How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car Across the U.S.?

Moving across the country can be exciting with new possibilities waiting as you start a new chapter in life. However, with new opportunities come specific challenges, and if you're bringing your vehicle along, calculating the car shipping cost can be overwhelming. From researching auto transport companies, comparing quotes, and learning about the different services, the process can feel like a never-ending maze.
From this sense of overwhelm, many people assume it's efficient and cheaper to drive their vehicle themselves. However, reality says otherwise. Safeeds is here to share the absolute truth behind this myth. This guide will help you understand the factors that affect the cost to ship a car across states. You can even compare the available options for car shipping, from the budget-friendly open carrier shipping cost to the premium enclosed carrier shipping cost.
Ready to make it simple to move your vehicle across the state? Get a no-obligation and free car shipping quote from Safeeds today!
Table Of Contents
Is Driving Cheaper than Shipping?
How to Find the Right Auto Transport Cost for You
Open Auto Shipping
Enclosed Auto Shipping
Door-to-Door Shipping
Factors Influencing Auto Transport Costs
Seasonality
Vehicle Type
Distance
Route
Unexpected Auto Transport Costs You Should Keep Eyes On
Calculating Your Vehicle's Cross-Country Transport Quote
Maximize Your Value in Car Transport
Is Driving Cheaper than Shipping?
While researching the cost to ship a car, overwhelming details can support the belief that it's cheaper to drive your own vehicle across state lines. However, it's more than just fuel that costs you on this lengthy road trip.
Apart from money spent on fuel, you will have to take time off work (costing limited vacation days). You may face potential vehicle damage from wear and tear, and there are several stops for meals and lodging to account for as well. In comparison to car transport prices, driving the vehicle yourself can cost you $1000 more.
When you consider a reputable car shipping company like Safeeds, not only do you save time and money, but your vehicle is also better protected. The average car shipping cost ranges from $800 to $ 1,500, depending on the distance, route, type of vehicle, and other factors. This cost is a one-time payment, but in exchange, your move across the state will be hassle-free, with no long road trips, and your vehicle will stay protected.
How to Find the Right Auto Transport Cost for You
To find the best car shipping cost that suits your budget, you need a step-by-step plan. Many lose time and patience while initially trying to find and compare reliable vehicle shipping companies.
Here's how you can start finding the car shipping company:
Find the top 5 companies in the car shipping industry and reach out to them for an estimate of the cost to ship a car across states. A simple web search, along with the quality of the response and service from the company, can help you filter out the best auto transport companies.
Be wary of unrealistic quotes for the car moving cost. Notice the company's style of answering queries and the way they break down the overall cost. The more transparency, the better.
Check the company's registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Not only that, the company must have a legitimate USDOT number. Having proper registration implies that they have the necessary legal jurisdiction for their operations and possess the required insurance to handle your vehicle.
Compare the services and cost breakdowns. Notice if their services include insurance coverage, tracking availability, and if the delivery options meet your needs.
After comparing quotes and selecting a company, you are already one step closer to getting the correct quote that's friendly for your wallet.
Now, all you have to do is understand what each auto transport service offers, its related average car shipping cost, and decide which is most suitable. Let's explore the details of the main auto transport options as follows.
Open Auto Shipping
Open Auto Shipping is the most popular and affordable choice for auto transport. Your vehicle is loaded onto an open-air trailer with other cars, which helps reduce vehicle shipping cost. Multiple car owners share the total fee, which is why this mode of transport is affordable.
The open carrier car shipping cost is estimated to range from $600 to $2,500, depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, the car's condition, and shipping distance, among others. Auto transport companies like Safeeds ensure the secure transportation of your vehicle, providing detailed information and updates throughout the shipping process.
Enclosed Auto Shipping
Enclosed shipping is ideal for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles that need extra protection.
This method shields your car completely from road debris and poor weather during transport. This protection is a key selling point for owners seeking peace of mind. The cost for enclosed car shipping ranges from an estimated $800 to $3,500. This is a premium service.
Leading car shipping companies often recommend enclosed transport for coast-to-coast moves. Vehicle owners often find the higher price justifiable due to the added security. Before booking, compare quotes to assess if this option meets your needs.
Door-to-Door Shipping
Door-to-door shipping prioritizes convenience. The main benefit: you avoid the hassle of picking up your vehicle at an inconvenient terminal.
This service saves time and simplifies the process.
Door-to-door shipping comes with a higher transport price. Customers generally find the extra expense worthwhile for the time saved and the convenience of direct delivery.
Factors Influencing Auto Transport Costs
The estimated cost to ship a car across states can change daily, even if you stick with the same company and chosen mode of vehicle shipping. This fluctuation is normal because several factors affect the final quote.
Here is a detailed look at the elements that influence auto transport prices:
Seasonality
Auto transport costs increase significantly during peak seasons like summer and Christmas.
Summer: Demand for carriers spikes because more people are moving between states, directly raising the car moving cost.
Christmas: Many drivers take time off. The remaining drivers often charge more—increasing the auto transport cost—as compensation for working during holidays.
Vehicle type
The size of the vehicle impacts the cost. Larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, have a higher average car shipping cost.
Distance
The vehicle shipping cost increases proportionally with distance. Longer transport distances result in higher costs.
Route
Shipping costs are higher for less common routes, such as California to West Virginia. Prices increase because these routes can require more time to complete, and fuel costs may be higher due to less direct travel paths.
With auto shipping companies like Safeeds, you can get a clear understanding of your quote. Reputable companies will provide a full breakdown of costs before you confirm your booking, reducing concerns about fluctuating shipping quotes.
Unexpected Auto Transport Costs You Should Keep Eyes On
Reputable auto transport companies detail their fees. Even so, expect that additional charges may apply in certain situations. Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions and budget accurately.
Delivery Location: Remote areas incur an extra fee. Carriers apply this charge because the increased route difficulty requires more time and fuel. This cost applies if your delivery address is in a rural or hard-to-reach location.
Vehicle Size: Bigger cars increase your auto transport cost. This fee covers the vehicle's extra weight and the space it takes on the carrier.
Timing and Scheduling: Booking close to your preferred pickup date triggers last-minute fees. This action significantly increases the car shipping cost.
If you cannot receive the car on time, you may face delay or storage fees. Most companies mention this term; the charge covers the cost of storing your vehicle until you pick it up.
Insurance Coverage: Basic insurance coverage is included in the initial quote. Choosing enhanced protection increases your car moving cost. This extra charge pays for insurance above the standard liability.
Calculating Your Vehicle's Cross-Country Transport Quote
The cost to ship a car across the United States varies based on several key logistical factors. The average price for a cross-country trip (over 1,500 miles) generally falls between $1,100 and $2,400, with the rate per mile decreasing for longer distances. The following factors help determine your specific quote.
What is the average cost to ship a car across the U.S.?
The average cost to ship a car is approximately $1,150, but this range is wide. Short-distance shipments (under 500 miles) average around $1.40 to $1.96 per mile. Long-distance cross-country shipments (over 1,500 miles) average closer to $0.50 to $0.67 per mile, with total costs ranging from approximately $1,100 to over $2,400.
How does the distance traveled affect the total price?
Distance is the primary factor. While the total cost increases with mileage, the price per mile decreases significantly on longer routes. For instance, a 500-mile shipment is more expensive per mile than a 2,500-mile coast-to-coast shipment, as the carrier amortizes fixed costs like driver wages and truck maintenance over a greater distance.
Will the size and condition of my car change the shipping cost?
Yes. Larger, heavier vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, cost more than a standard sedan because they take up more space on the trailer and increase the carrier's fuel consumption. Additionally, if your vehicle is inoperable, it will incur an extra fee. Non-running cars require specialized equipment, such as a winch, to load and unload them.
What is the cost difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport is the most common and cost-effective method. Your car is exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport costs approximately 30% to 50% more than open transport. This option provides full protection from the elements and is typically recommended for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
Do my pickup and delivery locations influence the shipping price?
Yes. Shipping to and from major metropolitan areas is generally cheaper because these routes are more frequent and accessible for carriers. Shipping to or from remote, rural locations often costs more due to increased route difficulty and less carrier availability. You can save money by opting for terminal-to-terminal shipping rather than door-to-door delivery.
Does the time of year change the shipping rate?
Yes, shipping rates are seasonal due to demand. Prices typically increase during the summer and in fall/winter months for specific "snowbird" routes, such as shipping a car from the Northeast to Florida or Arizona. This increase is due to a surge in demand during these peak moving seasons. You may find lower rates during the spring and early summer off-season.
Maximize Your Value in Car Transport
Finding the right car shipping cost shouldn't feel overwhelming. This article compared the price of open carrier transport against the higher price of enclosed car shipping. We covered the factors that cause shipping cost variations. We also shared industry insights so you can secure the best deal that benefits your budget.
Safeeds has guided you through the first step of understanding transport costs. Now, the key is finding the right company to give you the best deal. We can stay with you every step of the way. Request a free quote today. Navigate your car shipping journey with confidence, staying informed and stress-free.