Determining car shipping prices in 2025 isn't a fixed number; it's a moving target, typically landing between $600 and $1,500 for most cross-country trips. The average auto transport cost USA depends on many factors, like distance and vehicle size.
You need to know the true vehicle delivery price before you commit. The confusing part is that a shorter trip doesn't always mean a lower car relocation cost. Think about it: transporting your car from New York to Florida costs a lot, but is it the same cost to ship a car from a tiny town in Iowa to a nearby city? The answer is - No.
The most shocking part is that two companies can give you quotes that are hundreds of dollars apart for the exact same route. Why? The car shipping charges depend on fuel prices, route popularity, and the type of auto hauler rates you get. We help you cut through the confusion and figure out the real cost of moving a car in America. Get a clear picture of your budget today.
Need a fast, simple way to check the current market rates and see the actual cost to ship your car across the USA? Get instant, reliable quotes from top-rated companies right now!
How Much Is Car Shipping in the USA in 2025?
The first question everyone asks is, what is the average auto transport cost USA? In 2025, the national average cost to ship a car sits around $1,150. This figure is based on a standard sedan traveling about 1,000 miles on an open carrier. This gives you a baseline vehicle delivery price.
But that number moves quickly. You'll find your exact car relocation cost changes because companies calculate car shipping charges based on a few main things:
- Distance and Route: The per-mile car delivery service pricing drops the longer the haul. A 500-mile trip might cost $1.50 per mile, while a cross-country trip averages closer to $0.60 per mile. This is why the total car shipping cost across USA varies so much.
- Vehicle Size: Shipping an SUV or truck is more expensive than a sedan. The cost to ship SUV vs sedan difference comes down to the space they take up and the extra weight.
- Transport Method: Open transport gives you the cheapest way to transport car long distance. Enclosed transport costs significantly more because it offers premium protection.
How are Car Shipping Charges Calculated?
Carriers look at weight for safety and legal reasons. This brings up an important point: Why don’t auto transport companies allow loading items in cars?
It's all about liability, weight restrictions, and compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. The carrier’s insurance only covers the vehicle itself, not your belongings. Any extra weight from personal items can push the truck over legal limits, leading to heavy fines for the carrier (Source: FMCSA Cargo Securement Rules). They are licensed to move cars, not household goods.
This chart shows the difference in average car shipping fee by distance. The auto hauler rates for an open carrier are the most common way to get your car moved. If you are shipping a classic or luxury vehicle, you should check out the Enclosed Vehicle Shipping option.
| Route Type | Distance (Miles) | Open Transport (Average) | Enclosed Transport (Average) |
| Short-Haul | 0–500 | $550 – $800 | $800 – $1,100 |
| Long-Haul | 1,500+ | $1,100 – $1,700 | $1,500 – $2,400 |
You can explore a full breakdown of the different vehicle types and their potential costs here: Shipping Costs for SUVs, Sedans, EVs, RVs. Getting an idea of your cost of moving vehicle in America means you check these four key factors first.
What Are the Main Factors That Affect Vehicle Delivery Price?
The biggest variable in your vehicle delivery price comes from several interconnected factors. Understand these, and you immediately get a clearer picture of your total auto transport cost USA.
Does distance affect the cost of moving a car?
Yes, distance is the central factor that determines the initial car shipping charges. The total cost of moving a car over a longer distance is higher overall, but the average car shipping fee by distance gets cheaper per mile. This is how the pricing typically breaks down:
- Short-Haul (Under 500 miles): Carriers charge the most per mile, often $1.50 to $2.00. They spend more time loading and unloading compared to driving.
- Medium Distance (500 to 1,500 miles): The rate drops to about $0.75 to $1.00 per mile. This is a common shipment type.
- Cross-Country (Over 1,500 miles): This offers the cheapest way to transport car long distance on a per-mile basis, averaging $0.40 to $0.70 per mile. Carriers can maximize efficiency on these popular lanes.
If you are planning to move your vehicle a long way, you should read our guide on Long Distance Car Shipping vs Short Haul.
How Much Does Car Size Matter (SUV Vs Sedan)?
The size and weight of your vehicle directly impact the total car relocation cost. Bigger vehicles take up more space on the trailer and add weight, increasing fuel consumption and wear on the truck. This is why you must calculate the cost to ship SUV vs sedan carefully.
- SUVs, Trucks, and Vans: These require a higher typical car transport cost per state. They are larger and heavier than standard cars.
- Luxury and Classic Cars: These require enclosed transport for safety, which dramatically increases the cost to ship a car. We explain this more in our Enclosed vs Open Carrier Costs.
| Vehicle Type | Average 1,000-Mile Cost (Open) | Key Factor |
| Sedan | $800 | Standard weight and size |
| Compact SUV | $900 | Slightly longer/taller |
| Truck (Full-Size) | $1,100 | Significant weight and space |
| Luxury Car | $1,500+ | Requires premium enclosed service |
How Does Location Influence Car Relocation Cost?
Where you are shipping from and to significantly affects the final how much is car shipping. Transporting a vehicle between major metropolitan hubs, like Dallas and Los Angeles, typically means lower auto hauler rates. Why? Because carriers already run these popular routes often.
Rural pickups and deliveries cost more. The driver has to go off the main highway and drive extra miles, increasing your car delivery fee breakdown. When asking how much to ship car interstate, carriers factor in these extra miles. You may want to look at available drop-off locations, especially if you are in a less accessible area. Check out our Locations page to see where our network goes. This is key to finding an is car shipping affordable quote for you.
Remember: these weight and space rules are why carriers cannot accept your personal items. The Department of Transportation (DOT) sets strict maximum weight limits for commercial trucks, and your added belongings could cause the carrier to exceed those limits, resulting in fines.
What Are the Average Auto Hauler Rates in 2025?
Understanding the different auto hauler rates helps you figure out the exact how much is car shipping for your needs. The carrier type you pick impacts the vehicle delivery price more than almost any other single factor.
Open vs Enclosed Transport Affect Pricing
Most of the time, the cheapest way to transport car long distance uses an open carrier. This open-air method gives your car the most exposure to weather and road debris.
- Open Transport: This is the standard. It provides the lowest cost to ship a car, since carriers can fit more vehicles on the trailer.
- Enclosed Transport: This option adds a layer of protection, shielding your vehicle from all outside elements. It increases the auto transport cost USA by about 30% to 60%. People usually choose this for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
Worth of Expedited Auto Hauler Rates
Timing also changes the car shipping charges. If you need your vehicle picked up or delivered fast, you will pay a premium.
- Standard Service: The carrier finds the most efficient route and fits your car into an already scheduled load. This offers the best value.
- Expedited Service: You pay more to prioritize your car. The carrier may reroute or leave with a partially full trailer to meet your deadline. This extra fee can add several hundred dollars to the car relocation cost.
Remember, these rate structures are tied to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) safety rules. Drivers face strict weight and security regulations. That is why they will fine you or refuse service if you try to sneak personal items into the trunk.
Any extra weight affects the truck's balance and handling, which is a major safety concern for every driver on the road. The final average auto shipping rates always reflect the carrier's compliance with these critical federal safety standards. If you want to know about other factors that affect the car delivery service pricing, you can check out our 5 Factors That Determine Your Car Shipping Quote.
Do Car Shipping Costs Change by Season or Timing?
Yes, timing and seasonal demand cause significant fluctuations in your car relocation cost. The auto transport cost USA follows consumer behavior closely, meaning when more people want service, the price goes up—a basic principle of supply and demand.
Generally, high demand seasons are more expensive than low demand seasons, but the reasons change throughout the year.
- Summer (Peak Season): This is the busiest time for vehicle delivery price. Many families move while kids are out of school, and college students relocate. This high demand translates into higher auto hauler rates, often 20% to 30% above the base rate.
- Winter (Seasonal Swings): The winter is generally slower, which can make it cheaper. However, "snowbird" migrations from the Northeast/Midwest to Florida/Arizona cause massive spikes in southbound car shipping charges from October through December. Conversely, northbound routes become pricier in the spring (March–May). Bad weather also causes seasonal surcharges on difficult routes.
The cheapest way to transport car long distance is to ship during the industry’s slow periods when carriers are actively seeking to fill empty trailer spots.
- Mid-January to March: After the Christmas holidays and the snowbirds have settled, demand drops nationwide. This is often the quietest time, offering the lowest cost to ship a car.
- Mid-Fall (September to Early November): This period after the summer moving rush, but before the southbound snowbird migration, is often called the "sweet spot" for securing a budget-friendly car delivery service pricing.
This seasonality also ties back into federal regulations. Carriers must be able to safely and legally transport the weight of all vehicles. This crucial safety compliance is one of the biggest reasons they cannot allow you to load personal items; the added weight could push the gross vehicle weight rating over the legal limit, which is strictly enforced and unaffected by the season. This ensures all auto transport rates prioritize safety.
Practical Tips to Save on Car Relocation Cost
Finding the best car relocation cost involves strategic planning. Here are practical ways to reduce your vehicle delivery price without sacrificing quality service.
- Book Early vs. Last-Minute: Booking your auto transport service 2–3 weeks in advance secures a better auto hauler rate. Last-minute requests usually come with an expedited premium.
- Be Flexible: Being flexible with pickup/delivery dates allows the carrier to find the most efficient route, lowering your final car shipping charges.
- Choose Open Transport: Selecting open carrier service is the cheapest way to transport car long distance, saving you 30% to 60% compared to enclosed transport.
- Terminal-to-Terminal: If available, using terminal-to-terminal service instead of door-to-door can reduce costs since the driver avoids navigating residential areas.
- Leverage Deals: Look for seasonal deals during off-peak months and ask about multi-car discounts if you are shipping more than one vehicle. You can get a reliable ship car quote from us now.
By managing the size and timing of your shipment, you control the price. This emphasis on weight and capacity is precisely why the carrier will not allow you to load personal items: that extra bulk is not covered by the insurance and violates strict Department of Transportation (DOT) weight limits, increasing the auto transport cost in the USA.
Common Queries on Auto Transport Cost
Here are the most frequently asked questions about car delivery service pricing and logistics, offering you clear, direct answers.
What is the process for getting the most accurate ship car quote from an auto transport company?
To get the most precise ship car quote, you should provide the exact pickup and delivery zip codes, the year, make, and model of your vehicle, and specify your preferred transport date range. Reputable companies, like us, use these details to calculate the mileage, current carrier availability on that route, and the specific size of your vehicle, offering a trustworthy price estimate without hidden fees.
Can I still ship my car if it is non-running or is an inoperable vehicle?
Yes, you absolutely can ship a non-running or inoperable vehicle, but it requires special handling and typically increases the auto transport cost USA by $100 to $250. You must disclose the exact condition, as the carrier needs special equipment, like a winch, to safely load and unload the car onto the trailer. Make sure the wheels roll and the steering is unlocked, or additional service fees may apply.
What kind of auto transport insurance coverage should I expect to have on the carrier?
Every licensed auto hauler is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to carry cargo insurance. This insurance covers your vehicle for damage incurred during transit due to carrier negligence, such as an accident or damage during loading/unloading. Always confirm the carrier's policy limits and deductibles, and consider checking with your personal auto insurance to see if your comprehensive coverage extends to transit.
How long does it actually take to ship a car cross country from the East Coast to the West Coast?
Shipping a car cross-country, from the East Coast to the West Coast, usually takes between 7 and 14 days, though it can sometimes take up to 21 days during peak seasons or due to severe weather. The exact transit time depends on the total mileage (which influences your car delivery fee breakdown), the number of stops the truck makes, and whether you chose standard or expedited auto hauler rates.
What are the key differences between using an auto transport broker and booking directly with a car carrier?
An auto transport broker acts as a middleman, utilizing a large network of pre-vetted carriers to find you the best rate and availability for your car relocation cost. A direct car carrier, on the other hand, physically owns the truck and hauls the vehicle, providing a direct point of contact. While a broker offers greater flexibility and speed in finding a truck, booking directly with a carrier can sometimes result in a slightly lower initial price.
What documents or paperwork will I be required to have ready at the vehicle pickup time?
You will need very few documents for domestic transport. At the time of pickup, you must have a copy of the signed Bill of Lading (which the driver will provide), the vehicle's keys, and your government-issued Photo ID. While not always required, having a copy of the vehicle’s registration or title handy can help confirm ownership details for the driver's inspection report, but remember, we handle all the logistics for your safe vehicle delivery price.
Why do car moving companies strongly recommend not putting any personal items inside the vehicle for transport?
Car moving companies prohibit loading personal belongings because of strict weight and liability regulations. The Department of Transportation (DOT) imposes maximum gross vehicle weight limits on all commercial car haulers. Any items inside your vehicle are not covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance, and the added weight can potentially cause the truck to exceed legal limits, leading to delays and heavy fines for the driver, which ultimately affects the final average auto shipping rates.
Navigating Your Next Vehicle Delivery
Choosing a reputable auto transport service is an essential part of a stress-free move or vehicle purchase. As you finalize your plans, remember that a transparent pricing model, clear communication, and a focus on compliance are the hallmarks of a quality car shipping experience. Always prioritize safety and adherence to federal regulations over simply finding the lowest bid.
By doing your due diligence, you can secure reliable vehicle delivery that protects your investment and saves you considerable time and hassle. Our team is committed to providing a secure and compliant shipment across the US. Ready to see how affordable professional vehicle transport can be? Get A Quote today!
