Car Shipping Cost Calculator
Moving across the country or buying a car from another state? This free car shipping cost calculator estimates your auto transport price from the route distance, transport type, vehicle size, and whether the car runs — showing an estimated cost plus a realistic low-to-high quote range so you know what to expect before you call for quotes.
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Results update as you type. Use door-to-door driving distance if you have it.
Your results
Enter your numbers to see the estimated shipping cost.
How to use this calculator
Enter the shipping distance in miles — use the driving distance between the pickup and delivery ZIP codes if you know it. Choose the transport type: an open trailer is the standard, cheapest option, while an enclosed trailer costs about 60% more and protects the car from weather and road debris. Then pick your vehicle size and whether it runs and drives under its own power.
Results recalculate instantly. The headline number is your estimated shipping cost, with a low-to-high range showing where real carrier quotes are likely to land. Compare the estimate against at least three broker or carrier quotes before booking — this tool gives you a negotiating baseline, not a guaranteed price.
How it works
The calculator uses typical per-mile rate bands for open auto transport: $1.15 per mile for short hauls under 500 miles, $0.75 per mile for mid-range trips of 500–1,500 miles, and $0.60 per mile for long hauls over 1,500 miles. Shorter trips cost more per mile because fixed costs (pickup, loading, scheduling) are spread over fewer miles.
The math: base cost = distance × per-mile rate, then total = base × transport multiplier (1.6 for enclosed, 1.0 for open) + $150 for an SUV or truck + $200 if the vehicle is inoperable (it needs a winch or forklift to load). The low-to-high range is the total ±20%, which covers normal market variation.
This is an estimate, not a quote. Real prices move with the season (summer and snowbird routes cost more), fuel prices, route popularity, and how quickly you need the car moved. Carrier availability on your exact route can push quotes above or below the range. Always get multiple written quotes and check carrier insurance before you book.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a car per mile?
The average car shipping cost per mile ranges from about $0.60 to $1.15 for open transport, depending on distance: short hauls under 500 miles run about $1.15 per mile, mid-range trips of 500 to 1,500 miles about $0.75 per mile, and long hauls over 1,500 miles about $0.60 per mile. Enclosed transport typically costs about 60% more per mile.
Is enclosed car transport worth the extra cost?
Enclosed transport costs roughly 60% more than open transport, so it is usually worth it only for luxury, classic, exotic, or very new vehicles that you want protected from weather and road debris. For an everyday driver, open transport is the standard, cheapest option most people choose.
Does the size of my vehicle affect the shipping cost?
Yes. Larger, heavier vehicles like SUVs and trucks take up more space and weight capacity on the trailer, which typically adds around $150 to the quote compared to a sedan. Oversized or lifted vehicles can cost even more.
What affects car shipping quotes besides distance?
Beyond distance, the biggest factors are the transport type (open vs enclosed), vehicle size and weight, whether the car runs and drives (inoperable vehicles cost more), the season (summer and January snowbird routes are pricier), route popularity, and current fuel prices. Always get at least three quotes before booking.