How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2026?

Whether you're relocating across the country, buying a vehicle from out of state, or sending a car to a family member, one of the first questions you'll ask is: how much does it cost to ship a car? The answer depends on several variables, but this guide will give you a clear, realistic picture of auto transport pricing in 2026 so you can budget with confidence.

Average Car Shipping Costs in 2026

As of 2026, the average cost to ship a standard sedan ranges from $500 to $1,500 for domestic transport within the continental United States. However, that range widens significantly depending on distance, vehicle size, transport type, and the time of year.

Here is a general pricing overview based on distance:

• Under 500 miles (local/regional): $400 - $700. Short-haul routes tend to have a higher per-mile cost because carriers still need to allocate a truck and driver for the pickup and delivery. Expect roughly $1.00 - $1.40 per mile.
• 500 - 1,000 miles (mid-range): $600 - $1,000. Per-mile rates drop to about $0.75 - $1.00. Common examples include New York to Atlanta or Los Angeles to Phoenix.
• 1,000 - 2,000 miles (cross-regional): $800 - $1,200. Routes like Chicago to Miami or Dallas to Seattle fall here, with per-mile pricing around $0.60 - $0.80.
• Over 2,000 miles (coast-to-coast): $1,000 - $1,500+. Coast-to-coast shipments like New York to Los Angeles benefit from the most competitive per-mile rates ($0.50 - $0.65) because carriers can fill trucks efficiently on high-demand corridors.

Open vs Enclosed Transport: Price Differences

The type of carrier you choose has a major impact on your total cost.

Open transport is the most popular option, used for roughly 85% of all vehicle shipments. Your car rides on an open multi-car carrier alongside 7-10 other vehicles. It is safe, efficient, and the most affordable choice. For a coast-to-coast shipment, open transport typically costs between $1,000 and $1,400.

Enclosed transport places your vehicle inside a fully covered trailer, protecting it from weather, road debris, and UV exposure. This premium service is ideal for luxury cars, classics, exotics, and high-value vehicles. Enclosed transport costs 30% to 60% more than open, putting a coast-to-coast enclosed shipment in the $1,500 - $2,500 range.

Vehicle Size and Condition Factors

Carriers price shipments partly based on the size and weight of the vehicle, because larger vehicles occupy more space on the trailer and reduce the number of cars the carrier can haul per trip.

• Compact car or sedan (Honda Civic, Toyota Camry): baseline pricing.
• Midsize SUV (Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer): add $50 - $200.
• Full-size SUV or truck (Chevrolet Suburban, Ford F-250): add $150 - $400.
• Oversized or modified vehicles (lifted trucks, duallies): add $200 - $500+ and may require specialized carriers.

Inoperable vehicles that cannot roll, steer, or brake require a winch for loading and unloading, which adds $100 - $300 to the total cost.

Seasonal Pricing: When Rates Rise and Fall

Auto transport is a supply-and-demand business. During peak seasons, carrier availability tightens and prices climb.

• Peak season (June - August): Summer is the busiest time for auto transport. Families relocate, dealerships move inventory, and snowbird vehicles return north. Expect prices 15-25% above the annual average.
• Snowbird season (October - January): Routes from the Northeast and Midwest to Florida and Arizona see elevated demand as seasonal residents migrate south. These specific corridors can spike 10-20%.
• Off-peak (February - April): Late winter and early spring are the cheapest months to ship. Carrier availability is high and demand is lower. You can often save 10-20% compared to summer rates.

Additional Factors That Affect Your Quote

Beyond the basics, several other variables can influence what you pay:

• Pickup and delivery locations: Door-to-door service in urban areas with easy truck access is standard. Rural or hard-to-reach addresses may add $50 - $150 because carriers must detour from major highways.
• Route popularity: High-volume corridors (NY to FL, CA to TX) have more available carriers and competitive pricing. Less common routes may cost more due to limited carrier supply.
• Lead time: Booking 2-3 weeks in advance typically yields the best rates. Last-minute or expedited shipping (within 24-48 hours) can add $100 - $300.
• Fuel prices: Carrier operating costs are tied to diesel prices. When fuel costs rise sharply, transport rates usually follow within weeks.

7 Tips to Save Money on Car Shipping

1. Book early. Give yourself at least 2-3 weeks lead time. Flexibility on dates gives dispatchers more options to fit your car on a truck.
2. Choose open transport. Unless you have a high-value or classic vehicle, open transport is safe and 30-60% cheaper than enclosed.
3. Ship during off-peak months. February through April offers the best rates.
4. Be flexible with dates. A 3-5 day pickup window lets carriers optimize routes and often reduces your price.
5. Use terminal-to-terminal if available. Dropping off and picking up your car at a carrier terminal instead of door-to-door can save $50-$150.
6. Get multiple quotes. Compare at least 3 quotes from licensed brokers. Be wary of quotes that are significantly below market rate, as they may indicate bait-and-switch tactics.
7. Avoid the first and last weeks of the month. Many relocations and military PCS moves cluster around month boundaries, which increases demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car from New York to California?

A standard sedan shipped coast-to-coast from New York to California typically costs between $1,000 and $1,400 for open transport and $1,500 to $2,500 for enclosed transport. The exact price depends on the time of year and your vehicle's size.

Is it cheaper to drive or ship a car?

For long distances (over 1,000 miles), shipping is often more cost-effective when you factor in gas, meals, hotels, wear on your vehicle, and the value of your time. A 2,800-mile cross-country drive costs $400-$600 in fuel alone, plus 4-5 days of travel. Shipping typically costs $1,000-$1,400 and takes 7-10 days with zero miles added to your odometer.

Does car shipping include insurance?

Yes. All licensed auto transport carriers are required by the FMCSA to carry cargo insurance. Coverage typically ranges from $100,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the carrier. At Quote Auto Ship, we verify carrier insurance on every shipment and can provide proof of coverage before pickup.

Can I put personal items inside my car during shipping?

Most carriers allow a small amount of personal items (under 100 lbs) in the trunk, but these items are not covered by carrier insurance. We recommend removing all valuables and keeping personal items to a minimum to avoid weight surcharges.

How long does car shipping take?

Transit times vary by distance. Local shipments (under 500 miles) typically take 1-3 days. Cross-country shipments (over 2,000 miles) take 7-10 business days. Expedited options are available for an additional fee.

Get an Instant Quote

Ready to find out exactly what your vehicle shipment will cost? Use our free instant quote calculator to get a price in under 30 seconds. No obligation, no pressure, and no hidden fees. Or call us at 1-833-848-4600 to speak with a transport coordinator who can walk you through your options.