- Open transport (est.)
- $1,035 – $2,795
- Enclosed transport (est.)
- $1,345 – $4,475
3–6 days in transit
Compare Car Shipping Rates and Find the Best Day to Ship
See how much it costs to ship a car on your route, compare open and enclosed auto transport, find cheaper pickup dates, and check companies before you book.
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$875 – $2,365
Open transport, about 1,250 miles
Source: Published industry studies
+30–60%
Extra cost of enclosed transport
Source: Published industry studies
+42%
Growth in 1,000+ mile shipments, 2025
Source: Super Dispatch
$6.29/gal
U.S. diesel, week of Sep 14
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Published figures, checked Sep 16, 2026. Where these figures come from
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Shipping a standard car on an open carrier typically costs $875 – $2,365, and enclosed transport typically costs $1,140 – $3,780. Short trips under 500 miles cost the least in total, while cross-country moves cost the most but have the lowest price per mile.
Estimates for a standard car, updated Sep 16, 2026. How we estimate prices
$875 – $2,365
Typical open transport
Estimate
$1,140 – $3,780
Typical enclosed transport
Estimate
+30–60%
Enclosed vs. open price
Estimate
Car shipping cost by distance
Estimated prices for a standard car. Longer trips cost more in total but less per mile.
| Distance | Open transport | Enclosed transport | Open cost per mile | Transit time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $280 – $770 | $340 – $1,230 | $0.80–$2.20 per mile | 1–2 days |
| 500–999 miles | $550 – $1,420 | $700 – $2,270 | $0.73–$1.89 per mile | 2–3 days |
| 1,000–1,499 miles | $875 – $2,365 | $1,140 – $3,780 | $0.70–$1.89 per mile | 3–5 days |
| 1,500–1,999 miles | $700 – $3,310 | $910 – $5,290 | $0.40–$1.89 per mile | 4–7 days |
| 2,000+ miles | $875 – $4,725 | $1,140 – $7,560 | $0.35–$1.89 per mile | 5–10 days |
Car shipping cost by vehicle type
Larger, heavier and high-value vehicles cost more to ship than a standard sedan.
| Vehicle | Price vs. a sedan | Usually shipped on |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan or small car | Baseline | Open carrier |
| SUV or crossover | +6.8% | Open carrier |
| Pickup truck | +38% | Open carrier |
| Luxury, classic or exotic car | +30–60% | Enclosed trailer |
| Non-running vehicle | +$150 – $300 | Open carrier |
What affects car shipping cost?
Distance and route
Longer trips cost more in total but less per mile. Busy interstate corridors are usually cheaper than remote or rural routes.
Vehicle size and weight
SUVs, pickups and vans take up more space and weight on a carrier than a sedan, so they cost more to ship.
Open or enclosed transport
Enclosed trailers carry fewer cars and protect them from weather and road debris, so they cost more than open carriers.
Season and demand
Prices rise when demand outpaces truck space, such as summer moving season and snowbird routes in late fall and spring.
Vehicle condition
A car that doesn't run needs a winch or special equipment to load, which adds to the price.
Pickup timing
Flexible pickup dates give carriers more ways to fit your car on a truck. Expedited pickup costs more.
Shipping costs and what the quote includes
Compare quotes on the same terms. Two prices can look far apart because one leaves out costs the other includes.
Usually included
- Transport from pickup to delivery
- Fuel and tolls
- The carrier's cargo insurance
- Door-to-door service where a truck can safely reach
Can cost extra
- Enclosed transport
- Expedited or guaranteed pickup dates
- A non-running vehicle that needs a winch
- Oversized, lifted or modified vehicles
- Top-load placement on an open carrier
- Storage if no one can accept delivery
Ask before you book
- Is this an estimate or a confirmed price?
- How much is the deposit, and when is it charged?
- How is the driver paid at delivery?
- What does it cost to cancel or reschedule?
Prices on Haulwide stay labeled as estimates until a carrier confirms the booking.
Before you book: six things to check
Most car shipping problems start with details nobody confirmed. Check these six before you pay a deposit.
- Verify USDOT and MC numbersLook the company up in the FMCSA database and confirm its operating authority is active.
- Know if it's a broker or a carrierAsk who will actually pick up your car and when you'll receive the carrier's details.
- Get the full price in writingConfirm whether it's an estimate or a locked price, and exactly what it includes.
- Understand the deposit and paymentCheck what's due at booking, whether it's refundable and how the driver is paid.
- Ask for proof of insuranceRequest the carrier's certificate of insurance and check the coverage limit and deductible.
- Confirm the pickup window and cancellation termsGet pickup dates, the delivery estimate and any fees for changes in writing.
Warning signs
- Asks for a large deposit before a carrier is assigned
- Can't give you an MC or USDOT number you can look up
- Quotes a price far below every other company
- Wants payment by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency
- Won't put the price, pickup window and terms in writing
How long it takes: pickup window vs. transit time
Total time is the pickup window plus time on the road. Companies often quote them separately, so check both.
- Day 0
Book
Compare estimates, choose a company and confirm the price, pickup window and payment terms in writing.
- Before pickup
Carrier assigned
Your order goes to a carrier with space on your route. Busy routes usually fill faster than rural ones.
- A range of days
Pickup window
Pickup happens within an agreed window, not at an exact hour. Drivers usually call ahead to set a time.
- 1–10 days by distance
In transit
Time on the road depends on distance, weather, other stops and drivers' required rest breaks.
- On arrival
Delivery
Inspect the car against the Bill of Lading and note any new damage before you sign.
Typical transit time by distance
Days on the road for a standard car, after pickup. Haulwide estimates.
- Under 500 miles
- 1–2 days
- 500–999 miles
- 2–3 days
- 1,000–1,499 miles
- 3–5 days
- 1,500–1,999 miles
- 4–7 days
- 2,000+ miles
- 5–10 days
What changes how soon pickup happens
The pickup window varies more than transit time does.
- How busy your route is
- How close pickup is to a major highway
- Season and weather
- Open or enclosed transport
- How flexible your dates are
Compare dates and nearby pickup options
Prices move with demand and truck space: the season, the week you book and how easy your address is to reach all change what carriers quote. The pickup window you give matters as much as the route.
- Book a few weeks aheadMore lead time gives carriers room to fit your car onto a truck already heading your way.
- Stay flexibleA wider pickup window lets a carrier fit your car in on a cheaper day.
- Compare nearby pickup pointsMeeting the truck near a major highway or city can cost less than a hard-to-reach address.
Car shipping rates on popular routes
What published industry studies report for the distance between these cities, with typical transit times. Get a quote for your own dates.
- Open transport (est.)
- $915 – $2,475
- Enclosed transport (est.)
- $1,190 – $3,960
3–6 days in transit
- Open transport (est.)
- $695 – $3,290
- Enclosed transport (est.)
- $905 – $5,260
4–7 days in transit
- Open transport (est.)
- $805 – $2,175
- Enclosed transport (est.)
- $1,045 – $3,480
3–5 days in transit
- Open transport (est.)
- $630 – $1,625
- Enclosed transport (est.)
- $805 – $2,600
2–4 days in transit
- Open transport (est.)
- $655 – $3,100
- Enclosed transport (est.)
- $855 – $4,960
4–7 days in transit
Popular car shipping routes
Prices, demand and transit times can differ by direction, so every state-to-state route has its own page.
- California to Texas car shipping
- Texas to California car shipping
- California to Florida car shipping
- Florida to California car shipping
- California to New York car shipping
- New York to California car shipping
- New York to Florida car shipping
- Florida to New York car shipping
- Florida to Texas car shipping
- Texas to Florida car shipping
- New Jersey to Florida car shipping
- Florida to New Jersey car shipping
- Arizona to California car shipping
- California to Arizona car shipping
- Washington to California car shipping
- Illinois to Arizona car shipping
- Arizona to Florida car shipping
- Massachusetts to Florida car shipping
- Florida to Pennsylvania car shipping
- California to Michigan car shipping
Regional shipping snapshot
The corridors carriers use in each region, with what published reports say about demand there.
West Coast
CA · OR · WA
Long north-south runs on I-5 and heavy traffic east on I-10 and I-40.
- I-5
- I-10
- I-15
+19% year over year Growth in deliveries, 2025Source: Super Dispatch
Southwest
AZ · NV · NM · TX
Busy east-west corridors to and from Texas and Arizona.
- I-10
- I-17
- I-40
Southeast
FL · GA · SC · NC · AL
Snowbird traffic heads south in the fall and north in the spring.
- I-95
- I-75
- I-4
+5–8% Snowbird corridors in seasonSource: Direct Connect Auto Transport
Midwest
IL · OH · MI · MN · MO
Chicago is the hub; winter storms can slow northern pickups.
- I-55
- I-80
- I-90
Northeast
NY · NJ · PA · MA · CT
Dense cities often mean meeting the truck at a nearby lot.
- I-90
- I-87
- I-81
+27% year over year Growth in deliveries, 2025Source: Super Dispatch
Mountain & Plains
CO · UT · MT · WY · ND · SD
Long distances between cities, and mountain passes in winter.
- I-25
- I-70
- I-76
Checked Sep 16, 2026. Corridors from Haulwide's state profiles; figures from the reports named on each card.
Which car shipping option is right for you?
Start from your situation. These are the services that usually fit best.
You want the lowest price
Open transport with flexible dates
Open carriers are the most common and affordable option. A wider pickup window helps you catch a lower rate.
Open car transportYou're shipping a luxury, classic or exotic car
Enclosed transport
A covered trailer shields the car from weather, dust and road debris, and each load carries fewer vehicles.
Enclosed car transportYou're on a tight deadline
Expedited car shipping
Priority dispatch shortens the wait for pickup when the car has to move quickly. Expect to pay more.
Expedited car shippingYour car doesn't run
Inoperable vehicle shipping
Carriers with a winch can load vehicles that don't start, roll or steer. Tell the company about the condition upfront.
Inoperable car shippingYou're moving more than one vehicle
Multi-car shipping
Shipping vehicles together on one truck can cost less per car than booking separate shipments.
Multi-car shippingYou have PCS orders
Military car shipping
Plan pickup around your report date and ask for carriers experienced with base pickups and deliveries.
Military car shipping
Open vs. enclosed car transport
Most cars ship on open carriers. Enclosed transport costs more but keeps the car fully covered.
Which is right for you? Compare price, protection, availability and the cars each option suits. | Open transport | Enclosed transport |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower; the most affordable option | Typically 30–60% more than open |
| Protection | Exposed to weather and road debris | Fully covered trailer |
| Availability | Most trucks on the road; easiest to schedule | Fewer trucks; pickup can take longer to schedule |
| Best for | Everyday cars, SUVs and pickups | Luxury, classic, exotic and collector cars |
Carrier vs. broker: who ships your car?
Many car shipping companies you find online are brokers that hand the job to a carrier. Either can be a good choice when it's properly registered.
Carrier
Owns the trucks and employs or contracts the drivers who move your car.
- You deal directly with the company moving your car
- Limited to the routes and dates its own trucks run
- Must hold FMCSA operating authority and carry insurance
Broker
Arranges your shipment with carriers in its network.
- Can search many carriers for your route and dates
- The carrier may be named only after you book
- Must hold FMCSA broker authority and a surety bond or trust fund
Ask either one
- Who will pick up my car, and when will I know?
- Can I see the carrier's USDOT number and insurance certificate?
- Who do I contact if something goes wrong?
Company profiles on Haulwide show whether a company is a broker, a carrier or both.
Get your car ready for pickup
A few minutes of preparation makes pickup faster and protects you if something goes wrong.
Car shipping checklist
Work through it the day before pickup.
- Wash the vehicleA clean car makes existing scratches and dents easy to spot at inspection.
- Photograph its conditionTake dated photos of every side, the roof, wheels, interior and odometer.
- Remove personal itemsMany carriers don't allow them, and carrier insurance usually doesn't cover them.
- Check the fuel levelAbout a quarter tank is usually enough and keeps the car lighter.
- Disable alarms and toll tagsTurn off the alarm or leave instructions for the driver, and remove toll transponders.
- Confirm your documentsHave your ID, booking confirmation and any paperwork your shipment needs ready.
- Inspect the Bill of LadingMake sure it records the car's condition accurately before you sign at pickup.
What documents do you need?
Very little for most trips within the continental U.S. Requirements vary by company and destination, so confirm before pickup.
- Photo IDUsuallyThe person releasing or receiving the car may be asked to show ID.
- Registration and proof of insuranceSometimesHave copies available in case the carrier asks for them.
- TitleOcean shippingUsually not needed within the lower 48 states, but often required when a car ships by sea to Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico.
- Bill of LadingEvery shipmentThe driver provides it at pickup. It records the car's condition and is your receipt, so keep your copy.
- Auction or dealer paperworkAuction and dealer pickupsA gate pass or release form, buyer or lot number, and a pickup contact so the driver can collect the car.
- Lienholder authorizationFinanced or leased carsRarely needed for trips within the continental U.S., but ocean carriers often ask for a letter from your lender.
Is my car insured during shipping?
Usually, yes, through the carrier's cargo insurance. Coverage has limits and exclusions, so check the details before pickup.
Carrier cargo insurance
Carriers carry cargo insurance that pays for damage they cause to vehicles on their trucks. Ask for the certificate of insurance and check the coverage limit and deductible.
What's usually covered
- Covered: Damage caused by the carrier during loading, transport or unloading
- Often not covered: Personal items left in the car
- Often not covered: Damage that existed before pickup
- Often not covered: Mechanical or electrical problems
- Often not covered: Damage not noted on the Bill of Lading at delivery
Inspection before pickup
You and the driver inspect the car together and record every scratch and dent on the Bill of Lading. Read it carefully before you sign.
If damage occurs
- Note the damage on the Bill of Lading before signing
- Photograph it with the driver present
- Tell the shipping company right away
- File a claim with the carrier or its insurer and keep all paperwork
Why to keep photos
Dated photos taken at pickup are your best evidence of the car's condition if you need to file a claim. It's also worth asking your own insurer whether your policy covers the car in transit.
When is the best time to ship a car?
Car shipping prices follow demand. Booking outside the busiest weeks, and staying flexible on pickup dates, is the simplest way to pay less.
Summer is the busiest season
More people move between June and August, so trucks fill up faster and prices tend to climb.
Snowbird routes get busy twice a year
Routes to Florida, Arizona and Texas fill up in late fall, and the trips back north fill up in spring.
Winter can be cheaper, but slower up north
Demand usually drops after the holidays, though snow and ice can delay pickups on northern routes.
Why Haulwide is different
More data and more transparency, so you can decide when and how to ship.
Price calendar
Compare estimated prices day by day to find a cheaper pickup window.
Price forecast
See whether rates on your route are expected to rise or fall before you book.
- Coming soon
Price lock
Hold a quoted rate for a set period while you finalize your plans.
Nearby pickup savings
Check whether a nearby pickup or drop-off point lowers your price.
How it works
Get from a rough idea to a confirmed quote in four steps.
Enter your route
Tell us where the car is going, what you're shipping and when.
Compare dates and rates
See estimated prices across pickup dates and transport types.
Choose your best option
Pick the date, transport type and company that fit your budget.
Request quotes and book
Confirm a quote with a transport company you've checked first.
Top car shipping companies
Checked Oct 7, 2026Researched companies ordered by public review ratings, adjusted for review count. Companies can't pay for a higher position.
| # | Company | Trustpilot | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sonic Auto Transportation | Broker | |
| 2 | Corsia Logistics | Broker | |
| 3 | MoverJet Logistics | Broker | |
| 4 | GetCarrier | Broker | |
| 5 | RoadRunner Auto Transport | Broker |
- Never for saleCompanies can't pay for a position.
- FMCSA registeredEvery company has a USDOT number you can check.
- Sourced and datedReview figures link to Trustpilot with the date checked.
Ratings are Trustpilot's. Haulwide doesn't host reviews yet.
View full listCar shipping by state
Estimated prices, popular routes and top cities for shipping a car to or from each state.
- CaliforniaCA car shipping
- TexasTX car shipping
- FloridaFL car shipping
- New YorkNY car shipping
- ArizonaAZ car shipping
- GeorgiaGA car shipping
- IllinoisIL car shipping
- NevadaNV car shipping
All states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Washington, DC
Why trust Haulwide
How we calculate prices, scores, rankings and reviews, and how we keep them independent.
Price estimates
Built from quoted, booked and paid prices on each route, adjusted for distance, vehicle, transport type and season. Each figure shows when it was updated and stays an estimate until a carrier confirms.
Pricing methodologyCompany research
Company profiles carry sourced facts only: FMCSA licensing, services and payment terms, plus each company's public review rating and the date we checked it. Haulwide doesn't host its own reviews yet.
Company ranking methodologyRankings
Companies are ordered by their public review rating, adjusted for how many reviews it is based on. Companies can't pay for a higher position, and sponsored placements are always labeled.
Ranking methodologyReviews
We publish reviews only after checking they're tied to a real shipment and pass moderation, and we explain how corrections and appeals work.
Review standards
Haulwide may earn money when you request quotes from partner companies or see labeled sponsored placements. It never changes scores or rankings. How Haulwide makes money
Car shipping FAQs
Quick answers to the most common auto transport questions.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Shipping a standard car on an open carrier typically costs $875 – $2,365, and enclosed transport typically costs $1,140 – $3,780. Short trips under 500 miles cost the least in total, while cross-country moves cost the most but have the lowest price per mile.
Car shipping cost guideHow much does car shipping cost per mile?
Per-mile rates drop as distance grows. Open transport typically runs $0.80–$2.20 per mile for trips of under 500 miles and $0.35–$1.89 per mile for 2,000+ miles.
Car shipping cost per mileIs open or enclosed car transport cheaper?
Open transport is cheaper and is how most cars are shipped. Enclosed transport typically costs about 30–60% more because each trailer carries fewer cars and fully covers them.
Open vs. enclosed shipping costHow long does it take to ship a car?
After pickup, transit usually takes 1–2 days for trips of under 500 miles and 5–10 days for 2,000+ miles. The wait for pickup is separate and depends on route demand and how flexible your dates are.
How long car shipping takesWhen is the cheapest time to ship a car?
Prices usually peak in summer moving season and on snowbird routes in late fall and spring. Individual routes can differ, so compare dates for your route before you book.
Best time to ship a car
Is my car insured while it's being shipped?
Licensed carriers carry insurance, but coverage limits and deductibles vary. Ask for the carrier's certificate of insurance, check that it covers your car's value, and note any existing damage on the inspection report at pickup.
Car shipping insuranceCan I put personal items in my car?
Some carriers allow a small amount of belongings in the trunk, but those items usually aren't covered by the carrier's insurance and extra weight can raise the price. Check the company's policy before you pack anything.
Personal items during shippingWhat's the difference between an auto transport broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns the trucks and moves your car. A broker arranges the shipment with carriers in its network. Both should be registered with the FMCSA, and brokers must also hold broker authority and a surety bond.
Broker vs. carrierHow do I avoid car shipping scams?
Look up the company's MC or USDOT number, be wary of large deposits before a carrier is assigned, compare several quotes, and get the price, pickup window and terms in writing.
Avoid car shipping scams
Latest guides
Plain-English answers to the questions people ask before they ship a car.
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Know the rate before you ship
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