Shipping a car across the country involves complex logistical planning and requires specific time and resources, as the vehicle has to be moved across state lines. In this situation, hiring a professional shipping company can be the most practical solution when relocating cars for a job, vacation, or as a gift to a loved one.
Understanding car shipping costs is an essential part of the process since various companies charge different prices that can vary significantly based on numerous factors, including distance, type of transport, vehicle size, and the time of year.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different elements that impact car shipping costs and provide a general idea of what you can expect to pay when shipping a car across the country.
2. Average Cost of Shipping a Car Across the Country
On average, shipping a car across the country, approximately 2,000 miles, can cost between $800 and $1,500. As of 2025, per-mile rates are as follows. There may be slight variations based on the company and other factors mentioned.
- Average Cost for Short Distances Up to 500 miles
- Open Transport can cost up to $1.80 per mile
- Enclosed Transport can cost up to $2.50 per mile
- Average Cost for Medium Distances Up to 1,500 miles
- Open Transport can cost up to $.90 per mile
- Enclosed Transport can cost up to $1.20 per mile
- Average Cost for Long Distances Above 1,500 miles
- Open Transport can cost up to $.60 per mile
- Enclosed Transport can cost up to $.80 per mile
Factors Affecting Car Shipping Costs
The cost of shipping a car across the country is not a fixed price and depends on several key factors. Let’s break down these factors one by one.
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Distance
A key factor in affecting the cost of car shipping is the distance between the pickup and delivery locations. The farther the distance, the higher the price will be.
For instance, shipping a car from New York to California will cost more than shipping it from New York to Pennsylvania due to the added distance.
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Type of Transport
The method of transport you choose will significantly impact the cost. Generally, a professional auto transport company offers two types of car shipping services:
- Open-Air Transport:
- This is the most common and affordable method.
- Open trailer transport provides medium protection to vehicles.
- The average cost for open-air transport is typically around $600 to $1,200 for long-distance shipments.
- Enclosed Transport:
- This option offers additional protection by shipping your car in a closed trailer.
- This method is more suitable for luxury, vintage, or high-value cars.
- Due to the added protection, enclosed transport is more expensive.
- Prices can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more for shipping over long distances.
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Vehicle Size and Weight
Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to ship than smaller sedans. This is because larger vehicles occupy more space on the trailer and often weigh more, resulting in higher fuel costs for transportation companies. For instance:
- Shipping a compact car may cost around $700 to $1,200
- Shipping an SUV could cost between $800 and $1,500
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Time of Year
- Peak Season: May through September – 10-30% rise in costs based on the demanded route.
- Off-Peak Season: October through April – offers discounted rates and flexible services.
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Pickup and Delivery Locations
- The cost may be lower for major routes and accessible locations because the transport company can quickly and efficiently load and unload the car.
- If the car needs to be picked up or delivered in a rural area or remote location, the company may charge a higher rate due to the extra effort required.
- Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Some auto transport companies, like All-state-to-state Auto Transport, also offer a door-to-door car shipping service, where the car is picked up and delivered directly to your specified location. This option is more convenient but may come at a higher price compared to terminal-to-terminal service, where the car is dropped off at a designated transport terminal.
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Vehicle Condition
- If your vehicle is operational and can be driven onto the transport truck, the cost will be lower.
- If your car is non-operational and needs to be winched or lifted onto the trailer, expect to pay an additional fee for the extra labor involved.
- Non-running cars can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 more to ship, depending on the company.
3. Additional Costs and Fees
There may also be additional potential fees that can increase the shipping cost. Some common ones include:
- Expedited Shipping: If you need your car shipped quickly, some companies offer expedited shipping at a premium cost.
- Insurance: While most companies offer basic insurance, you may need to purchase additional coverage for valuable or classic vehicles, which can increase the cost.
- Storage Fees: If your car is not ready for pickup or if the delivery location is unavailable, the transport company may charge storage fees.
- Fuel Surcharges: Due to fluctuating fuel prices, some companies may add a fuel surcharge to the total cost of the service.
4. How to Save on Shipping Costs
While shipping a car across the country can be expensive, there are a few ways to potentially lower the cost:
- Book Early: The earlier you book your car shipment, the more likely you are to secure a lower rate.
- Flexible Dates: If you have some flexibility in your shipping dates, you can take advantage of discounts during off-peak seasons.
- Choose Open-Air Transport: Open-air transport is typically less expensive than enclosed transport.
- Compare Quotes: Always get quotes from multiple transport companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Shipping a car across the country through a professional transporter is often worthwhile for the convenience it offers, especially when relocating or purchasing a car from another state. The cost of shipping depends on various factors, including distance, vehicle type, time of year, and any additional services. While prices can range anywhere from $600 to $2,000, shopping around, comparing quotes, and understanding what’s included in the price can help you make an informed decision. Ensure you choose a reputable auto transport company and carefully review the terms of service and insurance coverage to ensure your vehicle is adequately protected during transit. With the proper planning, you can successfully ship your car for a substantial amount of money