Shipping a standard car coast-to-coast in 2025 costs $900–$1,400 via open carrier and $1,400–$2,200 via enclosed carrier. Shorter routes (around 500 miles) run $300–$700. Prices vary by vehicle size, season, and fuel costs. Here is the full cost breakdown and how to lock in the best rate.
How much does car shipping cost by distance?
| Route distance | Open carrier | Enclosed carrier | | --- | --- | --- | | Under 500 miles | $300–$700 | $500–$1,000 | | 500–1,000 miles | $600–$1,000 | $900–$1,500 | | 1,000–2,000 miles | $800–$1,200 | $1,200–$1,800 | | 2,000+ miles (coast-to-coast) | $900–$1,400 | $1,400–$2,200 |
Compare car-shipping options on the vehicle transport page, and estimate a full household + vehicle move with the moving cost calculator.
Open vs. enclosed: which should I choose?
Open transport carries 90% of vehicles safely and costs the least. Enclosed transport costs 40–60% more but protects against weather and road debris — the right choice for classics, exotics, and low-clearance cars. For prep details, read our how to ship a motorcycle guide, which covers similar handling principles.
What factors affect my car shipping quote?
- Vehicle size and weight — SUVs and trucks cost more.
- Season — snowbird routes (south in fall, north in spring) spike.
- Operability — a non-running car needs a winch (+$100–$200).
- Door-to-door vs. terminal — terminal-to-terminal is cheaper but less convenient.
- Route popularity — busy lanes have more carriers and better rates.
How do I get the best car shipping rate?
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead to avoid expedited fees.
- Choose open transport unless your car needs protection.
- Stay flexible on pickup dates.
- Compare verified carriers rather than booking the first broker that calls.
What should I watch out for?
The car-shipping industry is broker-heavy. Confirm an active USDOT/MC number and read our moving scams guide before paying any deposit. moving.art only lists verified carriers.
Ready to ship? Compare vehicle transport carriers and request free quotes today.