Car Moving Cost Calculator
Shipping a car costs $0.50–$1.00 per mile for short distances (under 500 miles) and $0.30–$0.60 per mile for cross-country transport. The average cost to ship a sedan 1,000 miles is $700–$1,100 using open transport. Enclosed transport adds 30–50% to the cost.
Car Shipping Cost = (Distance × Per-Mile Rate) + Vehicle Size Premium + Transport Type + Season Adjustment
Whether you're relocating cross-country, buying a car from out of state, or moving for military service, shipping your vehicle is often more practical and economical than driving it yourself. Our car moving cost calculator estimates auto transport pricing based on distance, vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand. All estimates use real 2026 pricing from FMCSA-registered auto transport carriers.
The auto transport industry ships approximately 11 million vehicles per year in the United States. Understanding the pricing structure helps you avoid overpaying and spot unreliable carriers.
What This Means
Your estimate shows the range for both open and enclosed transport. Open transport (standard car carrier hauling 7–10 vehicles) is the most common and affordable option. Enclosed transport uses a covered trailer for weather and road debris protection — it's recommended for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles worth over $50,000. Always verify that your auto transport company is FMCSA-registered and carries cargo insurance covering the full value of your vehicle.
Car Shipping Costs by Distance (2026)
Auto transport pricing follows a distance-based model with decreasing per-mile rates for longer routes:
| Distance | Per-Mile Rate | Sedan (Open) | SUV/Truck (Open) | Sedan (Enclosed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $0.70–$1.00 | $400–$600 | $500–$750 | $600–$900 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $0.50–$0.70 | $600–$900 | $750–$1,100 | $900–$1,350 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $0.40–$0.60 | $700–$1,100 | $900–$1,350 | $1,050–$1,650 |
| 1,500–2,000 miles | $0.35–$0.55 | $800–$1,200 | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| 2,000–3,000 miles | $0.30–$0.50 | $900–$1,400 | $1,100–$1,700 | $1,350–$2,100 |
SUVs, trucks, and oversized vehicles cost 15–30% more due to their weight and the extra space they occupy on the carrier. Non-running vehicles add $100–$300 for winch loading.
Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport
Open Transport
Open carriers are the standard multi-car haulers you see on highways. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris during transport. This is safe and adequate for most vehicles.
- Pros: 30–50% cheaper, more carrier availability, faster pickup times
- Cons: Exposure to weather, road grime, and minor stone chips
- Best for: Standard sedans, daily drivers, vehicles under $50,000
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed carriers use covered trailers that protect vehicles from all external elements. They carry fewer vehicles (2–6 vs. 7–10) which increases the per-vehicle cost.
- Pros: Complete weather/debris protection, higher insurance coverage, white-glove service
- Cons: 30–50% more expensive, less availability, longer wait times for pickup
- Best for: Luxury vehicles, classics, exotics, show cars, vehicles over $50,000
Worked Example: Shipping a Car from Houston to Seattle
Mark is relocating from Houston, TX to Seattle, WA (approximately 2,340 miles) and needs to ship his 2023 Toyota Camry. He's comparing open vs. enclosed transport:
| Component | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Base transport (2,340 mi) | $950 | $1,425 |
| Door-to-door service | $100 | Included |
| Insurance (included with carrier) | $150K coverage | $300K coverage |
| Fuel surcharge | Included | Included |
| Total | $1,050 | $1,425 |
Mark chose open transport for his 3-year-old Camry (value: ~$24,000). The $375 savings versus enclosed made sense since the car is a daily driver, not a collector's item. His car was picked up within 5 days and delivered in 8 days. For comparison, driving would have cost approximately $350 in gas, $200 in hotels, 2 days of travel, and added 2,340 miles of wear to his vehicle.
Tips for Shipping Your Car
- Book 2–4 weeks in advance. Last-minute bookings cost 10–20% more and have limited carrier availability.
- Be flexible on dates. Offering a 3–5 day pickup window reduces cost by allowing the carrier to optimize their route.
- Avoid snowbird season. Routes from north to south (Oct–Dec) and south to north (Mar–May) see price spikes of 15–25% due to seasonal migration demand.
- Choose terminal-to-terminal for savings. Picking up and dropping off at carrier terminals costs $100–$200 less than door-to-door service.
- Document your vehicle's condition. Take detailed photos of all sides, roof, and any existing damage before handoff. Note everything on the Bill of Lading.
- Remove personal items. Most carriers prohibit personal items in shipped vehicles. Anything left inside is uninsured and adds weight, potentially violating DOT regulations.
- Verify insurance coverage. Your carrier must have cargo insurance. Get the certificate, verify the deductible, and understand the claims process before booking.
- Check for a DOT and MC number. Legitimate auto transport companies are registered with the FMCSA. Never use an unregistered carrier.
Sources and Methodology
Our car shipping calculator uses:
- Published rate data from FMCSA-registered auto transport carriers, including both broker and direct carrier pricing.
- Route-specific demand data showing seasonal price variations across major corridors.
- Vehicle size categories based on standard carrier classifications (sedan, coupe, SUV, truck, van, oversized).
- Insurance requirements per FMCSA regulations for auto transport carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car 1,000 miles?
Shipping a standard sedan 1,000 miles costs $600–$1,100 for open transport in 2026. SUVs and trucks cost $750–$1,350 for the same distance. Enclosed transport adds 30–50%, bringing a sedan to $900–$1,650. The exact price depends on the specific route (popular corridors are cheaper), time of year, and whether you choose door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service.
Is it cheaper to ship a car or drive it?
For distances under 500 miles, driving is usually cheaper ($80–$150 in gas vs. $400–$600 to ship). For distances over 1,000 miles, it's closer to break-even when you factor in gas ($150–$250), hotels ($100–$200), meals ($50–$100), and wear on your vehicle (~$0.21/mile per the IRS mileage rate). For cross-country moves (2,500+ miles), shipping is often more economical when you account for your time and vehicle depreciation.
How long does it take to ship a car across the country?
Cross-country car shipping (coast to coast) typically takes 7–14 days from pickup to delivery. East-to-west coast routes average 8–10 days. The timeline includes 1–5 days for carrier assignment and pickup, then 5–8 days of transit. Express shipping (dedicated carrier) can reduce this to 3–5 days but costs 50–100% more. Your carrier should provide a delivery window, not a specific date.
Is car shipping safe?
Yes, car shipping is very safe when using a reputable, FMCSA-registered carrier. Over 11 million vehicles are transported annually in the U.S. with a damage rate of less than 1%. Open transport may result in minor road grime or stone chips, but significant damage is rare. To protect yourself: verify the carrier's insurance, document your vehicle's condition with photos, and review the Bill of Lading carefully at both pickup and delivery.