Car Transport Costs: Key Factors, Prices, & Tips

Car Transport Costs in 2026: Smarter Ways to Save

Shipping a car means trusting someone with one of your most valuable belongings. Rising fuel prices, seasonal demand, and varying service quality can make the process stressful. Many customers worry about paying too much or choosing the wrong carrier.  That’s why it’s essential to understand how transport pricing really works.

The car shipping market is evolving fast. Higher costs, new regulations, and improved technology are changing how prices are set and services are delivered. This guide explains what drives those changes and how you can plan smart, save money, and ship your vehicle with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

In this guide, we will answer:

• How much does it cost to ship a car in 2026, and what factors most influence pricing?

• Is it cheaper to ship or drive a car across the country, and what’s the real cost difference?

• What insurance and protection options offer the best balance between affordability and peace of mind?

Overview

Shipping a car depends on several factors, including distance, transportation type, and timing. Knowing what affects price helps you plan better and save money. Factors Affecting Prices Costs change with supply and demand. Key factors include distance, route, vehicle size, operability, season, and fuel prices. Rates by Distance and Type Open carriers are cheaper, while enclosed carriers cost more but offer better protection. Longer routes take more days to deliver. Open vs. Enclosed Transport Open transport works best for regular cars. Enclosed transport costs about 30 to 40 percent more and protects luxury or classic vehicles. Insurance and Protection Carrier insurance covers major damage. A gap protection plan, such as AmeriFreight’s AFTA plan, provides coverage for minor issues, including debris or weather damage. Expedited Shipping Faster pickup (24 to 72 hours) incurs an additional cost, especially for remote or less-traveled routes. Driving vs. Shipping For long distances, shipping usually saves time, stress, and wear on your vehicle compared to driving. Tips to Save Choose open transport, be flexible with pickup and delivery, avoid last-minute bookings, and ship multiple cars together if possible. Military Discounts Active-duty military personnel, retirees, students, seniors, and first responders can receive discounts with a valid ID or PCS orders. Prep and Insurance Checklist Check insurance coverage, take photos, clean your car, remove personal items, and be present for the pickup inspection. Avoiding Scams Avoid deals that seem too cheap, large deposits, fake USDOT numbers, or cash-only offers. Always verify the carrier and get a signed Bill of Lading.

What Factors Affect Vehicle Shipping Prices

Car shipping is a spot-market service, meaning the price changes based on real-time supply and demand. Understanding these core pricing factors will help you comprehend your quote and identify potential savings.

• Distance of Travel: The total mileage is the baseline. The rate per mile goes down for longer trips.

• Route Popularity/Lane Density: High-demand routes, such as the I-95 corridor and cross-country I-80, are often cheaper because carriers are consistently heading in that direction. Shipping to or from a rural area requires a carrier to go out of their way, increasing the cost (rural surcharge).

• Vehicle Size & Weight: Larger, heavier vehicles (duallies, lifted trucks, and large SUVs) occupy more space and consume more fuel, thereby increasing the price.

• Operability: Non-running cars (inoperable) require specialized equipment (a winch or forklift) and extra labor, adding a surcharge.

• Transport Type: Open vs. enclosed auto transport. Enclosed is always a significant premium.

• Seasonality: Peak seasons (summer, major holidays) drive prices up due to high demand. The "snowbird" migration (North to South in fall, South to North in spring) heavily impacts specific lanes.

• Fuel Trends: The price of diesel fuel is a direct cost factor for carriers and is reflected in the quote.

• Expedited Dates: If you require an urgent pickup, you will incur a premium to secure a dedicated or fast-turnaround spot.

• Insurance Level: While carrier insurance is included, opting for additional gap protection may incur an extra cost.

Carrier Transport Rates for Car Shipping by Type and Distance

Here are sample estimates of car shipping rates depending on type and distance. To obtain a more personalized shipping quote tailored to your specific situation, use a car shipping calculator.

Open vs. Enclosed Car Transport Cost Difference

Choosing between open and enclosed transport is one of the most important non-route decisions you will make, as it impacts both cost and coverage.

Insurance Coverage: What Adds to The Shipping Cost

Standard carrier cargo insurance is required by law and typically covers damage caused by carrier negligence (e.g., the truck wrecking). It often does not cover minor damage from road hazards, such as debris kicking up, minor hail, or light chipping, which are considered "Acts of God" or road hazard risks.

Optional AFTA Gap Protection Plan

AmeriFreight's optional gap protection plan can bridge that gap. For an additional fee, it may help reimburse certain out-of-pocket expenses (up to approximately $2,000) in situations where the carrier’s standard cargo insurance does not apply.

Expedited Car Shipping Timeline and Cost

Expedited shipping is available for customers who require their car to be moved on a tight schedule.

• Expedited Pickup Window: 24 to 72 hours after booking. 

• Transit Time Ranges (Once Loaded): Zero to 500 miles (one to two days). 2,500+ miles (five to nine days).

• Cost Impact: Expedited service may incur an additional charge. The premium is higher for rural or less popular routes, as the broker must offer a much higher price to get a carrier to drop everything for a quick turnaround.

Is It Cheaper to Drive or Ship a Car Across the Country?

For a long trip, the cost-benefit analysis typically favors shipping, especially when considering the time factor.

Pro Tip: For more information on the real costs, time, and convenience of shipping versus driving your car, explore our guide to find the best option for your next move.

Tips to Get The Cheapest Way to Transport a Car Cross Country

To secure the most competitive price for cross-country car shipping, focus on maximizing carrier convenience and minimizing risk/hassle for them.

• Choose Open Carrier: This is the baseline, cheapest option.

• Be Flexible on Pickup and Delivery Windows: The wider your window, the more options a carrier has to fit you into their route, and the less they charge.

• Utilize Metro Hand-Offs: If you live a long way from a major city, meeting the carrier in a large, easily accessible parking lot near an interstate exit can save you the rural surcharge fee.

• Avoid Last-Minute Expedited Shipping: Expedited shipping is a cost multiplier.

• Consolidate Multi-Vehicle Shipments: Shipping two cars at once can often get you a discounted rate per vehicle.

Military Discount for Car Shipping PCS Move

Shipping a vehicle during a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is a common practice, and you should always take advantage of available discounts.

AmeriFreight Military Discount Details

• Discount: AmeriFreight Auto Transport offers a specific military discount on the service fee for active-duty and retired military personnel. We also offer discounts for students, seniors, medical personnel, and first responders.

• Eligibility: Must provide a valid military ID or PCS orders.

• POV/PCS Nuances: If your vehicle is your Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) and part of your government-funded PCS move, it is essential to coordinate timing with your official move date.

Vehicle Shipping Insurance & Prep Checklist

Here are some checklists to help you maximize your car shipping budget.

Insurance Checklist

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  Verify Cargo Insurance Limit: Confirm that the carrier’s cargo insurance covers the full replacement value of your vehicle. 

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  Request Proof of Insurance: Obtain the Certificate of Insurance (COI) that shows active coverage dates, policy limits, and the provider's contact information. Make sure it includes Automobile Cargo Coverage.

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  Review Deductibles and Exclusions: Ask about deductibles and any excluded causes such as weather damage, acts of God, or pre-existing flaws. Clarify these before shipment.

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  Keep Documentation: Save copies of the COI, Bill of Lading (BOL), inspection reports, and photos for potential claims.

Preparation Checklist

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  Take Photos and Videos: Capture clear, date-stamped images of the entire vehicle, including close-ups of existing scratches, dents, and paint chips.

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  Clean the Vehicle: Wash the exterior so any pre-existing marks are visible during inspection.

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  Disable Alarms: Turn off all car alarms to prevent activation during transport.

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  Charge and Secure Battery: Ensure the battery is fully charged, the terminals are securely tight, and there are no warning lights.

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  Check Fuel and Fluids: Keep fuel at one-quarter tank or less, top off essential fluids, and confirm there are no leaks.

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  Remove Personal Items: Do not load personal belongings, tools, or spare parts unless they have been pre-approved and listed on the Bill of Lading.

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  Verify Vehicle Operability: Ensure the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer. Notify the carrier if the equipment is inoperable so they can bring the correct replacement.

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  Attend the Pickup Inspection: Be present when the carrier arrives. Confirm all vehicle details are correctly listed on the Bill of Lading before signing.

How to Avoid Car Transport Scams

The best way to protect yourself is to be informed about the industry and know the red flags of illegitimate brokers or carriers.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Unusually Low Bids: If a price is significantly lower than all others, it is likely a bait-and-switch quote that no carrier will accept, leading to delays and re-quotes.

• Large Non-Refundable Deposits: A legitimate deposit is standard, but a massive, non-refundable deposit for a service not yet rendered is a warning sign.

• Forged MC/USDOT Numbers: Scammers will use fake or stolen motor carrier (MC) and USDOT numbers.

• Cash-Only on Booking: Reputable brokers use secure payment methods.

Verification Steps

• FMCSA Lookup: Verify the broker's and carrier's MC (Motor Carrier) and USDOT numbers on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.

• Written BOL: Never hand over your car without a written, signed Bill of Lading (BOL) documenting the car's condition.

• Coverage Certificates: Request proof of carrier insurance and written details of any supplemental coverage.

Final Thoughts: Ship Smart, Save More

Shipping your vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated or uncertain. With the correct information and trusted guidance, you can strike a balance between cost, safety, and timing to make your car transport experience efficient and worry-free.

Ready to Ship Your Car the Smart Way?

For more than 20 years, AmeriFreight Auto Transport has built a trusted name in the auto transport industry. As a licensed auto transport broker, we coordinate shipments through a thoroughly vetted network of licensed and insured carriers. 

Our experienced team is here to guide you through the entire process, from quote to delivery, with expert assistance and clear communication at every step.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does car shipping take by distance band?

Car shipping typically takes one to three days for under 500 miles, four to seven days for 500 to 2,500 miles, and seven to ten days for over 2,500 miles.

Can I put personal items in the car?

According to DOT regulations, personal items are strictly prohibited because carriers are not licensed to transport household goods.

How are car shipping quotes calculated?

Quotes are determined by current carrier market rates for your specific route, the vehicle’s size and operability, and the requested pickup window, and with broker fees included.

What insurance do I need beyond carrier cargo?

Carrier cargo insurance covers major damage caused by negligence. For added peace of mind, AmeriFreight offers an optional gap protection plan.