Car Transport Cost: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide (What You’ll Really Pay)

Adrianna Tori
Car Transport Cost

If you’re researching car transport cost, you probably want one thing: a real number you can trust.

The truth? The average car shipping price in the U.S. ranges between $600 and $1,500, but your final price depends on distance, vehicle type, timing, and market demand.

This guide breaks down everything that affects car transport pricing so you can estimate your cost accurately — without hidden surprises.

Average Car Transport Cost by Distance

Distance is the #1 factor in car shipping prices.

DistanceAverage CostCost Per Mile0–500 miles$400–$700$0.90–$1.40500–1,000 miles$700–$1,100$0.75–$1.001,000–2,000 miles$1,000–$1,400$0.60–$0.852,000+ miles$1,200–$1,600+$0.50–$0.75

📌 Example: Shipping a sedan from Florida to California (2,500 miles) typically costs $1,200–$1,500 on an open carrier.

The longer the distance, the lower the cost per mile.

 What Affects Car Transport Cost?

1️⃣ Distance & Route Popularity

Shipping between major metro areas (Miami → Los Angeles) is cheaper than rural-to-rural routes.

Remote pickup or delivery adds:

2️⃣ Vehicle Type & Size

Bigger vehicles cost more because they:

Vehicle TypeEstimated Cost DifferenceSedanBase priceSUV+$100–$200Pickup Truck+$150–$300Large/Heavy Vehicles+$300+

3️⃣ Open vs Enclosed Transport

Open Transport (Most Popular – 85% of shipments)
✔ Most affordable
✔ Safe and insured
✔ Ideal for everyday vehicles

Enclosed Transport
✔ Protects from weather & road debris
✔ Used for luxury, exotic & classic cars
✔ Costs 30%–60% more

If your open transport quote is $1,000, enclosed may be $1,400–$1,600.4️⃣ Seasonal Demand

Car transport cost increases during:

Prices can increase 10%–25% during peak season.5️⃣ Speed & Urgency

Need your car picked up in 1–2 days?

Expedited shipping can add:

Flexible pickup windows = lower price.💰 Cross-Country Car Transport Cost Example

Let’s break down a real-world scenario:

Route: New York → California
Distance: 2,800 miles
Vehicle: Standard sedan
Transport Type: Open carrier

Estimated cost: $1,200–$1,500

If enclosed: $1,700–$2,200🧾 What’s Included in Car Transport Cost?

A professional quote typically includes:

Always confirm insurance coverage limits before booking.⚠️ Why Do Car Shipping Quotes Change?

Many customers notice price changes between initial quote and final dispatch. This usually happens because:

Car shipping works like airline pricing — it’s supply and demand based.📉 How to Lower Your Car Transport Cost

Here’s how to save money:

✔ Book 1–2 weeks in advance
✔ Be flexible with pickup dates
✔ Choose open transport
✔ Ship between major cities
✔ Avoid peak summer if possible📊 Open vs Enclosed Cost Comparison

RouteOpen TransportEnclosed Transport500 miles$500$8001,500 miles$1,100$1,7002,500 miles$1,400$2,100

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Car Transport CostIs car shipping cheaper than driving?

Often yes — especially for long distances. When you factor in:

Shipping is usually more economical and safer.Why is my quote different from another company?

Not all quotes are realistic. Some companies quote low to win the booking, then increase later. The key is pricing based on current market carrier rates, not guesswork.How far in advance should I book?

7–14 days is ideal for best pricing and availability.Final Thoughts on Car Transport Cost

The average car transport cost in 2026 ranges from $600 to $1,500, depending on:

The best way to get accurate pricing is to request a real-time quote based on live carrier market data.

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