Cost to ship a vehicle

1. The cost of vehicle transportation in the USA varies widely, typically ranging from $500 to $1,500 for standard open transport within the continental U.S., but can go significantly higher for specialized services or long distances.
2. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the factors influencing the cost:
3. Distance:
4. Per-mile rate: Generally, the longer the distance, the lower the cost per mile, but the higher the overall total cost.
   1. Short distances (under 500 miles): Expect around $1.60 to $2.92 per mile.
   2. Medium distances (500-1,500 miles): Rates typically drop to $0.85 to $1.25 per mile.
   3. Long distances (over 1,500 miles): Can be as low as $0.50 to $0.95 per mile for cross-country trips.
5. Cross-country shipping: Often falls in the range of $1,100 to $1,900 for open transport.
6. Average costs by distance (approximate):
   1. Less than 500 miles: ~$630 (open), ~$930 (enclosed)
   2. 500-2500 miles: ~$1,135 (open), ~$1,550 (enclosed)
   3. Over 2500 miles: ~$1,350 (open), ~$1,830 (enclosed)¹
7. Type of Transport:
8. Open Car Transport: This is the most common and most affordable option, typically 30-60% cheaper than enclosed.² Your vehicle is exposed to the elements.³
9. Enclosed Car Transport: A premium service offering maximum protection from weather and road debris.⁴ It’s significantly more expensive, often adding $200 to $500 or more to the cost compared to open transport. Ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.⁵
10. Vehicle Details:
11. Size and Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles (SUVs, trucks, vans, dually pickups) cost more. Each size increase (e.g., car to SUV, SUV to truck) can add approximately $100-$250 to the price. This is because they take up more space and add more weight to the carrier, impacting fuel efficiency and capacity for other vehicles.
12. Vehicle Condition: If your car is inoperable (cannot be driven, steered, or braked), it will cost more to ship.⁶ This requires specialized equipment like winches for loading and unloading, adding to labor and time.⁷
13. Modifications: Any modifications that increase the vehicle’s dimensions (e.g., lift kits, oversized tires, roof racks, spoilers) can also increase the cost as they may require more space or special handling.⁸
14. Value: High-value or delicate vehicles typically require enclosed transport, driving up the cost.⁹
15. Location (Pickup and Delivery):
16. Urban vs. Rural: Shipping to or from major metropolitan areas and popular interstate routes is often cheaper because carriers have more opportunities to fill their trucks efficiently. Rural or remote locations may incur higher costs due to longer detours and less frequent service.¹⁰
17. Accessibility: If the pickup or delivery location is difficult for a large transport truck to access (e.g., narrow streets, dead ends, steep driveways), you might incur extra fees or need to meet the driver at a more accessible spot (like a large parking lot).
18. Time of Year/Seasonality:
19. Peak Seasons: Prices tend to be higher during peak seasons when demand surges.¹¹ This includes:
    1. Summer: More people are moving or traveling.
    2. “Snowbird” season (Fall/Spring): High demand for routes between northern states and warmer southern states (e.g., Florida, Arizona, California).¹²
    3. Holidays: Can also impact pricing due to reduced driver availability.
20. Off-Peak Seasons: Shipping during slower months (e.g., late fall or early spring, outside of snowbird routes) can sometimes lead to lower prices.¹³
21. Weather: Extreme weather conditions can cause delays and may influence pricing.¹⁴
22. Expedited Shipping:
23. If you need your car shipped very quickly or by a specific guaranteed date, you’ll generally pay a premium for expedited service, which can add anywhere from $200 to $550 to the total cost.
24. Fuel Prices:
25. Fluctuations in diesel fuel prices directly impact carrier operating costs, which are then passed on to the customer.¹⁵
26. General Averages:
27. The average cost for auto shipping within the continental U.S. is often cited around $1,000 to $1,150.
28. The average per-mile cost can range from $0.40 to $2.92, with the rate decreasing as the distance increases.

To get an accurate quote for your specific needs, it’s always best to contact us at (858)603-9746/carshippingtransportusa@gmail.com and provide with the exact details of your shipment (vehicle type, pickup/delivery zip codes, desired dates, and preferred transport method).