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Transparent Pricing

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

The average cost to ship a car typically ranges from $500 to $2,000. The final price depends on the shipping distance, vehicle size and condition, transport type, pickup and delivery locations, route demand, season, and carrier availability.

Longer shipments usually cost more overall, but the cost per mile generally decreases as distance increases. Short-distance shipments have a higher per-mile rate because carrier expenses such as loading, unloading, fuel, and scheduling are spread across fewer miles.

Transport type also makes a significant difference. Open transport is generally the more economical choice for standard vehicles. Enclosed transport costs more but provides additional protection from road debris, weather, and other outside exposure.

For a price based on the specific vehicle and route, enter the shipment details into our car shipping cost calculator above.

Average Car Shipping Cost by Distance

Route DistanceOpen Carrier Cost (Standard)Enclosed Carrier Cost (Premium)Estimated Delivery Time
Less than 500 miles$375 – $600$640 – $1,0202–3 days
500 – 1,000 miles$500 – $860$850 – $1,4603–5 days
1,000 – 2,000 miles$675 – $1,150$1,150 – $1,9555–8 days
Over 2,000 miles$960 – $1,400$1,635 – $2,3807–10 days
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What's the Average Car Shipping Cost Per Mile?

Open auto transport typically ranges from approximately $0.50 to $1.20 per mile, while enclosed auto transport ranges from approximately $0.64 to $2.20 per mile.

Short-distance transportation usually has a higher cost per mile. As the shipping distance increases, the average per-mile rate generally decreases.

That means a 2,000-mile shipment can cost substantially more overall than a 500-mile shipment while still having a lower cost per mile.

Car Shipping Cost by Vehicle Type

The vehicle being shipped also affects the price. Larger and heavier vehicles take up more trailer space and carrier capacity, so an SUV or pickup truck can cost more to transport than a standard sedan on the same route.

Vehicle condition matters too. A non-running vehicle may require additional equipment and handling during loading and unloading, which can affect the quote.

Current estimated costs by vehicle type and distance are:

Vehicle TypeShort (0–500 mi)Medium (500–1,000 mi)Long (1,000–2,000 mi)Extended (2,000+ mi)
Sedan$500$680$910$1,180
SUV$575$780$1,045$1,360
Truck$625$850$1,140$1,475
Luxury Vehicle$800$1,090$1,455$1,890
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Most popular option

Open Auto Transport Cost

Open auto transport is the most common and economical option for shipping standard vehicles.

Vehicles are transported on open multi-car trailers, allowing carriers to move several vehicles along the same route. This makes open transport a practical choice for most everyday shipments.

Typical 1,500-mile estimate $900 – $1,200

Open transport is commonly used for:

  • Sedans
  • SUVs
  • Pickup trucks
  • Minivans
  • Daily drivers

For most standard vehicles, open transport provides a balance of broad carrier availability and competitive pricing.

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Watch: How open auto transport works

Premium protection

Enclosed Auto Transport Cost

Enclosed transport carries the vehicle inside a covered trailer, providing additional protection from weather, road debris, dirt, and other outside exposure during transit.

Typical 1,500-mile estimate $1,400 – $1,700

Enclosed transport is commonly selected for:

  • Luxury vehicles
  • Exotic vehicles
  • Classic vehicles
  • Antique vehicles
  • Collector vehicles
  • Other high-value vehicles

Enclosed carriers transport fewer vehicles at a time and are less widely available than open carriers, which contributes to the higher cost.

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Watch: Enclosed carrier protection

Open Carrier vs. Enclosed Carrier Cost Comparison

Comparison FactorOpen CarrierEnclosed Carrier
Estimated Cost at 1,500 Miles$900 – $1,200$1,400 – $1,700
Typical Cost DifferenceBaselineAbout 75% higher
Commonly Used ForStandard vehicles and daily driversClassic, luxury, exotic, collector and high-value vehicles
Trailer TypeOpenCovered
Outside ExposureNormal open-carrier exposureAdditional protection from outside exposure
Carrier AvailabilityBroaderMore limited
Not sure which option fits the vehicle? Compare open vs enclosed with a free instant quote

What Changes Your Auto Transport Quote?

There is no single price that applies to every vehicle shipment. We calculate a car shipping quote using the details of the specific move, including distance, vehicle, transport type, locations, timing, route demand, and carrier availability.

Distance

Distance

Distance is one of the main factors affecting car shipping cost. Longer routes require more fuel, mileage, and carrier time, so they generally cost more overall. However, the average rate per mile usually decreases as distance increases, meaning a cross-country shipment can have a lower per-mile cost than a shorter regional move.

Type of Vehicle

Vehicle Size and Weight

Vehicle size and weight affect how much trailer space and carrier capacity are required for the shipment. Standard sedans generally cost less to transport than larger SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and oversized vehicles because larger and heavier vehicles take up more space and can reduce the carrier's remaining capacity.

Expedited Shipping

Expedited Shipping

Expedited auto transport is available when a tighter pickup timeframe is needed. Expedited shipping can add approximately $200-500 to the transportation cost because we prioritize the carrier search within a narrower scheduling window, reducing the flexibility available when arranging the shipment.

Seasonality

Time of Year

Car shipping demand changes throughout the year, which can affect both pricing and carrier availability. Summer relocations, college moves, military transfers, snowbird travel, holidays, and severe weather can create periods of higher demand. Seasonal effects also vary by route and direction rather than affecting every shipment equally.

Transport Method Open

Route Demand and Carrier Availability

Pricing changes with the balance between customer demand and available carrier space on a route. High-volume lanes such as California to Texas and Florida to New York may have more carriers, while less-traveled routes can have fewer options. Direction, season, and current trailer availability can also affect the final quote.

Seasonality

Open or Enclosed Transport

The transport method selected can make a significant difference in price. Open transport is generally the more economical option for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport typically costs about 75% more and provides additional protection from weather, road debris, dirt, and other outside exposure during transportation.

Vehicle Condition

Vehicle Condition

Vehicle condition can affect the equipment and handling required during transportation. Running vehicles can normally be driven onto and off the carrier, while a non-running vehicle may require additional equipment for safe loading and unloading. These additional requirements can increase the final car shipping cost.

Pickup and Delivery Locations

Pickup and Delivery Locations

Pickup and delivery locations affect both pricing and carrier availability. Major metropolitan areas and frequently traveled interstate corridors generally provide more carrier options, while rural or remote locations can require additional travel. We provide door-to-door auto transport, with service arranged as close to the requested addresses as safely and legally accessible.

Sample Car Shipping Costs on Popular Routes

Distance alone does not determine the cost of shipping a vehicle. Carrier traffic, route demand, direction of travel, season, pickup and delivery locations, and vehicle type can all make two routes of similar length cost differently.

Here are examples of car shipping costs on popular routes:

Route Approx. Distance (Miles) Estimated Auto Transport Price Range
California to North Carolina 2,400-2,800 $1,713 - $2,771
Florida to Indiana 900-1,200 $1,101 - $1,625
Texas to Michigan 1,200-1,500 $1,180 - $1,774
North Carolina to California 2,400-2,800 $1,680 - $2,709
Arkansas to Hawaii 3,500+ $1,294 - $2,025
Indiana to Florida 900-1,200 $1,109 - $1,640
Illinois to Michigan 200-450 $850 - $1,155
California to Michigan 2,100-2,500 $1,562 - $2,488
Florida to Minnesota 1,500-1,900 $1,419 - $2,221
Michigan to Ohio 150-350 $808 - $1,077
New York to Michigan 500-800 $1,077 - $1,580
Texas to Pennsylvania 1,300-1,700 $1,323 - $2,040
North Carolina to Florida 500-750 $986 - $1,410
Illinois to Texas 900-1,200 $1,240 - $1,886
Michigan to California 2,100-2,500 $1,651 - $2,655
Georgia to California 2,000-2,500 $1,536 - $2,440
North Carolina to Virginia 150-350 $713 - $900
Michigan to Texas 1,200-1,500 $1,398 - $2,181
Tennessee to California 1,900-2,300 $1,591 - $2,543
New York to Tennessee 800-1,100 $1,346 - $2,085

Updated October 2026: The prices shown are current estimates for popular state-to-state car shipping routes based on recent pricing data available to AmeriFreight Auto Transport. Actual shipping costs may vary based on pickup and delivery locations, vehicle details, transport type, carrier availability, seasonality, and current market conditions. Prices are estimates and are not guaranteed rates or final quotes. Get a free instant quote for pricing based on your specific shipment.

Explore All State to State Car Shipping Routes

State-to-State Shipping

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Another State?

Shipping a car to another state typically costs $600–$1,500 with open transport and $1,000–$2,000 with enclosed transport.

The actual price depends on the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, route, transport method, time of year, and current carrier availability.

A neighboring-state shipment will generally cost less overall than a cross-country move. However, long-distance shipments often have a lower cost per mile.

State-to-state car shipping is commonly used for:

  • Household moves
  • College relocations
  • Military moves
  • Job transfers
  • Seasonal travel
  • Online vehicle purchases
  • Dealership transportation

Open transport is commonly selected for standard vehicles, while enclosed transport provides additional protection for classic, luxury, exotic, collector, and other high-value vehicles.

Explore State-to-State Car Shipping Get a Free Quote
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Cross-country shipping

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across the Country?

Cross-country car shipping typically costs 1,200–1,800 with open transport and 1,800–2,200 with enclosed transport.

Cross-country shipments often involve routes of 2,000 to 2,500 miles or more, including coast-to-coast moves such as California to New York.

The final price depends on:

  • Origin and destination
  • Total distance
  • Vehicle size and condition
  • Open or enclosed transport
  • Route demand
  • Time of year
  • Carrier availability

Many coast-to-coast shipments take approximately 7–10 days in transit, although weather, traffic, route conditions, carrier schedules, and pickup and delivery locations can affect the actual timeframe.

Open transport is generally the more economical choice for cross-country shipping. Enclosed transport is available when additional protection from outside exposure is preferred.

Seasonal Pricing Guide

When Is the Cheapest Time to Ship a Car?

Car shipping prices change throughout the year as demand, weather, migration patterns, and carrier availability change.

February is typically one of the more affordable months to ship a car, with rates that can run approximately 10–15% below the annual average. October and November can also offer competitive pricing on many routes.

December can be more expensive, with rates on affected routes reaching approximately 15–25% above average as holiday schedules and winter weather reduce carrier availability.

These are general seasonal patterns rather than fixed pricing rules. The exact effect depends on the route and direction of travel.

Winter car shipping

Winter

Winter Car Shipping

Outside of the December holiday period, winter can offer lower pricing on some routes because nationwide shipping demand is lower.

Snowbird traffic increases demand toward Florida, Arizona, Texas, and other warmer destinations, while snow and ice can reduce carrier availability in northern states.

  • December — Holiday schedules and winter weather can limit carrier availability and increase rates.
  • January — Snowbird traffic can increase demand on routes heading toward warmer states.
  • February — Demand is often lower across much of the country, making February one of the more affordable months for many routes.
Spring car shipping

Spring

Spring Car Shipping

Spring offers improving weather across much of the country, but transportation demand begins increasing as the summer moving season approaches.

  • March — Can remain relatively affordable on many routes.
  • April and May — Snowbirds returning north, household moves, and other seasonal travel can increase demand.
Summer car shipping

Summer

Summer Car Shipping

Summer is one of the busiest periods for auto transport.

School breaks, household moves, vacations, college relocations, military transfers, and cross-country moves increase vehicle shipping demand during June, July, and August.

Rates can run approximately 10–20% above annual averages on affected routes during periods of high summer demand.

Fall car shipping

Fall

Fall Car Shipping

Demand on many routes begins easing after the summer moving season.

  • September — Can still see college and relocation activity.
  • October and November — May offer more competitive rates on some routes before holiday and winter transportation patterns begin.

The best way to see current pricing is to enter the actual route, vehicle, and first available pickup date into the calculator.

How to Get a More Competitive Car Shipping Quote

A few shipment choices can provide more carrier options and help keep transportation costs competitive.

Choose Open Transport When Appropriate

Open transport is generally the most economical way to ship a standard vehicle.

Enclosed transportation typically costs about 75% more, making open transport a practical choice for most sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and daily drivers.

Allow Flexibility Around Pickup

A flexible first available pickup date can provide more carrier options than requiring a highly restricted timeframe

More flexibility gives us additional opportunities to find a carrier already traveling along or near the route.

Plan Ahead When Possible

Starting the quote process before the vehicle must move provides more time to review available carrier options.

Carrier availability can become more limited during peak moving periods, holidays, severe weather, and other high-demand periods.

Consider the Pickup and Delivery Locations

Locations near major metropolitan areas and interstate corridors can have broader carrier availability than remote locations requiring substantial additional travel.

We provide door-to-door transport and arrange pickup and delivery as close to the requested addresses as safely and legally possible.

Check Available Discounts

We offer discounts for qualifying customers and shipments, including available programs for groups such as:

  • Military discounts
  • Student discounts
  • Senior discounts
  • First responder discounts

Eligibility and available discounts can vary. Check our current discount options when requesting a quote.

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Instant Quote Tool

How Does Our Car Shipping Cost Calculator Work?

Our car shipping cost calculator uses the details of the shipment to provide a quote based on the vehicle and route.

  1. Enter the Pickup and Delivery Locations

    Provide the origin and destination city or ZIP code. The distance, route, and locations help determine the transportation requirements and available carrier options.

  2. Add the Vehicle Details

    Enter the year, make, model, vehicle type, and operating condition. Vehicle size, weight, and condition can affect trailer space, loading requirements, and pricing.

  3. Select the First Available Pickup Date

    Enter the first date the vehicle will be ready for pickup. Carrier availability and demand around the requested timeframe can affect available options.

  4. Enter the Required Contact Information

    Provide the information needed to receive and manage the quote.

  5. Review the Car Shipping Quote

    Submit the shipment details to receive the quote information and review the next steps.

Our car shipping cost calculator is free to use. No upfront payment is required until a carrier is selected and the shipment is booked.

Free · Instant · No obligation Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
How the AmeriFreight car shipping cost calculator works

Trusted Broker

Why Get a Car Shipping Quote With AmeriFreight?

We've helped customers arrange vehicle transportation since 2004.

As a licensed and bonded auto transport broker, we work with a network of 14,000+ vetted carriers properly insured to transport vehicles throughout the United States.

We arrange open, enclosed, door-to-door, and expedited auto transport based on the needs of the shipment.

  • 20+ years of auto transport experience
  • 14,000+ vetted carrier network
  • BBB Accredited
  • USDOT #2238770
  • MC #597401
  • No upfront payment until a carrier is selected
  • Optional AFTA gap protection plan available
Optional AFTA Gap Protection

Optional AFTA Gap Protection

We also offer an optional AFTA gap protection plan for qualifying shipments.

AFTA is not insurance. It is an optional gap protection plan that provides additional protection according to the applicable plan terms and conditions.

Learn More About AFTA Gap Protection
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Thousands of customers have shared their experiences with AmeriFreight across independent review platforms.

See what customers say about their experience getting a quote, arranging transportation, communicating throughout the shipment, and having their vehicles delivered.

Know more about our review policy.

FAQ

Car Shipping Cost and Quote Questions

The average cost to ship a car typically ranges from $500 to $2,000.

The final price depends on distance, vehicle size and condition, open or enclosed transport, pickup and delivery locations, route demand, season, and carrier availability.

Enter the shipment details into our calculator for a quote based on the specific vehicle and route.

Have a question not answered here? Ask an Expert! Our team of car shipping specialists are here to help. Get personalized answers to your car shipping questions! By choosing AmeriFreight, you can be confident that your car shipping experience will be smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Get your free quote today!

Ready to Start

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Every vehicle shipment is different. Distance, vehicle type, transport method, season, route, and current carrier availability all affect the price.

Use our car shipping cost calculator to get a quote based on the actual shipment details.

No upfront payment is required until a carrier is selected.

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