Car Shipping Cost Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about auto transport pricing. Updated for 2026 with the latest rates and trends.

Average Car Shipping Costs by Distance

Distance	Open Carrier	Enclosed Carrier	Transit Time
0-500 miles	$600 – $900	$900 – $1,350	2-4 days
500-1,000 miles	$900 – $1,325	$1,350 – $1,990	4-6 days
1,000-1,500 miles	$1,325 – $1,675	$1,990 – $2,510	5-7 days
1,500-2,000 miles	$1,675 – $1,950	$2,510 – $2,925	6-9 days
2,000+ miles	$1,950 – $2,500	$2,925 – $3,750	7-10 days

Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs

1. Distance

Distance is the primary cost driver. Our pricing uses a tiered per-mile rate: $1.20/mile for the first 500 miles, $0.85/mile for 500-1,000 miles, $0.70/mile for 1,000-1,500 miles, and $0.55/mile for distances beyond 1,500 miles. There is also a $300 base fee that covers carrier dispatch, insurance, and administrative costs.

2. Vehicle Size and Type

Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to transport because they take up more space on the carrier. Here are typical surcharges:

• Sedan/Coupe: Base price (no surcharge)
• SUV/Crossover: +15% above base
• Truck/Pickup: +25% above base
• Van/Minivan: +20% above base
• Motorcycle: -30% (smaller footprint)
• Classic/Exotic: +20-40% (enclosed recommended)
• Non-running vehicles: +$150 flat fee

3. Transport Type

Open carrier is the standard and most affordable option. Your car rides on an open-air multi-car hauler alongside 7-10 other vehicles. This is how 90% of cars are shipped, including brand new vehicles from factories.

Enclosed carrier provides full protection from weather, road debris, and UV exposure. It costs approximately 50% more than open transport. Recommended for vehicles valued over $50,000, classics, exotics, and show cars.

4. Seasonal Demand

Auto transport pricing fluctuates with demand:

• January-February: LOWEST prices — demand drops after the holidays
• March-May: Moderate — prices begin rising as moving season approaches
• June-August: PEAK season — highest prices, book 4-6 weeks ahead
• September-November: Prices ease as demand drops
• December: Holiday delays, variable pricing — book early

5. Location

Shipping to/from major metro areas on popular routes (LA-NY, Miami-Chicago) costs less than rural destinations. Carriers prefer routes with high volume because they can fill their trailers efficiently.

6. Vehicle Operability

Non-running vehicles require a winch or forklift to load, adding $100-$200 to the cost. The vehicle must still be able to roll, steer, and brake. Completely immobile vehicles may need specialized equipment.

Tips to Save Money on Car Shipping

1. Book in off-peak months (January, February, September-November) for savings of 15-25%
2. Be flexible with dates — carriers offer better rates when they have more time to plan routes
3. Choose open transport unless your vehicle truly requires enclosed protection
4. Ship to/from terminals instead of door-to-door for potential savings of $50-$150
5. Ship multiple vehicles together for 10-20% multi-car discounts
6. Get multiple quotes — compare at least 3-5 carriers before booking
7. Avoid last-minute bookings — expedited service costs 15-30% more

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car 1,000 miles?

The average cost to ship a standard sedan 1,000 miles on an open carrier is approximately $1,325. Enclosed transport for the same distance runs about $1,990. Final pricing depends on vehicle type, route popularity, and seasonal demand.

Is it cheaper to drive or ship a car?

For distances over 500 miles, shipping is often more cost-effective when you factor in fuel, hotels, meals, vehicle wear (roughly $0.65/mile per IRS rates), and the value of your time. A 2,000-mile drive costs $1,300+ in expenses alone, plus 3-4 days of your time.

Do I pay upfront for car shipping?

Most reputable carriers offer a pay-on-delivery model with no upfront deposit required. Some may request a small deposit ($50-$200) at booking. Never pay the full amount before your vehicle is picked up.

Can I negotiate car shipping prices?

Yes. Getting quotes from multiple carriers gives you leverage. However, extremely low quotes may indicate unreliable service. Focus on value — a slightly higher price from a well-reviewed carrier is worth it for peace of mind.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car?

Open carrier, terminal-to-terminal, during off-peak season (January-February), with flexible dates. This combination typically yields the lowest rates. Multi-vehicle shipments also qualify for significant discounts.