How Car Shipping Is Priced
Every quote is built from the same factors. Here is what each one does to the price.
Distance
Longer routes cost more in total, though the price per mile usually falls as the distance grows.
Route and location
Busy routes between large metro areas are easier for carriers to fill. Pickups or deliveries far from the main highways take a carrier out of its way and can cost more.
Vehicle size and weight
A large SUV or pickup takes more room and weight on the trailer than a compact car, so it costs more to move.
Open or enclosed
Open transport is the standard and costs less. Enclosed transport carries fewer cars per trailer and protects them from weather and road debris, so it costs more.
Operable or inoperable
A car that doesn't run needs a carrier with a winch and more time to load, which adds to the price.
Season
Prices rise when demand peaks: the fall and spring moves to and from the South, the summer moving season and the holidays.
Urgency and flexibility
A flexible pickup window lets a carrier fit your car onto a full load. A fixed or expedited pickup date costs more.
Why there are no prices here
Car shipping prices move with fuel costs, the season and how many carriers are on a route that week. A price list would be wrong for most shipments, so we quote each one for its exact route, vehicle and dates.
See how each vehicle type changes the move, or read the FAQ.