipping prices. Open carriers, with their substantial size and capacity (up to 10 vehicles), can have fuel consumption rates of 0.90-1.10 gallons per mile. Fluctuations in diesel prices directly impact carrier operating costs, which are often reflected in shipping rates. It’s advisable to confirm the validity period of car shipping quotes due to potential fuel price changes.
Get Your Car Shipping Rate Today
Understanding car transport rates per mile is the first step in planning your vehicle shipment. To get a precise and transparent quote tailored to your specific needs, contact us today. We provide car shipping prices with no hidden fees, utilizing a network of qualified car carriers for both open auto transport and enclosed transport services. Call us at 844-444-4177 or book online with the nation’s most reliable car transportation company.
