How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car in 2026?

Most car shipments in the continental US run between $450 and $1,800, with the biggest swing factor being distance — followed by vehicle size, open vs. enclosed transport, and how much carrier traffic your specific route sees.

What Determines the Price

• Distance. Price per mile actually drops as distance increases — short routes cost more per mile since carriers have less flexibility to fill their trailer efficiently.
• Vehicle size. A full-size truck or large SUV takes up more trailer space than a compact sedan, which shows up in price.
• Open vs. enclosed. Enclosed transport typically runs 30–50% higher than open, reflecting smaller trailer capacity and a smaller carrier pool.
• Route popularity. High-traffic corridors (Texas–Florida, Texas–California) tend to price more competitively than routes through rural or low-traffic areas.
• Season. Snowbird season (fall/spring, routes to and from Florida and Arizona) sees higher demand and correspondingly tighter pricing.

Typical Price Ranges by Distance

Distance	Open Transport	Enclosed Transport
Under 500 miles	$450 – $750	$700 – $1,100
500 – 1,500 miles	$700 – $1,200	$1,050 – $1,700
1,500+ miles	$1,000 – $1,800	$1,500 – $2,500

Ranges are general estimates and vary by exact route, vehicle, and current carrier availability — not a quote.

Get an Accurate Number for Your Route

General ranges are useful for budgeting, but the only way to know your real price is to submit your actual route and vehicle. Our live route estimator below gives you an instant distance calculation, and our team follows up fast with your confirmed price.

Cheapest and Most Expensive Times to Ship

Late fall and early spring — snowbird migration season — see the highest demand on Florida/Arizona routes, which can push prices up and extend pickup windows. Mid-summer and mid-winter (outside the holidays) tend to be more flexible for both price and scheduling.