How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car? Planning a cross-country move and wondering how to get your car to your new home? Driving it yourself might sound fun, but long hauls can be exhausting and add wear to your vehicle. Auto transport services let you ship your car stress-free, leaving you time to focus on settling in. Costs can vary widely, so knowing what affects the price helps you budget wisely. With movers handling the details, you can keep your moving costs in check.
Explore Car Shipping Options
Car shipping offers two main choices: open and enclosed transport. Open transport, the most common, is budget-friendly, carrying your car on an exposed trailer—perfect for standard vehicles but vulnerable to weather. Enclosed transport protects luxury or classic cars from the elements, costing more. You can also choose door-to-door delivery for convenience or terminal-to-terminal to cut costs. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) oversees vehicle transport safety, ensuring carriers meet federal standards. Understanding these options helps you balance cost and protection for your move.
Understand Key Cost Factors
Several factors drive car shipping costs in the USA. Distance is the biggest—longer routes cost more, but the price per mile decreases. For example, a 1,000-mile trip might cost $800-$1,200, while a 2,500-mile haul could run $1,400-$1,750. Larger vehicles like SUVs cost more than sedans due to space and weight. Open transport is cheaper than enclosed, and urban routes are often less expensive than rural ones. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports over 4,000 registered auto transport carriers in 2023, showing a competitive market that can affect pricing. Fuel costs and seasonal demand, like summer spikes, also play a role.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
In 2025, shipping a car in the USA typically costs $600-$2,000, based on distance and service type. Short trips under 500 miles average $500-$800, while cross-country routes range from $1,200-$1,750. Open transport for a sedan costs about $0.50-$1.00 per mile, while enclosed transport for a luxury car might hit $1.00-$1.85 per mile. Expedited shipping or inoperable vehicles add fees.
The USDOT’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics notes that freight transport costs, including auto shipping, rose 3% in 2024 due to fuel and labor trends, impacting prices.
Pick a Trusted Transport Company
Choosing a reliable auto transport company is key to a smooth experience. The FMCSA requires carriers to have a valid USDOT number and insurance, which you can verify on their Protect Your Move portal. Look for companies with strong reviews and transparent pricing. Coastal Moving Services can connect you with vetted carriers. In 2023, the FMCSA logged over 1,200 consumer complaints about auto transport, often tied to hidden fees or delays, so steer clear of suspiciously cheap deals. Ask about insurance coverage and fees for rural deliveries to avoid surprises.
Prepare Your Car for Transport
Getting your car ready for shipping ensures it arrives safely and keeps costs down. Wash it thoroughly to spot any existing damage. Remove all personal belongings, carriers aren’t responsible for items left inside. Keep the gas tank about a quarter full to meet safety rules and reduce weight. Disable alarms and fold in side mirrors to prevent issues during transport. If your car isn’t drivable, notify the carrier, as it requires special equipment, adding to the cost. These steps make the process seamless and protect your vehicle.
Document Your Car’s Condition
Before your car is loaded, inspect it carefully and document everything. Snap photos from all angles, noting scratches, dents, or dings. Record the mileage and include these details in the bill of lading, which you’ll sign with the driver. This documentation is your proof if damage occurs during transport. The FMCSA advises keeping these records to support claims, as 15% of 2023 auto transport complaints involved damage disputes. At delivery, check your car against your notes to confirm it’s unchanged.
Plan Pickup and Delivery
Timing your car’s pickup and delivery keeps your move on track. Book your transport at least two to four weeks in advance to lock in a spot and avoid rush fees. Confirm if you need to be present for pickup and delivery, and ensure both locations are accessible for large trucks. Flexible pickup dates can lower costs by letting carriers optimize routes. Stay in touch with your carrier to handle any schedule changes smoothly.
Track and Receive Your Car
Knowing where your car is during transport helps you relax. Many carriers offer GPS tracking or regular updates via phone or email. Ask how your carrier will keep you informed about transit and delivery. When your car arrives, inspect it carefully using your pre-transport photos and notes. The USDOT emphasizes verifying carrier compliance with safety rules, which reduces risks during transport. Report any damage immediately before signing off, and you’ll be ready to drive in your new city.
Shipping a car across the USA can be affordable and straightforward with the right plan. By understanding costs, picking a trusted carrier, and prepping your vehicle, you’ll save time and stress. Ready to ship your car worry-free?
Coastal Moving Services is here to help—call us at +1 (334) 659-1878 today!
