How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2026
What actually drives the price
Auto transport pricing comes down to four things: distance, vehicle type, route demand, and time of year. Industry data from the auto transport broker network generally puts short hauls under 500 miles at roughly 0.80 to 1.10 dollars per mile, while routes over 1500 miles typically run 0.40 to 0.65 dollars per mile, since the per mile rate drops as distance goes up. A car moving from Miami to Atlanta will price differently than the same car moving from Miami to Seattle, even if the mileage looks similar on a map, because carrier availability on each route is not the same.
Typical price ranges by route length
Under 500 miles: roughly 400 to 650 dollars for a standard sedan on open transport
500 to 1500 miles: roughly 650 to 1100 dollars
Over 1500 miles, coast to coast: roughly 1100 to 1600 dollars
Enclosed transport: typically 40 to 60 percent more than open transport on the same route
These are general ranges, not quotes. Actual pricing depends on current carrier capacity on your specific route, which changes week to week.
Open transport versus enclosed
Open transport is the standard option and the one most people book. It moves your car on a multi car trailer alongside other vehicles, fully insured, at the lowest cost per mile. Enclosed transport costs more because a carrier can only fit one to three cars per trailer instead of nine or ten.
Why quotes vary between companies
Some companies quote low to get your card on file, then call back days later saying no carrier will run at that price. A realistic quote reflects what carriers are actually booking on your route right now, not a number designed to win the call.
Getting an accurate number
The fastest way to get a real price is to give a broker your exact pickup and delivery zip codes, vehicle year and make, and a rough timeline. That is enough for a licensed broker to price the route correctly the first time.
Common questions
How far in advance should I book?
Most routes can be booked 3 to 7 days out. Popular routes during peak season, like Florida to the Northeast in spring, benefit from booking 2 to 3 weeks ahead.
Do I pay before a carrier is assigned?
With a legitimate broker, no. Payment is only due once a qualified carrier is confirmed for your route, not at the time of quote.
Why did my quote change after I called?
If a quote drops significantly after your first call, it was likely priced below what any carrier will actually accept, meaning the company plans to call back later asking for more once no truck picks up the load.
Is the cost different for an SUV versus a sedan?
Yes. Larger and heavier vehicles typically add 10 to 20 percent to the base rate because they take up more space on the trailer and add weight.