If you’re moving, buying a car online, or simply need to get a vehicle from one place to another, shipping it is often the most convenient and reliable option. Choosing a professional car transport service ensures your vehicle is moved safely and efficiently but one of the most important factors for consumers is how much it costs to ship a car.
The truth is, car shipping rates vary depending on factors like distance, vehicle type, and transport method. According to Forbes, the average cost to ship a car is around $1,150, or about $1.15 per mile, but prices can range anywhere from $550 to $2,450.
Understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and choose the best service for your needs. When it’s time to ship, Sherpa Auto Transport remains a top choice for reliable and transparent vehicle shipping services across the country.
Key Takeaways:
- The average cross country car shipping cost is around $1,200, but it varies based on several factors such as distance, vehicle size, and shipping method.
- Use the shipping calculator to get an instant quote for your shipment and compare car transport quotes.
- Sherpa’s Price Lock Promise quotes your final price, so you know exactly how much you will pay for your shipment.
In This Guide:
- Car Shipping Costs – How Much to Ship a Car in 2025
- Factors that Affect Shipping Cost
- What is Car Shipping?
- Benefits of Using a Car Shipping Company
- Cost to Ship a Car on Average
- Car Shipping Rates by Transport Type
- What Determines Car Shipping Costs?
- Car Shipping Things to Know
- Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
- Car Shipping Costs FAQ
Car Shipping Costs – How Much to Ship a Car in 2025
In 2025, the auto shipping industry is adapting to changing fuel prices, economic shifts, and new technology. If you know what affects car shipping costs, it helps you make smarter, budget-friendly decisions. Use a car shipping calculator, compare quotes from multiple providers, and choose a reputable transporter for a smooth, worry-free experience.
So to know how much to ship a car, you need to understand that while base rates remain consistent with previous years, inflation, carrier availability, and new environmental regulations may impact pricing. Car shipping prices are also affected by distance, seasonality, and the type of carrier selected, making it important to compare estimates and understand the variables involved.
Projected Average Car Shipping Costs
The average car shipping cost is a key metric for planning, helping customers estimate their total expense for nationwide vehicle transportation.
- Short-Distance (0-500 miles): $1.60 to $2.60 per mile
- Mid-Distance (501-1,500 miles): $0.85 to $1.25 per mile
- Long-Distance (1,501+ miles): $0.60 to $0.95 per mile
Factors that Affect Shipping Cost
When comparing car transport costs, it’s important to watch for hidden fees and ensure all pricing is transparent. Car transport costs remain a key concern, so understanding all factors and potential charges is essential. Below mentioned are some of the key factors:
- Fuel Prices: With global fuel costs fluctuating, surcharges may apply, directly affecting overall shipping rates.
- Carrier Availability: Increased demand during peak seasons may lead to higher shipping costs and limited availability.
- Regulatory Changes: Stricter environmental policies could impact transport costs, particularly for enclosed carriers, and most car transport companies are affected by new regulations.
- Technological Advancements: Enhanced GPS tracking, automated dispatch systems, and fuel-efficient fleets may help balance costs.
To secure the best rate in 2025, consider booking early, choosing open transport when possible, and staying flexible with pickup and delivery dates. Sherpa Auto Transport’s industry-exclusive Price Lock Promise ensures you pay the quoted price without unexpected increases, providing a stress-free shipping experience.
What is Car Shipping?
Car shipping, also known as auto transport, is a service designed to move vehicles from one location to another, making it an ideal solution for individuals relocating, car dealers transferring inventory, or owners of luxury or classic cars. The process involves a professional car shipper or car shippers who expertly loads your vehicle onto a specialized auto carrier or transport truck, secures it for the journey, and ensures it reaches the designated destination safely. Car transport services are available to simplify the process and provide peace of mind.
There are various methods to ship a car, including open-air transport, which is the most common and cost-effective, and enclosed transport, which offers additional protection for high-value or classic vehicles.
Benefits of Using a Car Shipping Company
Choosing a professional car shipping company can take the stress out of moving your vehicle. Instead of juggling logistics, you can leave it all to the experts from pickup to delivery. It’s convenient, efficient, and lets you focus on everything else on your to-do list. Safety is a major perk too, since experienced transporters use specialized equipment and proven methods to move your car securely.
Plus, most auto transport companies offer flexible options like door-to-door service, terminal-to-terminal delivery, and even expedited shipping if you’re in a hurry. Many also include insurance coverage, so you can relax knowing your vehicle is protected every step of the way.
Cost to Ship a Car on Average
Many customers are curious about the average car shipping costs and car shipping prices while starting their research. While car shipping rates are highly variable, we compiled the following estimated price-per-mile ranges for different shipping distances.
These are estimated rates for shipping an operable vehicle using an open trailer. It’s also important to note that cost is influenced by many factors, including shipment details and market conditions. To get a more accurate estimate, consider getting a quote online, as auto transport quotes provide instant, personalized estimates, a valuable tool for planning your shipment.
Car Shipping Rates per Mile
| Shipment Mileage | Price per Mile |
|---|---|
| 0 to 500 miles | $1.55 to $2.50 |
| 501 to 1,000 miles | $1.00 to $1.45 |
| 1,001 to 1,500 miles | $0.80 to $1.10 |
| 1,501 to 2,000 miles | $0.65 to $0.90 |
| 2,001 to 2,500 miles | $0.55 to $0.75 |
| 2,500+ miles | $0.50 to $0.65 |
Popular Auto Transport Routes
Price ranges for popular vehicle transport routes, including vehicle cross country shipping, can also help you better understand how much you might pay for your shipment. Again, these cost ranges are influenced by shipment details and market conditions.
| Route | Est. Price |
|---|---|
| New York City to Miami | $1,100 to $1,400 |
| New York City to Los Angeles | $1,325 to $1,625 |
| Los Angeles to New York City | $1,350 to $1,925 |
| Miami to New York City | $1,000 to $1,525 |
| Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles | $1,225 to $1,475 |
| Los Angeles to Dallas | $1,025 to $1,375 |
| San Francisco to New York City | $1,425 to $1,875 |
| Chicago to Phoenix | $1,050 to $1,225 |
| Atlanta to Los Angeles | $1,100 to $1,475 |
| San Francisco to Washington, D.C. | $1,225 to $1,650 |
Shipping an inoperable vehicle or opting for enclosed car shipping comes with higher rates than the ones shown above. Getting a quote online is the best way to know what you’ll pay for your vehicle shipment and to ensure you get your car shipped efficiently.
Car Shipping Rates by Transport Type
The type of transport you choose, open or enclosed, greatly affects your car shipping cost. Open transport is the most common and budget-friendly option, while enclosed carriers offer premium protection for luxury, vintage, or exotic vehicles. Though enclosed shipping costs more, it shields cars from weather and road debris. Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks also tend to increase overall transport prices.
Open Transport
Open trailers are the most common, and over 90% of Sherpa customers opt for open car transport. Open trailers are typically the large double-decker trailers you see on the highway and are used for transporting vehicles from the manufacturer to the dealership. Some vehicles, such as pickup trucks, may require special handling due to their size and weight. Open auto transport is also the recommended option for customers looking for cheap car shipping.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport is a great option for shipping classic cars or high-value vehicles where you would like extra protection, especially against weather and road debris. However, enclosed shipments typically cost about 50% more than open trailer transport.
Fewer available carriers have enclosed trailers relative to the consumer demand for this transport. In addition, enclosed trailers typically hold fewer vehicles at a time, so these carriers require higher costs to make the shipments worth their time.
What Determines Car Shipping Costs?
There are many other factors that affect car shipping costs, including the following:
- Shipping distance: Distance is a major factor in cost. While long-distance shipments cost more in total, they cost less per mile than shorter trips.
- Pickup and drop-off locations: Shipping to and from urban locations is cheaper than shipping between rural areas. If you are looking for pickup or delivery from a more remote location, ask how much you can save by moving to a larger city or closer to the highway.
- Pickup window: Sherpa’s most cost-effective option is a five-business day window for pickup. Expedited shipping can increase costs significantly.
- Vehicle size: Your vehicle’s weight, length, and height will impact shipping costs, with larger vehicles, such as SUVs or pickup trucks, resulting in higher shipping costs because they take up more space on the carrier and may require additional handling. Cars that have modifications, especially those that extend the vehicle’s dimensions or require additional loading equipment, will raise your shipment cost.
- Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles are expensive to ship because they need to be winched or forklifted onto a trailer. If your car is operable, meaning that it can roll, brake, and steer, the shipping cost will be lower.
- Trailer type: Open trailers are the most common car haulers and the best option for most customers. Enclosed auto transport is more expensive, but covered carriers offer protection from road debris for high-end vehicles.
- Time of year: Car shipping costs tend to be higher in January and the summer months, which is peak season for auto transport.
Understanding the car shipping industry and its pricing structures can help you make more informed decisions about your shipping options and manage car transport costs effectively.
How to Lower Your Car Shipping Cost
Auto transport services can be expensive, and costs can increase quickly. Along with comparing quotes from several auto shippers, you can reduce the cost of shipping and save money by taking these steps:
- Lock in your price early: Getting a jump on your reservation is important because it gives car shipping companies plenty of time to submit competitive bids.
- Be flexible: Being flexible about car shipment can substantially reduce your cost, especially regarding your pickup window and pickup and delivery locations. Avoiding holidays and the busiest times of year will also help lower your costs.
- Ask about discounts. Many car shipping companies, including Sherpa, offer discounts for students, military families, and first responders. If you are looking to ship multiple vehicles, make sure to ask about our Multi-Vehicle Discount.
- Sherpa’s car shipping experts can help you find the best rates and services for your needs. Give us a call at (855) 631-1128
Be sure to check out Sherpa’s guide on how to avoid car shipping scams, as the lowest quote doesn’t always lead to the best car shipping experience.
Car Shipping Things to Know
We know that learning how much to ship a car can initially seem overwhelming. That’s why Sherpa’s experts are here to help you with your vehicle shipment from the initial quote through delivery.
- The first step is to consider your budget and car shipment needs, including the auto shipment process.
- Request a free quote either through our instant quote tool or by speaking to an auto transport expert
- Once you lock in your quote, Sherpa handles the rest. We get to work immediately to vet and secure a highly qualified carrier to transport your vehicle, also known as the transport vehicle.
Insurance and Liability
When shipping your car, understanding insurance and liability is key to protecting your investment. Most auto transport companies include coverage that safeguards your vehicle against damage or loss during transit, with the carrier assuming responsibility once your car is on board.
Still, it’s important to read the fine print, review coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles to make sure you’re fully protected. Reputable car shipping companies also carry liability insurance, covering any damages caused by the carrier during transport. Together, these layers of protection give you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in safe hands from pickup to delivery.
Discounts and Promotions
Many car shipping companies offer discounts and promotions that can make transporting your vehicle more affordable. Common options include multi-vehicle discounts, which reduce the cost per car when shipping more than one at a time, and student discounts for those moving to or from college. Military personnel often enjoy special reduced rates as a thank-you for their service.
Some carriers also provide seasonal deals during slower months like winter or spring which are perfect for saving extra on your move. When requesting a quote, always ask about current promotions or bundled offers to get the best possible rate on your shipment.
Why You Should Choose Sherpa Auto Transport
Sherpa Auto Transport is a great choice for a smooth car shipping experience, from our initial, all-inclusive quote to your vehicle’s delivery. As a leading auto transport company and a reputable car shipping company, Sherpa Auto Transport stands out among auto shipping companies by offering a range of services to meet your car shipping needs.
Here are a few things that set us apart from the competition:
Price Lock Promise
When you get a quote from Sherpa, that price is locked in. With our exclusive Price Lock Promise, you can have peace of mind knowing what you’ve been quoted is what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Sherpa will cover up to $300 of the difference if your shipment price changes so that your car shipping cost stays the same.
Thorough Carrier Vetting
Our comprehensive vetting process means we work with only the best car shipping companies. Unlike most car transport companies, which may not have such a thorough process, we study accident reports, maintenance records, and other data points to maintain an elite network of trusted carriers.
Customer Reviews
Sherpa was founded to make the auto transport process easy and stress-free. Our car shipping services are designed to meet a variety of transportation needs, and we evaluate our success based on the feedback we receive from our customers. We are proud to have a 4.9 out of 5 star Total Review Score from thousands of customer reviews.
Car Shipping Costs FAQ
Can I pack my vehicle when shipping it?
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or below the window line. You should remove all valuables, aftermarket parts, and toll responders prior to shipping.
How long does it take to ship a car?
Shipping a car cross-country typically takes about 10 days. Your timeline will vary depending on the route, the size of the vehicle, and whether you use an open or enclosed carrier. Weather conditions and road work can also impact the shipment schedule.
What is the fastest way to ship a car?
Open auto transport is the fastest shipping option for your car. Open trailers can typically haul up to 10 cars at a time. They’re also the most common type of car hauler, which means you’ll have more options when it’s time to make a reservation.
Is shipping a car worth it?
Shipping a car can be worth it, especially if you’re moving long distances and want to avoid the wear and tear of a cross-country drive. While the cost of shipping varies, it often saves time, effort, and potential maintenance expenses that come with driving your vehicle long distances. If you’re relocating, purchasing a car from another state, or shipping a classic or luxury vehicle, professional transport is often the best choice.
Can I track a car in transit?
Yes, many auto transport companies, including Sherpa Auto Transport, offer tracking services so you can monitor your vehicle’s location in real-time. GPS tracking and communication with the carrier allow you to stay informed about your car’s progress and estimated delivery date.
