How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“How much does it cost to ship a car?”
The short answer is: it depends.
The more helpful answer is below.
This guide breaks down exactly what affects car shipping costs, what you can expect to pay, and how to avoid pricing surprises.
Average Cost to Ship a Car
On average, car shipping costs typically range between:
$0.60 – $1.50 per mile for standard open transport
30%–80% more for enclosed auto transport
Most nationwide shipments fall between $300 and $2,500, depending on distance and other factors.
Key Factors That Affect Auto Transport Pricing
1. Distance Between Pickup & Delivery
Longer distances usually lower the per-mile cost, while shorter routes often cost more per mile.
Example:
300 miles → higher per-mile rate
1,500+ miles → lower per-mile rate
2. Vehicle Size & Weight
Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship.
Sedans & compact cars → lowest cost
SUVs, trucks, vans → higher cost
Oversized or lifted vehicles → may require special pricing
3. Open vs Enclosed Transport
Your choice of transport method plays a major role.
Open Transport: Most affordable and most common
Enclosed Transport: Added protection for luxury, classic, or exotic vehicles
Enclosed transport typically adds 30%–60% to the cost.
4. Vehicle Condition (Running vs Non-Running)
Operable vehicles are less expensive to ship
Inoperable vehicles require special equipment, increasing cost
As long as a vehicle can roll, steer, and brake, it can usually be transported.
5. Time of Year (Seasonality)
Auto transport pricing fluctuates throughout the year.
Peak seasons: Spring & Fall (higher demand)
Slower seasons: Winter & mid-summer (often better pricing)
Snowbird season significantly affects routes to and from Florida.
6. Pickup & Delivery Locations
Major cities and highways = easier, cheaper
Rural or hard-to-access areas = higher cost
Door-to-door service is provided whenever safely and legally possible.
7. Pickup Timing & Flexibility
Flexible pickup windows usually result in better pricing.
Flexible dates = more carrier options
Expedited shipping = higher cost
Sample Car Shipping Cost Ranges
(Estimates vary based on vehicle type and season)
Florida → New York: $800 – $1,200
Florida → California: $1,200 – $1,800
Texas → Florida: $700 – $1,100
Midwest → Florida: $900 – $1,400
Why Extremely Cheap Quotes Are a Red Flag
Be cautious of quotes that seem too good to be true.
Extremely low pricing often leads to:
Delayed pickups
Price increases after booking
Carrier cancellations
Poor communication
Fair market pricing ensures your vehicle can actually be picked up and delivered on schedule.
How Auto Transport Brokers Price Shipments
A licensed auto transport broker:
Monitors real-time carrier availability
Matches shipments to market demand
Coordinates pricing based on route and timing
This allows you to access a nationwide carrier network instead of relying on a single truck.
Does MovAuto Charge Hidden Fees?
No. At MovAuto LLC, we provide:
Clear, upfront pricing
Honest explanations of cost factors
No hidden fees or surprise charges
Most importantly, we do not sell your personal information. Your quote request goes directly to a MovAuto representative — not third-party call centers.
How to Get the Most Accurate Quote
To receive an accurate car shipping quote, be ready to provide:
Pickup & delivery locations
Vehicle year, make, and model
Whether the vehicle runs
Preferred transport type
Desired pickup timeframe
The more accurate the information, the smoother the process.
Get a Free Auto Transport Quote
If you’re planning to ship a vehicle and want honest pricing with no pressure, we’re here to help.
Request a Free Auto Transport Quote
No obligation. No spam. No call centers.
