How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2026?

By Kiah Treece

The cost to ship a car depends on numerous factors, including distance, timeline and the type of vehicle you need to transport. In general, shipping a car may cost anywhere from around $400 to $2,500 — though the total cost may be higher. Whether you’re relocating to a new city, purchasing a vehicle from another state or sending a car to a loved one, understanding the expenses involved is crucial.

We’ll walk you through the costs associated with car shipping and important considerations like distance, vehicle size, shipping method and seasonal fluctuations.

Factors That Affect the Cost to Ship a Car

From the make and model of the vehicle to the choice of transport type, several factors influence the cost of shipping a car. By understanding these factors, you can better prepare and budget for your car-shipping needs, ensuring a smooth and cost-effective transport experience.

These are some of the main factors that affect the cost to ship a car:

Distance

The distance between the pickup and delivery locations is one of the most significant factors affecting the cost to ship a car. Generally, the longer the distance, the higher the overall shipping cost. This is primarily due to the fact that transporting a vehicle over a greater distance involves more fuel consumption, more time on the road for drivers, and increased wear and tear on the transport vehicle. 

However, the cost per mile often decreases with longer distances, leading to a lower per-mile rate for cross-country shipments compared to shorter trips. For example, shipping a car 150 miles might cost around $2.50 per mile, while a 1,000-mile trip might reduce the per-mile rate to around $0.70.

Vehicle size

Larger and heavier vehicles generally incur higher shipping costs due to the increased space they occupy on the transport trailer and the additional weight they contribute. For example, shipping a compact car will typically cost less than transporting an SUV, truck or van. 

Transporting larger vehicles requires more space on the carrier and may reduce the number of cars that can be shipped together, thus increasing the overall cost per vehicle. Heavier vehicles also may result in higher fuel consumption and more wear on the transport equipment.

Transportation type

Opting for an open carrier is typically the more economical choice when shipping a car. These carriers can transport multiple vehicles simultaneously, so shipping costs are spread across several customers. However, because the vehicles are exposed to the elements, they may be more susceptible to weather conditions and road debris. Despite this, open carriers are a reliable and frequently used method for standard car shipping at a lower cost.

Enclosed carriers provide a higher level of protection, as vehicles are transported within a covered space. Due to the added security — and fewer cars in a single carrier — this transportation option tends to be more expensive. It is often chosen for transporting luxury, classic or high-value vehicles where additional protection is worth the added cost.

Delivery type

There are three primary delivery types to consider when shipping a car: terminal-to-terminal, door-to-door and expedited shipping. Each option offers different levels of convenience, speed and costs.

• Door-to-door: Door-to-door delivery offers the convenience of having your vehicle picked up from your home or other chosen location and delivered directly to a specified address. This generally costs more than terminal-to-terminal service due to the additional effort, fuel and time the driver needs to navigate to specific addresses.
• Terminal-to-terminal: With terminal-to-terminal shipping, you must drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated shipping terminals. This option is typically the most economical because it reduces the time and mileage the transport truck needs to travel.
• Expedited shipping: If you need your vehicle shipped quickly, expedited shipping can ensure it’s picked up and delivered within a shorter, guaranteed timeframe. Due to the prioritization and special handling involved, expedited shipping is the most expensive option, but it’s ideal if you’re on a tight schedule.

Time of year

Seasonal variations affect the demand for vehicle transport services, thereby affecting prices. During the summer months and holiday seasons, the demand for car shipping tends to be higher. Many people relocate during these times, leading to increased competition for shipping slots and, consequently, higher prices. Conversely, demand typically decreases during the winter months — except around the holiday season — potentially resulting in lower shipping costs.

Weather conditions specific to different times of the year also can impact costs. Winter months often bring adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice and storms, leading to delays and increased operational risks for transport companies. These factors can contribute to higher costs due to the additional challenges involved.

Fuel price

As fuel prices fluctuate, so do the expenses associated with transporting vehicles. When fuel prices are high, transport companies face increased operational costs that are passed on to customers as higher shipping rates. Conversely, when fuel prices are low, the cost to ship a car can decrease, providing potential savings to customers.

Transport companies also must account for the fuel consumption required for the journey, including the distance traveled and the type of terrain. Long-distance and cross-country shipping typically incur higher fuel expenses compared to shorter routes. Many transport companies implement a fuel surcharge to manage fluctuating fuel prices and cover fuel expenses without incurring losses.

How Much It Costs to Ship a Car

The cost to ship a car typically ranges between $400 and $1,500, depending on several factors. For shorter distances, prices average around $400 to $800, while cross-country shipments can cost $1,200 to $1,500. Key factors influencing the cost include the distance, type of transport (open or enclosed), and vehicle size or weight.

Additional elements can also impact pricing, such as seasonal demand or expedited shipping requests. Open transport is usually the least expensive option, making it popular for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport offers extra protection for high-value or classic cars at a higher cost — often 30% to 50% more.

Car-Shipping Cost Per Mile

The cost to ship a car per mile varies based on several factors like the total distance of the transport, type of vehicle being shipped and shipping method. Generally, shorter distances may have a higher cost per mile due to the fixed costs associated with loading, unloading and handling the vehicle. Conversely, longer distances often benefit from a lower cost per mile because these fixed costs are spread out over more miles. 

For example, transporting a car over a distance of 150 miles might cost around $2.50 per mile, while the same car shipped over 1,000 miles could cost closer to $0.70 per mile. Additionally, factors such as seasonal demand, fuel prices and the specific routes taken can also influence the overall shipping cost.

Car-Shipping Cost by Vehicle and Distance

Vehicle Type	500 Miles (Open Shipping)	1,000 Miles (Open Shipping)	1,500 Miles (Open Shipping)	2,000 Miles (Open Shipping)
Sedan	$669	$1,069	$1,209	$1,439
Compact SUV	$689	$1,079	$1,229	$1,439
SUV	$689	$1,189	$1,349	$1,439
Truck	$729	$1,189	$1,339	$1,439

Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks and vans, generally cost more to ship than smaller vehicles like sedans and compact cars. This is because larger vehicles take up more space on the carrier and are heavier, leading to higher fuel consumption and fewer vehicles being transported at once. 

If you need to ship a standard sedan, it might cost around $0.60 to $1.50 per mile, while shipping an SUV could start at a per-mile rate around $0.70. Specialized vehicles or those with modifications like oversized tires or extended lengths can cost even more to ship due to the need for additional handling or accommodations.

Cost to Ship a Car by Carrier Type and Distance

Route Distance	Average Open Shipping Cost	Average Enclosed Shipping Cost
500 miles	$669	$1,149
1,000 miles	$1,069	$1,529
1,500 miles	$1,209	$1,669
2,000 miles	$1,439	$1,460

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in Different Seasons?

The cost to ship a car depends on seasonal demand, weather conditions and availability of transport carriers, among other variables. Understanding how these seasonal variations impact pricing can help you plan and budget more effectively when arranging vehicle transport. Here’s how much it costs to ship a car during different seasons:

• Spring: Shipping costs are generally moderate in spring as the demand for car transport increases steadily. Prices may be more accessible as weather conditions improve, but demand may drive up costs as people plan moves or vacations.
• Summer: Summer can be an expensive season for shipping a car due to high demand, as many individuals relocate or travel. Carrier availability becomes limited, driving up costs. 
• Fall: Car shipping costs tend to decrease during the fall as demand stabilizes. It’s a more affordable time to ship a car with fewer people relocating compared to summer. 
• Winter: Prices can vary depending on the specific location and weather conditions. Shipping to or from areas with harsh winters may cost more due to difficult road conditions, longer travel times and reduced carrier availability. Other regions may see lower prices due to reduced demand.

Is Shipping a Car Worth the Price?

Shipping a car can be worth the price depending on individual circumstances and priorities. If you’re moving a long distance, such as cross-country or to another state, driving the car yourself can add significant mileage, wear and tear and fuel costs. Shipping a vehicle eliminates these concerns and saves time, especially if you have a tight schedule. Professional auto transport companies are usually insured, providing peace of mind if issues arise during transit.

That said, whether shipping a car is worth the price also depends on the vehicle’s worth and your budget. For high-value or classic cars, paying for reliable shipping services is often a sound investment to ensure proper handling. Conversely, for older or low-value vehicles, the shipping cost might outweigh the car’s overall value. Weigh the distance, condition of the vehicle and total cost — including potential fuel, lodging and time if driving — as well as alternatives available.

Tips to Save Money on Car Shipping

Shipping a car can be a significant expense, but there are several ways to reduce the overall cost. Here are some practical tips to help you cut down on car-shipping costs:

• Choose an open carrier. Open carriers are the most economical option for car shipping. Because they can transport multiple vehicles at once, costs are shared among many customers, lowering the price per vehicle.
• Book in advance. Planning and booking your car shipment ahead of time can help you secure better rates. Last-minute bookings often come with premium charges due to limited availability.
• Be flexible with dates. Flexibility with pickup and delivery dates can allow shipping companies to fit your shipment into their existing schedules more easily, often at a lower cost.
• Use terminal-to-terminal shipping. Door-to-door service is convenient, but terminal-to-terminal shipping can be much cheaper.
• Ship during the off-season. Shipping during the off-season, typically winter months when demand is lower, can result in significant cost savings.
• Remove personal items and luggage. Extra weight from personal items and luggage can increase shipping costs. Personal items also aren’t covered by carrier insurance policies. Ensure your vehicle is empty to avoid additional fees and potential damage.
• Shop around for quotes. Obtain quotes from multiple providers and compare them to find the best balance between cost and service quality. Be mindful of very low quotes, as they may come with hidden fees or lower service standards.
• Pay cash. The best car-shipping companies offer lower prices if you pay cash. 
• Consider multicar discounts. Shipping companies often offer reduced rates for transporting multiple vehicles together.

What to Expect When Shipping Your Car

Car shipping involves a network of logistics and transport professionals working together to move your vehicle from one location to another. Initially, you’ll work with a car-shipping company, many of which function as brokers or agents. These companies don’t typically own the transport trucks. Instead, they contract with owner-operators responsible for physically transporting the vehicles. 

The shipping company also handles the customer service aspect, providing quotes, booking shipments and coordinating logistics with the transporters. It will leverage its industry connections to match shipments with available carriers, ensuring a seamless and effective car shipping process. Once the car-shipping company matches your shipment with an owner-operator, the transport process begins. 

The driver of the transport truck will pick up your vehicle from the designated location and load it onto the carrier. During transit, the shipping company may provide tracking options, but you’ll likely need to call the driver for status updates. When the vehicle arrives at its destination, the owner-operator will unload it so you can inspect it for damage incurred during transport.

Cost to Ship a Car FAQ

What is the cheapest way to ship a car?

The cheapest way to ship a car is typically by using an open carrier. Open carriers are the most common and widely used method for car shipping, primarily because of their affordability. Since open carriers can transport multiple vehicles simultaneously, the costs per vehicle are shared among many customers, resulting in lower individual costs.

Is it cheaper to ship a car than drive?

Shipping a car can be more cost-effective than driving, especially for long distances. It reduces expenses such as fuel, accommodation, meals and potential vehicle wear and tear. Additionally, shipping saves time and reduces travel-related stress. That said, costs vary, so you should always compare both options based on your specific situation and distance.

Can I put stuff in my car when I ship it?

Whether you can put stuff in your car when you ship it depends on the shipping company’s policy. Many carriers allow a certain number of personal items in the vehicle, but these belongings are typically not insured, and overloading may result in higher costs. Always confirm with the shipping company to avoid issues or additional fees.

How can I save money on car shipping?

To save money on car shipping, choose an open carrier, book in advance and be flexible with dates. Opt for terminal-to-terminal shipping, ship during the off-season, pay cash and remove personal items from the vehicle to avoid extra fees. Lastly, compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best deal.

How do I not get scammed shipping my car?

To avoid scams, thoroughly research car-shipping companies, check their reviews and ensure they are licensed and insured. Get multiple quotes, but be wary of extremely low prices. Verify each company’s physical address, contact details and confirm the transportation company meets insurance requirements. Finally, carefully review the written contract before committing to transport.