Shipping a car within the continental US typically costs $450 to $1,700 on an open carrier in 2026. Short hauls land at the low end, and coast-to-coast moves run $1,150 to $1,700. Enclosed transport adds about 50%, and larger vehicles like SUVs and pickups cost $100 to $450 more than a sedan. Enter your details below for an instant estimate.
Car Shipping Cost Calculator
2026 auto transport rates within the continental US
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Estimate based on 2026 national carrier averages. Actual quotes depend on your exact route, fuel prices, and carrier availability.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2026?
Distance drives most of the price, but the cost per mile falls as the trip gets longer. A 300-mile shipment can work out to $1.50 or more per mile because the carrier’s fixed costs of loading, unloading, and scheduling are spread over fewer miles. A 2,700-mile coast-to-coast move often costs about $0.50 per mile.
| Distance | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $350 – $650 | $525 – $975 |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | $550 – $1,100 | $825 – $1,650 |
| 1,000 – 1,500 miles | $800 – $1,450 | $1,200 – $2,150 |
| 1,500 – 2,000 miles | $1,000 – $1,550 | $1,500 – $2,300 |
| Coast to coast (2,500+ miles) | $1,150 – $1,700 | $1,750 – $2,500 |
What Affects Car Shipping Costs
- Distance and route. Busy corridors between major metro areas, like Florida to the Northeast or California to Texas, have more trucks competing for loads and lower prices. Rural pickups or deliveries far from an interstate usually add $100 to $300.
- Transport type. Enclosed carriers typically charge 40% to 60% more than open carriers because they haul fewer vehicles per trip.
- Vehicle size and weight. Bigger vehicles take more trailer space and weight capacity. See the table below.
- Season. Summer is peak moving season. Snowbird routes between the north and Florida, Arizona, or Texas also spike in the fall and again in spring. Late winter is usually cheapest.
- Pickup timing. A flexible pickup window can save 10% to 20%. A guaranteed or expedited pickup date typically adds $200 to $500.
- Condition. A car that does not run has to be winched on and off the trailer, which usually adds about $150.
| Vehicle | Typical added cost vs. a sedan |
|---|---|
| Sedan, coupe, or small car | Base price |
| Crossover or small SUV | +$75 – $150 |
| Large SUV or minivan | +$150 – $250 |
| Full-size pickup | +$200 – $350 |
| Heavy-duty, lifted, or dually truck | +$350 – $600 |
Open vs. enclosed car shipping
Most cars ship on open carriers, the same multi-level trailers that deliver new cars to dealerships. They are safe for everyday vehicles, widely available, and the cheapest option. Your car is exposed to weather and road dust, much like when you drive it.
Enclosed carriers protect the vehicle inside a covered trailer and often use liftgates instead of ramps. That makes them the better choice for classic, exotic, luxury, and low-clearance cars. Expect to pay about half again as much and to wait a little longer for a truck, since there are fewer enclosed carriers on the road.
How Long Does Car Shipping Take?
Once your car is loaded, carriers typically cover 350 to 500 miles per day. Before that, allow 1 to 5 days for the shipper to assign a carrier and schedule pickup.
| Distance | Typical transit time |
|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | 1 – 2 days |
| 500 – 1,000 miles | 2 – 3 days |
| 1,000 – 1,500 miles | 3 – 5 days |
| 1,500 – 2,000 miles | 4 – 6 days |
| Coast to coast | 6 – 9 days |
Is Shipping a Car Cheaper Than Driving It?
For short moves, driving is almost always cheaper. For long ones, the gap closes quickly. A cross-country drive means four to five days on the road: fuel, hotels, meals, and wear on the car can add up to about as much as an open-carrier shipment, plus the time off work. Shipping also lets you fly and keeps a few thousand miles off the odometer. If you are moving several vehicles, or the car is a second vehicle nobody has time to drive, shipping usually makes more sense.
Moving more than a car? Our long-distance moving cost calculator estimates the rest of your move, and our motorcycle shipping cost calculator covers bikes.
How to Choose a Car Shipping Company
Most online quotes come from brokers, who find an independent carrier to move your car, rather than from the carrier itself. A good broker gives you access to thousands of trucks. Before you book:
- Verify registration. Look up the company’s USDOT or MC number on the FMCSA company snapshot.
- Be wary of the lowest quote. A price far below the others may not attract a carrier, which leads to delays or a price increase after you book.
- Ask about insurance. Confirm the carrier’s cargo coverage limit and deductible, and whether you can buy added coverage.
- Understand the payment terms. Reputable brokers generally don’t charge in full until a carrier is assigned.
- Read recent reviews on Google, the BBB, and Trustpilot, paying attention to how the company handles delays and damage claims.
Montway is one of the largest US auto transport brokers, with instant online quotes and both open and enclosed options. Read our Montway review for a first-hand look after shipping three cars, and see 10 factors to consider when shipping your car.
How to Prepare Your Car for Shipping
- Wash the car so existing scratches and dents are easy to see at inspection.
- Take date-stamped photos of every side, the roof, the interior, and the odometer.
- Remove personal items and toll tags. Carrier insurance doesn’t cover belongings, and toll transponders can rack up charges in transit.
- Leave about a quarter tank of fuel. Keep an EV at a moderate charge and pack the charging cable.
- Check tires and battery, fold in mirrors, and disable the alarm.
- Inspect the car at delivery before signing the bill of lading, and note any new damage while the driver is there.
If your car arrives before you do, or you need somewhere to keep it between homes, see car storage when shipping a car long distance and estimate the cost with our car storage cost calculator.
Car Shipping FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car across the country?
A coast-to-coast shipment usually costs $1,150 to $1,700 for a sedan on an open carrier and $1,750 to $2,500 enclosed. SUVs and pickups cost a few hundred dollars more.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car?
Book an open carrier with a flexible pickup window, avoid summer and snowbird peak seasons, and meet the carrier near a major highway or city if you live somewhere rural. Terminal-to-terminal service can also save a little.
How far in advance should I book car shipping?
One to two weeks ahead is ideal for most routes. Book earlier for peak summer moves, snowbird season, or enclosed transport, where fewer trucks are available.
Is enclosed car shipping worth the extra cost?
For classic, exotic, luxury, or low-clearance cars, usually yes. For a typical daily driver, open transport is safe and much cheaper.
Can I put belongings in my car when shipping it?
Some companies allow a small amount, often up to about 100 pounds in the trunk, but carrier insurance does not cover personal items. Check your shipper’s policy before packing anything.
Easy Storage Search may earn a commission when you use links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices are 2026 national averages and vary by route, season, and carrier.
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