How Much Did It Cost to Ship a Car in 2025?
This archived 2025 guide contains illustrative pricing ranges, not current quotes or a documented market survey. The figures below have not been revalidated for 2026. Request a written quote for your route, vehicle and shipping date rather than budgeting from this historical table.
Average Car Shipping Cost by Distance
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $299–$550 | $550–$900 | 1–3 days |
| 500–1,000 miles | $550–$750 | $900–$1,200 | 3–5 days |
| 1,000–2,000 miles | $700–$1,100 | $1,100–$1,900 | 4–7 days |
| 2,000+ miles (coast-to-coast) | $900–$1,400 | $1,400–$2,500 | 7–9 days |
What Factors Affect the Price?
The five biggest factors driving your car shipping cost are:
- Distance — The single biggest cost factor. Longer routes cost more total, but the cost-per-mile decreases as distance increases.
- Transport type — Open transport (exposed trailer) is 40–60% cheaper than enclosed (covered trailer). Open is perfectly safe for most vehicles.
- Vehicle size — Trucks, SUVs, and vans take more space on the carrier and cost more than compact cars.
- Season — Summer (May–August) and snowbird season (Oct–Jan) see 10–25% higher rates due to demand spikes.
- Location — Rural pickups cost more than major metro areas due to lower carrier density.
Open vs. Enclosed: Which Should You Choose?
Open transport is the right choice for 95%+ of shipments. It's the same method used to deliver brand-new cars from factories to dealerships. Your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris, but damage rates are extremely low.
Enclosed transport makes sense for luxury cars (over $50,000), classic or vintage vehicles, exotic sports cars, or any vehicle you'd rather not expose to even minor road debris. The 40–60% premium is worth it for peace of mind on high-value vehicles.
How to Get the Best Car Shipping Rate
- Book 1–2 weeks in advance — last-minute bookings cost 20–30% more
- Choose a 3–5 day pickup window instead of a specific date
- Pick up and drop off at major metro areas when possible
- Avoid booking during peak season (June–August, December)
- Get multiple quotes and compare — rates vary by carrier availability
How to Get an Accurate Quote
The fastest way to get an accurate price is to use our free instant quote calculator. Enter your pickup ZIP, delivery ZIP, vehicle type, and preferred transport method — you'll have a real price range in seconds with no commitment.
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