Car shipping costs are the #1 question we get asked at State Wide Auto Transport (SWA). The short answer: most shipments cost between $500 and $1,500 for open transport, with the exact price depending on several factors.
Average Car Shipping Costs by Distance
- • Under 500 miles: $400 - $700 ($0.75 - $1.00 per mile)
- • 500 - 1,000 miles: $600 - $1,000 ($0.60 - $0.80 per mile)
- • 1,000 - 2,000 miles: $800 - $1,300 ($0.45 - $0.65 per mile)
- • Over 2,000 miles: $1,000 - $1,500+ ($0.40 - $0.55 per mile)
Notice the per-mile cost decreases as distance increases. A 300-mile shipment costs more per mile than a 2,500-mile cross-country haul because the fixed costs (loading, unloading, fuel for detours) are spread over a shorter distance.
What Affects Your Price
Distance is the biggest factor, but it is not the only one:
- • Vehicle size: SUVs and trucks cost $50-$200 more than sedans due to extra weight and trailer space.
- • Transport type: Enclosed transport adds 30-50% over open transport.
- • Season: Peak months (January, June-August) increase prices 15-30%.
- • Pickup speed: Expedited 1-2 day pickup costs 20-40% more than standard 3-7 day pickup.
- • Vehicle condition: Non-running vehicles add $100-$250 for winch/forklift loading.
- • Route popularity: High-demand routes (NY-FL, CA-TX) are more competitive than rural routes.
Open vs Enclosed Pricing
Open transport is the default and most affordable option. About 90% of all vehicles are shipped on open carriers. Enclosed transport is recommended for:
- • Luxury vehicles worth over $75,000
- • Classic and vintage cars
- • Exotic sports cars
- • Show cars and custom builds
Expect enclosed transport to cost 30-50% more than open.
How to Get the Best Rate
1. Be flexible on pickup dates. A 3-7 day pickup window is cheaper than a 1-2 day window. 2. Book during off-peak months. March-May and September-November typically have the lowest rates. 3. Ship from a major metro area. Cities have more carrier availability than rural locations. 4. Get multiple quotes. But be wary of quotes that are significantly below market — they often lead to delays or bait-and-switch pricing.
The Bottom Line
For a standard sedan shipping coast-to-coast on an open carrier with a standard pickup window, expect to pay $1,000 - $1,500. Regional moves under 1,000 miles typically run $500 - $1,000. Call State Wide Auto Transport at (855) 469-8090 for a personalized quote on your exact route.