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Free Instant Quote with Our Car Shipping Cost Calculator
By submitting the information below you will receive a free Instant rate quote on how much it will cost to ship your vehicle.
- Quote up to 5 vehicles of the same condition using the same type of carrier.
- If you need to ship more than 5 vehicles, vehicles that are in different condition, or vehicles that require different types of carriers, please Contact Us directly.
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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
On average, the cost to ship a car ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on various factors such as distance, vehicle type, carrier selection, and seasonal demand. Our FREE INSTANT QUOTE calculator provides you with an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs in seconds.
Average Car Shipping Costs
The cost to ship a car typically varies based on several key factors:
Distance
Short Distance (1-500 miles): Starting around $500
Medium Distance (501-1,500 miles): Approximately $800-$1,200
Long Distance (1,501+ miles): Between $1,200-$2,000
Vehicle Type
Sedans: Generally the most affordable to ship
SUVs and Trucks: Slightly higher costs due to size and weight
Luxury and Exotic Vehicles:Enclosed carriers recommended, which may increase the cost
Carrier Type
Open Carriers: More budget-friendly, averaging $0.50 per mile
Enclosed Carriers: Provide extra protection, typically costing around $1.00 per mile
Seasonality
Peak Seasons (Summer & Snowbird Season): Higher demand can lead to increased prices
Off-Peak Seasons: More competitive rates are often available
Delivery Speed
Standard Shipping: Cost-effective with flexible delivery times
Expedited Shipping: Faster delivery for an additional fee
Carrier Transport Rates for Car Shipping by Type and Distance
| Route Distance | Open Carrier (Standard) | Enclosed Carrier (Premium) | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 500 miles | $400 - $600 | $700 - $1,100 | 2-3 days |
| 500 to 2,500 miles | $800 - $1,300 | $1,300 - $1,600 | 4-7 days |
| Over 2,500 miles | $1,250 - $1,800 | $1,600 - $2,000 | 7-10 days |
Popular Car Shipping Routes
To give you a clearer picture, here are some sample quotes based on popular routes, with separate estimates for open and enclosed transport:
| Route | Open Transport Estimated Cost | Enclosed Transport Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York to Florida | $769 | $1308 | Ideal for seasonal relocations |
| California to Virginia | $1,034 | $1758 | Enclosed carrier options available for extra protection |
| Michigan to Texas | $962 | $1636 | Potential savings in high-availability urban areas like Detroit to Houston |
| Illinois to Arizona | $1044.05 | $1775 | Common for long-distance relocations |
| Georgia to North Carolina | $559 | $951 | Short to medium distance with competitive rates |
| Ohio to Nevada | $961.96 | $1636 | Suitable for cross-country shipments |
| Washington to Colorado | $1012.59 | $1722 | Mid-range distance with reliable pricing |
| Massachusetts to Illinois | $854.05 | $1452 | Popular for interstate moves with flexible options |
| Florida to Texas | $699 | $1189 | High demand route with various carrier options |
| Pennsylvania to Georgia | $699 | $1189 | Efficient for both personal and business relocations |
| Arizona to New Mexico | $645.05 | $1097 | Short distance with affordable rates |
| Texas to New York | $1049 | $1784 | High-volume route with multiple carrier choices |
| North Carolina to California | $1029 | $1749 | Long-distance with options for enclosed transport |
Top loading a vehicle during transport may cost up to $100 more.
| Transport Method | 0-300 Miles | 301-600 Miles | 601-1000 Miles | 1001+ Miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Carrier | $300 | $450 | $600 | $800 |
| Enclosed Carrier | $500 | $700 | $900 | $1200 |
| Expedited Shipping | $700 | $1000 | $1300 | $1700 |
| Enclosed Carrier | $400 | $600 | $800 | $1000 |
Estimated Shipping Rates Based on Vehicle Type and Trip Length
| Vehicle Type | Short Trip (0-300 Miles) | Medium Trip (301-600 Miles) | Long Trip (601-1000 Miles) | Extended Trip (1001+ Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $300 | $450 | $600 | $800 |
| SUV | $350 | $500 | $650 | $850 |
| Truck | $400 | $550 | $700 | $900 |
| Luxury Vehicle | $500 | $700 | $900 | $1200 |
| Motorcycle | $250 | $400 | $550 | $750 |
Car Transport Cost Per Mile
The car transport cost per mile is influenced by factors such as route length, car size, carrier type, and timing. For short-distance moves, the cost per mile is typically higher due to initial setup and fuel expenses. For example, the cost to transport a car 200 miles might range from $200 to $400, or around $1.00 to $2.00 per mile.
Key Factors Affecting Cost Per Mile:
- Route and Distance: Shorter routes tend to cost more per mile, while longer routes decrease the per-mile rate.
- Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger vehicles, such as trucks or SUVs, require more resources and space, increasing the per-mile rate.
- Carrier Choice (Open vs. Enclosed): Open carriers are usually more economical, while enclosed carriers, ideal for luxury or classic cars, cost about 30-40% more.
- Seasonal Demand: High demand seasons, like summer, often see increased rates. Winter routes in northern regions may also cost more due to weather and road conditions.
How to Use the Car Shipping Cost Calculator for Accurate Auto Shipping Quotes
To receive the most precise car shipping cost estimate, have your origin, destination, and vehicle details ready. Our auto shipping calculator will provide a quick quote.
What Information Do I Need to Use the Car Shipping Calculator?
To give you the most accurate estimate for the cost of shipping a car, make sure you have some key information on hand. We will need the following:
- Origin and destination cities, states, and zip codes
- The car's make, model, year, and vehicle type
- Running condition
- Open or enclosed car carrier transport
- Date your vehicle is first available for pickup
After you enter and submit this information, you'll have a personalized car shipping quote within seconds. You will be contacted by one of our agents to assist you with any further information you may need to ship your vehicle.
Factors that may increase the cost of shipping your car or other vehicles are:
Size of Vehicle:
The car delivery cost will increase the bigger the vehicle, as it weighs more and occupies more space. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs or trucks, typically increase the car shipping cost. Here are some examples of what the extra cost would be for a:
- SUV - $75
- Large SUV - $125
- Full-Size Truck - $150
- Dually - $250
Our services aren't limited by size; from the smallest and most compact vehicle transportation all the way to heavy and large vehicles, we can transport it for you. It's not just SUVs or trucks, but RVs and military vehicles that can be transported as well!
Enclosed Vehicle Shipping:
Enclosed shipment costs will be, on average, 80% more than open auto carrier transport. This type of auto shipping should only be chosen if your car is extremely expensive, custom, or you're transporting a motorsport car. The idea is to protect the car from external elements - something that normal cars are already built for.
- Steers and brakes - $100
- Needs to be forklifted or winched onto a truck - $200 to $500 depending on the size
A running vehicle is always more affordable than one that is inoperable when it comes to auto transport costs. It's not that it needs to be driven when transporting it; it just makes the job easier for loading, unloading and reduces maintenance work. Be sure to account for this premium when using the instant quote car shipping rate calculator.
Shipping Options
Enclosed Vehicle Shipping
Enclosed shipment costs will be, on average, 80% more than open auto carrier transport. This type of auto shipping should only be chosen if your car is extremely expensive, custom, or you're transporting a motorsport car. The idea is to protect the car from external elements - something that normal cars are already built for.
Expedited Auto Transport
If you need your car or other vehicle picked up in a short period of time and/or expedited delivery, the cost will increase.
These costs will increase for an expedited delivery because a carrier may have to make changes to their schedule or make last-minute adjustments to their plans. This means increased risk, as a driver who usually takes a route during the day might have to drive through the night with minimum stops.
Auto Transport Gap Protection Coverage
The AFTA PLAN will protect you up to $2000 for out-of-pocket expenses in case a car carrier's insurance fails to pay. Adding GAP protection, depending on the coverage, will tack on an additional $48-$98. You might think that investing in this plan is not worth the effort, but it is important to note that this coverage will protect you not just at the time of delivery, but also if the damage is detected up to 48 hours afterward.
Time of Year
Holiday seasons or bad weather may increase the shipping rate. The instant quote car shipping rate calculator will provide a baseline rate that isn't accounting for time of year. High season (Summer) may require higher auto shipping rates due to carrier demand. You should be aware during this time that you may pay anything from $100 to $800 extra during high and holiday seasons. You can also try to plan your moves in accordance with the time of year. Spring and fall are some of the most affordable moving times, since there isn't as much demand, nor is the weather as intense. You can save up on costs by waiting, but we also understand that waiting isn't always possible.
Economic Conditions
Gas/Diesel rates, factors into carrier rate adjustments. Expect to pay around $100 to $300 extra during economic downturns. The recent COVID-19 situation also led to an increase in prices because of the precautions drivers had to take, in addition to mandatory lockdowns. However, this is starting to turn back and prices have become more stabilized now.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
Remote locations will require car carriers to go outside their well-traveled routes and will likely increase the rate. Depending on how far away your location is from large cities or main interstates, you can expect to pay close to twice your initial quoted rate.
However, there is always the option of station-to-station delivery, where truck drivers won't have to deviate from their route. There are also options to drop your car off at some landmarks that are in the way of driver's routes which will significantly reduce costs - but it will require you to pick up the car yourself or someone authorized by you.
Special Requests
Top loading a vehicle during transport may cost up to $100 more.
Do I Have to Pay After Using the Online Car Shipping Calculator?
Absolutely not. You'll be glad to know that our online car shipping calculator is completely FREE. We provide it as a free tool to calculate car shipping rates for you. If you decide not to use our service, you have no obligation to pay simply because you used our calculator. We're here to help you receive the very best care even if you decide not to use our services.
Read These Tips to Find the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car
Need some tips on shipping a car inexpensively? Although the shipping cost varies based on the factors previously mentioned, there are several ways to lessen the cost. Check out the tips below and take advantage of as many as you can!
Use Open Transport: This is the car shipping industry's standard method of shipping cars. Cars are transported via an open-air tractor-trailer. Open carrier transport is the most affordable option.
Have Your Vehicle in Operable Condition: Double-check to see if your vehicle runs and drives before calling a car shipping company. It is more expensive for carriers to handle inoperable cars.
Schedule Early: If you reserve a pickup/drop-off time in advance, you can avoid expediting costs or last-minute requests that can tack on extra fees.
Ship During Low Season: It usually costs less to ship a car during the "low" fall and winter seasons than during the "high" spring and summer seasons.
Ship From a Major City: It is typically cheaper to ship a car to a more populated area. We recommend bringing your vehicle near a larger city if you live in a rural area.
Ship Multiple Cars if You Have Them: We offer a discount to customers who ship more than one vehicle on the same truck (see below for more discount offers).
Take Advantage of Our Discounts: We are proud to offer discounts to military members, first responders, students, senior citizens, Early Birds who book with us no later than 48 hours after receiving a quote, return customers, and those with multiple vehicles.
Consumer Guide to Standard Car Shipping Rates.
It is important to remember that car shipping is not based on fixed rates.
The rates from the instant quote car transport calculator are purely estimates based on best-case historical auto transport shipment costs for the routes and conditions requested. It all depends on the distance from pickup and delivery. There is NO fixed rate for any vehicle shipment because of too many variables in the auto transport industry.
AmeriFreight and Car Shipping Costs
AmeriFreight goes the extra mile in order to help you reduce car delivery cost, without cutting corners. Our contracted auto transport carrier fleets of trucks and expert drivers mean that we have resources to spare. Our car shipping costs may not always be the lowest out there, but when you compare the quality of service and reliability with the costs associated with them, you simply can't find a better deal.
When you use our instant quote car shipping rate calculator, it automatically uses the different factors that need to be taken into account, such as route, weight, and the size of the vehicle.
We understand that when you ask for a quote, you're simply weighing options. Our resolve to give you the best auto transport rates and experience dictates that we respect your privacy and give you hassle-free car shipping quotes. Even then, if you have a budget or have some extra instruction that you believe will impact the car shipping cost, you can give us a call and we'll be glad to give you an accurate quote, without asking you to commit.
You can rest assured that with AmeriFreight, you are signing up for a transparent and excellent car shipping experience - not a bunch of spam emails right after you use our instant quote car shipping rate calculator. You will save money on auto transport services with us.
Seasonal Insights: How Summer and Winter Impact Car Shipping Rates
When planning your auto shipping, it’s crucial to consider how different seasons can affect both the car shipping cost and overall timing of your shipment. Whether you’re looking for car shipping quotes during peak summer months or the colder winter season, understanding these trends can help you plan ahead and potentially save money.
Summer Shipping Rates: High Demand, Competitive Pricing
Summer is the busiest time of year for car shipping. With schools out and many families relocating, demand for car transport quotes skyrockets. This increased competition can lead to slightly higher rates in some areas, but it can also bring more competitive pricing as shipping companies vie for customers. During this season, you may find that car shipping quotes fluctuate, especially if you're shipping across long distances or to popular destinations.
To keep costs down, it's recommended to book your shipment early, as last-minute requests may result in premium pricing. On average, summer shipping rates can rise by 10-15%, particularly for cross-country moves or enclosed transport services. Despite the higher demand, auto shipping costs can still vary significantly based on your location and the type of transport (open vs. enclosed).
Winter Shipping: Lower Demand, Potential Delays
In contrast, winter is generally a slower season for auto transport, which often leads to reduced rates. However, shipping a car in winter comes with its own set of challenges, such as inclement weather and shorter daylight hours. Snow and ice can delay deliveries, and routes to colder regions can be more difficult to navigate, which may cause slight increases in car shipping costs for those areas.
That said, if your schedule is flexible, winter can offer great opportunities to lock in lower car shipping quotes, especially if you are shipping to southern states where demand is lower during the colder months. For instance, shipping a car in January or February often leads to reduced rates, but it's essential to plan ahead to accommodate potential weather delays.
When to Book for the Best Rates
For both summer and winter, booking your auto shipping in advance can make a significant difference in the final car shipping cost. By comparing car transport quotes from various providers, you can secure a competitive rate no matter the season.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping a car over a long distance, such as from California to New York, generally costs between $1,200 and $1,600. This cost depends on factors like vehicle size, choice of carrier, and demand seasonality. For an exact price tailored to your route and vehicle, consider using an auto transport quote tool.
Finding a reliable company for car transportation quotes means choosing one with positive reviews, consistent customer service, and a strong safety record. AmeriFreight offers competitive rates with a reputation for dependable vehicle handling and clear communication.
The average cost to ship a car across the United States is typically between $1,000 and $1,500. This varies based on factors like distance, vehicle specifications, and carrier type. To estimate your own costs, try using a car transport cost calculator for an accurate quote.
Shipping a car from Florida to Illinois generally costs between $800 and $1,200, though this may fluctuate with seasonal demand and the type of transport selected. To find your specific cost, try our vehicle shipping quote tool for instant pricing.
Shipping times from Illinois to Florida average between 2 and 4 days. However, factors like route, weather, and carrier availability can influence transit time.
Have a question not answered here? Ask an Expert! Our team of car shipping specialists are here to help. Get personalized answers to your car shipping questions! By choosing AmeriFreight, you can be confident that your car shipping experience will be smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Get your free quote today!
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