Whether you are looking for car shipping quotes or are interested in shipping your vehicle, it’s essential to have some basic knowledge of what goes into a car shipping quote before you decide to proceed. This will help you to understand the process and determine if it’s right for you.
How Car Shipping Quotes Work
What You’ll Need to Provide
To receive accurate pricing, companies typically require:
- Vehicle details: Year, make, model, condition (operational or not)
- Routes: Pickup and delivery zip codes or city names
- Transport type: Open (cheaper, basic protection) or enclosed (more expensive, premium protection)
- Timing: Desired pickup/delivery dates or date ranges Move.orgCitizenShipper
How to Get a Quote
- Online Forms: Most carriers offer online quote forms—fast but may not be instantly finalized. Move.org
- Instant Online Quotes: Some providers (e.g., American Auto Shipping, Easy Auto Ship) give real-time estimates. Move.org
- Telephone Quotes: Speaking with a rep yields the most accurate price, especially for custom situations. Move.org
- Multiple Quotes: Always compare at least 3–4 quotes across companies to find the best rate—prices can vary by hundreds of dollars. Move.orgRedditForbes
Average Cost Estimates (U.S.-based)
Estimates vary widely depending on distance, type of vehicle, and shipping method.
- Open transport:
- Average: ~$950
- Range: $300–$1,750
- Per mile: $0.60–$1.70 WeShipCars
- Enclosed transport:
- Average: ~$1,425
- Range: $480–$2,450 WeShipCars
- Across the country (e.g., LA → NYC, approx. 2,790 miles): ~$1,610 on average; open service $1,120 (low) to $2,100 (high). Forbes
- Shorter or regional routes (examples):
- East to West Coast: $1,000–$1,400 (standard), up to $2,000 (rush)
- Midwest to East Coast: $600–$1,100 depending on speed Direct Express Auto Transport
- Per-mile pricing often decreases for longer trips, with as low as $0.33–$0.35/mile for 2,500–3,500 mile hauls RoadRunner Auto Transport+1
Community Insights
Wisely, carriers typically quote lower per-mile for long journeys:
“Short Distance (up to 500 miles): $300–$600
Medium Distance (500–1,000 miles): $600–$900
Long Distance (over 1,000 miles): $900–$1,300” (open)
“Enclosed… up to $2,000+”
Getting the Best Deal
What Drives Costs
- Distance & route popularity: Longer routes lower per-mile cost, but total price rises CNNReddit
- Transport method: Enclosed transport can cost 30–100% more than open. Move.orgForbesWorld Craft Logistics
- Vehicle specifics: Larger or inoperable vehicles cost more. Winching, forklifts, or low clearance add significant fees. CNNForbesCitizenShipperAmeriFreight Auto Transport
- Seasonal demand: Peak times (summer, holidays, snowbird season) increase rates. CNNKiplingerSherpa Auto Transport
- Pickup/delivery style: Terminal-to-terminal is cheaper than door-to-door. ForbesReddit
Savings Tips
- Book early—2 to 3 weeks in advance yields better pricing. AmeriFreight Auto TransportSherpa Auto Transport
- Be flexible—adjustable dates, locations, and acceptance of terminal pickups help lower cost. Forbes+1Sherpa Auto Transport
- Compare and negotiate—use multiple quotes to negotiate better rates or find discounts. Forbes+1Reddit+1
- Avoid scams:
- Beware quotes that are too low—can be bait-and-switch schemes.
- Skip services demanding non-refundable deposits upfront.
- Always verify U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) registration and check reviews. Kiplinger
What You Can Do Next
- Gather your shipment details: route, vehicle specs, desired dates, open vs enclosed preference
- Request 3–4 quotes: mix of instant online tools and phone-based estimates
- Compare prices and terms: factor in insurance, deposit conditions, and flexibility
- Verify providers: check DOT registration, customer reviews, and BBB ratings
- Book early and stay flexible to get the best rate
TLDR
- Car shipping averages: $500–$1,250 (open) and up to $2,000+ (enclosed) depending on many variables.
- Get multiple quotes, choose timing and method wisely, verify provider credentials, and book ahead to save.
Calculating your Vehicle’s Weight
Getting car shipping quotes can take time and effort. Several factors go into calculating your vehicle’s weight. For example, it’s essential to consider your vehicle’s GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). This is a truck metric that measures a vehicle’s capacity. This will depend on the material used to build the car and your vehicle’s class.
You can find your vehicle’s GVWR on its sidewall plate. You can consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual if you need clarification on this number. You can also try an online vehicle shipping calculator. The website will provide a ballpark estimate of your vehicle’s weight and various other vehicle transport options.
While calculating your vehicle’s weight, consider its gas mileage. Vehicles with higher weights tend to use more gas. This will result in a higher overall car shipping price.
While there are many factors to consider when getting car shipping quotes, the most important is determining the cost of transporting your vehicle. You’ll also need to consider your timeframe for transporting your car. For example, if you’re planning to have your vehicle picked up in a rush, you’ll need to know the cost of expedited pickup.
Pickup and Destination Cities
Getting the most affordable car shipping quote can be a chore. But if you are willing to put in the effort, you can enjoy the benefits of the auto transport industry. Whether moving to a new city or just visiting the fanciest mall around town, there are options to fit your needs. And if you’re a snowbird moving to Florida in April, you’ll be happy to know that the best time to ship your vehicle is during the year’s cooler months.
The best way to find a good quote is to do your homework. One way to do this is by using sites. The website will send you car shipping quotes from the top carriers in your area, and it doesn’t require your personal information to do so. After you submit your request, you’ll receive a quote for your shipping needs, including the estimated arrival time and a free car inspection. If you have a question about your quote, the site’s customer support department is a great place to ask.
Fuel Cost Per Mile
Getting car shipping quotes is a great way to see how much it will cost to ship your vehicle. Several factors will affect the price, including how much you need your car transported, location, and distance.
The size of your car will also have an impact on the price. Typically, larger cars will cost more to ship. Also, you will pay more for shipping a vehicle if it is enclosed. Also, the cost will be higher if you ship your car during a peak season, such as during the holiday season.
The distance you are traveling will have a massive impact on the cost. You’ll have to pay less if you only go a few miles. However, if you are going a long distance, you’ll pay more. This is due to the fuel cost and the carrier’s wear and tear. Moreover, you’ll have to pay for more than one carrier.
Car transport costs are also affected by the weather. Winter weather can cause complications, such as ice and snow on the trucking lanes.
Insurance
Buying insurance for car shipping is a smart idea. It protects you and your car in transit and can help keep you from being surprised by unexpected costs. However, there are specific requirements that auto shipping companies must meet before you can be guaranteed a smooth and easy shipping experience.
First, your car will need to be in good condition to travel safely. It is also essential to check with your broker to see if they offer insurance coverage. They will also provide a claim process if your car is damaged in transit.
Finding a reputable auto shipping company is good if you want to transport your car across the country. These companies pride themselves on delivering cars in an uncomplicated fashion.
Whether shipping a car across the country or the globe, it is essential to have the right insurance. Most insurance companies will require that you notify them of any damage you may experience. You will also need to pay a deductible for the damages.
Time of Year
Choosing the right time for car shipping quotes is a key component in finding the best deal. Several factors affect prices, including the season and the distance you want to travel. Taking the time to plan and make a list of your requirements will help to ensure that you get the best rates and services for your car shipping needs.
Winter is a slow time for car shipping, but it can still be less expensive than other months. Gas prices often affect car shipping costs, so you should keep this in mind. Also, bad weather or other force majeure events may affect delivery times. During this time, you may also need to pay additional fees.
Summer is the busiest time of year for car shipping quotes. More people are moving for work, school, and living. This demand drives up car shipping prices. Also, there is more traffic on the roads. As a result, truck drivers are busy and must be careful with speed.
The spring and fall are usually the best times to ship a car. The weather is usually good, and road conditions are favorable. Also, this is a great time to ship a classic car in an enclosed trailer.
