The cost to ship a car domestically in the U.S. typically ranges from $500 to $2,500, with the national average falling between $1,000 and $1,500. The final price is not a single flat rate but is determined by several key factors working together. The most significant are the distance of the shipment and the type of carrier used (open vs. enclosed).
Key Factors That Determine Your Shipping Cost
- Distance: This is the biggest driver of cost. Cross-country shipments will always cost significantly more than shorter, regional moves.
- Transport Type: Open transport is the most common and affordable option, where your car is shipped on a standard multi-car trailer. Enclosed transport is more expensive but offers superior protection from weather and road debris, making it ideal for classic, luxury, or high-value vehicles.
- Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger, heavier vehicles (like trucks and SUVs) take up more space and weight capacity on the trailer, resulting in a higher cost compared to a standard sedan.
- Seasonality and Demand: Prices fluctuate based on demand. For example, shipping costs often increase during the summer months when more people are moving and during the winter when people ship cars to or from snowbird states like Florida and Arizona.
- Pickup and Delivery Locations: Shipping to or from major metropolitan areas is generally more efficient and cheaper than routing to remote, rural locations where carriers have fewer loads.
To give you a clearer picture, here are some representative cost examples based on different routes and service levels:
| Shipment Route | Distance (Approx.) | Open Transport Cost | Enclosed Transport Cost | Notes |
|---|
| Los Angeles to Houston | 1,550 miles | $800 - $1,200 | $1,300 - $1,900 | High-frequency route, competitive pricing. |
| New York to Miami | 1,280 miles | $700 - $1,100 | $1,200 - $1,700 | Popular "snowbird" route, seasonal price spikes. |
| Chicago to Denver | 1,000 miles | $600 - $950 | $1,100 - $1,500 | Moderate distance, fairly stable prices. |
| Boston to Atlanta | 1,080 miles | $650 - $1,000 | $1,150 - $1,600 | Major East Coast corridor. |
| Seattle to San Diego | 1,260 miles | $750 - $1,150 | $1,250 - $1,800 | Coastal route, can be affected by fuel surcharges. |
The best way to get an accurate price is to get quotes from multiple reputable brokers or carriers. They will ask for your specific details and provide a firm price. Always ensure the company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and has good customer reviews.
