How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
2026 pricing guide with real rates by distance, vehicle type, and transport method
Car Shipping Cost by Distance
Distance is the biggest factor in car shipping cost. Here are typical 2026 rates for a standard sedan:
| Distance | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $400 - $700 | $700 - $1,100 | 1-3 days |
| 500 - 1,000 miles | $600 - $900 | $950 - $1,300 | 3-5 days |
| 1,000 - 1,500 miles | $750 - $1,100 | $1,100 - $1,500 | 4-6 days |
| 1,500 - 2,000 miles | $900 - $1,250 | $1,300 - $1,700 | 5-7 days |
| 2,000+ miles | $1,000 - $1,500 | $1,500 - $2,100 | 7-10 days |
Cost by Vehicle Type
Larger or specialty vehicles cost more to ship due to the space they occupy on the carrier:
| Vehicle Type | Surcharge | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan / Coupe | Base price | Standard size, no surcharge |
| SUV / Crossover | +$50 - $150 | Slightly larger, takes more carrier space |
| Pickup Truck | +$75 - $200 | Larger footprint, especially crew cabs |
| Van / Minivan | +$75 - $200 | Height can be a factor on some carriers |
| Luxury / Exotic | +$200 - $500 | Usually requires enclosed transport |
| Non-running vehicle | +$100 - $250 | Requires winch loading |
What Affects Car Shipping Cost?
Distance
The primary cost driver. Per-mile rates decrease on longer routes — cross-country shipping costs less per mile than regional transport.
Transport Type
Open transport is 30-40% cheaper. Enclosed provides full weather and debris protection, recommended for vehicles valued over $50,000.
Season & Demand
Peak seasons (snowbird, summer relocations) increase prices 15-30%. Spring and early fall typically offer the most competitive rates.
Vehicle Size
Larger vehicles (trucks, SUVs, vans) cost more because they take up more space on the carrier. Weight is also a factor for oversized vehicles.
Pickup & Delivery Location
Urban areas with easy highway access are cheapest. Rural or remote locations may add $50-$150 due to extra drive time for the carrier.
Vehicle Condition
Non-running vehicles require winch loading, adding $100-$250. Vehicles must roll, steer, and brake to qualify for standard loading.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
Open Transport
30-40% Cheaper
- • Most popular — 90% of vehicles ship this way
- • Safe for everyday vehicles
- • More carrier availability, faster pickup
- • Exposed to weather and road dust
Enclosed Transport
Premium Protection
- • Full protection from weather and debris
- • Ideal for luxury, classic, and exotic cars
- • Fewer vehicles per carrier (2-6 vs 7-10)
- • Recommended for vehicles over $50K
How to Save on Car Shipping
- •Be flexible on dates: Giving carriers a 3-5 day pickup window often results in lower bids.
- •Ship in the off-season: Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) offer the best rates.
- •Choose open transport: Unless you have a luxury or classic vehicle, open is safe and significantly cheaper.
- •Book 1-2 weeks ahead: Last-minute bookings often cost more due to limited carrier options.
- •Use major highways: Pickup/delivery locations near interstate exits get better rates than rural areas.
Route-Specific Pricing
Search for your specific route or browse popular corridors:
Car Shipping Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to ship a car across the US?
Cross-country car shipping (2,000+ miles) typically costs $1,000-$1,500 for open transport and $1,500-$2,100 for enclosed. The exact price depends on your specific route, vehicle size, and current carrier availability.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
Open transport is the most affordable option, typically 30-40% cheaper than enclosed. Choosing terminal-to-terminal pickup (if available) and being flexible on pickup dates can further reduce costs. Avoid peak seasons (Oct-Jan for southbound, May-Aug for cross-country).
Does car shipping cost vary by season?
Yes. Snowbird season (October-January southbound, March-April northbound) increases prices 15-30% on Florida and Arizona routes. Summer brings higher demand on relocation corridors. Spring and early fall typically offer the best rates.
Is enclosed transport worth the extra cost?
Enclosed transport costs 40-60% more but provides full protection from weather, road debris, and sun exposure. It is recommended for luxury vehicles (over $50K), classic cars, exotic sports cars, and any vehicle where cosmetic condition is critical.
Are there any hidden fees in car shipping?
Reputable brokers like SWA include all fees in the quoted price. The only potential additions are: non-running vehicle surcharge ($100-$250), inoperable vehicle fee, or remote area surcharges for very rural locations. We disclose all costs upfront before you book.
How do I get an exact price for my car shipment?
Use our instant quote tool on this page or call us at (855) 469-8090. We will ask for your pickup and delivery locations, vehicle year/make/model, and preferred transport type to give you an exact price within seconds.
Prices Are Estimates
All prices on this page are typical ranges for 2026 based on standard sedans. Your actual price depends on your specific vehicle, exact locations, transport type, and current market conditions. Get an exact quote using our instant pricing tool below.
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