How Much Does Car Shipping Cost? A Guide to Auto Transport Services in the U.S.
If you’re planning to move across the country, buy a car out of state, or ship a vehicle to a loved one, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How much does car shipping cost?” Understanding the factors that affect pricing can help you choose the right auto transport services and avoid surprises.
What Is Car Shipping?
Car shipping is the process of transporting a vehicle from one location to another, often using specialized carriers. These services are offered by auto transport companies that coordinate pick-up, delivery, and all logistics in between.
Whether you’re shipping a sedan, SUV, motorcycle, or even a classic car, there are a variety of options to fit your needs and budget. At Navi Auto Transport, we make it easy, affordable, and fast to ship your vehicle anywhere in the U.S.
What Affects Car Shipping Cost?
Several key factors influence how much you’ll pay for auto transport services:
1. Distance
The farther the vehicle has to travel, the more it will cost. Cross-country shipments cost more than shorter hauls, but the cost per mile usually goes down with longer distances.
2. Vehicle Type
Larger and heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs cost more to ship than compact cars due to space and weight limits.
3. Transport Type
- Open Transport: The most common and affordable method. Your car is shipped on an open carrier with other vehicles.
- Enclosed Transport: Offers protection from weather and road debris, ideal for luxury or classic cars—but it’s more expensive.
4. Pick-Up and Delivery Timing
Need your vehicle picked up in 1-2 days? Expedited shipping comes with a premium. Flexible timing can save you money.
5. Season and Demand
Auto transport is seasonal. Prices tend to go up in summer and snowbird seasons (fall and spring), when more people are relocating.
Average Cost to Ship a Car
Here’s a rough breakdown of car shipping costs based on distance:
DistanceAverage CostCost per Mile0 – 500 miles$500 – $700$1.00 – $1.50500 – 1,000 miles$700 – $1,000$0.75 – $1.001,000 – 2,000 miles$1,000 – $1,400$0.60 – $0.852,000+ miles$1,400+$0.50 – $0.70
Keep in mind, these are average estimates. For the most accurate rate, it’s best to get a free car shipping quote from a reputable company like Navi Auto Transport.
Why Choose Navi Auto Transport?
At Navi Auto Transport, we combine competitive pricing with top-tier customer service. Whether you need open or enclosed transport, standard or expedited delivery, we’ve got your back every mile of the way. Thousands of customers trust us to ship their cars quickly, safely, and affordably.
Final Thoughts
Understanding car shipping costs and what drives them can help you plan better and avoid getting overcharged. Whether you’re moving for school, a new job, or just buying a car online, working with a trusted auto transport service like Navi Auto Transport can make the process stress-free and smooth.
Ready to ship your car?
Get a fast, no-obligation quote from Navi Auto Transport today and see how simple it can be to move your vehicle across the country — or just across the state.
