Car shipping in 2026 costs between $400 and $1,900 for most vehicles, with the average door-to-door open-carrier transport landing around $900–$1,200 for a mid-distance route (1,000–2,000 miles). The exact price depends on six measurable factors. Here’s exactly what they cost — and how to spend less.
Average Car Shipping Cost by Distance (2026)
| Distance | Open Carrier | Enclosed | Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 200 miles | $300–$500 | $500–$800 | ~$2.00 |
| 500–1,000 mi | $600–$900 | $900–$1,400 | ~$1.10 |
| 1,000–2,000 mi | $900–$1,200 | $1,400–$1,900 | ~$0.85 |
| 2,000–3,000 mi | $1,100–$1,500 | $1,700–$2,300 | ~$0.55 |
| 3,000+ mi (coast-to-coast) | $1,400–$1,900 | $2,200–$2,900 | ~$0.45 |
Pricing reflects standard sedans and small SUVs. Trucks, vans, oversized vehicles run 15–30% higher. Use our cost calculator for an exact estimate, or call (279) 300-3808.
The 6 Factors That Set Your Price
- Distance — The single biggest cost driver. Per-mile rate drops sharply on longer routes (coast-to-coast can be ~$0.45/mi while a 200-mile move is ~$2.00/mi).
- Vehicle size and weight — Compact car ≠ pickup truck ≠ lifted SUV. Trucks and SUVs add $100–$300, oversized vehicles (lifted, dual-rear-wheel) add more.
- Open vs. enclosed transport — Open carriers (the standard) cost 40–60% less than enclosed. Enclosed makes sense for classics, exotics, or vehicles over $50,000.
- Pickup & drop-off location — Major-city to major-city is cheapest. Rural pickups, mountain destinations, or small towns can add $100–$300 because trucks have to detour.
- Time of year — Snowbird season (October–April) and summer relocation peaks (June–August) push prices up 10–25%. Fall and early spring are cheapest.
- Speed — Standard pickup is 1–7 days. Expedited (24–48 hour pickup) adds $200–$500.
How to Lower Your Car Shipping Cost
- Be flexible on pickup date — Allowing a 5-day pickup window vs. demanding a specific day can save $100–$200.
- Choose open over enclosed — If your car isn’t a $75K+ exotic or classic, open transport is fine and 40-60% cheaper.
- Ship door-to-terminal instead of door-to-door — If you can drop off and pick up at a terminal, you can save $50–$150.
- Book 2-3 weeks ahead — Last-minute bookings during peak season pay a premium.
- Ship on popular routes — High-volume corridors like CA→FL or NY→FL price better than rural-to-rural.
What’s Included in Your Quote (No Hidden Fees at Autos Mover)
Every Autos Mover quote includes door-to-door pickup and delivery, $100,000+ cargo insurance, and dispatch communication. We charge $0 upfront — you only pay when your car is ready to load. There are no fuel surcharges, no booking fees, and no insurance add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions: Car Shipping Cost
Why are car shipping quotes so different from each other?
Because some companies are brokers (matching you to carriers) and some are carriers (own trucks). Brokers offer lower prices because they aggregate carrier capacity. Always check that the company is licensed by FMCSA — Autos Mover is USDOT 4232458 / MC 1627675.
Should I pay the cheapest quote?
Not always. Quotes that come in 30%+ below the average are often baited prices that get raised once dispatched. Look for quotes within ±10% of the median, with verifiable reviews and proper licensing.
Is car shipping insurance included in the price?
Yes — every carrier in our network carries minimum $100,000 cargo insurance, included in your quote. You don’t pay extra unless you opt for an additional coverage rider.
Can I ship a non-running car? How much extra?
Yes. Non-running vehicles add $100–$200 because they require a winch-equipped truck. Mention “non-running” when booking so we dispatch the right carrier.
Ready to see your exact price? Use our free cost calculator or call (279) 300-3808 — no card required, no spam, instant quote.