How is the estimate calculated?

The calculator estimates the road distance between your states, finds typical prices for that distance, then adjusts for vehicle size, transport type, condition and how soon you need pickup.

Why might my quotes differ from the estimate?

Exact pickup and delivery addresses, your dates, current demand on your route and the company's pricing all affect real quotes. Use the estimate to spot quotes that are unrealistically high or low.

How far in advance should I book?

One to two weeks ahead is usually enough. In summer and snowbird season, two to three weeks gives you more choice and better prices.

Is an estimate the same as a quote?

No. Estimates help you plan and compare. A quote is a company's offer for your specific shipment, and the price is only confirmed once a carrier accepts it.

Car Shipping Cost Calculator

Get a quick price range and transit time for your route, vehicle, transport type and timing. Free, instant and no sign-up.

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Get exact quotes for your car

Average car shipping costs by distance

Typical prices for a standard car.

Estimated car shipping cost by distance
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

Where these figures come from

Published industry studies, not Haulwide shipments. Checked Sep 16, 2026.

SGT Auto Transport(opens in a new tab)
Published Sep 9, 2026. 30 months of the company's own shipping data (January 2024 to June 2026) across all 50 states and 1,581 state-to-state lanes, limited to completed single-vehicle open transport deliveries and mix-adjusted for distance.
Move.org(opens in a new tab)
Published Mar 4, 2026. Nearly 800 broker quotes analyzed, priced for a running 2025 Toyota Camry with a one-week lead time using October 2025 quotes.
Kelley Blue Book(opens in a new tab)
Published Jan 12, 2026. Quotes requested from eight transport companies for a 2025 Honda Accord on three routes from Orlando, on standard open carriers.
Direct Connect Auto Transport(opens in a new tab)
No publication date given. The company's own carrier data for an operable sedan on open transport; the page states no publication date.
RoadRunner Auto Transport(opens in a new tab)
Published Sep 1, 2026. The company's completed shipment history, which it describes as over 1 million vehicles delivered across 30+ years, updated September 2026. Its nationwide average is $1,215 at a median distance of 987 miles and a median $1.23 per mile.

The sources disagree, so figures are shown as the span across them rather than a single price. Pricing methodology

What a quote should include

Transport from pickup to delivery
Fuel and tolls
The carrier's cargo insurance
Door-to-door service where a truck can safely reach

Ask about

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?

What affects car shipping costs?

Cost factors guide

Distance and routeLonger trips cost more in total but less per mile. Busy interstate corridors are usually cheaper than remote or rural routes.
Vehicle size and weightSUVs, pickups and vans take up more space and weight on a carrier than a sedan, so they cost more to ship.
Open or enclosed transportEnclosed trailers carry fewer cars and protect them from weather and road debris, so they cost more than open carriers.
Season and demandPrices rise when demand outpaces truck space, such as summer moving season and snowbird routes in late fall and spring.
Vehicle conditionA car that doesn't run needs a winch or special equipment to load, which adds to the price.
Pickup timingFlexible pickup dates give carriers more ways to fit your car on a truck. Expedited pickup costs more.

Frequently asked questions

All FAQs

How is the estimate calculated?
The calculator estimates the road distance between your states, finds typical prices for that distance, then adjusts for vehicle size, transport type, condition and how soon you need pickup.
Why might my quotes differ from the estimate?
Exact pickup and delivery addresses, your dates, current demand on your route and the company's pricing all affect real quotes. Use the estimate to spot quotes that are unrealistically high or low.

How far in advance should I book?
One to two weeks ahead is usually enough. In summer and snowbird season, two to three weeks gives you more choice and better prices.
Best time to ship a car
Is an estimate the same as a quote?
No. Estimates help you plan and compare. A quote is a company's offer for your specific shipment, and the price is only confirmed once a carrier accepts it.
How Haulwide works