Shipping an ATV costs $200 to $800 in 2026, while a UTV or side-by-side runs $350 to $1,200, depending on distance and transport method. A standard ATV shipped 500 miles on an open trailer typically costs $200 to $400. Cross-country shipments of 2,000 or more miles run $500 to $800. UTVs cost more because they are wider and heavier, taking up more trailer space. Enclosed transport adds 30 to 50 percent to any of these prices. The cheapest option is an open-trailer shared load through a freight marketplace where carriers bid on your shipment.
This guide covers pricing by distance and vehicle type, open vs enclosed transport, preparation steps, insurance considerations, and a free calculator to estimate your cost.
| Distance | ATV (open) | UTV (open) | ATV (enclosed) | UTV (enclosed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 250 miles | $150-$250 | $250-$400 | $200-$350 | $350-$550 |
| 250-500 miles | $200-$400 | $350-$600 | $280-$550 | $500-$800 |
| 500-1,000 miles | $300-$500 | $450-$750 | $400-$700 | $600-$1,000 |
| 1,000-2,000 miles | $400-$650 | $600-$950 | $550-$900 | $800-$1,200 |
| 2,000+ miles | $500-$800 | $750-$1,200 | $700-$1,100 | $1,000-$1,600 |
UTVs and side-by-sides like the Polaris RZR, Can-Am Defender, or Kawasaki Mule are 60 to 72 inches wide and weigh 1,200 to 2,000 pounds, compared to a standard quad ATV at about 48 inches wide and 400 to 600 pounds. The wider footprint means a UTV takes up significantly more trailer space, which is why it costs 50 to 75 percent more to ship.
| Factor | Open Trailer | Enclosed Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower (baseline) | 30-50% more |
| Weather protection | None (exposed to rain, dust, sun) | Full protection |
| Road debris risk | Moderate | Minimal |
| Availability | More carriers, faster booking | Fewer carriers, longer wait |
| Best for | Standard use ATVs, trail machines | High-value custom builds, show units |
For most recreational ATVs, open transport is sufficient. The vehicle is designed for outdoor use and a few hundred miles of road exposure will not cause meaningful damage. Enclosed transport makes sense for custom-built race machines, high-value UTVs, or vehicles being shipped in winter when road salt is a concern.
A rider relocating from Colorado to North Carolina (1,700 miles) ships a Yamaha Grizzly 700 ATV via open trailer, door-to-door service. The ATV weighs 600 lbs and is standard width.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Open trailer transport (1,700 mi, door-to-door) | $550 |
| Supplemental transit insurance ($5,000 coverage) | $45 |
| Total | $595 |
Compared to towing it himself: trailer rental ($120 x 3 days = $360), fuel ($350 at 12 mpg towing), one hotel night ($120), tolls ($50) = $880. Professional shipping saves $285 and three days of driving.
A buyer purchases a Polaris RZR XP 1000 from a dealer 350 miles away. The UTV is 64 inches wide and weighs 1,500 lbs. Open trailer, terminal-to-terminal pickup.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Open trailer transport (350 mi, terminal) | $380 |
| Carrier's included cargo insurance | Included |
| Total | $380 |
Professional carriers are required to carry cargo insurance, but the standard coverage may be as low as $0.60 per pound under released-value protection. For a 600-pound ATV worth $8,000, that is only $360 in coverage. Options for better protection include purchasing supplemental transit insurance through the carrier or a third-party provider (typically 1-2 percent of the declared value), checking if your homeowner's or powersports insurance covers items in transit, and getting a Certificate of Insurance from the carrier before shipping. Always ask about deductibles and filing deadlines for claims.
Shipping an ATV costs $200 to $800 in 2026 depending on distance, transport method, and pickup location. A 500-mile open-trailer shipment typically costs $200 to $400, while a cross-country move of 2,000+ miles runs $500 to $800. Enclosed transport adds 30 to 50 percent to the price. UTVs and side-by-sides cost more than standard ATVs because they are wider and heavier, typically $350 to $1,200.
The cheapest option is open-trailer transport through a freight marketplace like uShip, where carriers bid on your shipment. Terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you drop off and pick up the ATV at designated locations, is 15 to 25 percent cheaper than door-to-door service. Shared loads, where your ATV rides with other vehicles on the same trailer, also reduce cost. Towing the ATV yourself on a rented trailer costs $50 to $150 per day for the trailer plus fuel.
For distances under 500 miles, towing the ATV on a rented trailer is usually cheaper at $50 to $200 in trailer rental plus fuel, compared to $200 to $400 for professional transport. Beyond 500 miles, professional shipping becomes competitive because fuel, tolls, lodging, and wear on your vehicle add up quickly. For cross-country moves, professional shipping is almost always cheaper and less wear on your tow vehicle.
Standard ATV shipping takes 3 to 10 business days for most domestic routes. Shipments under 500 miles typically take 3 to 5 days. Cross-country shipments of 2,000+ miles take 7 to 10 days. Expedited shipping can cut the time to 2 to 5 days but costs 30 to 50 percent more. Timing depends on carrier availability, route popularity, and whether you chose terminal or door-to-door service.
Yes. Drain the fuel tank to one-quarter full or less, as required by DOT hazardous materials rules. Disconnect or remove the battery if shipping enclosed. Remove loose accessories like mirrors, cargo racks, and bags. Note any existing damage with dated photos before the carrier picks up. Make sure tires are inflated to proper pressure and brakes work, since the carrier needs to load and unload the ATV. Clean the ATV so damage is visible during the pre-shipment inspection.
Professional carriers are required to carry cargo insurance, but coverage limits vary. Standard carrier liability may cover only $0.60 per pound, which would pay just $360 on a 600-pound ATV regardless of its value. If your ATV is worth more than the carrier's basic coverage, purchase supplemental transit insurance or check if your homeowner's or powersports insurance policy covers items in transit. Get proof of the carrier's insurance certificate before shipping.
UTVs and side-by-sides ship on the same types of trailers as ATVs but cost more because they are wider, heavier, and take up more trailer space. A standard ATV is about 48 inches wide and 400 to 600 pounds, while a full-size UTV like a Polaris RZR is 60 to 72 inches wide and 1,200 to 2,000 pounds. The larger footprint means UTVs cannot share trailer space as efficiently, so expect to pay $350 to $1,200 depending on distance.
There is no single best company because pricing and service quality vary by route and season. Freight marketplaces like uShip let carriers compete for your shipment, which often produces the lowest price. Dedicated powersports transport companies specialize in ATVs and motorcycles and may offer better handling. For any carrier, verify their USDOT number, check reviews, confirm insurance coverage, and get a written quote before booking. Avoid carriers who demand a large upfront deposit or refuse to provide their DOT registration.