Car Shipping Price Index
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Get a quote at today's rates
$1,550
Down 3% vs. last monthNational average price
Standard sedan, open transport
$1,550
Lowest monthly average
November 2026
$1,600
Highest monthly average
October 2026
4,800+
Routes tracked
U.S. state and city routes
Price index trend
National average price, last 12 months.
| Period | Value |
|---|---|
| Oct | $1,600 |
| Nov | $1,550 |
Average price by vehicle type
- Sedan or small car$1,550
- SUV or crossover$1,650
- Pickup truck$2,150
- Luxury, classic or exotic car$2,250
- Non-running vehicle$1,800
Average price by transport type
Seasonal price levels
- Winter (Dec–Feb)$1,480
- Spring (Mar–May)$1,580
- Summer (Jun–Aug)$1,700
- Fall (Sep–Nov)$1,550
Summer is usually the most expensive season. Shipping in winter can save a meaningful amount.
Market insights
- SUVs and pickups cost more because they take more space and weight on the trailer.
- Long routes cost more in total but less per mile.
- A flexible pickup window is the easiest way to pay less.
- Fuel is a major carrier cost; diesel prices are published weekly by the U.S. EIA.
Frequently asked questions
How is the price index calculated?
It's the national average price to ship a standard sedan on open transport, modeled from published industry cost studies and weekly diesel prices and labeled with the date it describes. As Haulwide completes its own shipments, measured prices blend in, and as a monthly history builds, each month is shown against its trailing average so changes are easy to read.
Why does the index use a standard sedan?
Holding the vehicle and transport type constant means the index reflects market conditions, not a change in what people ship. SUVs, pickups and enclosed transport are shown separately.
Are these real prices or estimates?
They're modeled from published industry studies and weekly diesel data, shown as a national average and typical range, and labeled with the date they describe. As Haulwide completes its own shipments, measured prices blend in and each figure's label updates. A price is confirmed only when a carrier accepts your specific shipment.
Market data methodologyDoes the index predict future prices?
No. It describes recent prices. For a forward-looking view, see the price forecast, and set a price alert to be told when your route gets cheaper.
Price forecast
More market data
- Car Shipping Market DataNational prices, trends and capacity at a glance.
- Car Shipping Price TrendsHow prices moved over the last 12 months.
- Car Shipping Rates by StateAverage costs to and from every state.
- Car Shipping Rates by RoutePrices and transit times on popular routes.
- Carrier AvailabilityTruck space and pickup times by region.
- Car Shipping SeasonalityCheapest and busiest months to ship.
- Market Data MethodologySources, calculations and limitations.
Price tools
Turn market data into savings on your own shipment.
- Price calendarFind the cheapest pickup dates
- Cost calculatorEstimate any route
- Price alertsGet told when prices drop
- Nearby pickup savingsSave by meeting the truck
Using these numbers
- Treat averages as a starting point. Your route, vehicle and dates set the real price.
- A quote far below the average can mean a long wait for a truck.
- Check again a few weeks before pickup, when carriers plan their loads.
Use market data to ship smarter
Get an estimate for your route, vehicle and dates.