If you’re considering shipping a vehicle, one of the first questions you probably have is: How much will it cost? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The cost of shipping a car depends on a variety of factors that go beyond just distance. Understanding what goes into the pricing can help you budget more accurately and make informed decisions when choosing an auto transport company.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that affect the cost of shipping a car.
Distance and Route
Not surprisingly, the distance your car needs to travel is one of the biggest influences of shipping cost. Longer distances usually mean higher prices overall, but the cost per mile often decreases as the distance increases. For example, shipping a car 300 miles might cost around $1 per mile, while shipping the same car 2,000 miles could average out to $0.50 per mile.
The route itself also matters. Shipping between major cities or along common travel corridors is usually more affordable because transport trucks frequently run those routes. However, if you’re shipping from or to a remote area that’s far from a major highway or urban center, the carrier may need to make an extra trip off the main route—raising the cost.
Type of Transport: Open vs. Enclosed
Whether you choose open or enclosed transport plays a major role in the price. Open transport, where your car is shipped on an open trailer exposed to the elements, is the standard and most budget-friendly option. Enclosed transport, on the other hand, protects your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer and typically costs 30% to 60% more.
Enclosed transport is ideal for classic, luxury, exotic, or collector vehicles that need extra protection. If you ship a standard daily driver, open transport is usually the more economical and perfectly safe choice.
Vehicle Size and Weight
The size and weight of your car also affect how much you’ll pay. Larger vehicles like SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans take up more space on a carrier and add more weight, so they cost more to ship than smaller sedans or compact cars.
Carriers must follow strict weight regulations and maximize the number of vehicles they can safely load. A heavier vehicle may reduce the number of cars the carrier can haul on one trip, which translates into a higher individual shipping cost.
Time of Year and Seasonality
Car shipping is a seasonal business, and the time of year can have a big impact on price. The busiest times are typically summer and early winter. Summer sees a surge in moves and car purchases, while winter brings demand from snowbirds relocating to warmer states.
During these peak seasons, prices tend to rise due to higher demand. In contrast, shipping during slower months—like late winter or early spring—can help you secure lower rates. However, winter weather can also slow down delivery and affect carrier availability in certain regions.
Delivery Method: Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal
The convenience of having your car picked up and delivered as close to your home as possible comes with a higher price tag. Door-to-door shipping is more personalized and flexible but often costs more than terminal-to-terminal service, where you drop off and pick up your car at designated locations.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping can save you money, especially if you live near a major city or transportation hub. But it may add time and inconvenience to your schedule, which is worth considering when comparing costs.
Vehicle Condition (Running vs. Non-Running)
Is your car in working condition? If it starts, steers, and brakes properly, it’s considered a running vehicle—and much easier for a carrier to load and unload. Non-running or inoperable vehicles require special equipment like winches or forklifts, which adds to the labor and increases the overall shipping cost.
Be honest about your car’s condition when requesting quotes. Failing to mention mechanical issues could result in delays or additional fees at pickup.
Pickup and Delivery Timing
If you’re on a tight timeline and need expedited shipping, expect to pay more. Standard shipping usually includes a flexible pickup window for several days. Expedited or guaranteed pickup services move you to the front of the line, but they come with a premium price.
Similarly, flexible delivery windows can lead to better rates. If you’re able to wait a few extra days for your car to arrive, some carriers may offer a discount.
Fuel Prices and Industry Demand
The cost of fuel plays a role in shipping prices, especially when fuel prices fluctuate significantly. When gas or diesel prices rise, so do transportation costs—and those increases are often passed down to customers.
Additionally, overall industry demand impacts pricing. If more people ship cars and there are fewer carriers available, rates will go up. When demand is low, prices tend to drop as carriers compete for business.
Type of Auto Transport Carrier
Not all auto transport companies operate the same way. Some are brokers who coordinate the shipment but don’t own their own trucks. Others are carriers who handle the transport directly. Working with a broker can sometimes get you a better deal by comparing multiple carriers, but it can also introduce more variables in pricing and timing.
Direct carriers may offer more consistent pricing and communication, especially if you’re looking for more personalized experience.
Special Requests and Services
Any added service or customization will increase your shipping cost. For example, requesting top-loading on a two-level open carrier (to avoid potential fluid drips from other vehicles) or shipping personal items inside the vehicle may result in added fees. Always confirm what’s included in your quote and ask about additional costs.
Final Thoughts
Shipping a car involves many moving parts, and the total cost depends on a combination of factors you can control, and some you can’t. Knowing what affects pricing allows you to make smart choices based on your budget, needs, and priorities.
To get the best deal, compare quotes from multiple reputable auto transport companies, ask about hidden fees, and try to be flexible with timing if possible. With the right planning, you can get your vehicle where it needs to go safely, efficiently, and at a fair price.
