"How much does it cost to ship a car?" might be the most common question in this industry. And honestly, the answer is frustrating: it depends.
But we can give you real numbers and explain exactly what makes your quote go up or down.
Typical Car Shipping Costs in 2026
Here's what most people actually pay:
- Short haul (under 500 miles): $400-$700
- Medium distance (500-1,000 miles): $600-$900
- Cross country (1,500-2,500+ miles): $1,000-$1,500
These assume a standard sedan or small SUV on an open carrier. Larger vehicles, enclosed transport, or tricky locations push prices higher.
One thing that surprises people—short distances aren't cheap. A 200-mile shipment might cost $500 while a 1,500-mile shipment costs $900. The per-mile rate drops dramatically on longer hauls because carriers can build efficient routes.
The Six Factors That Actually Matter
1. Distance Obviously. But the relationship isn't linear. You might pay $2.00 per mile for a 300-mile trip and $0.50 per mile for a 2,000-mile trip. Long-distance shipping spreads the carrier's fixed costs across more miles.
2. Vehicle Size and Weight A Mini Cooper ships cheaper than a Chevy Suburban. Carriers price based on trailer space and weight limits. Expect to add $100-$300 for full-size trucks and SUVs compared to sedans.
3. Route Popularity This one catches people off guard. Shipping between major metro areas—think LA to Phoenix or Atlanta to Miami—costs less because carriers run those routes constantly. Rural pickups or deliveries? That's where prices climb. Someone has to drive out there, often with a partially empty trailer.
4. Time of Year Summer is peak season. Snowbird routes (anything involving Florida or Arizona) spike in fall and spring. January through early March tends to be the cheapest window. Holiday periods get hectic too—everyone wants their car delivered before Christmas.
5. Transport Type Open carrier is standard. Enclosed transport adds 30-50% to your total. For a $1,200 open shipment, enclosed might run $1,600-$1,800. Worth it for classics and exotics. Overkill for your commuter car.
6. Vehicle Condition Running, driving vehicles ship at standard rates. Inoperable cars cost more—usually $100-$200 extra—because they require a winch or special equipment to load. If your car doesn't start, mention it upfront. Surprising the driver is a bad idea.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The car shipping industry has some pricing games worth knowing about:
Lowball quotes that jump later. Some brokers quote artificially low to get your booking, then call back saying no carrier will take it at that price. Get quotes in writing and be skeptical of anything dramatically below competitors.
Fuel surcharges. Legitimate, but should be disclosed upfront. Ask if the quote includes fuel costs or if they're added later.
Terminal fees. Door-to-door is standard now, but some companies default to terminal delivery—you pick up from their lot—then charge extra for actual home delivery. Clarify this before booking.
Expedited fees. Need it fast? Expect to pay 20-50% more for guaranteed pickup windows or faster delivery.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
Online car shipping calculators give ballpark figures, but real quotes require actual details. Here's how to get numbers you can trust:
Request quotes from 3-5 companies minimum. Provide identical information to each—exact pickup and delivery addresses, vehicle year/make/model, and your timeline. Compare apples to apples.
The middle quote is usually closest to reality. The lowest quote often can't actually move your car. The highest might just be testing what you'll pay.
Quick Cost Reference
| Route Type | Sedan | SUV/Truck |
|---|---|---|
| 500 miles | $500-$650 | $600-$750 |
| 1,000 miles | $700-$900 | $800-$1,000 |
| 2,000 miles | $1,000-$1,300 | $1,100-$1,450 |
Add 30-50% for enclosed shipping on any of these.
Bottom Line
How much to ship a car? Most people land between $700 and $1,300 depending on distance and vehicle. Get multiple quotes, read the fine print on what's included, and book 2-3 weeks ahead for the best rates.
The cheapest option isn't always the smartest one—but you shouldn't overpay either.
