ShipYourCarNow FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Car Shipping

Car shipping costs in the US typically range from around $500 for shorter hauls to $2,500 or more for cross-country or specialty shipments. The average domestic shipment runs somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500. Your exact price will vary based on how far your car is traveling, what type of vehicle you have, whether you choose open or enclosed transport, and when you need it picked up.

At ShipYourCarNow, we give you a real quote based on real market data, not a lowball number designed to reel you in. What you see is what you pay.

Calculating car shipping cost is based on distance, vehicle size, transport type (open or enclosed), route demand, time of year, and whether your vehicle is operable. Carriers price per mile, but the rate per mile drops on longer hauls. Busy routes cost less because carriers can fill their trailers more easily. Oversized vehicles, non-running cars, and enclosed transport all add to the base price. The fastest way to get an accurate number is to use our online quote tool.

It depends on the distance. For cross-country moves, auto shipping is often comparable to or cheaper than driving when you factor in fuel, hotels, meals, wear on the vehicle, and your time. On shorter hauls under 500 miles, driving usually costs less. For moves over 1,000 miles, shipping frequently wins on total cost and almost always wins on convenience. Use our quote tool to compare the numbers for your specific route and destination.

Driving looks cheaper upfront, but the full cost adds up fast. A 2,500-mile drive can cost $300 to $500 in fuel alone, plus lodging, food, and mechanical wear on your automobile. Shipping that same route typically runs $1,000 to $1,500, but you avoid the wear on your vehicle, the time off work, and the physical toll of a long drive. For most cross-country moves, the gap is smaller than people expect.

For most people, yes. Car shipping saves time, reduces wear on your vehicle, and removes the stress of a long drive. It's especially worth it for long-distance relocations, snowbird seasonal moves, military PCS orders, and anyone shipping luxury vehicles or a classic car. If the shipping cost is within a few hundred dollars of driving yourself, shipping is almost always the smarter call.

Several things move the needle on your auto transport quote, and it's worth knowing them before you book.

Distance is the biggest factor. Shipping from Florida to California costs more than shipping from Miami to Atlanta, purely because of the miles involved. Route popularity also matters. High-traffic corridors like Florida to New York or California to Texas tend to be more cost-effective because carriers run those routes frequently. Remote destinations can add to the cost because carriers have fewer stops to offset fuel costs.

Vehicle size and weight play a role, too. A full-size pickup truck takes up more space on the trailer than a compact sedan, so it costs more to transport. The condition of your vehicle matters as well. If your car isn't drivable, it requires special equipment to load and secure, which adds a small fee.

Finally, the time of year affects pricing. Summer and January tend to be busier, which can push rates slightly higher. If you have flexibility in your dates, booking a few weeks out typically gets you the best rate.

No. Our philosophy is straightforward: pricing with no surprises. The quote we give you includes carrier pickup, transport, and delivery. We walk you through every line item before you confirm anything. If something changes, we'll tell you right away.

Open transport is more affordable, typically 30 to 40 percent less than enclosed. For most everyday vehicles, open auto transport is the practical, cost-effective choice. Enclosed transport costs more because the trailer holds fewer vehicles and offers greater protection, but for high-value, classic, or exotic cars, that investment makes sense.

Enclosed car shipping typically costs 30 to 40 percent more than open transport. On a route that would cost $1,000 to $1,200 for open transport, expect to pay $1,400 to $1,700 or more for enclosed. Exact pricing depends on distance, vehicle size, and route availability. Call us for an accurate enclosed transport quote specific to your vehicle and destination.

For luxury vehicles, classic cars, sports cars, and anything you'd be devastated to see arrive with a scratch, yes. Enclosed transport protects your vehicle from weather, road debris, and road grime that open trailers can't avoid. For everyday sedans and SUVs, open transport is perfectly safe, and you'd be paying a premium for protection you probably don't need. When in doubt, call us, and we'll give you an honest recommendation.