How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?

What Determines Car Shipping Cost?

Auto transport pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. Several factors combine to determine your final quote. Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Key Pricing Factors

1. Distance

Distance is the biggest cost driver. However, per-mile rates decrease as distance increases:

• Under 500 miles: $0.75–$1.50 per mile
• 500–1,500 miles: $0.50–$0.80 per mile
• Over 1,500 miles: $0.30–$0.55 per mile

A cross-country shipment (e.g., California to Florida) typically costs $900–$1,400 for a standard sedan on an open carrier.

2. Vehicle Size and Weight

Larger, heavier vehicles take up more space on the carrier and cost more to ship:

• Sedans & coupes: Base pricing
• SUVs & crossovers: +$100–$200
• Trucks & full-size SUVs: +$200–$400
• Oversized vehicles: Custom pricing

3. Transport Type

As covered in our open vs. enclosed guide, enclosed transport costs 30-40% more than open transport.

4. Seasonal Demand

Auto transport follows seasonal patterns:

• Peak season (June–September): Higher prices due to increased demand
• Snowbird season (October–January): Routes to/from Florida and Arizona see price spikes
• Off-peak (February–May): Best pricing and availability

5. Pickup and Delivery Locations

• Major metro areas: Lower cost (more carriers pass through)
• Rural or remote areas: +$100–$300 for detours
• Door-to-door delivery: Slight premium over terminal-to-terminal

6. Vehicle Condition

Non-running vehicles require a winch or flatbed for loading, which adds $100–$200+ to the total cost.

7. Timeframe

Expedited shipping for guaranteed pickup within 1-3 days costs a premium over standard 3-7 day windows.

Average Cost Estimates (2026)

| Route | Open | Enclosed | |-------|------|----------| | NY to FL | $800–$1,100 | $1,200–$1,600 | | CA to TX | $700–$1,000 | $1,100–$1,500 | | CA to NY | $1,000–$1,400 | $1,500–$2,100 | | IL to FL | $650–$950 | $1,000–$1,400 |

How to Get the Best Price

1. Book 2-3 weeks in advance for the best rates
2. Be flexible with dates — a wider pickup window saves money
3. Ship during off-peak months when possible
4. Compare quotes but beware of lowball estimates

Get Your Personalized Quote

Every shipment is unique. Get a free, no-obligation quote from Rastaman Logistics for accurate pricing tailored to your specific route and vehicle.