How much does it cost to ship a car when moving?
Quick Answer
Shipping a car costs $500 to $1,500 for moves under 1,000 miles and $1,000 to $2,200 for cross-country transport. Open carriers are cheaper than enclosed transport, which adds $300 to $600.
Auto transport costs depend on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and season. For a standard sedan on an open carrier, expect to pay $500 to $800 for 500 miles, $800 to $1,200 for 1,000 miles, and $1,000 to $1,800 for cross-country moves over 2,000 miles.
Open carriers (the multi-car haulers you see on highways) are the most affordable option. They expose your car to weather and road debris but are perfectly safe for most vehicles. Enclosed transport protects your car from the elements and costs $300 to $600 more. It is worth considering for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
SUVs and trucks cost 10-20% more than sedans due to weight and space. Non-running vehicles add $100 to $300 for winch loading.
Seasonal pricing matters. January through March is the cheapest time to ship a car. Summer months and the snowbird season (October to December for Florida-bound routes) are the most expensive.
Alternatives to auto transport: driving the car yourself costs roughly $0.20 to $0.30 per mile in gas plus wear. Towing behind a moving truck with a car carrier costs $200 to $400 for the trailer rental.