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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? A Complete Breakdown

Introduction

One of the first questions customers ask us at Auto Transport Wave is:
“How much does it cost to ship my car?”

The truth is, there’s no single flat price for car shipping. Costs depend on several factors—like distance, vehicle size, transport type, and season. In this post, we’ll break down everything that goes into car shipping pricing, give you average ranges, and share tips for saving money without sacrificing safety.

Key Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs

  1. Distance & Route

    • The biggest factor in pricing.

    • Cross-country shipping costs more overall, but less per mile than short hauls.

    • Popular routes (e.g., Los Angeles → New York, Miami → Chicago) are cheaper than remote or rural routes.

  2. Vehicle Size & Weight

    • Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks, vans) cost more than sedans or compacts.

    • Example: A Honda Civic will cost less than a Ford F-250 on the same route.

  3. Transport Type (Open vs. Enclosed)

    • Open carrier: Most affordable, widely available.

    • Enclosed carrier: 30–60% more expensive but offers maximum protection.

  4. Pickup & Delivery Type

    • Door-to-door: Convenient, delivered to your address.

    • Terminal-to-terminal: Cheaper, but requires dropping off/picking up at designated terminals.

  5. Season & Demand

    • Prices rise during busy moving seasons (summer) and during snowbird season (winter moves south).

    • Off-peak shipping is usually more affordable.

  6. Vehicle Condition

    • Running cars cost less to ship.

    • Non-operable vehicles require special equipment and add $100–$200.

  7. Timing & Flexibility

    • Expedited shipping costs more.

    • Flexible pickup windows can save you money.

Average Car Shipping Costs in the U.S.

Here are some general cost ranges:

  • Short Distance (0–500 miles): $300 – $700

  • Medium Distance (500–1,500 miles): $600 – $1,200

  • Cross-Country (1,500+ miles): $1,000 – $2,000

Examples:

  • Los Angeles → San Francisco (380 miles): ~$450 open carrier

  • Dallas → Miami (1,300 miles): ~$900 open, ~$1,400 enclosed

  • New York → Los Angeles (2,800 miles): ~$1,300 open, ~$2,000 enclosed

Open vs. Enclosed Cost Comparison

  • Open Carrier (standard sedan, cross-country): $1,200 – $1,400

  • Enclosed Carrier (same vehicle, same route): $1,800 – $2,000

💡 Rule of Thumb: If your vehicle is worth over $50,000, enclosed shipping is worth the investment.

Hidden or Extra Fees to Watch Out For

Some companies advertise low prices but add hidden fees later. At Auto Transport Wave, our quotes are all-inclusive.

Extra charges you might see elsewhere:

  • Fuel surcharges

  • Remote pickup/delivery fees

  • Oversized vehicle surcharges

  • Expedited service costs

How to Save Money on Car Shipping

  • Book early – Last-minute requests cost more.

  • Be flexible – A 1–3 day pickup window can lower your price.

  • Choose open transport unless you truly need enclosed.

  • Avoid peak seasons – If possible, ship in spring or fall.

  • Use terminal-to-terminal if budget is more important than convenience.

Why Cheapest Isn’t Always Best

It’s tempting to choose the lowest price, but beware of “too good to be true” quotes. Low-cost providers may:

  • Cut corners on insurance

  • Use unreliable carriers

  • Cause delays or last-minute cancellations

At Auto Transport Wave, we balance competitive pricing with reliability and protection, so you get true value.

FAQs

Q: Is car shipping cheaper than driving?
A: In many cases, yes. When you add gas, hotel stays, food, lost wages, and vehicle wear-and-tear, shipping can actually save money.

Q: How do I get the exact cost for my car?
A: The easiest way is to request a free quote from Auto Transport Wave. Prices are tailored to your car, distance, and shipping preferences.

Q: Do prices change daily?
A: They can, based on fuel costs, demand, and available carriers. Booking early helps lock in the best rate.

Conclusion

Car shipping costs vary, but with the right information, you can budget effectively and avoid surprises. Whether you’re shipping a compact sedan or a luxury vehicle, Auto Transport Wave makes the process transparent, reliable, and affordable.

👉 Ready to find out your exact price? Get your free quote today with Auto Transport Wave and let us handle the rest.

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