Getting quotes is the first step in shipping your vehicle, and the process can be confusing if you have never done it before. Different companies give different prices, some seem too good to be true, and the terminology can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect.
What Information You Need for a Quote
Every auto transport company will ask for the same basic information:
- • Pickup location: City, state, or ZIP code
- • Delivery location: City, state, or ZIP code
- • Vehicle year, make, and model: This determines size and weight
- • Vehicle condition: Running or non-running
- • Transport type preference: Open or enclosed
- • Preferred pickup date: When you want the car picked up
- • Flexibility: How flexible your dates are
The more specific you are, the more accurate your quote will be. "Somewhere in New Jersey to somewhere in Florida" gets a rougher estimate than "Newark, NJ 07102 to Miami, FL 33101."
How Companies Calculate Quotes
Auto transport pricing is based on several factors:
Distance
The primary cost driver. Longer routes cost more in total but less per mile:
- • Under 500 miles: $0.75 - $1.00/mile
- • 500-1,000 miles: $0.60 - $0.80/mile
- • 1,000-2,000 miles: $0.45 - $0.65/mile
- • Over 2,000 miles: $0.35 - $0.55/mile
Vehicle Size and Weight
Larger vehicles take more space on the carrier:
- • Sedans: Base price
- • SUVs/Crossovers: +$50 - $150
- • Trucks: +$75 - $200
- • Large SUVs/Vans: +$100 - $250
Transport Type
- • Open: Standard pricing
- • Enclosed: +30-50% over open
Season and Demand
Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand:
- • Peak months (Jan, Jun-Aug): +10-25%
- • Off-peak months (Feb, Apr-May, Nov): -5-15%
Route Popularity
High-traffic routes (NY-FL, CA-TX) have more carrier competition and often better pricing than rural or less common routes.
Pickup Speed
- • Standard 3-7 day window: Base price
- • Expedited 1-2 day pickup: +20-40%
For a comprehensive cost breakdown, visit our [car shipping cost page](/car-shipping-cost).
What a Good Quote Looks Like
A legitimate quote should include:
1. Total price — One number that covers everything 2. What is included — Transport, carrier insurance, door-to-door service 3. Deposit amount — When it is due and how much 4. Remaining balance — When and how it is paid (typically cash or certified check to the driver at delivery) 5. Estimated pickup window — A date range, not a guaranteed specific day 6. Estimated transit time — Based on your route distance 7. Cancellation policy — What happens if you need to cancel
Red Flags in Quotes
The Quote Is Way Below Others
If four companies quote $900-$1,100 and one quotes $550, that $550 quote is likely:
- • A bait-and-switch that will increase after booking
- • An unrealistic price that no carrier will accept, leading to endless delays
- • A scam company looking to collect a deposit and disappear
Read our guide on [car shipping scams](/blog/car-shipping-scams-how-to-avoid) for more warning signs.
Hidden Fees Buried in the Fine Print
Watch for quotes that seem low but include additional charges for:
- • "Fuel surcharge"
- • "Insurance fee"
- • "Gate fee" or "terminal fee"
- • "Oversized vehicle fee" (that was not mentioned upfront)
- • "Door-to-door premium"
A reputable company includes all standard fees in the quoted price.
"This Price Expires in 24 Hours"
Legitimate auto transport pricing does not work like airline tickets. While market rates do fluctuate over weeks, a same-day expiration is a high-pressure sales tactic designed to prevent you from shopping around.
No Written Quote
If a company will not put the quote in writing (email or text), do not book with them. Verbal quotes are impossible to enforce.
How to Compare Quotes Effectively
Step 1: Get 3-5 Quotes
Contact at least three companies. This gives you a sense of the market rate for your route.
Step 2: Compare Apples to Apples
Make sure each quote covers the same service:
- • Same transport type (open vs enclosed)
- • Same pickup window (standard vs expedited)
- • Door-to-door vs terminal-to-terminal
- • Running vs non-running vehicle
Step 3: Check the Company
Before comparing prices, verify each company:
- • FMCSA registered (check MC number)
- • Positive reviews on multiple platforms
- • Transparent about their process
- • Read our guide on [choosing a reliable company](/blog/how-to-choose-a-reliable-auto-transport-company)
Step 4: Consider Value, Not Just Price
The cheapest quote is not always the best value. A quote that is $100 more but comes from a company with excellent reviews, responsive communication, and transparent policies is often the better choice.
When Quotes Change
Legitimate reasons a quoted price might adjust:
- • Vehicle condition changed (you said running, but it is actually non-running)
- • Pickup location changed (major city vs rural area)
- • Date changed significantly (off-peak to peak season)
- • Market shift (if you wait weeks between the quote and booking, rates may have moved)
If a price changes for any other reason after you have booked, ask why and get the explanation in writing.
The SWA Quote Process
When you contact State Wide Auto Transport:
1. Call (855) 469-8090 or [submit a quote request online](/quote) 2. You receive a quote within minutes during business hours 3. The price is all-inclusive with no hidden fees 4. No deposit until a carrier is assigned 5. We explain every aspect of the quote clearly
Get Your Quote
Ready to see what shipping your vehicle costs? Call (855) 469-8090 or [get a free quote online](/quote). No pressure, no gimmicks, just a straightforward price for your specific route.