Introduction

Wondering how much it costs to ship a car? AutoSmover reveals the real pricing, cost-saving strategies, and what most shipping companies won’t tell you.

Shipping your car can save you time, mileage, and stress. But before you can decide if it’s the right choice for you, you need to know, “How much is it to ship a car?” The answer is not a single number, but a dynamic price based on several key factors.

This guide will give you the expert insight to understand what goes into the price, so you can get a fair and accurate quote and avoid hidden fees.

1.The Core Factors That Determine Car Shipping Costs

If you’re asking, “How expensive is it to ship a car?” the price is determined by the following five core variables. Understanding these is the first step to making a smart decision.

1. Distance and Route

This is the most significant factor. The farther your vehicle travels, the higher the overall price will be. However, it’s not a simple mileage calculation. The route itself matters; popular, heavily traveled routes are often cheaper per mile than remote or less accessible ones.

Estimated Car Shipping Cost Per Mile (USD)

Miles	Avg Cost per Mile	Estimated Total
0–500 mi	$1.50–$1.96	$500–$900
500–1000 mi	$1.00–$1.30	$900–$1,300
1000–2000 mi	$0.60–$0.80	$1,200–$1,600
2,000+ mi	$0.50–$0.67	$1,400–$1,800

Please note: These are general USD estimates for typical car shipments. Actual costs can vary based on the factors discussed in this article.

2. Vehicle Size and Weight

Vehicle transport trucks have strict weight and space limits. A larger, heavier vehicle-like an SUV or pickup truck-takes up more room and adds more weight, which impacts fuel costs. Therefore, a standard sedan will always be cheaper to ship than a full-size truck.

Car Shipping Cost by Vehicle Size (1,000-Mile Trip)

Vehicle Type	Open-Air COST RANGE	Enclosed COST RANGE
Sedan	$500 – $1,000	$800 – $1,500
Compact SUV	$500 – $1,200	$900 – $1,700
SUV	$550 – $1,400	$1,000 – $2,000
Truck	$600 – $1,500	$1,200 – $2,500

3. Type of Transport (Open vs. Enclosed)

The type of carrier you choose is one of the biggest cost differentiators.

• Open Car Transport: The most common and affordable option. Your car is secured on an open trailer, exposed to the elements.
• Enclosed Car Transport: Your car is shipped in a covered trailer, providing maximum protection from weather and road debris. This premium service is typically 30-60% more expensive and is recommended for luxury, classic, or vintage cars.

4. Seasonality and Market Demand

The time of year can cause major price fluctuations. Peak seasons for moving, such as summer and the “snowbird” season (fall and spring), see higher demand and therefore higher prices. Conversely, shipping during off-seasons, like winter (excluding holidays), can save you money.

5. Vehicle Condition

An operable vehicle-one that starts and runs-is the cheapest to ship. If your car is inoperable, it requires special equipment like a winch to be loaded. This added effort and equipment will increase your final quote, typically by $150 to $200.

2. How to Get an Accurate Car Shipping Quote (And Avoid Scams)

Getting a quote isn’t just about entering your details. At Autos Mover, we help you get a realistic, accurate quote-and avoid costly surprises.

The Problem with Lowball Quotes

Some companies may offer a surprisingly low price to hook you, only to increase the price later with hidden fees or surcharges. The key is to avoid quotes that seem too good to be true. A reputable company will provide a clear, all-inclusive quote based on the factors above.

Be Transparent and Detailed

When you request a quote, be completely honest about your vehicle’s condition, any modifications, and your desired timeline. An honest company will ask for these details upfront to provide an accurate, transparent quote.

Understand the “Hidden” Costs

Experienced auto transporters know there are nuances that can affect the price. These include:

• Expedited Shipping: Needing your car moved on a tight deadline will come at a premium.
• Fuel Surcharges: The volatile price of fuel is sometimes passed on to the customer as an additional fee.
• Rural Locations: Pickup or delivery to a remote, rural area may incur an additional charge due to the extra time and fuel required for the driver.

3. Shipping vs Driving: Which Is Cheaper?

Factor	Shipping	Driving
Fuel & Gas	Included	~$250–$500
Time Off Work	Saved	1–3 days lost
Lodging/Food	None	~$200–$400
Wear & Tear	Avoided	High
Risk of Breakdowns	None	Moderate–High

4. How to Ship a Car to Another State

Deciding how to ship a car to another state can be an overwhelming task. At Autos Mover, our mission is to make the process as simple as possible.

Step 1: Get Your Free Quote

Use our online quote calculator to get a fast, transparent estimate. It’s designed to provide a realistic price upfront, based on the very factors we’ve covered.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle

Once you’ve booked with us, your dedicated shipping advisor will guide you through the preparation process, including:

• Washing the car to easily spot any pre-existing damage.
• Removing all personal belongings from the vehicle.
• Leaving about a quarter tank of gas for loading and unloading.

Step 3: Enjoy Hassle-Free Transport

We provide real-time updates so you can track your vehicle’s journey. Upon delivery, you will perform a final inspection to ensure it arrived in the same condition it was picked up in.

5. The Cheapest Way to Ship a Car

Everyone wants to save money-but the cheapest quote isn’t always the smartest. Get the best value with Autos Mover by being strategic, not just price-driven.

• Choose Open Transport: This is the most common and cheapest method.
• Be Flexible: Giving us a wider pickup and delivery window allows us to find a spot on a truck that’s already on the route.
• Book in Advance: Booking your shipment a few weeks ahead of time can help you avoid the higher rates of last-minute bookings.
• Shop Multiple Quotes: small carriers may offer lower rates.
  

FAQs about Car Shipping Costs

What is the cheapest way to ship a car?

The most cost-effective way to ship a car is to choose open transport, be flexible with your pickup and delivery dates, and book your shipment during the off-season.

How long does it take to ship a car?

The transit time depends on the distance. For a trip up to 500 miles, it might take 1-3 days. A cross-country shipment could take 7-14 days.

Is it cheaper to drive my car or have it shipped?

For a long-distance move, shipping your car is often more cost-effective when you consider the price of fuel, lodging, meals, and the wear and tear on your vehicle.

Do I have to be there for pickup and delivery?

Yes, in most cases, you or a trusted representative must be present at both the pickup and delivery locations to sign the Bill of Lading, which documents the vehicle’s condition.

Can I ship a non-running car?

Yes, you can, but it will cost more. Be sure to inform the shipping company upfront so they can send the right equipment to load it.

Conclusion

How much to ship a car is a question with a lot of variables. By understanding the core factors-distance, vehicle type, transport method, and timing-you can move beyond a simple price range and get a quote that is both accurate and fair.

At Autos Mover, we believe that understanding these factors empowers you to make an informed decision and ensures a stress-free transport experience.

Ready to get started? Visit our website for your custom quote, and let us show you how simple car shipping can be.