Car Shipping Cost Calculator: Get an Instant Quote
Fact Checked by: The bottom line: Whether you’re moving across the country or the globe, a car shipping calculator can give you an accurate quote on the cost of transporting your vehicle.
If you’re planning to transport your car when you move, it’s crucial to know not only how much it costs but what factors influence the cost.
Read on to learn what impacts the cost of vehicle shipping, see how our car shipping calculator works, and compare instant quotes from the top car shipping companies in the nation.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
The average cost of transporting a car is between $500 and $1,200, although the actual cost depends on the type of vehicle, the distance it’s being shipped, and your shipping method.
Average car shipping cost by vehicle size, distance, and carrier type
Here are some sample car shipping rates to give you an idea of what to expect based on the details of your move:
| Vehicle size | Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 500 miles | $600 | $800 |
| SUV | 500 miles | $700 | $900 |
| Compact | 1,000 miles | $900 | $1,100 |
| SUV | 1,000 miles | $1,000 | $1,200 |
Factors that affect car shipping prices
There’s a big difference between a $500 shipping charge and a $1,200 one. Every car shipment is different, but understanding the factors that affect car shipping prices will give you a better idea of what prices are fair.
- Car size: Companies usually charge higher car shipping rates for larger vehicles like SUVs because they take up more space on the car carrier truck.
- Distance: Most shippers will offer a lower price per mile for longer distances, but longer distances still usually mean higher costs. Popular car shipping routes will normally keep costs down.
- Delivery location: Car shippers have to personally deliver your car if you choose door-to-door shipping, which drives up the time and costs required to deliver your car.
- Fuel prices: The cost of auto transport services fluctuates with gas prices. If gas prices are high, you can expect to pay higher per-mile rates.
- Transport carrier type: Open car transport is the cheapest option, but enclosed carriers offer more protection—for a price. If you have a classic car or high-end motorcycle, it might make more sense to pay the extra fees for enclosed transport.
- Add-ons: Auto transport services offer some nice add-ons, which are available at a premium, such as additional insurance coverage, door-to-door delivery, expedited shipping, and guaranteed delivery dates.
- Vehicle condition: It’s more of a hassle to load and unload a vehicle that can’t run, so if your car isn’t in decent shape, the cost of shipping may increase. Here’s more insight into how to ship a non-running car.
- Vehicle clearance: Is your vehicle pretty tall? Low-clearance vehicles might need special car transport services to account for the extra height, which will affect your auto transport quote.
- Time of year: More people move in the summer, making it pricier. For winter moves, some companies offer car shipping discounts. However, if you’re moving to a snowy region with slick roads, the shipper might charge you more to ship the car in harsh conditions.
- Carrier competition: You might be able to score more competitive rates if you ask for price matching, so always get at least three car shipping quotes for the best pricing.
How to calculate car shipping costs
To calculate car shipping costs, companies factor in your shipping location and distance, the time of your move, the type of trailer, and your vehicle’s specs and condition.
Car shipping calculators will give you rough cost estimates for car shipping services. However, these free online tools can’t provide an exact price. Always take car shipping estimates as a rough ballpark, not your final shipping cost.
And remember that most quotes aren’t binding, including instant quotes you get online. That means they’re subject to change at any time.
Want to move your car along with your household belongings? Use our moving cost calculator to get pricing for your move from the top professional movers in the business.
How does our car shipping calculator work?
To get started with our car shipping calculator, just enter the locations you’re shipping to and from and then select a date for your move. You don’t have to provide your name, address, or contact information.
Based on that data, our calculator will provide you with an estimated price range and a handful of auto shippers we recommend. From there, you can provide more details about your move to get an accurate quote.
Here are some of the details you’ll want to have handy to calculate the cost of transporting your car:
- Name and contact information
- Pickup and drop-off locations
- Open versus enclosed auto transport
- Vehicle make, model, and age
- Preferred shipping dates
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
If you want the most budget-friendly option possible, open transport with terminal-to-terminal delivery is the cheapest way to ship your car.
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This method ships your car in an open carrier on a truck trailer with other vehicles. While this method exposes your car to weather conditions and road hazards, it’s the most affordable, hassle-free option.
You’ll also need to pick up and drop off your car at a designated delivery location called a terminal. Although it’s the most cost-effective way to ship your car, the wait times are longer, and you may need to drive out of your way to drop off and pick up your vehicle shipment.
Ways to tell a car shipping quote is from a reputable company
You can choose to transport your car with a specialty auto shipping company or with a moving company that transports cars and furniture.
It’s unfortunate, but some bad apples in the auto transport industry are involved in car shipping scams. Follow these tips to make sure you’re dealing with a credible auto transport provider:
- Contact: Make sure the company is reachable. Any real business will have a website with a valid email address, physical address, and phone number for you to contact them.
- Reviews: Look for transport reviews and ratings on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Make sure the ratings are from real people and include plenty of detail.
- Insurance: Ensure the shipper carries an insurance policy to protect your vehicle during transit. Ask to see a copy of the policy to verify coverage—a reputable company won’t hesitate to provide this info.
- Pricing: Ask if the auto shipping quote is all-inclusive or if there are additional charges. When in doubt, ask for a contract, read the fine print very carefully to look for “gotcha” fees, and avoid any company that requires a hefty upfront deposit.
FAQs
How do I get car shipping quotes?
There are two main ways to get car shipping quotes. First, you can use a free car shipping calculator to estimate the cost of shipping your vehicle and get recommendations.
Most auto transport companies offer instant car shipping quotes online. You can also call these companies directly for a free quote if you have questions or a more complex move.
How much does it cost to ship a car in different seasons?
Seasonal demand influences pricing. Auto transport costs tend to peak in summer when there’s higher demand.
Prices are typically lower in the winter; however, adverse weather conditions in the winter can also affect pricing and availability, so maybe rethink an upstate New York relocation in January if you can help it.
How much does it cost to ship a car cross-country?
Car shipping prices depend on your car size, distance, carrier type, time of year, and other factors. Generally speaking, coast-to-coast vehicle shipping can range from $800 to $1,500.
Can you ship a car overseas?
Yes. Many auto transport companies can ship a car overseas, although costs and timelines vary depending on where you’re moving to and from.
The shipping process is also different. For overseas shipping, you’ll likely need to ship your car via open transport on an ocean freight carrier. Airplane shipping is faster, but it’s very expensive.
Is it cheaper to drive your car or hire a transport company?
Whether you should drive vs ship your car depends on your comfort level. Hiring a transport broker or auto shipping company is usually more cost-effective for longer distances, considering fuel costs, driving time, and wear and tear on your vehicle.
If you hire a car transport company, make sure they’re BBB-certified and offer insurance coverage.
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