Shipping a car might seem daunting, especially when trying to understand the costs involved. If you’re wondering “How Much Would It Cost To Transport A Car?”, you’ve landed in the right spot. This guide breaks down all the essential factors influencing car shipping prices, ensuring you’re well-informed before making a decision.
Whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle online, or sending a car to a seasonal residence, understanding the average car shipping cost and its influencing factors is crucial. Let’s dive into the details to help you navigate the world of auto transport and get the best possible understanding of potential expenses. For personalized estimates, remember you can always use our online form or call us for a free quote tailored to your specific needs.
Understanding the Average Car Shipping Cost
Nationwide car shipping within the contiguous United States typically ranges around $1,000. You might find prices dipping as low as $700-$750, while on the higher end, averages can reach $1,200-$1,300. A useful benchmark is the per-mile average, which generally sits around $0.60 per mile for distances exceeding 1,000 miles. Shorter hauls, however, tend to have a higher per-mile rate, closer to $1 per mile.
Keep in mind that the final cost to ship your car is a dynamic figure, shaped by several key elements. These include your chosen shipping method, the time of year, the total distance, and the size and type of your vehicle. While some companies might advertise flat-fee car shipping, it’s essential to carefully review the terms and conditions, as hidden charges can quickly inflate the total expense. Transparency is key in understanding car shipping costs.
Key Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs
Several factors come into play when determining the price to ship a car. To accurately assess “how much would it cost to transport a car,” you need to consider these variables. American Auto Shipping is here to help you navigate these complexities and secure competitive quotes from reputable carriers.
Distance: The Mileage Matters
The distance between your car’s pickup and delivery points is often the most significant determinant of the shipping cost. Logically, longer distances translate to higher prices. Most car shipping companies calculate costs on a per-mile basis, but it’s not always a linear relationship. The per-mile rate often decreases as the shipping distance increases. Short-distance moves might have a higher per-mile cost but lower overall price, while long-distance shipments are more expensive overall but feature a lower cost per mile.
Vehicle Type: Size and Shape Considerations
The type of vehicle you’re shipping is almost as crucial as the shipping distance. Car carriers need precise vehicle details to plan space allocation on their trucks. Larger vehicles, naturally, cost more to ship because they occupy more space and sometimes require specialized handling. While dimensions are readily available for most standard vehicles, providing specific measurements for vans, pickup trucks, or oversized vehicles is essential for accurate quoting.
Vehicle Condition: Operable vs. Non-Operable
The operational status of your vehicle significantly impacts car shipping costs. If your car is non-running but can still roll, brake, and steer, it can be loaded using a winch. However, winch loading isn’t universally offered, and carriers who provide this service often charge extra for the added effort and specialized equipment.
Misrepresenting your vehicle’s condition can lead to complications and extra charges. If a carrier arrives expecting to drive a car onto the trailer and finds it non-operable without prior notice, you might incur “dry run fees.” Honesty and accuracy about your vehicle’s condition are crucial when booking car shipping services.
Enclosed Car Shipping Services
Alt text: Enclosed car trailer loaded with luxury vehicles, showcasing secure and protected transport for high-value automobiles.
Transport Type: Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
The method you choose to transport your vehicle significantly affects the cost. Open transport, where your car is shipped on an open carrier, is the most economical option. Enclosed transport, which provides greater protection from weather and road debris, will increase the shipping cost considerably. Enclosed shipping can add hundreds of dollars to the total cost, often $400-$500 or more for the same route compared to open transport.
For standard, everyday vehicles, open transport is usually sufficient and the preferred choice for most car owners. Enclosed transport is typically reserved for high-value vehicles like classic cars, luxury cars, exotic vehicles, or those with custom modifications that require extra protection. Furthermore, modified vehicles with non-standard dimensions might also incur higher shipping costs due to specialized handling or space requirements.
Location: Urban vs. Rural Shipping Destinations
Your pickup and delivery locations also play a role in determining car shipping costs. Shipping to or from major cities and metropolitan areas is generally more cost-effective than rural locations. Larger cities have higher concentrations of car carriers and more frequent shipping routes, leading to greater efficiency and competitive pricing. Carriers spend less time and fuel going out of their primary routes.
Rural areas, especially those far from major highways, can lead to higher car shipping costs. If your location is easily accessible from a major highway, it can help mitigate some of the extra costs associated with rural shipping. However, truly remote locations often result in the highest prices due to increased transit time and logistical challenges for carriers.
Seasonality: Time of Year Matters
The time of year you choose to ship your car can surprisingly influence the cost. Fall and spring are typically considered stable seasons for car shipping prices. Summer and winter, however, can introduce more volatility.
Summer usually sees a surge in demand for car shipping services, particularly along popular routes. This increased demand can drive prices up as carriers experience higher booking volumes. Conversely, winter months often see a decrease in demand, potentially leading to slightly lower car shipping prices. However, winter weather conditions can sometimes cause delays and impact transit times, which indirectly may affect costs or service availability.
Additional Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
Beyond the primary factors, several other elements can influence “how much would it cost to transport a car”:
- Vehicle Operability: As mentioned, non-running vehicles incur extra costs.
- Expedited Shipping: If you need your car shipped faster than standard transit times, expedited shipping services are available but come at a premium, potentially adding $250 to $550 to the cost.
- Additional Insurance: While basic insurance is usually included, supplemental insurance for extra peace of mind will increase the total cost.
- Route Efficiency: Direct routes are generally cheaper. Traffic congestion, road closures, and toll roads can slightly increase costs.
- Multiple Vehicles: Shipping multiple cars simultaneously will increase the overall cost, although some companies might offer discounts for multi-vehicle shipments.
- Failed Delivery: If you miss the delivery appointment and the carrier cannot reach you, “failed delivery” surcharges can be substantial, often several hundred dollars, to cover redelivery attempts and storage.
Average Car Shipping Costs by Transport Type
In the car shipping industry, you’ll generally encounter three primary types of transport trucks: open carriers, enclosed carriers, and flatbed trucks.
Open transport is the most economical way to ship a car. Enclosed transport, offering superior protection, typically costs significantly more, often $400-$500 extra compared to open transport for the same vehicle and route.
Despite the cost difference, open transport remains the most popular choice for the vast majority of car shippers. Enclosed transport is typically reserved for owners of classic, luxury, or exotic cars seeking maximum protection. Enclosed trailers often feature liftgate loading, eliminating the need to drive vehicles on and off ramps, further minimizing the risk of damage, especially for low-clearance or delicate vehicles.
Flatbed transport is a specialized, on-demand service for vehicles too large or heavy for standard open or enclosed trailers. This is primarily used for oversized equipment, heavily modified vehicles, or non-standard cargo.
Average Car Shipping Costs by Distance Traveled
Longer shipping distances naturally require more fuel and transit time, directly impacting car shipping costs. The table below provides an estimated average car shipping cost per distance, considering various car sizes and transport types. Please remember these are average figures and actual prices can vary based on market conditions and specific shipment details. For the most accurate quote, use our online auto transport calculator.
| Average cost | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|
| 150 miles | $470 | $590 |
| 550 miles | $750 | $950 |
| 1,000 miles | $1,150 | $1,400 |
| 1,050 miles | $985 | $1,250 |
| 2,750 miles | $1,300 | $1,550 |
Larger vehicles generally cost more to ship due to increased space occupancy and weight. For each vehicle size category increase (e.g., from car to SUV), expect an approximate $100 increase in shipping costs. On average, shipping a standard car via open transport might cost around $850 for a 1,000-mile trip. SUVs could average around $920, and trucks closer to $1,100 for the same distance. Enclosed shipping will further increase these averages by approximately $200 or more.
Shipping distance type also matters. Cross-country car shipping typically costs more than in-state shipping, even for similar distances, due to factors like state regulations, route complexities, and driver logistics. Shipments to or from easily accessible metropolitan areas are generally more affordable than those involving remote or hard-to-reach locations. Cross-country car shipping averages around $1,300, while shorter in-state trips (under 150 miles) can average around $500.
Average Car Shipping Cost Based On Vehicle Size
Vehicle size and weight are significant factors in car shipping costs. Larger vehicles occupy more space on the carrier and heavier vehicles impact fuel consumption. Smaller, lighter cars are generally cheaper to ship than larger, heavier trucks and SUVs.
| Vehicle Type | Average Weight (pounds) | Estimated Cost per 1,000 miles (Open Transport) |
|---|---|---|
| Minivan | 4500 | $0.96 |
| Midsize SUV | 4300 | $0.86 |
| Mid-sized Pickup Truck | 4300 | $0.86 |
| Mid-sized car | 3500 | $0.75 |
| Compact car | 3000 | $0.59 |
The tables below illustrate average open and enclosed car shipping costs based on vehicle type and distance. Remember that these are estimates and actual quotes can vary.
Average Open Transport Car Shipping Costs by Vehicle Type and Distance
| Distance (miles) | Truck | SUV | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 miles | $400 | $380 | $350 |
| 550 miles | $650 | $580 | $540 |
| 1,000 miles | $1,070 | $920 | $850 |
| 1,100 miles | $900 | $770 | $750 |
| 2,750 miles | $1,200 | $1,100 | $1,050 |
Average Enclosed Transport Car Shipping Costs for SUVs and Trucks by Distance
| Distance (miles) | SUV | Truck |
|---|---|---|
| 150 miles | $490 | $600 |
| 550 miles | $780 | $940 |
| 1,000 miles | $1,250 | $1,490 |
| 1,050 miles | $990 | $1,280 |
| 2,750 miles | $1,370 | $1,620 |
Alternative Car Shipping Methods: Freight Options
While trucks are the most common method for car transport, alternative freight options exist, including air, train, and ship transport.
Air freight is the fastest but also the most expensive option. International car shipping via air can cost upwards of $100,000, while domestic air transport (e.g., to Hawaii or Alaska) is less but still significantly pricier than truck transport. Air freight is typically reserved for very high-value vehicles or urgent international relocations.
Train transport offers a more economical alternative, potentially costing under $1,000 depending on the route and railway company. It’s a practical option given rising fuel costs, particularly for long-distance domestic routes served by rail networks.
Shipping a car by sea (ship) typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on distance and destination. It remains a viable option for overseas destinations like Hawaii or Alaska.
Disclaimer: The car shipping prices and ranges provided are for informational purposes only and are subject to change due to market fluctuations, fuel costs, and other factors. Always use our online auto transport calculator for the most current and personalized price quote.
Get Your Car Shipping Quote Today with American Auto Shipping!
If you’re looking for reliable and cost-effective car shipping, American Auto Shipping is here to assist. We understand the complexities of auto transport pricing and are committed to providing our customers with the best possible rates. Our real-time online auto transport rate calculator leverages over 500 data points to ensure you receive the most accurate and competitive quote for your specific car shipping needs. Get an instant online quote now or call us at 800-930-7417 to discuss your requirements with a shipping expert and discover how American Auto Shipping can simplify your car transport experience.
