Cost to Ship a Car

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Automotive

Shipping a car involves multiple factors, from distance to transport method. Here's a detailed overview of the costs, considerations, and tips for saving money:


1. Average Car Shipping Costs

By Distance

| Distance | Cost Per Mile | Estimated Total Cost |
|--------------|------------------------|-----------------------------|
| 500 miles | $1.20 - $1.95 | $600 - $975 |
| 1,000 miles | $0.80 - $1.30 | $800 - $1,300 |
| 2,000 miles | $0.70 - $1.10 | $1,400 - $2,200 |

By Transport Method

| Method | Cost Range |
|-------------------|-------------------------|
| Open Trailer | $600 - $1,195 |
| Enclosed Trailer | $900 - $2,500 |
| Train | $600 - $1,005 |
| Ship | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Airplane | $5,000 - $40,000 |


2. Key Cost Factors

Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship.
| Vehicle Type | Per-Mile Price (1,000 miles) |
|------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Compact Car | $1.05 |
| Mid-Size Car | $1.19 |
| SUV or Mid-Size Truck | $1.30 |
| Full-Size SUV or Truck | $1.65 |

Condition of Vehicle

  • Non-operational vehicles incur additional fees due to loading challenges.

Location

  • Urban door-to-door services are more expensive than terminal-to-terminal shipping.
  • Remote or less-popular locations may also add to costs.

Insurance

  • Included liability insurance is standard, but additional coverage costs $50 - $300, depending on the policy.

Speed of Delivery

  • Expedited service increases costs, as shared trailers save money.

Seasonal Demand

  • Summer (peak moving season) typically has higher prices than winter.

3. Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

| Feature | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|-------------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|
| Cost | Cheaper ($600 - $1,195) | More Expensive ($900 - $2,500) |
| Protection | Minimal (Exposed to elements) | High (Weather and debris protected) |


4. Tips to Save Money on Car Shipping

  • Comparison Shop: Gather multiple quotes and compare services and hidden fees.
  • Be Flexible with Dates: Avoid peak times; flexible scheduling may result in discounts.
  • Choose Open Carrier: It's more economical than enclosed trailers for standard vehicles.
  • Book Early: Advanced bookings reduce last-minute surcharges.
  • Check for Discounts: Military, student, and senior discounts are often available.
  • Bundle Services: Coordinate car shipping with household moving to save overall costs.
  • Off-Season Moves: Consider shipping during fall or winter for lower prices.

5. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

  • DIY: Suitable for short distances; factor in costs for gas, hotels, and meals.
  • Hiring Pros: Better for long distances; eliminates risks and hidden DIY expenses.

6. The Car Shipping Process

  • Research Companies: Look for licensed and insured companies with positive reviews.
  • Get Quotes: Compare prices, coverage, and terms.
  • Prepare Your Car: Clean it, remove personal items, and document its condition.
  • Pick-Up and Delivery: Inspect for damage and sign the bill of lading.

Summing it up

Shipping a car can cost $600 - $2,500 for most transport methods, with variations based on distance, vehicle size, and chosen service. Planning ahead and exploring options will help you find the most cost-effective solution for your move.


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

Shipping a car involves multiple factors, from distance to transport method. Here's a detailed overview of the costs, considerations, and tips for saving money:


1. Average Car Shipping Costs

By Distance

| Distance | Cost Per Mile | Estimated Total Cost |
|--------------|------------------------|-----------------------------|
| 500 miles | $1.20–$1.95 | $600–$975 |
| 1,000 miles | $0.80–$1.30 | $800–$1,300 |
| 2,000 miles | $0.70–$1.10 | $1,400–$2,200 |

By Transport Method

| Method | Cost Range |
|-------------------|-------------------------|
| Open Trailer | $600–$1,195 |
| Enclosed Trailer | $900–$2,500 |
| Train | $600–$1,005 |
| Ship | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Airplane | $5,000–$40,000 |


2. Key Cost Factors

Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger and heavier vehicles cost more to ship.
| Vehicle Type | Per-Mile Price (1,000 miles) |
|------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Compact Car | $1.05 |
| Mid-Size Car | $1.19 |
| SUV or Mid-Size Truck | $1.30 |
| Full-Size SUV or Truck | $1.65 |

Condition of Vehicle

  • Non-operational vehicles incur additional fees due to loading challenges.

Location

  • Urban door-to-door services are more expensive than terminal-to-terminal shipping.
  • Remote or less-popular locations may also add to costs.

Insurance

  • Included liability insurance is standard, but additional coverage costs $50–$300, depending on the policy.

Speed of Delivery

  • Expedited service increases costs, as shared trailers save money.

Seasonal Demand

  • Summer (peak moving season) typically has higher prices than winter.

3. Open vs. Enclosed Trailers

| Feature | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|-------------------------|---------------------|---------------------------|
| Cost | Cheaper ($600–$1,195) | More Expensive ($900–$2,500) |
| Protection | Minimal (Exposed to elements) | High (Weather and debris protected) |


4. Tips to Save Money on Car Shipping

  • Comparison Shop: Gather multiple quotes and compare services and hidden fees.
  • Be Flexible with Dates: Avoid peak times; flexible scheduling may result in discounts.
  • Choose Open Carrier: It’s more economical than enclosed trailers for standard vehicles.
  • Book Early: Advanced bookings reduce last-minute surcharges.
  • Check for Discounts: Military, student, and senior discounts are often available.
  • Bundle Services: Coordinate car shipping with household moving to save overall costs.
  • Off-Season Moves: Consider shipping during fall or winter for lower prices.

5. DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

  • DIY: Suitable for short distances; factor in costs for gas, hotels, and meals.
  • Hiring Pros: Better for long distances; eliminates risks and hidden DIY expenses.

6. The Car Shipping Process

  • Research Companies: Look for licensed and insured companies with positive reviews.
  • Get Quotes: Compare prices, coverage, and terms.
  • Prepare Your Car: Clean it, remove personal items, and document its condition.
  • Pick-Up and Delivery: Inspect for damage and sign the bill of lading.

Summing it up

Shipping a car can cost $600–$2,500 for most transport methods, with variations based on distance, vehicle size, and chosen service. Planning ahead and exploring options will help you find the most cost-effective solution for your move.


Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy

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