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How much does it cost to ship a car?
The factors behind every auto transport quote.
There is no flat rate for shipping a car. Anyone who quotes you a price without asking about the route and the vehicle is guessing. Here is what actually moves the number.
What affects car shipping cost
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Distance | The biggest factor. Longer trips cost more in total but less per mile. |
| Route | Major corridors between big cities are cheaper than rural pickups far from the highway. |
| Vehicle size and weight | Trucks, large SUVs and lifted vehicles take more space and cost more than a compact car. |
| Open or enclosed | Enclosed typically costs considerably more than open. |
| Running or not | Non-running vehicles need a winch truck and extra handling time. |
| Season | Prices rise in summer and around holidays, and for snowbird routes in fall and spring. |
| Fuel prices | Diesel costs feed directly into carrier rates. |
| Timing | Flexible dates are cheaper than urgent pickups. |
Why a very low quote is a warning sign
Some companies quote far below the market to win the booking, then cannot find a driver willing to haul at that price. Your pickup date keeps slipping until you agree to pay more. If one quote is much lower than the rest, ask why.
How to get a lower price
- Be flexible on your pickup date by a few days.
- Choose open transport if your vehicle does not need enclosed protection.
- Meet the driver at a lot near a main highway if your address is hard to reach.
- Book two to three weeks ahead rather than the day before.
Get an actual number
Send us your route and vehicle details and we will quote you directly.